Over the last few years, the high-performance off-road pickup sector has absolutely exploded in popularity, leading to an ever-growing number of ever-more-capable turnkey off-roaders that are available new on showroom floors. Among them is the AT4X-spec of GMC’s Sierra 1500. And, despite already being an immensely competent truck, GMC has opted to crank up its go-anywhere capabilities with the debut of the heavily-kitted Sierra 1500 AT4X AEV Edition.
Unveiled at the Overland Expo Pacific Northwest, this limited-edition pickup was born out of a collaboration between GMC and American Expedition Vehicles — better known simply as “AEV.” GMC’s most off-road-capable factory Sierra 1500 to date, the AEV Edition model boasts a generous slew of go-anywhere upgrades including AEV stamped steel front and rear bumpers with heavy-duty recovery points and winch capability, a suite of hot-stamped boron steel skid plates, race-inspired, gloss black, laser-engraved 18” AEV Salta wheels equipped with AEV’s signature recessed valve system, 33” Goodyear Wrangler Territory MT tires, a revised grille and fascia design, and an optional off-road rocker panel.
Powering the AEV Edition is the AT4X’s regular 6.2-liter engine — a naturally-aspirated V8 that’s mated to an automatic ten-speed transmission and good for 420hp and 460ft-lbs of torque. The truck also packs a 1,290-pound payload capacity and is rated to tow up to 8,700lbs. AEV branding is also found throughout the truck, both inside and out, with exterior badging, branded floor mats, and AEV-embroidered headrests. Other highlights include the first-ever use of MultimaticTM DSSV spool-valve dampers on a Sierra model, as well as front and rear e-locking differentials.
Alongside the new forthcoming AT4X model, the 2023 GMC Sierra 1500 AT4X AEV Edition is slated for a release by the end of the year, and while pricing has yet to be revealed, we anticipate an MSRP between $80,000 and $90,000 (based on the regular AT4X’s $76,500 price).
