Changes are coming for the 2024 GMC Sierra 1500, specifically for the AT4X trim. The one getting the most attention right now is the new standard engine for the AT4X. If you buy an AT4X right now at your GMC dealer, you’ll get the 6.2-liter EcoTec V8 that makes 420 horsepower and 420 pound-feet of torque. But if you wait for the 2024 model, you’ll get the 3.0-liter Duramax turbodiesel inline-six.

Standard Across Top Trims

The Duramax 3.0-liter turbodiesel is already standard on the AT4 and Denali Ultimate trims of the GMC Sierra 1500, but it will now be standard on the off-road-oriented AT4X trim. The Duramax 3.0-liter engine makes 305 horsepower and 495 pound-feet of torque paired with the same ten-speed automatic transmission that currently comes with the 6.2-liter V8.

GM has said that about 20% of buyers check the Duramax box when getting ready to buy a Sierra 1500 from their GMC dealer. The engine comes standard on AT4 and Denali Ultimate trims but is available on the SLE, Elevation, SLT, and regular Denali trims. Once it becomes standard on the AT4X trim, that percentage is likely to go up as the extra torque is ideal for off-road situations.

More GMC Sierra 1500 Changes

Although the standard Duramax diesel on the AT4X is probably the most notable change coming to the GMC Sierra 1500 lineup, there are a few other updates on the horizon as well. An active exhaust system with a Sport mode will be made available for the 6.2-liter V8. As long as there are no further changes before the 2024 model comes out, the SLT, AT4, Denali, Denali Ultimate, and AT4X will have access to this new option.

Another new engine is also on the horizon for 2024. Dubbed the TurboMax, the 2.7-liter turbo high-output four-cylinder engine makes 310 horsepower and 430 pound-feet of torque. It will be standard equipment on the Pro trim, the SLE, and the Elevation trims. The new name and engine will also be heading for the Chevrolet Silverado. There’s a good chance that GM will add exterior badging for trucks with this engine as they applied to trademark the TurboMax name in
January.

New Color Choices and Wheels Coming

Two new exterior colors are on the way for the GMC Sierra 1500. Downpour Metallic and Thunderstorm Gray can both be mixed and matched with two new aluminum wheel designs.

Power retractable steps will also be made available for the top trims, including the Denali, Denali Ultimate, AT4, and AT4X. Currently, the GMC MultiPro Power steps are an available option at $1,195. It’s not clear yet how the new steps will be different.

Production for the 2024 GMC Sierra 1500 is expected to start in July of this year. GMC dealers will be able to order new units sometime in the summer. It’s not known yet when the 2024 models will be widely available for sale.