The 2027 GMC Sierra 1500 AT4X and 2027 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 ZR2 share the same basic off-road recipe: a 2-inch lift, 35-inch Goodyear mud-terrain tires and front and rear locking differentials. Both offer the 305 hp Duramax diesel and the 6.6L V8, with the diesel standard on the AT4X. The ZR2 costs less at $79,995 on GM’s spec sheet, while the AT4X starts at $85,495 including destination and adds a Timber Mahogany cabin, Bose audio, a panoramic sunroof and a Baja drive mode for roughly $5,500 more (our calculation).
Figures taken from GMC and Chevrolet official 2027 announcements and specification sheets. Updated with GMC’s September 22, 2026 pricing and specifications. Items GM has not yet published are marked as such. See our sourcing policy.
Both trucks are all-new for 2027, and both are the off-road flagships of their brands. GMC calls the new model its “most off-road capable Sierra AT4X ever,” and Chevrolet calls the new ZR2 its “most off-road capable ZR2 ever.” This comparison uses only what GMC and Chevrolet have officially announced so far. Where a number has not been published, we say so plainly instead of guessing.
If you want the wider picture first, read our complete 2027 GMC Sierra 1500 guide, or see how the whole lineups stack up in our 2027 Sierra 1500 vs Silverado 1500 comparison.
| 2027 GMC Sierra 1500 AT4X | 2027 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 ZR2 | |
|---|---|---|
| Suspension lift | 2 in. | 2 in. |
| Tires | 35 in. Goodyear Wrangler Territory MT (a Sierra first) | 35 in. mud-terrain (LT285/75R18C Goodyear Wrangler Territory on the spec sheet) |
| Locking differentials | Front and rear e-lockers | Standard front and rear E-lockers |
| Dampers | New Multimatic Jounce Control Dampers (spec table lists Multimatic DSSV front and rear) | Multimatic DSSV front and rear, plus jounce dampers |
| Engines | 3.0L Duramax diesel standard; 6.6L V8 available | 3.0L Duramax diesel or 6.6L V8 (both listed on the spec sheet) |
| Output | Diesel 305 hp / 495 lb-ft; 6.6L V8 481 hp / 501 lb-ft (GM figures) | Diesel 305 hp / 495 lb-ft; 6.6L V8 481 hp / 501 lb-ft (GM estimates) |
| Transmission | 10-speed automatic (all Sierra engines) | 10-speed automatic |
| Axle ratio | 3.23 (Sierra diesel and V8) | 3.23 |
| Curb weight | 6,210 lb (diesel), 6,050 lb (6.6L V8) | 6,140 lb (diesel), 5,990 lb (6.6L V8) |
| GVWR | 7,500 lb | 7,500 lb |
| Price incl. destination | $85,495 (4WD Crew Cab, incl. $2,795 destination) | $79,995 on GM’s spec sheet |
| Fuel tank | 34 gal. (approx.), standard | See Chevrolet spec sheet |
| Drive mode and tech | Baja mode, underbody cameras, standard Super Cruise with trailering | See Chevrolet spec sheet |
| AEV version | AT4X AEV Edition (late availability) | ZR2 Bison Edition |
| On sale | Before the end of 2026 | End of 2026 |
Which Is Better Off-Road, the AT4X or the ZR2?
Which Is Better Off-Road, the AT4X or the ZR2: Quick Diagnostic Intelligence
On paper, the two trucks are closely matched. Both get a 2-inch suspension lift, 35-inch Goodyear Wrangler Territory mud-terrain tires and locking differentials front and rear. Both offer the Duramax diesel (standard on the AT4X), and both list Multimatic dampers. GMC’s September 2026 release adds a Baja drive mode for high-speed desert running and underbody cameras on the AT4X. On published hardware alone, neither truck has a clear edge, so the choice comes down to price and cabin.
GM has not yet published ground clearance or approach, departure and breakover angles for either truck, and GMC’s September 2026 spec table does not include them for the AT4X. Those are the numbers that usually decide an off-road comparison, so treat any figure you see elsewhere with caution until GMC and Chevrolet release their full technical specifications.
What Off-Road Hardware Do Both Trucks Share?
The shared foundation is substantial. Here is what GMC and Chevrolet have confirmed for both trucks:
- 2-inch suspension lift. Both trucks sit higher than the standard Sierra and Silverado.
- 35-inch mud-terrain tires. GMC says the AT4X is the first Sierra with factory 35-inch tires. Chevrolet’s spec sheet lists LT285/75R18C Goodyear Wrangler Territory tires as the largest size.
- Front and rear lockers. GMC says the AT4X pairing of front and rear e-lockers is “a combination not offered on any competitor in its class.” Chevrolet makes front and rear E-lockers standard on the ZR2.
- Duramax diesel and 10-speed automatic. The 3.0L Duramax is standard on the AT4X and offered on the ZR2, and every engine uses the 10-speed.
- Dedicated hood. The AT4X gets an exclusive hood and a new front fascia. The ZR2 gets a dedicated off-road hood with an enhanced power dome.
Do Both Trucks Use Multimatic DSSV Dampers?
The ZR2 does. Chevrolet confirms Multimatic DSSV dampers front and rear, paired with jounce dampers. GMC’s June announcement did not mention AT4X dampers, but its September 22, 2026 release describes a 2-inch factory lift with “new Multimatic Jounce Control Dampers,” and the release’s specification table lists “Multimatic DSSV shocks on AT4X” front and rear. GMC also says the new Baja drive mode adjusts damper tuning for rough terrain and sand. GMC has not explained how its Jounce Control Dampers differ from the ZR2 setup, so confirm details with a dealer if that matters to you.
Which Engines Do the 2027 AT4X and ZR2 Get?
Chevrolet’s spec sheet lists ZR2 curb weights for two engines, both with 4WD and the short bed, so the ZR2 offers both:
- 3.0L Duramax turbo-diesel: 305 hp at 3,750 rpm and 495 lb-ft at 2,750 rpm (GM estimate), 6,140 lb curb weight
- 6.6L Small Block V8: 481 hp at 5,800 rpm and 501 lb-ft at 4,000 rpm (GM estimate), 5,990 lb curb weight
Chevrolet has not said which of the two is standard on the ZR2. Both use a 3.23 axle ratio. The new 6.6L is one of two sixth-generation Small Block V8s for 2027, with direct and port injection, and GM calls it the “most powerful naturally aspirated V8 in its class.”
For the AT4X, GMC’s September 22, 2026 release confirms the 3.0L Duramax turbo-diesel as standard, rated at 305 hp at 3,750 rpm and 495 lb-ft at 2,750 rpm, with a 34-gallon fuel tank (approx.). GMC says the diesel paired with that tank offers more than 900 miles of GM-estimated highway range. The 6.6L V8 (481 hp, 501 lb-ft) is available. Both use a 3.23 axle ratio and the 10-speed automatic. GMC’s spec table lists AT4X curb weights of 6,210 lb with the diesel and 6,050 lb with the 6.6L V8.
How Much Can the 2027 AT4X and ZR2 Tow?
Neither brand has published a towing or payload figure for these specific trims yet. GMC’s September spec table lists 12,100 pounds for a 4WD Crew Cab diesel with the NHT package and 9,400 pounds for the 4WD 6.6L Crew Cab, but it does not break out the AT4X. The only official numbers are lineup maximums. GMC quotes up to 13,500 pounds for the Sierra with the 5.7L V8 when properly equipped, and Chevrolet quotes up to 13,700 pounds for the Silverado. Those figures apply to specific non-off-road configurations, not to the AT4X or ZR2.
Chevrolet does list a 7,500 lb GVWR for the ZR2. Subtracting the published curb weights gives a rough payload estimate of about 1,360 lb for the diesel and 1,510 lb for the V8. GMC lists a 7,500 lb GVWR for the AT4X, which works out to about 1,290 lb for the diesel and 1,450 lb for the V8 by the same method. Those are our estimates, not GM figures, so wait for the official ratings before you plan a heavy load or a large trailer.
Fuel economy is also unknown. The EPA has not published ratings for any 2027 Sierra or Silverado yet.
Which Has the Better Interior, the AT4X or the ZR2?
These two cabins go in very different directions. The AT4X is the luxury off-roader, and the ZR2 is the tech-heavy sport truck.
The AT4X gets an exclusive Timber Mahogany interior with Bright White accents. GMC adds front seats with enhanced bolsters, a flat-bottom sport steering wheel, a standard panoramic sunroof, stainless steel door speaker grilles, and detailed quilting, embroidery, piping and perforation. GMC’s September release adds a standard 11.5-inch front passenger screen with an articulating cover, 16-speaker Bose Premium Audio with head-restraint speakers, underbody cameras and an illuminated front GMC emblem. If you want an off-road truck that feels like a luxury SUV inside, this is the stronger choice.
The ZR2 uses Jet Black and Dark Galvanized with Torch Red accents and Torch Red-edged seat belts. It also gets real forged carbon-fiber trim on the doors and console, which Chevrolet says is the first use of forged carbon at GM. Every 2027 Silverado has a 16.3-inch center screen and a 12.2-inch driver display, and the ZR2 adds a standard 11.5-inch front passenger screen, a head-up display and a rear camera mirror, for more than 60 inches of total display area. Dual wireless charging is included too.
On Super Cruise, Chevrolet says the hands-free system with trailering is available in the Silverado lineup. GMC makes Super Cruise with trailering standard on the AT4X, including three years of the OnStar One plan.
What Is the Difference Between the ZR2 Bison and the AT4X AEV Edition?
Both brands offer an extra-tough version built with American Expedition Vehicles (AEV). The kits are similar, with a few differences in the details.
| Feature | Sierra AT4X AEV Edition | Silverado ZR2 Bison Edition |
|---|---|---|
| AEV bumpers | Front and rear | Front and rear |
| Wheels | 18 in. machined high-gloss black, beadlock-capable | 18 in. beadlock-capable |
| Skid plates | Front skid plate plus additional skid plates | Front underbody, transfer case, rear differential and fuel tank |
| Side protection | Black sport step | Rocker protection |
| Other | Recovery hooks, dual downturn exhaust, all-weather liners, AEV badge | All-weather floor liners, AEV rear badge |
The AT4X AEV Edition adds a few lifestyle touches like the downturn exhaust and recovery hooks, while Chevrolet’s list for the Bison is more specific about which underbody parts are protected. GMC lists the AT4X AEV Edition as late availability. Pricing for both AEV versions has not been announced.
How Much Do the 2027 AT4X and ZR2 Cost?
GMC’s September 22, 2026 release lists the 2027 Sierra AT4X at a starting MSRP of $85,495, including a $2,795 destination charge, for the 4WD Crew Cab. GM’s spec sheet for the 2027 Silverado lists the ZR2 at $79,995 including destination. Chevrolet’s June announcement said final pricing would come later. September trade press reports cite the same $79,995 figure, but we could not confirm a matching Chevrolet newsroom pricing release, so treat the ZR2 figure as provisional. For context, the same sheet lists the Trail Boss at $63,995 and the Custom Trail Boss at $57,195, so the ZR2 sits well above Chevy’s other lifted trims.
By our calculation, the AT4X starts about $5,500 above the ZR2 ($85,495 vs $79,995). That premium buys the Timber Mahogany cabin, panoramic sunroof, 16-speaker Bose audio, Baja drive mode and underbody cameras. GMC notes that pricing for other configurations will vary.
Which Should You Buy?
- Buy the Silverado ZR2 if you want the same diesel or V8 power, Multimatic DSSV dampers and lockers for about $5,500 less, plus a sporty tech-focused cabin.
- Buy the Sierra AT4X if cabin luxury matters as much as trail ability. The Timber Mahogany interior, panoramic sunroof, Bose audio, Baja mode and standard Super Cruise set it apart, starting at $85,495.
- Wait for full specs if you need exact towing, payload, ground clearance or approach angles. GM has not published trim-specific figures for either truck.
The Bottom Line
The 2027 Sierra AT4X and Silverado ZR2 are built on the same off-road basics, with a 2-inch lift, 35-inch mud-terrain tires and lockers at both ends. Both offer the Duramax diesel and the 6.6L V8, with the diesel standard on the AT4X. The ZR2 is the value pick at $79,995, and the AT4X is the upscale choice at $85,495, about $5,500 more by our calculation. Trim-specific towing, payload and off-road angles are still unpublished for both.
Frequently Asked Questions About the 2027 Sierra AT4X vs Silverado ZR2
Is the 2027 Sierra AT4X just a more expensive ZR2?
Does the 2027 AT4X come with the Duramax diesel or a V8?
Do both trucks have front and rear locking differentials?
What size tires do the 2027 AT4X and ZR2 have?
Do both use Multimatic DSSV shocks?
How much can the 2027 ZR2 and AT4X tow?
How much does the 2027 Silverado ZR2 cost?
When do the 2027 Sierra and Silverado go on sale?
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⚠️ Professional Notice:
Specifications, prices and availability are the manufacturers’ announced figures and can change. Output figures are GM estimates. Confirm final pricing and equipment with a GMC or Chevrolet dealer.
Prices are manufacturer suggested retail prices and exclude tax, title, license and dealer fees. NextCarReview.com does not receive compensation from any parts manufacturer, retailer, dealer or repair chain for editorial coverage.
Data Sources and Verification
- GMC, 2027 Sierra 1500 MSRP and full product information, September 22, 2026: news.gmc.com
- GMC, 2027 Sierra 1500 announcement, June 25, 2026: news.gmc.com
- Chevrolet, next-generation 2027 Silverado announcement and specifications, June 16, 2026: news.chevrolet.com
- General Motors newsroom mirror of the Chevrolet release: news.gm.com
- EPA fuel economy database (check here for 2027 ratings once published): fueleconomy.gov
Photo credits: 2027 GMC Sierra 1500 AT4X images courtesy of General Motors / GMC Newsroom (news.gmc.com); 2027 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 ZR2 images courtesy of General Motors / Chevrolet Newsroom (news.chevrolet.com). Preproduction models shown; production models may vary. Spec graphic: NextCarReview.
Morgan Reyes is the Lead Automotive Journalist and EV Analyst at Next Car Review. Specializing in mechanical systems and next-generation electric vehicles, Morgan breaks down complex automotive data, legacy matchups, and upcoming model previews into practical insights for car buyers.
