GMC Expands Off‑Road Lineup with AT4 and AEV

GMC has expanded its off‑road lineup with the introduction of AT4X trims and AEV‑enhanced versions, aiming to capture a growing market of adventure‑focused truck buyers.

AT4X Packages Add Rugged Features

The AT4X badge signals a step up from the standard AT4 off‑road package that first appeared on the Sierra in 2019 and later on the Canyon. While AT4 equipped trucks with all‑terrain tires, upgraded suspension, skid plates and tow hooks, AT4X models push the limits further. Each vehicle receives a higher ride height, Multimatic DSSV dampers, front and rear electronic lockers, and additional protection for the transfer case and rocker panels.

2023 GMC Canyon AT4X is powered by a 2.7‑liter turbocharged four‑cylinder delivering 310 hp and 430 lb‑ft of torque, paired with a 10‑speed automatic. It rides on a 3‑inch factory lift. The heavier‑duty Sierra 1500 AT4X offers a 3.0‑liter Duramax turbo‑diesel inline‑six with 305 hp and 495 lb‑ft, though a 6.2‑liter V8 gas engine is also available, rated at 420 hp and 460 lb‑ft. The Sierra HD AT4X tops the range with a 6.6‑liter Duramax V8 diesel delivering 470 hp and 975 lb‑ft, plus a 1.5‑inch lift and a maximum towing capacity of 18,500 lb.

AEV Enhancements Bring Specialized Off‑Road Gear

American Expedition Vehicles (AEV), founded in Missoula, Montana, supplies aftermarket upgrades that turn the AT4X trucks into purpose‑built overland rigs. For the Canyon AT4X, AEV adds 35‑inch Goodyear Wrangler Territory MT tires, a vertical spare‑tire mount, a 4.5‑inch lift, and a ground clearance of 12.2 inches—claimed as best in class. Heavy‑duty front bumpers with recovery points, winch‑capable rear bumpers, and boron‑steel skid plates round out the package.

The Sierra 1500 AT4X receives five AEV‑stamped boron steel skid plates, steel bumpers with winch capability, and Salta wheels featuring a 12‑spoke design. Protective rocker panels shield the frame rails, while interior and exterior badging identify the AEV build.

During a two‑day test in Montana, four GMC trucks were evaluated: a 2024 Sierra 1500 AT4X AEV, a 2023 Canyon AT4X, a 2024 Canyon AT4X AEV, and a 2024 Sierra HD AT4X AEV. The Sierra 1500 AEV saw limited use on pavement, offering a comfortable ride but little opportunity to assess its off‑road modifications. The real challenge came on the following day, when the Canyons and Sierra HD tackled steep, narrow trails.

The Canyon AT4X demonstrated strong climbing ability on a mixed mud‑and‑rock path, maintaining low speeds in 4LO terrain mode. Its high ground clearance, especially in the AEV version, allowed it to clear obstacles with ease. Camera systems providing views beneath and to the sides of the truck proved valuable on the cramped route, where passing ATVs required precise maneuvering.

The test was grueling.

On a wider, dust‑filled trail at XOverland Ranch, the Sierra HD AT4X AEV handled a 30‑degree descent over broken shale. The truck’s massive engine and robust tires kept it stable, though its length demanded careful handling around tight turns. Dust management required frequent use of wipers and maintaining distance from the vehicle ahead.

These field tests suggest that GMC’s partnership with AEV equips its trucks to meet the demands of serious off‑road enthusiasts. The combination of factory‑installed AT4X hardware and AEV’s specialized components creates a vehicle that can traverse both narrow, obstacle‑laden routes and broader, high‑speed desert tracks.

From a broader perspective, the expansion of GM’s off‑road offerings reflects an industry trend where manufacturers target the overlanding segment, a niche that blends recreation with long‑distance travel. Consumers seeking vehicles capable of handling remote terrain without sacrificing daily drivability are increasingly influencing product lineups. By aligning with a reputable aftermarket brand, GMC not only broadens its appeal but also leverages existing expertise to accelerate development, a pragmatic move in a competitive market.

While the AT4X and AEV‑enhanced models carry a premium price tag, the depth of equipment may justify the cost for buyers who plan to use the trucks beyond paved roads. As rivals such as Chevrolet and other domestic and foreign brands continue to introduce similarly equipped trucks, GMC’s strategy appears aimed at securing a foothold in a segment that values durability, capability, and specialized accessories.