The 2023 GMC Sierra 1500 AT4X AEV Edition builds on the already highly equipped off-road Sierra 1500 AT4X raising the bar with AEV namesake equipment for an upgraded look and enhanced off-road capability.
In form, it’s nearly identical to the 2023 GMC Sierra 1500 AT4X we just tested in February but checking the box on the AEV Edition brings a number of attractive updates that set it apart and raise the bar.
Up front this includes a 3-millimeter thick AEV stamped steel front bumper with heavy duty hooks and winch capability. At the rear is also a 3-millimeter stamped steel bumper unique to the AEV which is nice but it’s missing the steps built-in the standard bumper. A full battery of skid plates are included as well underneath.
The wheels are likely the most noticeable step up, a rather expensive looking set of laser-engraved 18-inch AEV Salta wheels with a gloss black finish. Included are AEV’s recessed valve system and wrapped around them are some meaty 33-inch Goodyear Wrangler Territory MT tires.
The grill is revised too along with blacked out trims here and there including on the center portion of the multi-flex tailgate. Sexy. Ours came equipped with the optional rocker panel protectors also known as rock rails.
The cabin of the AT4X is already a well appointed place with leather seats, soft trim wrapped dash and surrounds. Here you get AEV embroidered head rests and all-weather floor liners to go along with everything else.
Even though it’s a huge truck it boasts some pretty impressive digits when it comes to off-road cred. The front approach angle increases by more than 27% to 32.5 degrees. The departure angle is 23.4 degrees and the breakover angle improves to 23.0 degrees. The truck’s ground clearance a healthy 11.2 inches.
The suspension is the same great set up we loved with we tested the Sierra 1500 with its exotic Multimatic DSSV dampers as well as front and rear locking differentials. The ride on and off the road is impressive and stable. When the going gets rough, the dampers show their versatility with the ability to adjust to varying conditions.
Standard is the venerable 6.2-liter V8 with 420 horsepower and 460 pound-feet of torque. Mated to a 10-speed automatic transmission it does consume fuel. According to the EPA it’s fuel economy is 14 mpg city, 17 mpg highway and 15 mpg combined. The latter is about what we go in our week with it. Power is impressive and it can tow 8,700 pounds.
Pricing in at $90,935 it’s nearly $10,000 more than the standard AT4X we tested earlier this year. The AEV Edition adds a substantial $6,895 to its price tag. While we like the extra touches we wonder if the AT4X isn’t every bit as impressive a rig for the savings.
Either way, the 2023 Sierra 1500 AT4X AEV Edition looks the part of an uber off-roader and GMC is meant to be the premium brand.
