2023 GMC Sierra 1500 AT4X Crew Cab: An All-New Extreme Off-Roading Edition

The 2023 GMC Sierra is parked in front of Montgomery, Alabama's Legacy Museum. (Photo Credit:JeffCars.com)

Highlight: The AT4X suspension is raised by approximately 2 inches, when compared to other fullsize trucks. 

Test Vehicle's MSRP: $90,935 (Base Pro Model: $ 48,995)

Seating Capacity: 5 or 6 (depending on trim)

Standard Safety Features on AT4X: airbags; a stability system; a traction control system; a tire pressure monitoring system; a rear pedestrian alert system; a lane keeping assist system with lane departure warning; a wheel lock security system; a forward collision alert system; automatic emergency braking; LED exterior lamps and interior cargo lighting; an electric power steering assist system; intelligent high beams; a buckle to drive system; and an HD rear-view camera

The AT4X is parked in front of Montgomery's Dexter Ave. Baptist Church. At one time, Dr. King served as senior pastor.

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Standard Equipment (Pro- Base truck): 17-inch wheels; an 8-speed automatic transmission; a push button start engine; a 7-inch diagonal color touchscreen; a urethane steering wheel; front driver and passenger assist handles; a 24-gallon fuel tank; a 2.7-liter, 6-cylinder gas engine with 310-hp; 4-way manual adjustable front seats; front 40/20/40 split bench seats; 60/40 split flat folding back seats; single zone air conditioning system; rear air vents; rubberized-vinyl floor covering; a 6-speaker audio system; a 3.5-inch driver information center; and a pickup bed with 12 fixed cargo tie downs

Standard Equipment (AT4X): xx-inch wheels; a radar activated cruise control system; a forward collision alert system; a following distance indicator; front pedestrian braking; intelli-beam; lane keep assist with lane departure warning; automatic emergency braking; rear cross traffic braking; a rear pedestrian alert system; rear seat air vents; a dual zone ventilation system; a 13-inch infotainment screen; AM/FM/ SiriusXM; a floor mounted center console with cupholders; a 12-inch driver info center; a rear window electric fogger; a remote vehicle starter; a keyless open starter; color keyed carpeting; 3 years of GM’s connected service; power outlets; interior and bed mounted; trailer camera provisions; HD surround vision camera; power front bucket seats with driver’s memory; massaging front seats; heated/ventilated front seats;  heated rear seats; a heated steering wheel; a power tilt/telescopic steering; wireless charging; a 12-speaker Bose audio system; a power sunroof; and AEV stamped steel

Options: 33-inch tires; skid plates; front approach; steering gear; transfer case; fuel tank and rear differential; 12-spoke gloss black aluminum wheels; all-weather floor liners; and special exterior paint

Other Trim Levels:

Short Box AT4

Short Box Denali

Short Box Elevation

Short Box Elevation 3VL

Short Box Pro

Short Box SLE

Short Box SLT

Standard Box AT4

Standard Box Denali

Standard Box Elevation

Standard Box Pro

Standard Box SLE

Standard Box SLT

Standard Audio On Test Vehicle: a 12-speaker premium Bose audio system with AM/FM/HD/SiriusXM

Bluetooth Connectivity: Standard

USB Connectivity: Standard

Apple/Android Connectivity: Standard

Bumper-to-Bumper Warranty: 3 years or 36,000 miles

Powertrain Warranty: 5 years or 60,000 miles

Standard Engine/Horsepower:

6.2-liter, 8-cylinder gas engine/422-hp (AT4X)

Recommended Fuel:

regular unleaded (Pro)

premium (AT4X)

Towing: 8,700 lbs

Payload: 1,290 lbs

Standard Fuel Mileage:

14-city/17-hwy (AT4X)

19-city/22-hwy (Pro)

What’s New: The Sierra 1500 AT4X enhances its off-roading capabilities for 2023 model year, with its all-new AEV (American Expedition Vehicle) edition.

This private storage compartment is located behind the second row seat.

Why (AT4X):

Higher ground clearance than other GMC models with its 2-foot suspension lift

Great when pushing off-roading to its limit

Bold, massive exterior appearance

Luxury features: massaging front seats, heated/ventilated front seats, a power tilt/telescopic steering wheel and a power sunroof

A heads up display (HUD) system

Heated rear seats

A host of safety driving aids

33-inch wheels

Goodyear Wrangler tires

A dual zone automatic climate control system

Power sliding rear window

Outfitted with underbody protection (eg. Skid plates)

Maximum payload of 1,290 lbs

Maximum trailering of 8,700 lbs

An easy-to-use infotainment system

Great highway roadtrip vehicle too- despite offroad tires

A radar activated cruise control system

Great quality high end audio system

Loads of storage front center armrest

Additional hide-away storage compartment in the rear area

Folding 60/40 rear seating with cupholder and armrest

Rear camera makes it easy to park vehicle in tight spaces too!

Hauling and towing capabilities comparable to its competitors

A multi-adjustable tailgate with step assist

But:

Pricey, $90,000 pickup truck

Short bed only in the AT4X trim…. Not available with long box

A lot of vehicle to steer on the road

The engine requires premium gasoline

This trim only available in the Crew Cab

Verdict: Unlike a typical fullsize truck, the GMC 1500 AT4X AEV is designed for extreme off-roading due to its high ground clearance, extra underbody protection and massive 33-in tires.

GMC’s AT4X AEV is literally king of the road with its standard and highly capable 10-speed, 6.2-liter V8 engine. At a price tag just barely exceeding $90,000, this massive truck is more expensive than the brand’s premium Denali trim, which has all the bells and whistles. In fact, the AT4X AEV has almost every feature one can find in the Denali trim less GM’s signature Super Cruise handsfree steering system, chrome grille and chrome wheels.

The AT4X AEV we tested included all the features we would expect in the Denali trim plus the ability to take the vehicle off-roading. Yes, GMC has offered buyers in this segment the best of both worlds wrapped-up in one package. For men, its like wearing a new business suit with shoes designed to weather hiking and muddy environments. Yes, that sums up the AT4 AEV. Although we didn’t take the vehicle off-roading, it was the perfect vehicle to take on an out of state road trip, Due the truck’s 33-inch wheels, this allowed us to tower almost the vehicles on the road with the exception of semi-trucks. Thus, we felt safe behind the wheel of this vehicle.

Competition: Ford-150 Raptor; Ram-1500 TRX; Toyota Tundra Crew Cab TRD PRO; and Chevrolet Silverado Crew Cab ZR2