Best GMC Vehicles for Deer Season in East Tennessee

The right hunting rig depends on how rough your land is and what you pull behind it

For most East Tennessee hunters, the best GMC for deer season is a Sierra 1500 AT4 or AT4X if you tow and haul heavy gear, a Canyon AT4 or AT4X if you want a smaller truck for tight trails, and an Acadia AT4 if you'd rather carry hunters and gear inside an SUV. All three AT4 models add lifted ride heights, off-road tires, and traction help that matters on muddy field roads.

At Don Ledford GMC in Cleveland, TN, we talk with hunters from Bradley, Polk, and McMinn counties every fall. Here's how the off-road GMC trims compare, using GMC's published 2027 specs. Equipment on 2026 models in our inventory may differ, so check the specific vehicle.

Why Hunters Look at GMC AT4 and AT4X Trims

Hunting land rarely comes with paved roads. Access tracks wash out, food plot edges stay soft after rain, and the ride home often includes a loaded bed or a trailer.

GMC's AT4 trims are built for that kind of use. Depending on the model, they add a factory lift, all-terrain or mud-terrain tires, locking differentials, skid plates, and an Off-Road drive mode. AT4X trims go further with Multimatic DSSV dampers and front and rear electronic locking differentials.

GMC Sierra 1500 AT4: Built for the Backwoods

The 2027 Sierra 1500 AT4 is the full-size pick for hunters who need room for people, gear, and a trailer. GMC equips it with:

• ​A 5.7L V8 with 402 horsepower and 428 lb-ft of torque
• ​A 2-inch factory lift with monotube shocks
• ​34-inch all-terrain tires
• ​An auto-locking rear differential
• ​The MultiPro Tailgate, with a built-in step for climbing into the bed

That step is handy when you're loading a climbing stand, coolers, or feed bags before daylight.

Sierra 1500 AT4X

The AT4X is the most trail-focused Sierra 1500. It adds the Duramax 3.0L Turbo-Diesel (305 horsepower and 495 lb-ft of torque), Multimatic DSSV and Jounce Control dampers, front and rear electronic locking differentials, 35-inch mud-terrain tires, and underbody cameras with front- and rear-facing views. The camera views help you see ruts, stumps, and rocks under the truck on unfamiliar ground.

GMC Canyon AT4 and AT4X: Compact and Trail-Ready

A mid-size Canyon fits narrow logging roads and tight gates better than a full-size truck. Every 2027 Canyon uses a TurboMax engine with 350 horsepower and 450 lb-ft of torque.

Canyon AT4

The AT4 adds a 2-inch factory lift, four-wheel drive with an automatic locking rear differential, a two-speed Autotrac transfer case with a transfer case shield, and a Drive Mode Selector with Off-Road and Terrain modes. GMC lists 9.6 inches of ground clearance with the 2-inch lift.

Canyon AT4X

The AT4X adds a 3-inch lift, Multimatic DSSV dampers, front and rear electronic locking differentials, 33-inch mud-terrain tires, an aluminum front skid plate, and available underbody cameras. Its 5.1-foot bed holds stands, decoys, and a cooler, and the available MultiStow Tailgate adds storage built into the tailgate.

Towing a Hunting Trailer With a GMC

If you pull an ATV, a side-by-side, or a camper to camp, towing capacity matters as much as ground clearance. GMC lists these 2027 maximums when properly equipped:

• ​Sierra 1500 with the 5.7L V8: up to 13,500 pounds
• ​Sierra 1500 with the Duramax 3.0L Turbo-Diesel: up to 12,100 pounds
• ​Canyon: up to 7,700 pounds; Canyon AT4X: up to 6,000 pounds
• ​Acadia: up to 5,000 pounds with the standard Trailering Package

Towing capacity depends on trim, engine, and equipment. Check the trailering label on the vehicle before you hitch up, and make sure your trailer lights and brakes work before opening weekend.

The GMC Acadia AT4 for Hunters Who Want an SUV

Not every hunter needs a pickup. The 2027 Acadia AT4 comes with all-wheel drive, an off-road tuned suspension, a lifted ride height, 18-inch wheels with all-terrain tires, and steel skid plates. With the second and third rows folded, GMC lists up to 97.5 cubic feet of cargo space, so gear stays inside and out of the weather.

Get Your GMC Ready Before the Season

Before you head out, a quick check of tires, brakes, the battery, and fluids can help prevent trouble far from the pavement. Our GMC Certified Service team in Cleveland can look your truck over, and you can find hitches, bed accessories, and other gear through our GMC accessories page.