Photo: General Motors
Maybe because the Sierra 1500 AT4 and AT4X models weren’t quite enough, GMC has decided to raise the bar yet again by introducing the new AEV Edition.
Featuring a bunch of unique parts and accessories designed by American Expedition Vehicles (AEV), the Montana-based company specialized in off-road vehicles and conversions, this truck is essentially the GMC equivalent of the upcoming 2023 Chevrolet Silverado ZR2 Bison—and the most off-road capable factory Sierra 1500 ever.
Upgrades include AEV stamped steel front and rear bumpers with heavy-duty recovery points and standard winch capability up front, five hot-stamped boron steel skid plates that are 3.5 times stronger than cold-stamped steel, race-inspired, laser-engraved 18-inch AEV Salta wheels in gloss back finish (with a recessed valve system for added protection from rocks on the trail) and 33-inch Goodyear Wrangler Territory MT tires.
Photo: General Motors
Styling is updated with a unique front grille and fascia to accommodate the new bumper and larger tires, gloss black door handles and a black contrast inner tailgate. There’s AEV branding throughout the vehicle including on bumpers, embroidered head rests and all-weather floor liners. Furthermore, off-road rocker panel protectors and bolt-on step assist are optionally available.
As you’d expect, the AEV Edition features improved off-road stats when compared to the Sierra 1500 AT4X. Among others, the front approach angle increases by more than 27 percent to 32.5 degrees, while ground clearance improves from 10.8 inches to 11.2 inches. The fantastic Multimatic DSSV shocks, locking differentials and two-speed transfer case are the same.
Photo: General Motors
Inside, the cabin in Obsidian Rush boasts power-massaging front seats in full-grain leather, authentic Vanta ash wood trim, a 12-speaker Bose Premium Series audio system and more than 40 inches of combined digital displays.
“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 AEV’s market-leading expertise in engineering and integrating performance-driven parts and accessories, this truck provides unmatched capability, technology and comfort.”
The GMC Sierra 1500 AT4X AEV Edition will launch later this year as a 2023 model. Pricing will be announced at a later date.
Watch: GMC Sierra 1500 is New for 2022
Keyword: 2023 GMC Sierra 1500 AT4X AEV Edition Raises the Bar Even Higher