GMC Sierra 1500 trim comparison
2024 GMC Sierra 1500 AT4X vs Denali Ultimate
The Sierra 1500 AT4X starts at $79,200 while the Denali Ultimate is $82,500. That $3,300 gap buys 6 meaningful differences.
This trim jump changes the engine from 3.0L I6 diesel Turbo to 6.2L V8. Everything else is secondary to whether that powertrain difference matters for how you drive.
If you would notice the 6.2L V8 every week, the Denali Ultimate makes sense. If not, the AT4X is the cleaner stop because this jump matters for the powertrain first and the trim badge second.
Think about this as a monthly tradeoff, not just a sticker gap. The Denali Ultimate adds about $58/month on a typical 60-month loan, or around $3,480 more overall with interest. If that different powertrain is not part of your real use case, the cheaper trim keeps more money in your pocket without changing the core experience you need.
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
The AT4X and Denali Ultimate are mechanically identical where it counts: the same 10-speed shiftable automatic transmission.
The upgrade math
You are paying $3,300 for 5 measurable differences, which works out to about $660 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. 6 specification differences, 1 shared.
Full Specification Comparison
Specifications reflect available data as of early 2024. Confirm details with an authorized dealer before purchasing.
| Spec | AT4X | Denali Ultimate |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing | ||
| MSRP | $79,200 | $82,500 |
| Powertrain | ||
| Engine | 3.0L I6 diesel Turbo | 6.2L V8 |
| Horsepower | 305 hp | 420 hp |
| Torque | 495 lb-ft | 460 lb-ft |
| Transmission | 10-speed shiftable automatic | 10-speed shiftable automatic |
| Drivetrain | 4WD | 4WD |
| Fuel Economy | ||
| City MPG | 19 | 15 |
| Highway MPG | 20 | 19 |
| Combined MPG | 19 | 17 |
| Fuel Tank | 24.0 gal | 24.0 gal |
| Dimensions | ||
| Curb Weight | 5,890 lbs | 5,350 lbs |
| Wheelbase | 148.0" | 147.0" |
| Length | 232.9" | 231.9" |
| Width | 81.2" | 81.2" |
| Height | 78.7" | 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 AT4X vs Denali Ultimate 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 Ultimate cost than the AT4X?
The Denali Ultimate starts at $82,500 compared to $79,200 for the AT4X (both Crew Cab 4WD). That is a $3,300 difference, or approximately $58/month more on a 60-month loan.
Do the 2024 GMC Sierra 1500 AT4X and Denali Ultimate have the same engine?
No. The AT4X uses a 3.0L I6 diesel Turbo (305 hp, 495 lb-ft), while the Denali Ultimate has the 6.2L V8 (420 hp, 460 lb-ft). That is 115 more horsepower. Both pair with the same 10-speed shiftable automatic.
Do the 2024 Sierra 1500 AT4X and Denali Ultimate have the same drivetrain?
Yes. Both come with 4WD as standard. The differences between these trims are in features and equipment, not drivetrain.
Is the 2024 Sierra 1500 AT4X or Denali Ultimate 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 AT4X and Denali Ultimate, 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 Ultimate worth $3,300 more than the AT4X?
The $3,300 buys the 6.2L V8. If that powertrain matters for how you drive, yes. If not, the AT4X does the same job for less.
Which 2024 GMC Sierra 1500 trim gets better fuel economy, the AT4X or the Denali Ultimate?
The AT4X is the more efficient of the two at 19 combined MPG, versus 17 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.
Breaking Down the $3,300 Gap
The Denali Ultimate earns its premium. For $3,300 more, you get the 6.2L V8 engine (+115 hp), making this one of the more straightforward upgrade decisions in the Sierra 1500 lineup.
How the AT4X and Denali Ultimate Feel Different
GMC gives the Denali Ultimate the 6.2L V8, a step up from the AT4X's 3.0L I6 diesel Turbo. That means 115 more horsepower and -35 more lb-ft of torque. You will feel the difference towing, merging, and passing on the highway. In return, expect about 2 fewer combined MPG.
Fuel Economy Comparison
The Sierra 1500 AT4X gets 2 more combined MPG. At $3.50/gallon and 12,000 miles/year, that saves roughly $260 per year or $1,300 over five years of ownership.
The Short Version
The Sierra 1500 Denali Ultimate costs $3,300 more than the AT4X (about $58/month more on a 60-month loan). That buys 5 meaningful changes at $660 per change. Whether that trade-off is worth it depends on which features matter to your daily driving.
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 AT4X
Value-trim add-onsThese picks fit the AT4X best when the goal is covering the daily-use gaps without paying up to the next trim.
GMC Sierra 1500 Denali Ultimate
Step-up trim add-onsThese picks suit the Denali Ultimate 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.