2021 GMC Sierra 1500 AT4
Choose the 2021 GMC Sierra AT4 for its rugged off-road performance, sturdy power, and impressive list of options. This adventure-ready full-size truck also delivers lots of style and cushy comfort features, not to mention all the latest infotainment gear. Let’s take a closer look at everything the AT4 has to offer.
Power and Performance
In the Sierra lineup, the AT4 stands apart from other models with its off-road-ready performance. You can choose between the turbo diesel inline-6 (better fuel economy) and the 5.3-liter V8 (more power) for the ride that you prefer. Or, for a little extra money, you can go with the optional 6.2-liter V8 and maximize speed.
Besides being big on power, the AT4 helps you get through the wilderness with its standard four-wheel-drive system. Skid plates protect the AT4 from the elements. And the off-road suspension gives you a 2-inch lift to help you clear rugged terrain.
Standard:
- 3.0L Duramax Turbo-Diesel I6 engine (277 hp, 460 lb) (standard with standard bed, optional with short bed)
- 5.3L EcoTec3 V8 engine (355 hp, 383 lb-ft) (standard with short bed)
- 10-speed automatic transmission
- Four-wheel drive
- 170-amp alternator (standard with short bed, optional with standard bed)
- 220-amp alternator (standard with standard bed, optional with short bed)
- 3.23 rear axle ratio
- Two-speed Autotrac Transfer Case
- Four-wheel antilock disc brakes
- Aluminized stainless-steel muffler and tailpipe
- Automatic locking rear differential
- Heavy-duty battery, 730 cold-cranking amps/80 Amp-hr, maintenance free (standard with short bed, optional with standard bed)
- Heavy-duty battery, 850 cold-cranking amps/95 Amp-hr, maintenance free (standard with standard bed, optional with short bed)
- Capless fuel fill
- Cargo tie-downs
- Dual-outlet exhaust
- Electric Power Steering
- External auxiliary transmission oil cooler (standard with short bed, optional with standard bed)
- External engine cooler (standard with short bed, optional with standard bed)
- Fully boxed frame
- Heavy-duty air filter
- Hill Descent Control
- Integrated trailer brake controller
- Off-road suspension with 2-inch factory lift
- Red vertical recovery hooks
- Skid plates
- Cruise control
Optional:
- 6.2L EcoTec3 V8 engine (420 hp, 460 lb-ft)
- CarbonPro (Carbon Fiber Composite) Bed (short bed only)
- Cargo tie-downs (set of four)
- Cat-Back Performance Exhaust System
- Engine block heater
- GMC-branded Brake Upgrade System
Towing and Payload Capabilities
Towing and payload capabilities vary according to body configuration, powertrain, and equipment.
With the crew cabin, short bed, and 5.3-liter V8 engine, the AT4 can tow 9,400 pounds and haul up to 2,285 pounds. Swap the short bed out for the standard bed, and the AT4 can tow 9,400 pounds and haul 2,333 pounds.
With the turbo diesel inline-6, an AT4 with the crew cabin and short bed can tow up to 8,500 pounds and haul max loads of 2,385 pounds. Exchange the short bed for the standard bed, and you’re looking at a max tow rating of 8,900 pounds and max payloads of 2,133 pounds.
Finally, with the optional 6.2-liter V8 engine, a truck with the crew cabin and short bed tows up to 8,600 pounds and hauls 2,285 pounds. With the standard bed, an AT4 with the 6.2-liter V8 tows max loads of 9,000 pounds and hauls up to 2,133 pounds.
Standard Trailering Package:
- Trailer Hitch
- Trailering hitch platform
- 2-inch receiver hitch, four-pin and seven-pin connectors
- Seven-wire electrical harness and seven-pin sealed connector for connecting your trailer’s lights and brakes to your vehicle
- Automatic locking rear differential
- Hitch Guidance
Technology
Every Sierra 1500 AT4 is loaded with infotainment features. This truck makes it easy to access smartphone apps, thanks to the new wireless versions of Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The GMC Infotainment System also comes standard with an 8-inch touch screen that’s both responsive and easy to read in a quick glance.
A few upgrades are available, including the optional Bose premium audio system. To project stats onto the windshield, add the Head-Up Display. If you know your smartphone needs a lot of charging, the wireless charging pad is a worthwhile option.
Standard:
- 8-inch Premium GMC Infotainment System
- Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
- 4.2-inch Driver Information Center
- 4G LTE Wi-Fi hotspot capable
- Six-speaker audio system
- Bluetooth
- 12-volt auxiliary front and rear power outlets
- 120-volt box-mounted power outlet
- 120-volt power outlet
- Compass, located in instrument cluster
- GMC Connected Access capable
- HD Radio
- OnStar and GMC Connected Services capable
- Outside temperature display
- SiriusXM with 360L
- SiriusXm three-month All Access Trial Subscription
- Steering-wheel mounted controls
- USB ports (two in instrument panel, two in console, two in rear)
Optional:
- 8-inch Premium GMC Infotainment System with Navigation
- 8-inch digital Driver Information Center
- Bose Premium Sound System
- Head-Up Display
- Wireless Charging
What comes next for the GMC Sierra 1500?
Although GMC had originally planned to refresh the Sierra for 2022, it now looks as if this new truck won’t be ready. Instead of a refreshed model, the 2022 Sierra will likely be a continuation of the 2021 model. We currently expect the refreshed model to be out late next year or maybe even for the 2023 model year.
