The 2026 GMC Sierra 1500 AT4X combines serious off-road hardware with one of the Sierra range’s most richly equipped cabins. A factory lift, Multimatic DSSV dampers and selectable locking differentials distinguish it from the AT4. Inside, full-grain leather, massage seats and a 12-speaker Bose system give it a different character from a basic work truck.
This guide covers the AT4X’s engines, towing equipment, fuel economy, safety features and CAD pricing. The matching Automotive Car Reviews video is included below.
Looking to buy this vehicle, or is your insurance renewal coming up?
I can help you compare your options.
Jason
Licensed Insurance Broker
🚗 Auto | 🏠 Home | 🏢 Commercial
Text or WhatsApp: 289-683-2098 · Message on WhatsApp
Models available and where the AT4X fits
The Sierra 1500 range includes Pro, SLE, Elevation, SLT, AT4, Denali, AT4X and Denali Ultimate. Cab styles and engines vary by trim. The AT4X configuration in GMC’s 2026 builder is a four-wheel-drive Crew Cab with the short cargo bed and seating for five.
The AT4 already has a factory lift and off-road equipment. However, the AT4X adds DSSV dampers and driver-selectable front and rear differential locks. Denali and Denali Ultimate focus on luxury equipment with a different suspension arrangement. The Sierra 2500 AT4X is a separate heavy-duty model with different engines, dimensions and capacities.
2026 GMC Sierra 1500 AT4X engine specifications
A 3.0-litre Duramax turbo-diesel inline-six is standard. It produces 305 horsepower at 3,750 rpm and 495 lb-ft of torque at 2,750 rpm. GMC pairs it with a 10-speed automatic transmission and a 3.23 rear axle ratio in the selected build. Furthermore, the diesel uses diesel exhaust fluid, which needs replenishing separately from fuel.
An optional 6.2-litre EcoTec3 V8 produces 420 horsepower and 460 lb-ft of torque. It also uses a 10-speed automatic. Premium gasoline is the appropriate fuel specification for the published 6.2-litre consumption ratings. The AT4X engine choices do not include the TurboMax four-cylinder or the 5.3-litre V8 offered elsewhere in the Sierra range.
Suspension, differentials and AEV equipment
The standard off-road suspension has a two-inch factory lift and Multimatic DSSV dampers. In addition, a two-speed Autotrac transfer case provides low-range four-wheel drive. Driver-selectable full-locking front and rear differentials, Hill Descent Control and underbody skid plates are also standard. These are equipment specifications; their use remains subject to the owner’s manual.
The truck has 18-inch painted aluminum wheels with dark pockets and LT275/70R18 Goodyear Wrangler Territory mud-terrain tires. GMC also supplies a matching-size spare. The standard AEV stamped-steel high-approach front bumper includes heavy-duty cast recovery points.
The optional AT4X AEV Edition extends that equipment. GMC lists a stamped-steel rear bumper, additional hot-stamped boron-steel underbody protection, rocker guards, special 18-inch wheels, branded floor liners and distinctive badging. Its listed package price is $8,490 before any applicable taxes or related configuration changes. However, a standard AEV front bumper does not include the whole AEV Edition package.
Towing, payload and cargo-bed features

GMC’s selected diesel Crew Cab short-bed AT4X build lists maximum trailering of 8,500 lb. Treat that as a configuration reference, rather than a rating for every Sierra. Engine, vehicle equipment, trailer type and loaded weight affect the usable limit. Confirm the specific truck’s trailering information before choosing a trailer.
The standard Trailering Package includes a two-inch receiver, wiring connections and Hitch Guidance. An integrated trailer brake controller, Hitch View and the in-vehicle Trailering App also come standard. The app provides tools such as checklists, trailer-light sequencing and maintenance reminders. Trailer tire-pressure and temperature sensors require installation on the trailer before their monitoring features can work.
Payload is the combined allowance for occupants, cargo, accessories and trailer tongue weight. Use the truck’s actual door-jamb loading label, since a general builder payload figure may not reflect a heavily equipped AT4X. Carrying five occupants and towing at the same time can reduce the space available within that allowance.
Meanwhile, the short bed is approximately 1,776 mm long. In addition, standard features include a spray-on bedliner, cargo tie-downs, LED cargo lighting and the six-function MultiPro tailgate. CornerStep bumper steps help with bed access. A weatherproof Kicker audio system fitted to the MultiPro tailgate operates separately from the cabin sound system.
Fuel economy: use the AT4X-specific ratings
Natural Resources Canada lists separate 2026 Sierra 4WD AT4X ratings. The 3.0-litre diesel is rated at 12.2 L/100 km city, 12.0 highway and 12.1 combined. The 6.2-litre V8 is rated at 17.1 city, 14.7 highway and 16.0 combined, using premium gasoline.
These figures differ from the ratings for a regular Sierra 4WD or a general mud-terrain-tire configuration. The diesel has the lower published combined consumption. However, actual fuel use varies with temperature, speed, load, towing and other conditions.
Interior, seating and comfort

The AT4X has five seats, with front buckets and a centre console. Obsidian Rush full-grain leather upholstery is standard. In addition, both front seats have 16-way power adjustment, power lumbar support and massage functions. Heated and ventilated front seats, heated rear outboard seats and a heated steering wheel are also included.
A power tilt-and-telescoping steering column and driver memory support adjustment of the driving position. Dual-zone automatic climate control, rear air vents, remote start and a power sliding rear window are standard. GMC also includes a power sunroof in the selected AT4X’s standard-equipment list.
Meanwhile, the rear bench folds in a 60/40 split and includes storage features. Cupholders, seatback storage and the front console provide places for smaller items. GMC also offers a $920 Cargo Convenience Package with a console-mounted safe and additional under-seat storage equipment.

Infotainment, displays and audio

The 2026 GMC Sierra 1500 AT4X includes a 13.4-inch GMC Premium Infotainment touchscreen with Google built-in. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto work with compatible phones. Google services, Wi-Fi and other connected functions depend on the service, connection and subscription terms.
A 12.3-inch configurable driver information display and a 15-inch head-up display are standard. In addition, the Bose Premium Series audio system has 12 speakers and CenterPoint technology. Wireless phone charging, multiple USB connections and 120-volt outlets in the cabin and cargo bed round out the equipment.
The standard Rear Camera Mirror offers a camera view as an alternative to its conventional mirror view. HD Surround Vision and a Bed View Camera also provide additional perspectives. Some trailer-camera views require a separately installed auxiliary camera; the software and connection provisions alone cannot supply every view.

Safety and driver-assistance features
Standard GMC Pro Safety equipment includes Automatic Emergency Braking, Front Pedestrian Braking, Forward Collision Alert, a Following Distance Indicator, Lane Keep Assist with Lane Departure Warning and IntelliBeam automatic high beams. This AT4X uses the listed Automatic Emergency Braking system; the Denali trims’ enhanced system should not be assumed to apply.
Adaptive Cruise Control, Front and Rear Park Assist, Trailer Side Blind Zone Alert, Rear Cross Traffic Braking and Rear Pedestrian Alert are also listed as standard. The Safety Alert Seat provides vibration alerts for supported warnings. Six airbags, stability control, traction control and Trailer Sway Control complete the main safety equipment.
Driver-assistance systems have operating limits and require driver attention. Adaptive Cruise Control should not be confused with Super Cruise. The selected 2026 AT4X configuration does not list Super Cruise as standard equipment.
CAD pricing and optional packages
GMC’s Ontario builder lists the diesel AT4X at a Standard Vehicle Price of $102,099. Adding $2,700 freight, $100 air-conditioning charge, $699 dealer fees, $22 OMVIC and $22.50 tire handling brings its displayed MSRP total to $105,642.50 before sales tax. Taxes and offers can change the final transaction price.
In this pricing example, the builder shows a $10,000 non-stackable cash delivery allowance and a net price of $95,642.50. That is a temporary offer, not the permanent base price. The engine selector lists the V8 configuration from approximately $109,712 with its displayed fees and applicable luxury-tax treatment; request a fresh itemized quote for the chosen engine and payment method.
In addition, other listed packages include the $1,005 Black Badging Package and $2,495 Utility Wall Package. The $8,490 AEV Edition is the major off-road equipment option. Paint, accessories, package dependencies and tax treatment can alter the total.
Competition and alternatives
The Chevrolet Silverado ZR2 is the closest related alternative, with DSSV dampers, locking differentials and a choice of diesel or V8 power. The Ford F-150 Raptor and Ram 1500 RHO are other full-size off-road-focused competitors. Compare their engines, suspension hardware, dimensions, payload and towing limits using each exact configuration.
Within GMC’s range, the AT4 may suit buyers who want a lifted truck at a lower price. The AT4X adds more specialized hardware and a more extensively equipped cabin. Denali Ultimate is another option for buyers prioritizing luxury and available highway-assistance technology. Those differences are more useful than comparing trim names alone.
Explore our other truck reviews to compare equipment and specifications.
Frequently asked questions
Does the 2026 Sierra 1500 AT4X come with a diesel engine?
Yes. The standard 3.0-litre Duramax turbo-diesel produces 305 hp and 495 lb-ft. A 6.2-litre V8 with 420 hp and 460 lb-ft is optional. Both use a ten-speed automatic.
How much can the Sierra 1500 AT4X tow?
The diesel Crew Cab short-bed configuration covered here lists 8,500 lb of maximum trailering. Engine, equipment and payload limits matter, so confirm the specific truck’s rating rather than using a general Sierra lineup maximum.
What does AT4X add over the regular AT4?
Key differences include Multimatic DSSV dampers and driver-selectable front and rear locking differentials. The AT4X also has a premium five-seat cabin with full-grain leather, massaging front seats and a 12-speaker Bose system.