With the AT4 lineup quickly becoming a very hot commodity for GMC since it initially appeared in the Sierra full-size pickup, GM has been very keen on expanding the availability of the off-road oriented trim level. While the moniker was confirmed for the refreshed 2020 GMC Acadia awhile back, a new report from CarsDirect appears to reveal the final pricing ladder for this model, and it appears that GMC is indeed trying to steal some thunder from rivals such as Toyota and even Jeep.
According to the report, the 2020 GMC Acadia AT4 will have a base price of $42,495 which means that the actual base price is $41,300 when the destination charge is not factored into the equation. As a result, it appears that GMC has left a considerable amount of pricing room between it and the top of the line Denali all-wheel drive model with the latter model boasting a base price of $49,495. That is a whopping $7,000 difference over the rugged AT4 variant, with the spread blown out slightly by the extra $800 slapped onto the Denali’s sticker for the new model year (the 2019 model starts out at $48,695.)
On the other side of the equation, it appears that the mid-level SLT trim has actually gone down in price, with CarsDirect reporting that particular trim will now start at $41,995, which is $300 less than the 2019 model. This translates into a $500 gap between the SLT-1 all-wheel drive model and the rugged AT4 (we know which one we would go for if we were looking for a budget friendly way to enhance our curb appeal.) For those that need a refresher, the AT4 features standard all-wheel drive and a powerful 3.6 liter V6 that brings 310 horsepower and 271 lb-ft of torque to light off-roading excursions. The exterior styling also undergoes several minor tweaks, with a dark chrome grille being paired with strategically placed bits of protective cladding as well as a slick pair of 17-inch wheels that are shod in meaty all-terrain tires.
Along with the arrival of the AT4, the rest of the Acadia lineup also benefits from other changes that were introduced for the 2020 model year. An all new 2.0 liter turbocharged four cylinder brings 230 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque to eager consumers looking for a bit more zest in their daily commute. That motor will be limited to the SLT and Denali trims and it will also replace the 3.6 liter that once powered those trims during 2019. The main holdover in this regard is the entry level 2.5 liter naturally aspirated four cylinder engine.
Also seeing duty in the Chevrolet Equinox as well as a rising list of other GM models, it brings a modest 193 horsepower and an equally competent 188 lb-ft of torque. While this engine has been panned by some critics for its lukewarm driving dynamics, it does allow the Acadia to be a viable option for buyers that don’t mind sacrificing muscle for the sake of maximizing their value for the dollar quotient. Look for the Acadia AT4 to arrive in showrooms later this year alongside the rest of the 2020 Acadia model range.