In the highly contested full-size pickup segment, off-road capable trucks seem to count double, given the emphasis manufacturers put on them.
So, it is no surprise GMC rolled out a beefed-up, off-road version of the GMC Sierra dubbed the AT4X AEV Edition today.
“GMC has been a pioneer in the premium off-road space and this Sierra 1500 AT4X AEV Edition raises the bar yet again,” said GMC Global Vice President Duncan Aldred.
“Our customers want an uncompromising combination of on-road technology and off-road capability. Leveraging GMC’s unwavering dedication to providing premium trucks and American Expedition Vehicles’ expertise in engineering and integrating performance-driven parts and accessories, this truck provides extreme capability, technology, and comfort,” Aldred added.
The ultimate multitasker
The AEV edition starts with the Sierra 1500 AT4X with a premium interior and advanced off-road capability. Headline features include Multimatic DSSV dampers, front and rear e-locking differentials and two-speed transfer case with selectable modes for different off-road conditions such as Terrain mode for one pedal driving and Off-Road mode.
It also comes with trailering capability with a standard 6.2-liter V-8 engine. The AEV edition also features the luxury-focused and tech-infused AT4X Obsidian Rush interior.
The cabin boasts full grain leather-wrapped power-massaging front seats, authentic Vanta ash wood trim, a 12-speaker Bose Premium Series audio system and more than 40 diagonal inches of combined driver-focused digital displays — the most in its class.
Equipped for off-road
The AEV Edition pushes the already highly capable, premium off-road Sierra 1500 AT4X trim, comes with unique styling cues and what General Motors describes as “extreme off-road capability.”
The new 2023 Sierra 1500 AT4X AEV Edition features “AEV-stamped” steel front and rear bumpers with heavy duty recovery points and winch capability on the front bumper.
It also has five hot-stamped boron steel skid plates for the front approach, steering gear, transfer case, fuel tank and rear differential, and race-inspired, laser-engraved 18-inch AEV Salta wheels in gloss back finish with AEV’s signature recessed valve system for added protection from rocks on the trail.
The 2023 Sierra 1500 AT4X AEV Edition also comes with 33-inch Goodyear Wrangler Territory MT tires, an updated front grille and fascia to accommodate the new bumper and larger tires, gloss black door handles and a black contrast inner tailgate.
“The Sierra 1500 AT4X is an incredibly formidable platform when it comes to on- and off-road performance and capability,” said AEV CEO and founder Dave Harriton. “We took our signature approach to help elevate this truck’s inherent off-road capability to the next level. We are confident customers will love the result.”
Rough and ready
The five ultra-high-strength skid plates protect the underbody of the Sierra 1500 AT4X AEV Edition. This press-hardened steel is not only three-and-a-half times stronger than an equivalent cold-stamped high-strength steel part, but it also provides incredible resistance to gouging and bending.
When it comes time to head off-road, the Sierra 1500 AT4X AEV Edition’s bumpers and underbody protection deliver capability never before available in a factory Sierra 1500.
When compared to the 2022 Sierra 1500 AT4X, the AEV Edition features improved off-road stats. The front approach angle increases by more than 27% to 32.5 degrees. The departure angle improves to 23.4 degrees, compared to 23 degrees and the breakover angle improves to 23 degrees, compared to 22.7 degrees in the 2022 model. The truck’s ground clearance also improves to 11.2 inches from 10.8 inches.
Later in the 2023 model year, a new Sierra 1500 AT4X will be available with AEV-inspired enhancements, including a stamped steel winch-capable front bumper, boron steel front approach skid plate and 33-inch Goodyear Wrangler Territory MT tires. These enhancements will increase the already formidable off-road capability of the AT4X through improved approach, departure and breakover angles, as well as improved ground clearance.
The Sierra 1500 AT4X AEV Edition and the new AT4X will be available later in the 2023 model.
What a complete waste of money and resources for a design NO ONE will use, especially in a 75K car.
I suggest we drop the SUV tag and just call them cars.