Should You Choose the 2024 Sierra 2500 HD Denali or AT4?
The powerful Sierra 2500 HD has been updated for 2024, taking this model to new heights of luxury and capability. However, if you are shopping for a three-quarter-ton GMC truck for sale, you now have a very important question to ask yourself––should you choose the opulent Denali or the rugged AT4? Both trims of this heavy-duty pickup are filled with incredible features and are sure to make an impression on anyone who sees you drive by, but which one is right for you? Making the decision even more difficult, GMC has expanded the trim lineup for 2024, adding the even more luxurious Denali Ultimate and the even more adventurous AT4X.
The simple answer comes down to whether you prefer riding in luxury or tackling tricky trails and how much you plan to budget for a new GMC truck. The two Denali trims offer all the features of a true luxury vehicle, while the two AT4 trims are ready to head off into the wild the moment you leave our dealership. The standard Denali and AT4 start in the $70,000 range, while the new Denali Ultimate and AT4X begin in the $90,000 range. However, the added features of the higher-end trims make them more than worth the substantial price increase if you can swing it. These basic facts might be enough to get you pointed in the right direction, especially if you plan on talking with the team here at Wikimotive before buying, but if you’re like most truck shoppers, you probably want to know all the details before you choose your next pickup.
Making an Impression
GMC helped to invent the modern luxury truck when it unveiled the original Sierra 1500 Denali back in 2002, so it is no surprise that all of its pickups display a higher level of luxury than its competitors’ products. This is particularly true of the redesigned 2024 Sierra 2500 HD, which has introduced a ton of new features to GMC’s three-quarter-ton model. But what makes the Denali stand out from the rest of the lineup? In particular, what does it offer that you won’t find in the Sierra 2500 HD AT4? Well, it’s a long list, and it starts with the signature looks of the Denali trim.
Up front, the Denali leads the way with its iconic bright chrome grille, letting everyone know exactly what you are driving. This grille is complemented by plenty of other chrome accents along the exterior, including chrome recovery hooks, 20-inch chrome wheels, chrome side steps, chrome door handles, and chrome side mirror caps. That’s a lot of chrome. The Denali Ultimate takes things up another notch with its unique Vader Chrome elements. This more subdued appearance is every bit as impressive as the traditional bright chrome and puts a more modern spin on the signature Denali aesthetic.
In contrast, the appearance of the 2024 Sierra 2500 HD AT4 is more rough and ready, with a blacked-out grille and side mirrors, bright red recovery hooks, and more aggressive off-road tires on gloss-black wheels. It also includes a 1.5-inch factory suspension lift for added ground clearance. The AT4X fully leans into its adventurous nature with massive 35-inch all-terrain tires giving it a more imposing appearance. It also offers the available AEV Edition, which adds rugged stamped steel bumpers and trail-ready 18-inch wheels to leave no doubt as to what this truck is capable of. Both the AT4 and Denali are sure to awe any onlookers, but they will leave a very different impression.
Your Oasis on the Roads
Any modern GMC truck will do a good job of keeping you comfortable on the road, but the Sierra 2500 HD Denali goes several steps further. The seats are one of the most important features when it comes to comfort, which makes them a great place to start. The AT4 and Denali trims of the 2024 Sierra 2500 HD come standard with 10-way power-adjustable bucket seats for the driver and front passenger, while the AT4X and Denali Ultimate have 16-way seats with a massage feature. In all four trims, the front and rear seats are heated and ventilated, and there is a driver memory function. However, the seating materials will depend on the trim.
The AT4 trim comes with two-tone perforated leather seats in Jet Black with Kalahari accents and special AT4 emblems. Not bad for a rugged off-road machine. Stepping up to the Denali trim will give you the choice between forge-perforated leather seats in either Jet Black or two-tone Atmosphere and Brownstone. Both options come with Denali badging. Finally, the Denali Ultimate brings full-grain Alpine Umber leather seats for a richer and more tactile texture. The AT4X also includes full-grain leather upholstery, but the seats are a more modern design that is better suited for a performance vehicle than a luxury ride. Which one is best may come down to personal preference when you visit us to take these trucks for a test drive.
The other interior features follow a similar pattern, with the AT4X and Denali Ultimate offering more than the AT4 and Denali. For instance, instead of a seven-speaker Bose sound system, the two flagship models come with a 12-speaker setup for richer sound throughout the cabin. They also come standard with a head-up display to help you keep your eyes on the road when driving. But there are a few places where the two Denali trims differentiate themselves from their off-road counterparts with added luxury. This ranges from small details like carpeted floor mats and illuminated sill plates to useful touches like a standard power-sliding rear window.
Making a Choice
Of course, luxury features are not all that matters when it comes to buying a three-quarter-ton truck. Capability is still front and center with pickup truck drivers. When it comes to towing and hauling, every 2024 Silverado 2500 HD will live up to your expectations, especially with the newly updated Duramax engine that now produces a staggering 975 lb-ft of torque. But if your idea of capability involves heading off-road for fishing, hunting, camping, or just enjoying a weekend tearing up the trails, then that is where the AT4 and AT4X will come into their own. With a lifted suspension and off-road tires, these trims will have a much easier time leaving paved roads behind. The AT4X is unsurprisingly the best of the bunch, with unique Multimatic DSSV dampers and upgraded suspension geometry for more control on the trail. Opt for the AEV addition, and your truck will even be armored with heavy-duty steel skid plates to protect it from off-road hazards.
GMC has really thought of it all when designing the top trims of the 2024 Sierra 2500 HD, giving shoppers four great options that each brings its own unique take on a professional-grade heavy-duty truck to the table. The beloved Denali provides a higher level of luxury with its imposing looks and plentiful features, while the AT4 provides an off-road edge while giving up almost nothing when it comes to comfort. New for 2024, the Denali Ultimate and AT4X take the Sierra 2500 HD to greater heights with a wealth of fresh features while still sticking true to the spirit of the trims that inspired them. If you’re having a tough time choosing between them, we understand, and we can’t wait to show you these trucks in person to help make up your mind. Pay us a visit at Wikimotive, and we guarantee we’ll help you find your perfect GMC truck for sale!