Beefed Up 2023 GMC Sierra 1500 AT4X AEV Edition Is Ready To Conquer The Wild

We’re at the 2022 North American International Auto Show in Detroit where we got our first close up look at GMC’s Sierra 1500 AT4X AEV Edition, including the interior that had not been revealed before. Head down for our complete gallery. (Updated 9/14/2022).

GMC is trying to steal Chevy’s Silverado ZR2 Bison thunder with the release of the 2023 Sierra 1500 AT4X AEV Edition.

The off-road focused pickup is based on the rugged Sierra 1500 AT4X and features a number of components sourced from American Expedition Vehicles (AEV).

In order to transform the model into the “most off-road capable factory Sierra 1500 ever,” the truck has been equipped with heavy duty steel bumpers that feature integrated recovery points as well as a winch capability up front. They’re joined by five skid plates and 18-inch AEV Salta wheels, which feature a gloss black finish as well as a recessed valve system that provides added protection from rocks while off-roading. Speaking of the wheels, they’re wrapped in 33-inch Goodyear Wrangler Territory MT tires.

Driven: The 2022 GMC Sierra AT4X Combines Luxury With Off-Road Capability

The changes don’t stop there as the truck features an updated grille and front fascia to accommodate the new bumper and larger tires. Buyers will also find gloss black door handles and a black accent on the tailgate. Customers also have the option of ordering rock rails for even more protection.

Thanks to the updates, the approach angle increases by more than 27% to 32.5 degrees. Departure and breakover angles also improve slightly to 23.4 and 23.0 degrees, respectively. Furthermore, the truck boasts 11.2 inches (284 mm) of ground clearance, which is an increase of 0.4 inches (10 mm).

The features build on the AT4X’s already impressive list of off-road equipment that includes front and rear e-locking differentials, Multimatic DSSV dampers, and a Terrain mode that allows for one-pedal driving. They’re joined by a standard 6.2-liter V8 engine pumping out 420 hp (313 kW / 426 PS) and 460 lb-ft (623 Nm) of torque.

Putting the off-road equipment aside, the AEV Edition features an Obsidian Rush interior with heated, ventilated, and massaging front seats as well as ash wood trim and a 12-speaker Bose premium audio system. Buyers will also find a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and a 13.4-inch infotainment system with built-in Google Maps, Google Assistant, and Google Play. There are also a handful of special touches including embroidered AEV headrests and all-weather floor liners.

Besides introducing the AT4X AEV Edition, GMC announced the regular Sierra 1500 AT4X will be offered with “AEV-inspired enhancements.” These include a winch-capable front bumper, a boron steel front skid plate, and 33-inch Goodyear Wrangler Territory MT tires.

There’s no word on pricing at this point, but the models will be “available later in the 2023 model year.”