The 2017 GMC All Terrain package was an off-road-oriented trim level offered across GMC's truck and SUV lineup, including the Sierra 1500, Canyon midsize truck, and Acadia crossover. Designed to bridge the gap between everyday road comfort and moderate off-road capability, it combined upgraded mechanical hardware like locking differentials and off-road suspension components with distinctive dark exterior accents and upscale interior styling.
Before GMC launched its dedicated AT4 sub-brand in 2019, the All Terrain badge served as the brand's primary answer to buyers wanting off-road preparedness without sacrificing light-truck luxury or daily driving refine. Depending on whether you are considering a full-size Sierra 1500, a midsize Canyon, or a 5-passenger Acadia crossover on the used market, the All Terrain moniker represents distinct mechanical hardware and driving characteristics.
The Origins and Legacy of the GMC All Terrain Badge
GMC introduced the All Terrain designation to offer an alternative to traditional off-road packages, which often compromised cabin refinement for trail hardware. Rather than treating off-road capability as a bare-bones utility feature, GMC bundled chassis protection and traction control upgrades with heated leather seating, unique contrast stitching, and brushed aluminum or carbon-fiber-style cabin trim.
By 2017, the All Terrain package reached its peak iteration across three distinct vehicle segments:
- Full-Size Truck: GMC Sierra 1500 All Terrain (and the extreme All Terrain X edition).
- Midsize Truck: GMC Canyon All Terrain.
- Midsize Crossover: GMC Acadia All Terrain.
Understanding the difference between these models is essential when evaluating a pre-owned 2017 GMC vehicle. While the Sierra and Canyon utilize traditional body-on-frame architectures with mechanical locking rear differentials, the 2017 Acadia All Terrain uses a unibody construction equipped with an advanced twin-clutch all-wheel-drive (AWD) system.
2017 GMC Sierra 1500 All Terrain & All Terrain X
The 2017 GMC Sierra 1500 All Terrain was available on SLE and SLT trim levels with a four-wheel-drive (4WD) configuration. It combined GMC’s refined truck chassis with trail-ready hardware designed for dirt roads, job sites, and snowy terrain.
| 2017 GMC Sierra 1500 All Terrain | Features & Specifications |
|---|---|
| Engine Options | • 5.3L EcoTec3 V8 (355 hp / 383 lb-ft torque)• 6.2L EcoTec3 V8 (420 hp / 460 lb-ft torque) |
| Key Mechanical Hardware | • Z71 Off-Road Suspension with Rancho monotube shocks• Eaton G80 Automatic Locking Rear Differential• Underbody shield (transfer case skid plate) |
| All Terrain X Special Edition Extras | • 265/65R18 Goodyear Wrangler DuraTrac All-Terrain tires• Performance exhaust system (+10 hp to 365 hp on 5.3L V8)• Black bed-mounted sport bar with accessory LED lighting mount |
Mechanical Upgrades and Chassis Tuning
At the core of the Sierra All Terrain is the Z71 Off-Road Suspension package, featuring specialized Rancho monotube shock absorbers. These shocks offer stiffer damping to control body roll and mitigate high-speed impacts over rough surfaces. Underneath, a heavy-duty steel shield protects the transfer case from rocks and trail debris.
Traction is governed by the legendary Eaton G80 automatic locking rear differential. Unlike limited-slip systems that require wheel slip to heat up internal clutch packs, the Eaton G80 mechanically locks both rear axle shafts together within milliseconds when it detects a speed difference of approximately 100 RPM between the rear wheels. This delivers equal torque to both rear tires during low-traction scenarios like mud, ice, or steep inclines.
Interior Refinements and Exterior Styling
Visually, the Sierra 1500 All Terrain eschewed standard chrome trim for a more aggressive, body-color appearance. It featured body-colored front and rear bumpers, a dark chrome grille surround, and unique 18-inch or optional 20-inch machined aluminum wheels with dark painted accents.
Inside, the cabin included:
- Jet Black leather-appointed bucket seats with spice red accent stitching.
- Unique carbon-fiber-look seat inserts and door panel trim.
- All-weather rubber floor mats.
- GMC Infotainment System with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto support.
The Sierra 1500 All Terrain X Special Edition
For 2017, GMC expanded the lineup with the All Terrain X package. This package added aggressive mud-terrain styling and modest performance enhancements:
- Goodyear Wrangler DuraTrac Tires: Aggressive 265/65R18 off-road tires mounted on black aluminum wheels.
- Performance Exhaust: A cat-back performance exhaust system that boosted the 5.3L V8 engine’s output from 355 horsepower to 365 horsepower.
- Black Bed-Mounted Sport Bar: Designed to support auxiliary off-road LED light kits.
- Blacked-out Trim: Black mirror caps, beltline moldings, and side steps.
2017 GMC Canyon All Terrain
The 2017 GMC Canyon All Terrain provided midsize truck buyers with off-road capabilities in a maneuverable package. Positioned as a direct competitor to the Toyota Tacoma TRD Off-Road and Chevrolet Colorado Z71, the Canyon All Terrain was built on the SLE trim.
Powertrain and Drivetrain Options
For the 2017 model year, General Motors introduced an updated 3.6L V6 engine (code LGZ) paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission for the Canyon, replacing the previous 6-speed setup. Additionally, buyers could opt for the torque-heavy 2.8L Duramax Turbo-Diesel four-cylinder engine.
- 3.6L V6 Engine: 308 horsepower and 275 lb-ft of torque, mated to an 8-speed automatic.
- 2.8L Duramax Turbo-Diesel: 181 horsepower and 369 lb-ft of torque at 2,000 RPM, mated to a 6-speed automatic.
Like its Sierra sibling, the Canyon All Terrain came standard with an off-road suspension package, transfer case shield, and an Eaton G80 automatic locking rear differential.
Cabin Features and Exterior Identifiers
The Canyon All Terrain features a body-color grille surround, dark metallic 17-inch cast-aluminum wheels fitted with all-terrain tires, and front fog lamps. The interior received unique Jet Black and Cobalt Red cloth or leather-appointed seating, heated front seats, and red stitching across the dashboard and steering wheel.
2017 GMC Acadia All Terrain
The 2017 model year marked a significant redesign for the GMC Acadia. Moving to a smaller, lighter midsize platform, GMC introduced an Acadia All Terrain variant to appeal to adventure-oriented families who preferred a crossover format over a truck chassis.
Advanced Active Twin-Clutch AWD System
Unlike the Sierra and Canyon, which use traditional mechanical 4WD systems with low-range transfer cases, the 2017 Acadia All Terrain utilized a sophisticated Active Twin-Clutch AWD system supplied by GKN Driveline.
This system uses two electronically controlled clutches in the rear drive module rather than a standard rear differential. Key advantages include:
- Torque Vectoring: The twin-clutch setup can dynamically distribute torque to either the left or right rear wheel based on slip and cornering forces.
- Rear Axle Disconnect: In normal driving conditions, the system completely disconnects the driveshaft and rear axle to reduce mechanical drag and optimize fuel economy.
- Terrain Select Switch: Drivers can manually select an "All Terrain" mode via a center console dial, which recalibrates throttle mapping, transmission shift points, and twin-clutch engagement to assist in negotiating steep grades, loose gravel, and deep snow.
Unique 5-Passenger Seating Configuration
One of the most notable features of the 2017 Acadia All Terrain was its seating layout. While standard Acadias offered 6- or 7-passenger seating across three rows, the All Terrain trim deleted the third-row seat entirely.
This created a dedicated 5-passenger cabin with a massive rear cargo floor featuring a covered under-floor storage bin system and adjustable cargo tie-down rails. This layout was specifically targeted at camping, biking, and outdoor gear storage where overall cargo capacity took priority over passenger seat count.
2017 GMC All Terrain Specifications Comparison
To help evaluate these three distinct vehicles on the used market, the table below compares their core mechanical configurations, capabilities, and key features.
| Feature / Specification | 2017 GMC Sierra 1500 All Terrain | 2017 GMC Canyon All Terrain | 2017 GMC Acadia All Terrain |
|---|---|---|---|
| Vehicle Architecture | Body-on-frame (Full-size truck) | Body-on-frame (Midsize truck) | Unibody (Midsize Crossover) |
| Base Engine | 5.3L EcoTec3 V8 (355 hp) | 3.6L DOHC V6 (308 hp) | 3.6L V6 (310 hp) |
| Optional Engine | 6.2L EcoTec3 V8 (420 hp) | 2.8L Duramax Turbo-Diesel (181 hp) | None |
| Transmission | 6-speed or 8-speed automatic | 8-speed auto (V6) / 6-speed auto (Diesel) | 6-speed automatic |
| Drivetrain System | Autotrac 4WD with 2-speed transfer case | Autotrac 4WD with 2-speed transfer case | Active Twin-Clutch AWD system |
| Rear Differential | Eaton G80 Automatic Locking | Eaton G80 Automatic Locking | Twin-clutch electronic differential module |
| Suspension Type | Z71 off-road tuning with Rancho shocks | Off-road suspension tuning | Independent 4-wheel tuned suspension |
| Maximum Towing Capacity | Up to 9,300–10,800 lbs (depending on cab/axle) | Up to 7,000 lbs (V6) / 7,700 lbs (Diesel) | Up to 4,000 lbs |
| Seating Capacity | 5 or 6 Passengers | 4 or 5 Passengers | 5 Passengers (3rd row deleted) |
Key Mechanical Technologies Detailed
Understanding the specific mechanical components of the 2017 All Terrain models explains their real-world capabilities and maintenance needs.
1. Eaton G80 Automatic Locking Differential
Standard on Sierra and Canyon All Terrain trucks, the Eaton G80 is a mechanical locking rear differential. Under normal driving, it operates as an open differential, preventing tire scrub during tight pavement turns. When a rear wheel loses traction and spins faster than the opposite wheel by more than 100 RPM, a flyweight mechanism trips a latching arm.
This engages a disc clutch pack that locks both axle shafts together instantly, forcing both rear wheels to turn at identical speeds regardless of ground resistance.
- Open State (Normal Driving)
- Differential acts as standard open diff, allowing wheel speed variance in turns.
- Wheel Slip Detected (>100 RPM difference)
- Flyweight governor engages latching mechanism.
- Fully Locked State
- Clutch pack clamps axle shafts together; equal torque sent to both wheels.
2. Twin-Clutch AWD (Acadia All Terrain)
Unlike conventional AWD systems that rely on individual wheel brake application to slow down a slipping tire (brake-based traction control), the Acadia's GKN twin-clutch unit directly controls the torque delivered to each rear wheel independently.
If the left-rear tire lands on wet ice while the right-rear tire sits on dry asphalt, the system can clamp the right clutch while fully releasing the left clutch, delivering up to 100% of available rear torque directly to the wheel with grip.
3. Rancho Monotube Shocks
Featured on Sierra All Terrain models, Rancho monotube shocks utilize a high-pressure nitrogen gas charge separated from the hydraulic oil by a floating piston. This design prevents oil foaming (cavitation) during rapid suspension cycling over bumpy trails, maintaining consistent damping performance under harsh conditions.
Used Market Buyer's Guide & Inspection Checklist
When shopping for a pre-owned 2017 GMC All Terrain model, inspect critical mechanical areas known to require attention as these vehicles age.
| 2017 GMC All Terrain Buyer Checklist | Inspection Details |
|---|---|
| 8-Speed Transmission Shudder Check (Sierra 6.2L / Canyon 3.6L) | • Test drive under light acceleration (30-50 mph).• Verify updated Mobil 1 Synthetic LV ATF HP fluid flush was done. |
| Active Fuel Management (AFM) / Lifter Inspection (V8 Engines) | • Listen for valvetrain ticking on cold engine startup.• Scan for P0300 cylinder misfire codes. |
| Eaton G80 Differential Operation Check (Sierra & Canyon) | • Check rear diff housing for gear oil leaks.• Ensure friction modifiers were NOT added (G80 requires standard GM gear oil without limited-slip additives). |
| Duramax Diesel Emissions & DEF System (Canyon 2.8L) | • Inspect DEF tank heater codes and NOx sensors.• Confirm DPF regeneration cycles complete properly. |
| Twin-Clutch Rear Drive Module Fluid Service (Acadia) | • Verify fluid change history for rear differential unit. |
1. General Motors 8-Speed Transmission (8L90 & 8L45) Issues
Certain 2017 Sierra models equipped with the 6.2L V8 (or late-build 5.3L V8s with 8-speed automatics) and 2017 Canyon 3.6L V6 trucks used GM’s 8L90 or 8L45 8-speed automatic transmissions.
Some of these units developed a torque converter clutch shudder, caused by moisture absorption in the factory-fill automatic transmission fluid. GM issued Technical Service Bulletins (TSB 18-NA-355) specifying a complete system flush using updated Mobil 1 Synthetic LV ATF HP fluid. When test-driving a vehicle with an 8-speed automatic, pay close attention to torque converter lockup between 30 and 50 mph; any vibration resembling driving over rumble strips indicates that a fluid flush or torque converter replacement is needed.
2. Active Fuel Management (AFM) on 5.3L and 6.2L V8s
GM's Active Fuel Management deactivates four cylinders under light engine loads to save fuel. Over time, the collapsible mechanical lifters used in AFM cylinders can stick or fail, potentially damaging the camshaft. Listen carefully during a cold start for any metallic ticking noise from the top of the engine, and check diagnostic trouble codes for misfires (P0300 through P0308).
3. Eaton G80 Rear Differential Maintenance
The Eaton G80 automatic locking differential requires correct gear oil. Do not use limited-slip gear oil additives (friction modifiers) in an Eaton G80 differential. Friction modifiers reduce friction on the internal clutch plates, preventing the mechanical lockup mechanism from latching properly and causing severe chatter or slippage. Ensure previous owners used the factory-recommended synthetic gear lubricant.
4. Recalls and Safety Verification
Always verify that open safety recalls have been addressed by entering the vehicle identification number (VIN) into the official NHTSA Safety & Recall Database. Common recalls for GM vehicles from this era included brake vacuum pump performance degradation on full-size trucks and side-impact airbag module replacements.
To review fuel economy ratings, EPA testing estimates, and environmental performance comparisons across 2017 GMC models, consult the U.S. Department of Energy Fueleconomy.gov Database.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between GMC All Terrain and GMC AT4?
The All Terrain trim level was the direct predecessor to the GMC AT4 sub-brand, which launched for the 2019 model year. While All Terrain featured off-road suspension components, locking differentials, and dark exterior accents, the AT4 expanded on this concept by adding factory suspension lifts (typically 2 inches), red recovery hooks, standard skid plates across all models, and dedicated off-road drive modes.
Can the 2017 GMC Acadia All Terrain handle real off-road trails?
The 2017 Acadia All Terrain is engineered for light off-road use, such as dirt trails, gravel roads, sand, and deep snow. Because it lacks a traditional low-range transfer case, solid axles, and high ground clearance, it is not built for rock crawling or extreme technical trails. However, its twin-clutch AWD system excels at maintaining traction on slippery or unpaved surfaces.
Is the Eaton G80 locking differential manual or automatic?
The Eaton G80 differential operates completely automatically. The driver does not need to press a button or switch to 4WD mode to engage the lock. When the internal mechanism senses a speed difference exceeding 100 RPM between the two rear wheels, it mechanically locks the axle shafts together. It automatically disengages once vehicle speed exceeds approximately 20 mph.
Did the 2017 Sierra All Terrain X come with extra power?
Yes. Sierra 1500 models equipped with the optional All Terrain X package included a factory performance cat-back exhaust system. This system increased the 5.3L EcoTec3 V8's power output from the standard 355 horsepower to 365 horsepower, while also providing a deeper exhaust note.
Why does the 2017 GMC Acadia All Terrain only seat five people?
GMC intentionally removed the third-row seat in the 2017 Acadia All Terrain to maximize cargo capacity for outdoor equipment, camping supplies, and sports gear. Deleting the third row allowed for a flat rear floor, built-in under-floor storage compartments, and an adjustable cargo management rail system.
Recommended Next Steps for Buyers
If you are actively shopping for a pre-owned 2017 GMC All Terrain vehicle, follow these steps to secure a reliable truck or SUV:
- Identify Your Use Case: If heavy towing (over 5,000 lbs) or severe trail riding is required, focus your search on the Sierra 1500 or Canyon. If your priority is fuel efficiency, passenger comfort, and weekend trips over snow or fire roads, the Acadia All Terrain is the most practical choice.
- Verify Transmission History: On Sierra and Canyon models equipped with 8-speed automatic transmissions, inspect service records to confirm whether TSB 18-NA-355 (transmission fluid flush with Mobil 1 Synthetic LV ATF HP) was completed.
- Perform a Mechanical Cold-Start Check: When inspecting 5.3L or 6.2L V8 Sierra models, start the engine when completely cold to listen for lifter ticking associated with AFM system wear.
- Run a Comprehensive VIN Check: Verify service records, title status, and open safety recalls using official safety databases prior to purchase.
