2023 GMC Sierra 1500 AT4X First Test: Is the AEV Edition Worth It?

Along with the Denali Ultimate, the GMC Sierra AT4X trim was introduced for 2022 during a mid-cycle refresh. The special AEV Edition, configured as an add-on package, joined for 2023. The regular (non-AEV) 2023 AT4X gets a few cues inspired by the new AEV Edition. For example, the AT4X gets the AEV stamped-steel, winch-capable front bumper and the AEV hot-stamped Boron-steel front-approach skidplate of the AEV Edition, both standard. That's right—the AEV front bumper is not exclusive to the AEV Edition. It's just an AT4X thing. The AT4X also gets a slight bump in tire size to match that of the AEV Edition: 33.2-inch diameter 275/70 R18 Goodyear Wrangler Territory Mud-Terrain rubber instead of slightly smaller Goodyear Wrangler DuraTrac Mud-Terrain tires.

The four-wheel-drive AT4X only comes with GM's premium large-displacement 6.2-liter V-8 engine that makes 420 hp and 460 lb-ft of torque, mated to a 10-speed automatic transmission (although the 3.0-liter Duramax I-6 turbodiesel engine is coming standard for 2024). The two-speed transfer case has selectable modes, including Off-Road mode and Terrain mode that, when in four-low, enable one-pedal driving. It has front and rear e-locking differentials—a big deal to get both in this segment. The AT4X comes with a 2.0-inch factory-installed lift kit and excellent Multimatic DSSV dampers that, by utilizing three separate spool valves, provide both position- and velocity-sensitive damping in the same package. Skidplates protect underbody components; rock sliders, standard on the AEV Edition, are available.

On the inside, the AT4X features the 13.4-inch infotainment touchscreen in the center stack, 12.3-inch configurable multicolor instrument cluster in front of the driver, 15.0-inch head-up display, Bose Premium 12-speaker audio system, MultiPro Audio System by Kicker, rear-camera mirror, trailering package, Obsidian Rush interior, and heated/cooled 16-way power front massaging seats.

On the outside, the AT4X features special gloss-black painted aluminum wheels. The handsome grille has gloss-black accents and those classy Dark Nickel grille insert bars.

In other words, the AT4X trim is loaded with excellent things.

The AEV Edition, priced at $6,895, adds a bevy of AEV-branded equipment: skidplates, rear bumper, wheels, floor liners, head-restraint logos, and an exterior tailgate badge. Non-AEV gear includes standard rock sliders running the length of the body, a matte-black tailgate decal, and gloss-black door handles. The door handles and tailgate applique look so sleek against our tester's Volcanic Red Tintcoat, a premium color that demands an additional $645. It's worth it.

Four individual AEV hot-stamped Boron-steel skidplates cover the steering gear, transfer case, fuel tank, and rear differential. As one of the AEV Edition's main upgrades, are these skidplates, which are allegedly 3.5 times stronger than cold-stamped high-strength steel, really worth it? It depends on use. People prone to technical wheeling may benefit from the belly protection, while those prone to powerline roads will likely be fine without them. We did not rock-crawl our 2023 GMC Sierra 1500 AT4X AEV Edition to test the skidplates because doing so risks vehicular damage.

Like the front AEV bumper, the AEV stamped-steel rear bumper has prominent, dual recovery points. Front and rear recovery points are essential. You need both options because every recovery situation is different. This bumper, one of the staple upgrades of the AEV Edition, ditches the corner steps of the factory color-matched bumper (a nice-looking unit) and, due to a slight taper, could risk leaving the exhaust tips slightly more exposed and less protected.

The 18-inch AEV Salta 12-spoke high-gloss-black aluminum wheels, shared across the AEV Edition lineup, look killer with laser-etched Salta and GMC inscriptions and AEV center caps. They are the AEV Edition's most immediately distinctive element.

The protective tubular rock sliders are not side steps, though your feet naturally try to use them as side steps. It takes getting used to stepping around them instead of on them. For daily use, side steps would be more practical, but Boron skidplates and rock sliders go together like peanut butter and jelly.

On the inside, AEV-branded floor liners keep messes contained and take the stress out of muddy shoes. The AEV logo on the front-seat head restraints subtly reminds you this is an AEV Edition (and did not snag my hair like the AT4X seat logos). Otherwise, it's all AT4X inside.

The 2023 GMC Sierra AT4X AEV Edition isn't made to be a track beast. It's an off-road truck—but ya still gotta get to the trailhead, so road manners matter. Our AEV Edition test truck, coming in at 5,974 pounds, sprinted to 60 mph in 6.1 seconds and clocked a best quarter-mile time of 14.5 seconds at 95.3 mph. That's not too shabby, and we expect nothing less from the big 6.2-liter V-8.

We haven't tested an AT4X (non-AEV), but we have exercised a mechanically similar 2022 Chevy Silverado ZR2 (non-Bison). The ZR2, weighing 185 pounds less than our AEV Edition, also hit 60 mph in 6.1 seconds and achieved a nearly identical quarter-mile time of 14.6 seconds at 95.1 mph.

Although the trucks were not tested at the same time, the eerily similar numbers indicate the AT4X AEV Edition was not hindered performance-wise by the special off-road equipment. Remember, the AEV Edition replaces—that's different than adding—bumpers, skidplates, and wheels, so the weight difference is not extreme.

There is one caveat. The ZR2 required 132 feet to come to a stop from 60 mph, while the AEV Edition recorded 146 feet. As the trucks were not tested at the same time—and we're comparing numbers from a ZR2, not an AT4X—take it with a grain of salt. Just to be safe, avoid panic stops in all big trucks like the AEV Edition.

The AT4X AEV Edition can tow 8,700 pounds, down 200 pounds compared to the "regular" AT4X. That's still more towing than you get with the Raptor or the Ram TRX.

As expected, the AEV Edition behaved nicely on the road. Despite its aggressive mud-terrain tires, the cabin remained quiet and felt tight, devoid of squeaks or rattles. The shifting felt natural and uneventful, and the pickup truck never felt underpowered. The Multimatic DSSV shocks were expectedly impressive and did not disappoint. Moderate dips at speed hit firmly but without wallow or uncontrolled rebound. The shock tuning inspired confidence, although you still have to respect the truck's limits and treat it like an off-road-capable street truck with about 10.0 inches of travel rather than a go-fast, long-travel truck.

We thought we could live without the bougie massaging seats, but honestly, we grew accustomed and then missed them—and they helped compensate for the fact the seats weren't the softest or most comfortable we've experienced. As for the built-in storage cubbies—yeah, the rear-seat backrests have little doors that open to reveal storage space.

That initial infatuation with the 2023 Sierra 1500 AT4X AEV Edition comes easily; it's pretty easy on the eyes. If you have $6,895 to spare and love (or even strongly like) AEV, go for it. AEV has a good reputation and street cred in the off-road and overland markets. People know it's a premium brand and that you paid your fair share for an AEV Edition. Financing a factory truck that comes with AEV bumpers (with working sensors), AEV skidplates, and AEV wheels is a win. Plus, a DIY job to create those gloss-black door handles just wouldn't turn out the same. There's no guesswork and no heartache when you go with factory stuff; you could upfit an AT4X, but you won't duplicate the AEV Edition.

The biggest drawback, though, also presents itself as a compliment. The biggest problem with the 2023 GMC Sierra 1500 AT4X AEV Edition is that the AT4X is super good sans the AEV Edition package. Case in point: One of our favorite features, the high-clearance AEV winch-capable front bumper, now comes standard without upgrading to the AEV Edition. Ultimately, the AEV Edition isn't worth it if you're on the fence. Indeed, because the AT4X is so strong on its own, the AEV Edition's additional content is not quite compelling enough to justify the extra money.

But if you can swing it, there's no harm in doing it, anyway—we certainly wouldn't blame you for throwing down the extra cash. In the scheme of things, adding another $7,000 to an $83,000 truck isn't the end of the world—especially for the lavish money-spending overland crowd. We expect GMC will have no trouble selling as many as it can make.

Now, if GM could manage a 37-inch tire (shoot, we'd gladly settle for 35s like the midsize Canyon AEV Edition) and bulgy fenders to truly distinguish the AEV Edition, we'd quit calling it subtle and recommend throwing down $7,000 or maybe a bit more.