Is GM Working On a More Extreme GMC Sierra AT4X Off-Road Truck? (Op/Ed)

If AT4 is good for off-road, then AT4X should be better!

2019 GMC Sierra 1500 AT4 performance package
2019 GMC Sierra 1500 AT4 with performance package

Is GM working on more extreme off-road versions of their pickup trucks and SUVs? GM recently filed for an ‘AT4X’ trademark in Mexico in addition to a U.S. trademark of the same name that has been there since 2016.

GMC Sierra AT4X?

GMC has already expanded their offering of off-road trucks with the new 2019 Sierra 1500 AT4 half-ton and the fully-redesigned 2020 GMC Sierra HD AT4 trucks. The ‘X’ in ‘AT4X’ may indeed pave the way to more off-road capable trucks. GMC had the ‘All Terrain X’ series of pickup trucks in the previous generation. These trucks added several accessories into the mix such as a sports bar behind the cab, additional off-road lights, and special side steps. The ‘All Terrain X’ trucks did not have an additional suspension lift, high-performance off-road shocks, wide-body fenders, or additional horsepower.

In the world that has the Ford Raptor, upcoming 2020 Ford Super Duty Tremor, Ram Power Wagon, and the future 2021 Ram Rebel TRX trucks, GM should add more spice to their off-road truck (and SUV) offerings. It’s clear that current truck buyers appreciate and like more capable off-road trucks, even though many never do any serious off-roading. 

Personally, I would like to see a future GMC Sierra 1500 AT4X that has a wider stance than the regular AT4 truck. It should use GM’s latest DSSV spool-valve off-road shocks, just like the Chevrolet Silverado ZH2 military hydrogen fuel-cell powered concept truck. The AT4X should have a engine or power-train system that has more horsepower and torque than a corresponding AT4 truck. 

Here is the news on the Chevy Silverado ZH2 Concept.


The Ford Raptor uses a high-output twin-turbo V6 with 450 horsepower. The upcoming Rebel TRX is rumored to have a supercharged V8 engine with at least 550 horsepower (perhaps as much as 707 horsepower). 

Don’t forget about the SUVs. GM was recently seen testing and/or benchmarking a Jeep Wrangler at their proving grounds. They recently expanded the AT4 trim level to the 2020 GMC Acadia. GMC has said that most of their lineup will eventually have an AT4 model. This may include a new GMC Yukon AT4, although no official information is available on this.

GM may also be working on a special off-road focused SUV that we haven’t seen or heard of yet. This may be the reason for testing a Jeep Wrangler at their facility.  The highly anticipated 2021 Ford Bronco and the popular Wrangler Rubicon are strong signs that GM should not be left behind in the off-road midsize SUV game. A properly beefed up AT4X could be just the ticket.

Take a look at the GM Authority story for more details about GM’s AT4X trademark filing in Mexico and the U.S.

Let us know what you think in the comments below.

Here is how the current GMC Sierra 1500 AT4 compares to the Ram Rebel in Texas mud.