Trying to understand some of the technical differences between the AT4 and Denali models. Assuming both are set up the same (Mag ride / Air ride, 4WD, all towing upgrades), are the suspensions and ride heights markedly different? I don't see these things on the GMC web site when I try to compare models. I really want a second row bench seat, and that appears to be easiest to pick with the AT4 rather than the Denali models.
AT4 versus Denali
- Thread starter ducfan
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Might be easier to pull them up split screen on your laptop or something similar. They’re both highly optioned rigs. Seems I read somewhere that the engine options are different as is the suspension set up.
TrueAt1stLight
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Optioned the same, the 2021-2024’s at least, are identical. I believe the same to be true with the 2025 model year however I have not owned one yet. (My point of reference was a 21 and 22 Denali and now a 24 AT4 XL.)
Exterior and interior styling are obviously different but mechanically they are the same I believe.
Curiously the 21 and 22 Denalis I had exhibited what I’d generically call “cowl shake” almost like a convertible car. I attributed this to 100% related to the 22” rims as I actually ran 20” AT4 OEM rims as my winter setup and it went away. My 24 AT4 XL has none of that, however it rides on the OEM factory 20” rims. Incidentally the 21 had it worse than the 22 by a slight degree.
Exterior and interior styling are obviously different but mechanically they are the same I believe.
Curiously the 21 and 22 Denalis I had exhibited what I’d generically call “cowl shake” almost like a convertible car. I attributed this to 100% related to the 22” rims as I actually ran 20” AT4 OEM rims as my winter setup and it went away. My 24 AT4 XL has none of that, however it rides on the OEM factory 20” rims. Incidentally the 21 had it worse than the 22 by a slight degree.
Thank you, this is helpful. I seem to be able to option the AT4 the way I want (second row bench, LZ0, trailering enhancements, console lock box, no super cruise). Denali is tougher to option that way, especially if I choose the XL.
Also, can you tell me what tires you had / have on both the 20" and 22" wheels?
DontTaseMeBro
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The main difference is that the 21-24 Denali has a bespoke interior vs all of the other trims.
TrueAt1stLight
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The god-awful factory Bridgestones on the 21 and 22 Denalis with 22 inch rims, but I did put some Michelin Defenders on the 22. That made a significant improvement but I still definitely had that jittery front end feeling. The 24 AT4 comes with Goodyear “off-road” tires on 20” rims but they’re barely more aggressive than a hwy tire. I immediately removed them and mounted way oversized BFG AT KO2’s but I do run the same size as factory OEM winter tires (Bridgestone Blizzak DMV-2) and the truck rides and handles truly sublime.
Rick10Tahoe
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You and I are thinking the same. I really want a bench and the AT4 is the best way and still get most of the options like ventilated seats, super cruise, and the 6.2 along with a bench AND not get the ridiculous rear seat entertainment. I don’t need/want 4wd but oh well. I also was able to build an Elevation with a bench, 3.0, and super cruise.
I can see why they make this so difficult. The whole process is designed to get you to pick $10k+ in packages. I'm not necessarily trying to save money, but I do want the options I know best fit how I use a full-size SUV today and for the foreseeable future.
I guess I am going to have to head to my dealer and park an AT4 next to a Denali, both with the air suspension and 4WD, just to see if they have the same ride height. And of course, give each a test drive.
Thanks for this. I am a big fan of the Michelin Defenders. I hate the Bridgestones I have on one of my cars. I did have some Wranglers two decades ago and liked them, but I am a full-on Michelin guy these days. Good to know the Defenders are an improvement over the stock tires.
Rick10Tahoe
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The building I did made me get the air suspension if I pick super cruise. I see the air suspension as unnecessary and something else that will break but it’s required for no reason.
KMeloney
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I appreciate being able to raise and lower my suspension -- but to each his own.
I have a 22 AT4 (XL, though I know they don't label it that anymore) with the second row bench seat and the 6.2L. The magnaride suspension is awesome! I didn't get the air suspension because I'm not gonna take an 85k vehicle anywhere I may need an extra inch or two of clearance. When I was in the market if I remember correctly it's very difficult/impossible to get a Denali with the second row bench. I've also really enjoyed the automatic side steps, which I wasn't big on because it's just something else that can fail. I've been super happy with the vehicle all around, just praying every day that the dreaded lifte.... don't even want to say it, but you know what I'm talking about. Good luck!
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