GMC Sierra 1500 trim comparison
2024 GMC Sierra 1500 AT4 vs Denali
The Sierra 1500 AT4 starts at $66,100 while the Denali is $66,600. That $500 gap buys 7 meaningful differences.
This is a powertrain and drivetrain change. The Denali gets the 5.3L V8 and RWD, so the $500 is buying a different driving experience, not just nicer trim.
Choose the AT4 if the 3.0L I6 diesel Turbo with 4WD already covers the way you drive. Move to the Denali only when the 5.3L V8 and RWD combo is the reason you are shopping higher, because that is the real hardware split here.
If you are budgeting this move monthly, the jump from the AT4 to the Denali is about $9/month on a 60-month loan at 6.5% APR with 10% down. That works out to roughly $540 more by the time interest is counted. The payment only makes sense if that different powertrain matters to the way you actually drive, tow, or live with the vehicle.
Lock one trim, change the other side, and move through exact pair pages without resetting back to the full lineup every time.
Who notices the difference
The higher trim starts to make more sense when you tow, haul, or merge with enough load that the stronger powertrain matters.
When both feel the same
Both the AT4 and Denali share the same 10-speed shiftable automatic transmission.
The upgrade math
You are paying $500 for 6 measurable differences, which works out to about $83 per change.
Key Differences at a Glance
This is the fast read: price, power, efficiency, and the feature flips most likely to change the answer.
Every Difference, Side by Side
This is the full read behind the quick decision signals above: the complete hardware, comfort, and equipment story. 7 specification differences, 0 shared.
Full Specification Comparison
Specifications reflect available data as of early 2024. Confirm details with an authorized dealer before purchasing.
| Spec | AT4 | Denali |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing | ||
| MSRP | $66,100 | $66,600 |
| Powertrain | ||
| Engine | 3.0L I6 diesel Turbo | 5.3L V8 |
| Horsepower | 305 hp | 355 hp |
| Torque | 495 lb-ft | 383 lb-ft |
| Transmission | 10-speed shiftable automatic | 10-speed shiftable automatic |
| Drivetrain | 4WD | RWD |
| Fuel Economy | ||
| City MPG | 21 | 16 |
| Highway MPG | 23 | 20 |
| Combined MPG | 22 | 18 |
| Fuel Tank | 24.0 gal | 24.0 gal |
| Dimensions | ||
| Curb Weight | 5,500 lbs | 4,890 lbs |
| Wheelbase | 148.0" | 147.0" |
| Length | 232.9" | 231.9" |
| Width | 81.2" | 81.2" |
| Height | 78.4" | 75.5" |
| Truck Specs | ||
| Cab Type | Crew Cab | Crew Cab |
| Bed Length | 5.8 ft | 5.8 ft |
| Safety | ||
| NHTSA Overall | 5/5 stars | 5/5 stars |
| Warranty | ||
| Bumper-to-Bumper | 3yr/36k | 3yr/36k |
| Powertrain | 5yr/60k | 5yr/60k |
| Corrosion | 6yr/100k | 6yr/100k |
| Roadside Assistance | 5yr/60k | 5yr/60k |
Data sources: licensed third-party automotive data, EPA fueleconomy.gov, NHTSA, and official manufacturer materials. Values marked est. are estimated.
2024 GMC Sierra 1500 AT4 vs Denali Questions Shoppers Ask
Use this page for the direct trim answer, then zoom back out to the GMC Sierra 1500 lineup, the GMC brand hub, the Full-Size Trucks, the how to pick a trim guide, or our mid-trim value research when you need the bigger shopping path behind this one matchup.
How much more does the 2024 Sierra 1500 Denali cost than the AT4?
The Denali starts at $66,600 compared to $66,100 for the AT4 (both Crew Cab 4WD). That is a $500 difference, or approximately $9/month more on a 60-month loan.
Do the 2024 GMC Sierra 1500 AT4 and Denali have the same engine?
No. The AT4 uses a 3.0L I6 diesel Turbo (305 hp, 495 lb-ft), while the Denali has the 5.3L V8 (355 hp, 383 lb-ft). That is 50 more horsepower. Both pair with the same 10-speed shiftable automatic.
Does the 2024 Sierra 1500 AT4 come with RWD?
No. The AT4 comes standard with 4WD while the Denali has RWD. This affects traction, fuel economy, and curb weight.
Is the 2024 Sierra 1500 AT4 or Denali safer?
Both share the same GMC Sierra 1500 platform with an overall 5-star NHTSA safety rating. Safety ratings are model-level and identical across trims. The trim choice affects comfort and features, not crash protection.
What warranty does the 2024 GMC Sierra 1500 come with?
All 2024 GMC Sierra 1500 trims, including both the AT4 and Denali, come with GMC's standard warranty: 3yr/36k bumper-to-bumper and 5yr/60k powertrain coverage. Warranty does not vary by trim level.
Is the 2024 GMC Sierra 1500 Denali worth $500 more than the AT4?
The Denali changes both the engine and drivetrain for $500 more. That is a hardware upgrade, not just a feature bump.
Which 2024 GMC Sierra 1500 trim gets better fuel economy, the AT4 or the Denali?
The AT4 is the more efficient of the two at 22 combined MPG, versus 18 for the other trim. That matters most if you are balancing running costs against the extra power, drivetrain, or comfort equipment tied to the pricier trim.
The Full Story Behind This Price Gap
Use the direct answer above for this exact matchup, then use these guides to understand whether you are really looking at a feature step-up, a package shuffle, or the point where the lineup starts changing in a meaningful way.
What $500 Gets You
The Sierra 1500 Denali is a clear upgrade over the AT4. The $500 price increase gets you the 5.3L V8 engine (+50 hp) and RWD -- real functional changes, not just cosmetics.
AT4 vs. Denali: Day-to-Day
The Denali runs a 5.3L V8 instead of the AT4's 3.0L I6 diesel Turbo. That means 50 more horsepower and -112 more lb-ft of torque. You will feel the difference towing, merging, and passing on the highway. The cost of that extra capability is roughly 4 fewer combined MPG. The Denali drops to RWD from the AT4's 4WD. Less traction capability, but potentially better fuel economy.
Fuel Economy Comparison
The Sierra 1500 AT4 gets 4 more combined MPG. At $3.50/gallon and 12,000 miles/year, that saves roughly $424 per year or $2,120 over five years of ownership.
Summary
$500 more for the Sierra 1500 Denali gets you 6 real differences. At $9/month more, the question is whether those specific changes are things you will use regularly.
Trim-Matched Accessories
These add-ons are split by trim intent so the recommendations follow the actual use case, not just the same repeated product block.
GMC Sierra 1500 AT4
Value-trim add-onsThese picks fit the AT4 best when the goal is covering the daily-use gaps without paying up to the next trim.
GMC Sierra 1500 Denali
Step-up trim add-onsThese picks suit the Denali when you want the accessories to match the nicer cabin, broader utility, or more premium use case.
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Specifications shown combine licensed third-party automotive data with official manufacturer, EPA, and NHTSA source material for the 2024 model year. Actual pricing, features, and availability may vary by region and dealer. Always confirm details with an authorized dealer before making a purchase decision. TrimAtlas is not affiliated with GMC or any dealership.
Page updated 2026-03-18. Verify equipment, pricing, and regional availability with the manufacturer or dealer.