2023 GMC Sierra 1500 AT4X AEV Edition pursues further capabilities with aftermarket parts bin

GMC has turned to American Expedition Vehicles (AEV) to upgrade its Sierra 1500 AT4X, the truck maker announced Friday.The 2023 GMC Sierra 1500 AT4X AEV Edition from the aftermarket company's parts bin Pulling Off-Road Armor.

The 2023 GMC Sierra 1500 AT4X AEV Edition, which premiered at the Overland Expo Pacific Northwest show in Redmond, Oregon, adds off-road capability to the Sierra AT4X, which debuted for the 2022 model year It will add off-road capability to the Sierra AT4X. That version borrowed a few bits from the 2022 Chevrolet Silverado ZR2, but our first drive found it lacking in capability.

The AEV edition includes AEV stamped steel front and rear bumpers with recovery points and front winch mounts, five pieces protecting the front end, steering gear, transfer case, fuel tank, and rear differential More add-ons include hot-stamped boron steel skid plates; GMC says the steel used for the skid plates is 3.5 times stronger than conventional cold-stamped high strength steel. Rocker panel protectors are optional, as are bolt-on steps for non-off-road use.

New bumpers and skid plates not only provide more protection but also improve off-road capability, GMC said in a press release.Compared to the 2022 Sierra AT4X, the approach angle of the AEV edition has increased by more than 27% to 32.5 degrees The departure angle has increased by more than 27% to 32.5 degrees. The departure angle increased slightly from 23.0 degrees to 23.4 degrees, while the breakover angle went from 22.7 degrees to 23.0 degrees. In addition, ground clearance is 11.2 inches for the AEV edition, compared to 10.8 inches for the standard AT4X.

Other changes include gloss black 18-inch AEV Salta wheels with 33-inch Goodyear Wrangler Territory MT tires, and a new grille and front mask to match the new front bumper.

Like the standard AT4X, the AEV Edition comes with Multimatic DSSV dampers, front and rear electronic locking differentials, and a one-pedal off-road mode The 6.2-liter V-8 engine and 10-speed automatic transmission remain standard power output is expected to remain unchanged at 420 hp and 460 lb-ft of torque.

The standard AT4X's emphasis on luxury is carried over to the AEV edition. These include standard massaging leather seats, Vanta ash wood trim, a 12-speaker Bose audio system, and a fully equipped GMC screen.

Some of the AEV Edition upgrades, including a front bumper, front skid plates, and 33-inch Goodyear tires, will be added to the standard Sierra AT4X for the 2023 model year, GMC confirmed.

Both the Sierra 1500 AT4X AEV Edition and the upgraded non-AEV AT4X will be available later in the 2023 model year; GMC will also introduce the Sierra Denali EV later this year, which is believed to be related to the 2024 Chevrolet Silverado EV.

GMC has so far not offered a price forecast for the AEV edition or the 2023 models that will be upgraded inspired by this model.