GMC’s off-road Sierra AT4X will rock a diesel for 2024

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The GMC Sierra 1500 AT4X, the off-road-focused version of the brand’s pickup, will not only receive a Duramax diesel engine for 2024 — but it will be the only powerplant offered in that trim when it goes on sale this summer. The 3.0L inline-six turbodiesel was updated for the 2023 model year, with a 10-per-cent horsepower increase to 305 hp, and 7.6-per-cent more torque at 495 lb-ft. It comes with a ten-speed automatic transmission.

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The diesel is available as an option on several 2023 Sierra models, including the AT4, but the AT4X currently only comes with a 6.2L V8, making 402 horsepower with 460 lb-ft of torque.

The AT4X was initially introduced for 2022, and built on the AT4 off-road model with Multimatic Dynamic Suspensions Spool Valve (DSSV) shocks and unique springs, longer suspension travel, front and rear electronic locking differentials, larger transfer case skid plate, and terrain mode with one-pedal rock-crawl ability. The trim also includes full-grain leather upholstery, ash wood trim, massaging seats, and 12-speaker premium audio system.

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“Since the launch of the refined Duramax for the 2023 model year, around 20 per cent of all Sierra 1500s sold have come with the engine,” said Will Mellon, marketing manager for the Sierra. “We expect its addition to the AT4X trim to take (the) mix even higher.”

Other changes to the Sierra lineup for 2024 include power-retractable assist steps on the Denali, Denali Ultimate, AT4, and AT4X trims; available active exhaust on those four trims; and new wheel designs and exterior colours.

In addition, the 2.7L turbocharged four-cylinder engine, available in the Pro, SLE and Elevation trims, will be named the “TurboMax.” The engine makes 310 horsepower and 430 lb-ft of torque, and enables a maximum towing capacity of 9,500 lbs.

For Chevrolet fans who prefer the Silverado – the mechanical twin to the Sierra – the news is similar. For 2024, its available 2.7L engine will also be called the TurboMax; and the off-road ZR2, which comes only with the 6.2L V8 for 2023, will offer the Duramax diesel as well.