If you’re in the market for a GMC SUV or pickup truck, the automaker may be tempting you — or even confusing you — with its lineup of decked-out AT4 and Denali trim levels.
Each of these packages has its own personality and style. While there’s generally some overlap in features between the two, one model’s AT4 or Denali package isn’t quite comparable to another model’s.
GMC has used the Denali name for over two decades as a moniker for the swankiest version of each model. Since the original Yukon Denali arrived in the late 1990s, the automaker has slowly given the rest of its lineup the slick, chrome-heavy Denali treatment.
AT4 goes in a different direction. This package first arrived on the company’s pickups and has worked its way into the SUV lineup. Each version has at least a few features that enhance their off-road ability, though just how far they should go into the woods depends on the model.
To help you in your shopping process, we’ve put together this handy list comparing AT4 and Denali trims across each of GMC’s models, including the Canyon and Sierra pickups and the Terrain, Acadia, and Yukon SUVs.
2022 GMC Terrain AT4 vs. GMC Terrain Denali
The GMC Terrain is the automaker’s smallest SUV, a 5-seat vehicle with turbo-4 power, a 9-speed automatic transmission, and a choice of front- or all-wheel drive. However, AT4 and Denali versions come only with all-wheel drive.
2022 GMC Terrain AT4 (starting at $35,895)
The Terrain AT4 mainly builds on the already well-equipped SLT trim level, which costs $500 less. On this model, the AT4 treatment primarily enhances the SUV’s style. Look for unique black-finish 17-inch wheels and exterior trim, including the grille surround, mirrors, and roof rails.
When it comes to added capability, those 17-inch wheels wear all-terrain tires that may be a little louder on pavement but have a rugged look. Underneath, a steel skid plate protects front suspension components. Additionally, the drive mode system adds an off-road setting and includes hill-descent control for more difficult hills. See 2022 GMC Terrain AT4 models for sale
2022 GMC Terrain Denali (starting at $38,495)
Again building on the SLT, the Denali swaps in 19-inch alloy wheels, and it rides on a suspension retuned for a smoother ride. Its exterior wears a few additional chrome or matte accents, too.
More extensive changes come inside, where GMC adds an 8.0-inch touchscreen with navigation, an 8.0-inch display in the instrument cluster, and Bose speakers. Additionally, the cabin features exclusive perforated leather upholstery with Denali logos.
A few safety features available on other Terrain versions are standard on the Denali. These include blind-spot monitors, rear cross-traffic alerts, parking sensors, and a head-up display. See 2022 GMC Terrain Denali models for sale
2022 GMC Acadia AT4 vs. GMC Acadia Denali
Moving up the GMC SUV food chain, we wind up with the practical Acadia. These 3-row SUVs have a spacious cabin, but their car-like construction and 193.4-inch overall length make them more manageable around town than the automaker’s larger Yukon range.
GMC offers the Acadia Denali with a choice of front- or all-wheel drive and either a 2.0-liter turbo-4 rated at 228 horsepower or a 310-hp V6. The Acadia AT4 comes only with all-wheel drive and the V6.
2022 GMC Acadia AT4 (starting at $42,795)
In AT4 guise, the Acadia is quite a bit less expensive than the Denali. It’s outfitted more like the base AWD SLE (which costs $38,295 but comes only with the 4-cylinder engine). Outside, you’ll find black exterior trim extending to 17-inch wheels that wear all-terrain tires. A special off-road drive mode enhances the AT4’s capability.
The cabin features a mix of mainstream and upscale features. AT4 packages cloth seats (heated up front) with a navigation system, a Bose audio system, and a hands-free tailgate.
Leather seats are optional, available only in black. Speaking of colors, the Acadia AT4 comes standard with white paint, while black, tan, and a different hue of white cost extra. See 2022 GMC Acadia AT4 models for sale
2022 GMC Acadia Denali (starting at $46,450)
The Acadia Denali follows form with additional exterior brightwork and, in this case, 20-inch alloy wheels.
Inside, GMC fits a navigation system, a head-up display, cooled front seats, and heated second-row seats, plus a wireless charging pad and a Bose audio system.
Adding all-wheel drive bumps the price by $2,000. GMC offers black or tan interior schemes on the Acadia Denali, and the exterior can be painted in one additional gray-blue hue not available on the AT4. See 2022 GMC Acadia Denali models for sale
2022 GMC Yukon AT4 vs. GMC Yukon Denali
GMC makes the AT4 package stand out more in its big Yukon and even bigger Yukon XL 3-row SUVs. These SUVs feature separate body-on-frame construction, giving them superior towing and off-road ability compared to models such as the unibody Acadia at the expense of fuel economy and maneuverability.
2022 GMC Yukon AT4 (starting at $70,295)
The Yukon AT4 comes only with a 4-wheel-drive system consisting of a 2-speed transfer case. A 5.3-liter V8 is standard, while a larger 6.2-liter V8 costs $3,420 more.
Outside, look for a unique front bumper with a better approach angle than other models for improved off-road use. The 20-inch wheels may seem at odds with the off-road positioning, but GMC wraps them in all-terrain tires. Red trim outside is primarily cosmetic, though the exposed front tow hooks could come in handy.
The AT4 builds on the SLT with its black leather upholstery, 10.2-inch infotainment system, Bose speakers, and power-folding third-row seat.
GMC offers a bunch of option packages on the Yukon AT4, the most notable of which is the Premium Capability Package, which adds a different 4-wheel-drive system with an electronic limited-slip differential designed to enhance traction without any driver input. The package also includes a height-adjustable air suspension that increases the ground clearance at the tap of a button or lowers the Yukon a bit for easier ingress and egress. See 2022 GMC Yukon AT4 models for sale
2022 GMC Yukon Denali (starting at $73,200)
GMC makes its 3.0-liter turbodiesel inline-6 standard on the Denali, while the 6.2-liter V8 is only $695 more. Rear-wheel drive is standard; all-wheel drive adds $3,000.
The additional brightwork, unique grille, and 20-inch wheels help the Yukon Denali stand out. The Denali trim wows more from the inside.
This model has a unique dash design, which shares some switches and the 10.2-inch screen with other versions but has a more car-like look. The Denali has perforated leather upholstery paired with heated and cooled front seats plus heated second-row seats. A head-up display projects relevant driving information onto the windshield. At the same time, the Bose audio system adds five speakers for a total of 14, and the backup camera switches to a high-definition display.
Black and two different gray interior hues are available. See 2022 GMC Yukon Denali models for sale
2022 GMC Canyon AT4 vs. GMC Canyon Denali
The smaller of GMC’s two pickup trucks, the Canyon, comes exclusively as a crew cab when ordered as an AT4 or a Denali Both short- and long-bed versions are available.
2022 GMC Canyon AT4 (starting at $40,195)
GMC considers the AT4 the mid-level version of the Canyon, though this trim is only available with 4-wheel drive. Its off-road credentials are solidly intact thanks to 31-inch Goodyear off-road tires wrapped around special alloy wheels, a unique suspension setup, and a standard locking rear differential that splits power between the rear wheels for more serious terrain.
Outside, it has a black grille and lower bumper treatment, and it comes with bright red tow hooks.
Cloth seats are standard. Leather bumps the price to $41,995.
The 2022 GMC Canyon AT4 is available with a 3.6-liter V6 rated at 308 hp or a 2.8-liter turbodiesel inline-4. See 2022 GMC Canyon AT4 models for sale
2022 GMC Canyon Denali (starting at $46,495)
The Canyon Denali goes lighter on chrome than other GMC models, though its bright grille and mirror caps pair with shiny 20-inch diamond-cut wheels.
It’s a little more luxurious inside with its heated and cooled front seats, plus GMC slaps in real wood trim rather than the plastic-wood effect seen on other models.
It also includes the Driver Alert Package with its forward-collision warnings, lane-departure warnings, and parking sensors that are optional on other Canyon models. See 2022 GMC Canyon Denali models for sale
2022 GMC Sierra 1500 AT4 vs. GMC Sierra 1500 Denali
Somewhat confusingly, GMC is selling two versions of its half-ton Sierra 1500 pickup for 2022. An older design forms the basis for the Sierra Limited, while updated interior and exterior styling and a lot more available tech refreshed the new Sierra.
Fortunately, for our comparison, GMC outfits AT4 and Denali versions of the old-style Sierra Limited and the updated Sierra with similar features.
2022 GMC Sierra 1500 Limited AT4 (starting at $58,595)
The Sierra 1500 Limited AT4 is basically a well-equipped Sierra SLT 4-wheel-drive model with a 2-inch suspension lift with Rancho off-road shocks and chunky all-terrain tires that buyers can switch out for even more capable (if louder) mud-terrain tires. It also includes a locking rear differential and off-road drive modes.
Inside, its cabin wears black leather with brown accents. Like other Sierra 1500 Limited models, its dash houses an 8.0-inch touchscreen.
The Sierra 1500 Limited AT4 comes only with 4-wheel drive and a crew-cab body, and it offers a choice between a standard 3.0-liter turbodiesel inline-6 or a 6.2-liter gas V8. See 2022 GMC Sierra 1500 Limited AT4 models for sale
2022 GMC Sierra 1500 Limited Denali (starting at $58,595)
For the same price as the AT4, the Denali may seem like a natural comparison. However, it comes standard with rear-wheel drive and the smaller 5.3-liter V8. The turbodiesel inline-6 adds $995 and 4-wheel drive costs $3,250.
The Denali is the best-equipped version of the Sierra Limited. It includes heated and cooled front seats upholstered in perforated leather, a heated steering wheel, Bose audio, and plenty of exterior brightwork. See 2022 GMC Sierra 1500 Limited Denali models for sale
2022 GMC Sierra 1500 AT4 (starting at $64,295)
GMC has equipped the Sierra 1500 AT4 much like the older Limited model. In addition to its unique exterior styling, however, its cabin has a differently-designed dash with a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster complemented by a 13.4-inch touchscreen.
The 2022 GMC Sierra 1500 AT4 comes only with 4-wheel drive. See 2022 GMC Sierra 1500 AT4 models for sale
2022 GMC Sierra 1500 Denali (starting at $64,595)
Once again, the GMC offers the Sierra 1500 Denali with rear- or 4-wheel drive, and its price tag includes a standard 5.3-liter V8. It shares its screen-heavy dash with the AT4, though the difference is in the details. Special softer leather covers its seats, heated and cooled up front, and its dash and door panels wear natural open-pore wood and brushed aluminum trim.
Its suspension features adaptive dampers, which help to counter its big 20-inch alloy wheels. See 2022 GMC Sierra 1500 Denali models for sale
