We’ve produced plenty of informative reports that detail truck trim levels. Some trims are specific to street rigs, others identify dedicated off-roaders, and there are trim levels that fall between the two; vehicles that work well both on the street and in the dirt (and rocks, etc. ). Since its introduction in 2019, GMC’s AT4 off-road package for Sierra pickups, as well as Canyon and all SUVs (in 2021), is the trim which covers that last criteria.
GMC is the “premium-luxury” truck division of General Motors. The aforementioned Sierra headlines the company’s pickup roster, Yukon is its full-size sport utility counterpart, and Denali—at least until the recent announcement of Denali Ultimate, for Sierra only—has been the highest trim level and mark of excellence for both vehicles.
The company positioned the AT4 package between SLT and Denali, in an effort to attract buyers wanting the style, performance, quality, technology, and all-important on-road capability (towing, etc.) that GMC is known for, but who also want the ability to drive the same rig off-road.
AT4, which stands for “All-Terrain 4WD,” basically puts off-road first in these particular trucks and SUVs, but it’s “premium” off-road (don’t forget that). Bright red recovery rings protruding through the front bumper are the unofficial identifiers for GMC rigs that are updated with the AT4 off-road package. Of course, there’s much more to them than tow hooks or trim badges on the front doors and tailgate.
This report details the standard gear and high-profile optional bits that differentiate GMC’s AT4 rigs from Denalis and other trim levels, using a 2022 Yukon AT4 (Premium Plus) that was among the six sport utility vehicles vying for top honors in our 2022 SUV of the Year evaluation.
In December 2020, the 2021 GMC Yukon AT4 was selected as Four Wheeler magazine’s 48th SUV of the Year. GMC’s AT4 off-road trim is founded on standard equipment and a pair of option packages—AT4 Premium and AT4 Premium Plus—composed from several extra-cost groups and individual options that are available for Sierra, Yukon, and all other AT4-trimmed rigs.
Capability
Starting under the hood, the 2022 GMC Yukon AT4 is powered by a direct-injected, 5.3-liter V-8 engine with a high-capacity air filter, which produces 355 horsepower and 383 lb-ft of torque. The bigger, more exciting deal, though, is GM’s 420-horse/480 lb-ft 6.2-liter Ecotec3 powerplant that can also be selected for the off-road trim (a $2,615 upgrade).
Both engines mate with an electronically shifted ten-speed automatic transmission, with an AutoTrac two-speed transfer case available for AT4-equipped vehicles. The unit facilitates easy switching into and out of four-wheel drive. And, speaking of four-wheel drive, the SUV’s Active Response four-wheel-drive system and electronic limited-slip differential (features that comprise Yukon’s Premium Capability Package) send optimal torque to each wheel for improved traction.
Specific to off-roading, AT4-badged 2022 GMC Yukons feature up to two inches of extra ground clearance from an adaptive, four-corner air-ride suspension, and a lower front fascia that offers a 32-inch approach angle. Front and undercarriage skid plates protect the engine and transfer case as well. The off-road trim package also includes 20-inch, six-spoke machined aluminum wheels with Carbon Gray Metallic Accents and Goodyear Wrangler Trail Runner all-terrain tires.
Magnetic Ride Control, StabiliTrak Electronic Stability Control, the Traction Select System and Hill Descent Control are also on board to optimize the SUV’s off-road chops.
Interior
Inside, trucks and SUVs with GMC’s AT4 off-road package are set apart from others by the Jet Black interior that features heated and ventilated driver’s and front-passenger’s perforated leather seating surfaces (with unique AT4 logos embroidered in the front headrests), exclusive Brandy accents, and dark brushed aluminum details. The AT4’s dash also differs from other Yukons; it’s actually similar to the one found in Chevrolet’s Tahoe.
Exterior
On the outside, AT4 rigs only have a handful of components that are exclusive to the trim. Headlining the small list are the renowned red recovery hooks and angled fascia with protective skid plate up front. Yukon AT4 is equipped with GMC signature C-shaped LED headlights and taillights which feature daytime running lamps and LED fog lamps. The final bit of exterior uniqueness for the big off-road SUV are 20-inch, 6-spoke machined aluminum wheels with Carbon Gray metallic accents, and Goodyear’s Wrangler all-terrain tires.
Connectivity, Technology, Safety and Security
Nearly all of the cool features and technologies found in other GMC trucks and SUVs are standard in the 2022 Yukon AT4. A 10.2-inch color touchscreen and Google-enabled Infotainment system, 12-inch driver-information center, Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, high-definition rearview camera, wireless connectivity, and more are included, as are a full suite of on-road-focused warnings, alerts, and assists.
AT4 Premium Package
When ordering a 2022 GMC Yukon AT4, two robust upgrade packages are available. The first is the Premium Package, which consists of the contents of four separate option packages and several individual upgrades:
- Rear Media and Nav Package
- Rear Seat Media System
- 2-inch diagonal GMC Infotainment System with Navigation
- Panoramic power sunroof
- Power-retractable assist steps with perimeter lighting
- Technology Package
- HD Surround Vision
- Head-Up Display
- Rear Pedestrian Alert
AT4 Premium Plus Package
Taking the Premium Package a step farther, GMC’s AT4 Premium Plus Package includes all the hardware that makes up the Premium Package, with the addition of the Max Trailering Package and Premium Capability Package with Active Response four-wheel drive.
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Keyword: What Is GMC’s AT4 Off-Road Package?