By: Joshua Lee
March 20, 2024
We have been fortunate enough to test the GMC Sierra 1500 more than once. From the AT4X to the Denali Ultimate, this full-size pickup truck has something for everyone. We’ve enjoyed the AT4X as it proved to be a nice, luxurious off-road cruiser, but what if we took it one more step above?
GMC introduced an even crazier off-road variant for its Sierra 1500. Teaming up with American Expedition Vehicles (AEV), the 2023 GMC Sierra 1500 AT4X AEV Edition further enhances the already capable AT4X. AEV is well known in the off-roading and overlanding community, so this new truck promises amazing functionality with high-quality materials.
Powering is the same on the AT4X, with a 6.2L EcoTec3 V8 engine producing 420 horsepower and 460 lb-ft of torque. It features the same 10-speed automatic transmission and can tow up to 8700 pounds. The engine is smooth and has a great sound as you accelerate. While it is intended for off-road use, it performs well on everyday roads too. You’ll practically feel no road imperfections as the all-terrain tires and suspension soak up everything.
What’s different compared to the AT4X? Our Sterling Metallic AEV edition features five hot-stamped boron steel skid plate protections for the front end, IFS, transfer case, fuel tank, and rear differential. This truck also includes stamped-steel front and rear bumpers with AEV branding, 18-inch AEV Salta high gloss black aluminum wheels, rocker protection, AEV badging, gloss black door handles, and a black inner tailgate.
The AEV edition has a 32.5-degree front approach angle, 23-degree departure and breakover angles, and an improved 11.2-inches of ground clearance. Multimatic DSSV spool-valve dampers, front and rear e-lockers, and a 2-speed Autotrac transfer case are also found on this truck, making driving comfortable in any situation.
The MultiPro tailgate offers six different functions with an integrated Kicker audio system. Because of its new bumpers, it does lose the CornerStep, but thankfully the tailgate makes it easy to get in and out of the bed. The AEV is just like the AT4X, only offered in the Crew Cab with a 5-foot 8 bed.
Interior wise is the same as the AT4X, with a little over 40 inches of combined displays. A 13.4” GMC Premium Infotainment System with Google Built-In is quick to use and offers wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The 12.3” driver’s display and 15” heads-up display work well with each other, displaying all necessary information clearly. Heated and ventilated full-grain leather front seats with massaging functions are comfortable and supportive to be in. Outward visibility is exceptional, and there’s no need to worry about how to drive this truck as it’s standard with parking sensors, multiple camera views, and a digital rearview mirror. There are AEV branded floor liners and front head restraints as well.
We took this truck to some rough off-road paths, and we felt no panic as we trekked along. Putting the truck into its appropriate off-road modes made us feel more confident, trusting that the vehicle could figure out how to get out of oncoming obstacles. Going through ditches and water didn’t feel daunting at all!
Fuel economy ratings for this truck are 16.7L/100KM city, 14.0L/100KM highway, for a combined 15.5L/100KM. It’s not like we expect that any truck will get good ratings, but we did match the combined rating with 15.0L/100KM.
The AT4 starts at $83,679 and the AT4X at $101,955. The AEV package is a $7995 option, bringing the truck to a total of $111,489, including taxes, delivery, and the estimated luxury tax.
Just like our AT4X review, we would still recommend the AT4 trim level for people who want that off-road look. The AT4X gives you more off-road capabilities that are extremely useful when you’re on the trail. For nearly $8K more, we don’t see a vast difference between the AEV Edition and the AT4X. What the package offers is more skid plate protection and AEV branding. You don’t really need to go for this trim unless you’re really adamant about brand loyalty and exclusivity.
