Got a surprise call Monday that my truck was in, which was interesting because it was built on the 6th of January and wasn't scheduled for delivery until March/April.

Anyway, went and swapped my 2021 Ford Lariat Tremor for a 2024 AT4X 2500.

I've had GM products off and on, my wife has had a couple of Tahoe's and Suburban's and is currently in a GM SUV, I've had a 1500 Chevy and one son drives the same currently. Decided to give GMC a try as I wasn't all that thrilled with the "updated' 3/4 ton trucks Ford is putting out, and compared to the GMC, the Chevy version is, Imo not up to the same level of aesthetics as its cousin.

Waffled back and forth between the AT4 and the AT4X, eventually decided to go all out and get the X.

It just turned 100 miles on the ODO and wanted to write up a initial review for those who are or may be looking in the near future.


Exterior Appearance: The truck has a very bold stance. Much more so than a standard 2500 HD in any trim, even the AT4. It comes equipped with the metric equivalent of 35x12" Goodyear all terrain tires, which is noticeably wider than the Tremors 35x11" tires they are equipped with. They say it has a factory 1.5" lift, but I question that as it sits so much higher than the other 2500 Models. One thing I always loved about Ford was the tall ride height of the 3/4 tons, most GM products are low to the ground, even the 4-wheel drive models. They got it right with this truck. Bedliner came sprayed from the factory. I ordered this truck with a gooseneck prep package, which came drilled from the factory with 4 holes plus the ball mount for a gooseneck or 5th wheel towing.
Front end does not have a low hanging Air Dam ( truck does not have one at all ) so it has that beat over the Ford Tremor (even though the Air Dam on the Tremor is shortened). I prefer the look of the stock front end of the GMC over all others ( Ford, Chevy, Dodge) but as soon as they are released from Ranch Hand, its getting a Summit Series front and rear replacement.


Interior: - Very nice interior- Unique leather seats and trim, its more edgy than the Denali although it's an equivalent trim level. Prefer the screen and dash controls over the Ford, although generous enough, it does not have the center compartment space or deep console storage the Ford has. It also does not have the bottom door storage that the Ford has. Its adequate, but I live out of my truck most days and prefer to have the storage space at the expense of cupholders and small compartments for my day-to-day items I carry around. I'm not an engineer, some misses Imo are the poor placement of both the Ignition button ( its now part of the center dash control cluster instead of bottom right of steering column) and the extremely poor placement of the trailer brake controller. It's just below the center console next to the cupholder, if it was placed on either side of the steering column, where it is with every other truck, there would be room for additional console/cupholder storage. If you used it every day in a live action setting, it would be perfectly placed, but not for a feature that you set once every so often and then forget about. Back seat is roomy and although not quite as big as Ford, it's certainly big enough for 3 adults. Headspace also got a boost with a recessed ceiling. Back seats sit a little higher than the Ford for better visibility; I ordered a under seat storage that comes with a removable lid, I decided to forgo the lid for a while and keep it open. The storage box appears to be a little narrower, but when i filled it with the same contents, it actually has more room due to it being deeper than the Ford. There are also storage compartments INSIDE the center of the back of the rear seats where you can store small items, tools, etc. that you would want easier access to. Big win here for GMC. Everything else its on par with the competition; both have heated/cooled front seats, heated rears, etc. I do wish GM would have a true selectable auto feature for the headlights, so you don't have to turn them off every time you got into the truck.

Driveability & Performance-This one surprised me. I've never spent much time behind the wheel of a Duramax, the last one I drove was in 2016 and was, lets say, less than impressive. I've owned a number of diesel trucks and my family had them going back to the Mid 90's, so I'm no stranger to Ford Diesels. I started this one up and immediately noticed how quiet it is. Standing outside, you can barely hear it running. Inside the truck, it's almost imperceptible at an idle. I'm approaching 40, I'm way past wanting a loud vehicle, so I appreciate the low decibel level. Put it in drive and take off, the truck runs smooth with almost zero turbo lag. For people who remember driving stock 7.3's and 5.9's, you know all about the lag. Every year model they have gotten a little bit better, but with this truck it's pretty much non-existent, which was my original complaint with the Duramax in 2016. Truck accelerates to speed effortlessly. The gear shifts are seamless and butter smooth, which they were not with either the 6 speed or 10 speed Ford. Ford was smooth, but this almost feels like the truck has a CVT tranny and not 10 gears. Driving at highway speeds, truck stays planted and does not wander. I have not gotten thru break in so my accelerations have been gentle, but this truck does not seem to have the same de-tune settings in 1st, 2nd and 3rd like my last Ford with plenty of USEABLE power down low. There were times in my Ford where i would mash the gas and the truck would barely move until it figured out I was trying to go somewhere and then would launch. The Ford beats it by a good margin in numbers (475 hp/1200ft. lbs vs. 470 hp/970 ft. lbs) , but I don't think at these power levels if you can really tell a difference. Ride quality is AMAZING. Think rides like a half ton. Turning radius is much improved over previous year model GMs. The AT4X has DSSV multimatic spool dampers that claim to deliver a smooth ride on and off the road, I won't take it off road until tomorrow but the on-road ride quality is much, much better than my Tremor, which was pretty dang good in its own right compared to the FX4. I was hoping for and needing a good ride and so far, this one delivers. Fuel economy isn't in yet as I've only done some light highway and driving on rural backroads but will report back tomorrow.


Some other items of importance- Few other differences that are of notable mention is this truck is a smidge wider, a smidge taller and about 4" longer than the Ford F-250 with the standard bed. This translates into a slightly longer and deeper bed. Fuel capacity is also greater, this one featuring a 36 gallon fuel tank. Although for what I do, an overall bigger truck is more of a negative than a positive, it's a trade-off that has its pro's in relation to the cons.


Things the Jury is out on- Durability is the main one. The solid axle Ford is a tough truck. By design, an IFS system, especially with a diesel, isn't as stout as a live axle, but is it stout enough to endure many, many miles of rough, rocky ranch roads, washboard caliche roads and cracked and pothole filled pavement? Only time will tell. One thing I will say, is that I think GM is missing the boat on not having a front limited slip/locker in this truck. Its standard feature in the half ton, but I'm a believer in how much of a difference it makes after driving the Tremor off road. It's a game changer. The Tremor, off road, was hands down the best 3/4 ton truck I've ever been in, much improved over the 17' FX4 I was in before. With those skinny pizza cutter M/T's and the limited slip, it would crawl up hills and go thru muddy washes like no other. I had a lot of confidence in it off road once the conditions got bad. While not an apples to apples set up, I hope the AT4X performs close to the same. No questions this rig will be more comfortable, only question is will it hold up.


The Final Takeaway- GM has produced probably the most Badassed Heavy Duty truck on the market in terms of looks and comfort. I'm hoping its not all hat and no cattle. Ford has some, I'll say more practical features both inside and out but its wrapped in an ugly and i dare say outdated design. I was not as thrilled with the Ford this last go around due to some issues with the truck , which in large part prompted my shift of brands. For anyone in the market, give the GM 1/2 ton or 3/4 ton platform a look. I'm sure you will be as impressed as I was.

The new Super Duty my 23 3.31 gears and a 10 speed I am averaging 20 city highway combined. My 2017 was 16. This 23 Highway consistent 25. That’s driving with the speed of traffic.

18,000 miles on her now.

On your truck, the pick up bed is too small. I like the color, but still cannot get over the square fender wells and the teenage braces grill. There is a reason that there are different varieties. Not everyone will like the same look. The Ford is more classy and the GM is rugged, imo.

The new Super Duty my 23 3.31 gears and a 10 speed I am averaging 20 city highway combined. My 2017 was 16. This 23 Highway consistent 25. That’s driving with the speed of traffic.

18,000 miles on her now.

On your truck, the pick up bed is too small. I like the color, but still cannot get over the square fender wells and the teenage braces grill. There is a reason that there are different varieties. Not everyone will like the same look. The Ford is more classy and the GM is rugged, imo.

Im impressed with the multimatic shocks. Buddy as a 1500 at4x.


Becareful though. The doors are aluminum

How was the trade in value of the Tremor?

The 2017 and up Fords are aluminum too. Look at it hard enough they dent.

Pig,

Cummins 6 cyl always seemed to get better mileage than the V-8’s. I do remember the original D-Maxes would get 21-22 mpg ( pre def) but they wouldn’t pull a door closed.

Reliability wise, I can’t say what you’ll be better off going with. This last truck had issues that would imo have prevented it from being a 10 year ride. My 17 probably would have been, aside from an oil leak that was common for that year model, thing ran great. Had 164k on it when I traded it out, but ran like a top.

The Rams in a 3/4 ton platform ride too rough for me to consider them for what I do, but they have probsbly the nicest interior of them all in the Limited Longhorn. That truck price wise is gonna run neck and neck with the others though.

To replicate my last truck it was gonna cost $88k. $95k if I moved into the King ranch or platinum. The Laramie longhorn was $93k. Trucks are just outrageous these days.

I found a 2024 Ram 2500 Limited Mega Cab listed for $80,500, really piqued my interest in a new vehicle. I’d have to send it off to get an electric locker in the rear though. That’s the only reason for looking at the Tremor or AT4X. I could add a locker to my current truck and just keep on rolling to 300,000 miles.

I’m too cheap to buy myself anything, so I’ll probably keep rolling the Beached Whale for a while.

Mine has a rear locker, Lariat Ultimate.

That is a great looking truck. My wife has a new Denali and loves it, but I hate the GMC seats, the last two I have owned are the least comfortable seats I've ever ridden in.

I have a 2020 AT4. I have not heard of AT4X. What is different on an AT4X?

Ok thanks for the info. Looks like all useful stuff added. I learned something today

Ok thanks for the info. Looks like all useful stuff added. I learned something today

also at4x aev edition= boron bumpers and excessive boron skid plates

They had an AEV edition on the lot. Looked good but for another $10k I decided to pass. A little to “bro” for me

The AEV curb weight is somewhere around 8600 lbs....It does have steel bumpers but they can't be that heavy.

The Duramax used to be considerably lighter than the Ford but now the curb weights are about the same....I think the Ford Tremor is 7900# and the Duramax right around 8k. Listed specs are 7300# vs. 7700#......the AEV curb weight is 8600#....its a heavy SOB



Read an article in a Truck magazine that had a 0-60 time in the high output Diesel vs. the Duramax vs. the Dodge Cummins. Despite the considerable power difference, the Ford H.O only beat the GM by .3 seconds- 6.3 vs. 6.6 seconds. The Cummins hit 60 mpg after 8.1 seconds....considerably slower. The 7.3 Godzilla beat the Cummins by almost a full second. The Duramax did beat the standard option Powerstroke in the 0-60 times.

The AT4X is very nice but I too do not like the AEV version as much. As a long time "person of the business", I see issues with future repairs. The whole front bumper is AFTERMARKET regardless if it's "OEM" new and some of the trim is different to match. This means in the future, you may not be able to get the bumper, its parts, or the other trim that is different from a regular AT4X. And the bumper IS that much heavier. It's thick textured steel instead of a sheet metal facade. The rear bumper is similar. The rocker guards (technically not steps) are about 3X the weight of the chrome 6" LPO steps. I know from picking up the boxes (they are dealer installed).

We have a volcanic red AT4X AEV 3.0 diesel in stock though if anyone has $80K to burn.

I’ve never needed to get my truck to 60mph in 6 seconds, not really sure why that’s even a notable stat for these trucks. That being said, my powerstroke was definitely faster than my Cummins, but the Powerstroke fell on its face when we had the boat or camper hooked up, but the Cummins never seemed to notice. Of course my Powerstroke was the hated 6.4 and not the newer 6.7, so that may very well have a lot to do with it.

How’s the AT4X doing?

I’ve never seen a Chevy do well …………"

I’ve never seen a Chevy do well after changing the front suspension

if you're going to level, got to change upper control arm, IMO

Well, just found out that you cannot level an AT4X 2500. The shocks have certain settings that if exceed a certain height it will cause failure with the DSSV dampers. Basically, the AT4X is already lifted in the front ( and it is) and has enveloped all the ride height the shocks/control arms will allow. This is per ReadyLift, they are working on a level system right not but have not come out with one.


So....we are now looking at doing a reverse level in where we change the rear blocks to ones that are 1/2 " lower than the factory blocks. To be honest I wouldn't mind it being a little lower, its taller than my Ford in the rear and makes getting into it a pain, even pulling a trailer I really need to get longer drop hitches.

just get a dirtbox draw system and puts some tools in it

Last thing I want is more weight in that big bish

still a 3/4 ton truck, will ride better with a little weight back there. Put cool stuff like drones, air compressors, plug kit, etc

these even have built in slide for coolers etc.

https://dirtboxoverland.com/pages/truck-bed-drawer-system-info

still a 3/4 ton truck, will ride better with a little weight back there. Put cool stuff like drones, air compressors, plug kit, etc

these even have built in slide for coolers etc.

https://dirtboxoverland.com/pages/truck-bed-drawer-system-info

I’ve never seen a Chevy do well after changing the front suspension

The problem is not Chevy it's the chinese parts the kits have in them. The upper ball joints on lift kits are trash, at least the ones I have seen. I am a stock kinda guy anyway ... mostly because aftermarket is a nightmare to repair.

I have another non Chevy diesel that has 243k and I’ve never touched the front end so I guess the standards are just lower for some brands

Correct ... after about 200K miles. What should the mileage be before moving parts wear?

I'm on order for a 3500, and have a favor to ask.

I'm gathering my measurements to see how much (hopefully I get real lucky) I need to modify the gate and carport.

GMC says width w/o mirrors is 81.85". Can you confirm which measurement that is; truck body only or with mirrors folded? And then an actual width with mirrors out normal driving?

Thanks in advance!

I just turned 340k miles on my 2016 3500 Silverado. Front and rear end are still 100% factory, drivetrain 100% factory. Not been touched yet and still rides and drives nice. Truck is a work truck and is used as such - towing and loaded. I also live rural and many miles on gravel.

Actually went into the dealer this afternoon to look around. Truck has been great and owes me nothing but starting to get paranoid as i often do work for gold mines that require driving sometimes 300 miles off the grid at -30 to -40 temps. Feel like i might be pushing it. Truck craps out in the bush 200 miles from anywhere and it's winter it is serious. I always have enough provisions to survive 2 or 3 days at the minimum - but still would not be fun. Even with that many miles they took it for a test drive and offered me 10K for it today.

If i buy another it will be my last. 59 now and figure another 5 years and i am out. At that point gonna buy me an old fully restored and done up FJ - perfect machine for overlanding with an off-road camper.

OP - thanks for the review. Was your post that tipped the scales and moved me to visit the dealer this afternoon.

If it helps someone make a more informed decision, it accomplished what I was intending. I try to be as non-biased as possible.

Glad to hear you got that good of service out of your rig....I was wondering what your driving conditions were like. I've only been to Canada once, those guys were big on Toyota and didn't see too many diesels where I was at in Newfoundland.


My driving conditions may be similar to yours....long stretches of highway at high speed followed by many miles of graded gravel roads and then two-track roads. Needless to say, I'm hard on a truck and use them as they (claim) they are designed for. I don't tow super heavy but my boat and tractor are a bit heavier than what I would be comfortable towing them at highway speeds with a half ton.

Congrats on the new truck Hirogen. I’ve gone back and forth with the new trucks, I want a MegaCab Cummins, but I want the off road capabilities of the Fors Tremor, Chevy ZR2, and GMC AT4X. So I’ve come to the conclusion that my 2014 Ram will be around a while longer because I can’t have exactly what I want to pay for.

Thanks, Rebel HD might be close.

They cut through the right fender liner or rip the fender molding off to get to the horn then proceed to beak into the vehicle and go after the onstar module (GPS).

I had one where they just reached under to rip the horn wiring loose, punched out the door lock (held in place by a plastic bracket that's easy to break just servicing the door), and unplugging the OnStar (good thing it's easy to get to with how common the module failure is). Last one came in with the BCM unplugged instead of the OnStar. Theif didn't get far. Got his instructions from YouTube I'm guessing.

txtrophy -- does your 2500 not have independent lockers up front and in the back? I got a 1500 AT4X when BigPig didn't do a good job patrolling the city and mine has both, but it sounded like from your intro like yours only has a rear locking diff.

Picked it up today. Taking it on a 1000+ mile road trip starting Sunday Morning. Some of that (+/- 80 miles will be snowy/icy sorta maintained off-grid logging roads) will let you know what i think when i get back. Pretty spring like at home but where i am headed not so much.

Picked it up today. Taking it on a 1000+ mile road trip starting Sunday Morning. Some of that (+/- 80 miles will be snowy/icy sorta maintained off-grid logging roads) will let you know what i think when i get back. Pretty spring like at home but where i am headed not so much.

Finally got around to taking a pic of my whip

Different world my friend but at the end of the day i chose to be on this forum because on a per capita basis i am pretty sure Texas has more people like me then anywhere else on this planet except maybe Alaska.

Glad to see the public perception of Texas is still the same....sadly, that's probably not the case though.

Texas has changed quite a bit in the last 20 years and not really for the better. The rougher stock has largely died off and Texas has become increasingly Urban and Suburban. It's a big state and there is still some "no man's land" to be had, but between the increasingly sprawling cities and suburbs, the large population escaping those areas and settling into formerly isolated rural areas, its become crowded. Lots of expats live here from other areas and they have brought their civility and progressive values with them. Even isolated areas by and large are rich with natural resources (Oil) and even these areas are heavily populated with workers in these fields. I used to be able to hit an isolated highway and drive for 30 mins or an hour and never see another car, that is rarely the case now. The hills around where I live are now dotted with Custom Homes and its hard to find a place to pee on a backroad that you won't get run up on.

Texas is a great place to live and has a robust economy but its lacking in truly wild places and capable people are the exception, not the rule.

Finally got around to taking a pic of my whip

One thing I’ve noticed is that the truck will idle around 1000 rpm if left sitting for a minute or two

Can't believe it took so long for this to be added to the programming to help us out with customers sooting up their DPFs from excessive idle time. I think what you describe is an attempt to quell such as the L5P engine doesn't have near the issues as the 2016 and previous.

I thought it was a little odd. None of my Fords did it unless it was real cold outside.

This one idles for 30-45 seconds then goes into high idle at just under 1000 rpm no matter the temp

My first 6.7, I had a high idle switch. Im at 215k on this 6.7 with no high idle and same DPF

8700 miles on the odo now. Liking the truck, my body does not get fatigued after an all day drive like it did in the ford. Mileage isn’t great but unloaded on the highway I’ll see some 17 mpgs if hills and headwind are not terrible.

Low end power is fine, but mid range, the 40-60 mph range, when you get on it, it does not get up and go like the Ford did. The Ford took off like a rocket. This one goes but won’t put you back in your seat. Drove my buddies 2024 F-350 yesterday to make sure I wasn’t imagining it and it’s an extremely noticeable difference. Don’t know if it’s a detune computer setting because the power between it and my previous fords were about the same. That said, heaviest load I have pulled behind it is 4600 lbs and it pulls it at highway speeds no issues.

Fuel mileage will probably drop a little after replacement numbers are installed.

Just rolled 13k miles.

Truck is comfortable and seems to do fine off road. Got it in a bit of mud today but nothing serious.

Getting front and rear replacement bumpers on Monday. Only complaint I have is fuel mileage. It does have big tires but at highway speeds I’m only able to squeeze 17mpg at best, usually it’s around 15 mpg. Drop it to 60-65 mph and it’ll get 20-21mpg on flat ground.

Towed my mule yesterday to Ft.Stockton and it got 9-10 mpg on the interstate in high winds.

Took at backroad on the way home and cut speed to 65-70 and it improved to 12.5 mpg. Got back on interstate and back to 9-10mpg

Should a kept with the 3.0 duramax you had looked at. Pull 4,600 lb easy and get the same mileage you get empty towing.

Should a kept with the 3.0 duramax you had looked at. Pull 4,600 lb easy and get the same mileage you get empty towing.

Pulling a trailer at 75 MPH is not something I look for in a truck's capability.

Stopping power needs to be factored in with load also. Stopping the 4600# is more effort with 1/2 than 3/4 or 1 ton. Even with brakes on trailer.

Dad's is a 2014 with a 6.2L gas engine, the 6' 6" bed (long for a crew cab 1500), Firestone airbags, and a decent hitch with good trailer brakes. It's 10 years old and almost all it's 90K miles have been pulling. It maintains highway speed but doesn't go 75 MPH with that load and he wouldn't with 5K pounds either. Neither would I even though I would drive 100 without a trailer. A 2500 would absolutely NOT stop better because his trailer brakes work properly to stop the trailer.

Well that’s a given, but if you take away the trailer brakes, which truck is gonna stop it better?

Off topic and meaningless to the discussion. But with no trailers, the 1500 stops better as it's 1500 pounds (minimum) lighter with great brakes. How far into the weeds do we get now? I fix these for a living.

Ok, you fix them.

The topic was I was giving a review on the truck I already bought and put 13k miles on, not arguing over what you can and can’t do with a half ton regarding towing a trailer.

Yep. Redchevy took the topic off-ways thatta ways and YOU were the next one to post on how half tons can't tow so blame redchevy and yourself for it going there. But typing stuff that ain't true by physics is usually not ignored.