GMC just dropped a new Sierra 1500 variant that is essentially tailor-made for the increasingly growing group of off-roading and overlanding enthusiasts. The 2023 GMC Sierra 1500 AT4X AEV Edition is “the most off-road capable factory Sierra 1500 ever,” according to GMC. What makes it more capable than other 1500 trucks? Lots of steel bits from AEV (American Expedition Vehicles) and some proper off-road ground clearance tuning.
Starting with the 1500 AT4X trim, the AEV Edition adds stamped steel front (with winch capability) and rear bumpers with heavy duty recovery points. The front grille has been re-worked to accommodate the new steel bumper and its also been blacked out because that’s what the cool kids are doing.
There are also five hot-stamped boron steel skid plates that cover the front approach, steering gear, transfer case, fuel tank and rear differential. Those plates should provide some peace of mind when going on the average off-road excursion.
There are a set of 18-inch gloss-black AEV “Salta” wheels with recessed valves sitting at the corners of the 1500 and each of those wheels are wrapped with 33-inch Goodyear Wrangler Territory MT tires.
As far as improved off-road capability, the front approach angle increases by more than 27% versus the 2022 model to 32.5 degrees. The departure angle and the breakover angle have marginal increases as well. The truck’s ground clearance jumps up to 11.2 inches versus 10.8 inches from last year. Multimatic DSSV dampers along with front and rear electronic locking differentials and two-speed transfer case can be controlled from the cabin via several selectable driving modes.
The plushy interior features grain-leather massaging front seats and Vanta ash wood trim. A 12-speaker Bose audio system provides tunes for those times when you need to bump your overlanding Spotify playlist as you dominate gravel that never saw you coming.
The entire package is motivated by a 6.2 liter V-8 engine that allows for a total payload of 1,290 pounds and a towing capacity of 8,700 pounds which should be more than enough for the average trailer or boat. GMC hasn’t released any pricing but it did confirm that the truck will be available “later in the 2023 model year.” Stay tuned for more info as it becomes available.
Keyword: The 2023 GMC Sierra 1500 AT4X AEV Edition Can Do More Than Ever Before