With the addition of the new AT4X AEV Edition, which includes equipment from the people at American Expedition Vehicles, GMC improves the Sierra 1500’s off-road performance for 2023. This vehicle is specifically designed for off-road use and has steel front and rear bumpers with recovery points as well as an up front winch.

The underside of the front end, the steering parts, the transfer case, the gasoline tank, and the rear differential are all covered by additional steel skid plates. Gloss-black 18-inch AEV Salta wheels with 33-inch Goodyear Wrangler Territory MT tires are included with the AT4X AEV Edition.

The AT4X AEV Edition is an optional package that is exclusively offered on the AT4X trim’s off-road-oriented variant, which was added for 2022.

Pricing

Because it falls in the middle of the price spectrum and offers a stylish appearance package, the Sierra Elevation trim level is one that we enjoy. Depending on what best suits your demands, you’ll also need to choose from a variety of cab arrangements and bed lengths. Should you need it, all-wheel drive is an additional expense.

Performance – Engine, Transmission

Rear- or all-wheel drive, four different engines, two different transmissions, and the Sierra are all options. The standard engine is a 2.7-liter four-cylinder turbocharged engine with 310 horsepower and 420 pound-feet of torque. It is paired with an automatic transmission with eight speeds. A 355-hp 5.3-liter and a 420-hp 6.2-liter V-8 are the two available options.

Six-cylinder diesel engine producing 460 pound-feet of torque. A 10-speed automatic is connected to all three engines. A loaded Denali Ultimate variant with the 6.2-liter V-8 accelerated to 60 mph on our test course in in 5.4 seconds. Additionally, adaptive dampers and 22-inch wheels are options for the Sierra 1500.

The Sierra offers two specifically designed off-road models, but it lacks the Ford F-150 Raptor’s extreme off-road prowess. A 2.0-inch suspension lift and other useful features may be found on the tough AT4 variant.

The AT4X and Silverado ZR2 have special features in common, such as cutting-edge spool-valve dampers, electronic-locking front and rear diffs, additional skid plates, and tough off-road tires placed on dark 18-inch wheels.

Even more severe off-road equipment are added with the AT4X AEV package, including steel rock sliders, an 18-inch AEV wheel, and a front bumper with a winch. Although the Sierra’s ride is rougher than that of the Ram 1500, it nevertheless handles amazingly well because to its quick steering and controlled body roll.

Capacity for Towing and Payload

When properly outfitted, the half-ton GMC truck can hold a payload of up to 2240 pounds and tow up to 13,200 pounds.

Fuel efficiency and actual MPG

The Sierra 1500 has a variety of powertrain configurations, which affects how efficiently it uses fuel. The optional diesel engine, which has ratings of up to 23 mpg in the city and 30 mpg on the highway, should be considered by those who care most about fuel economy.

However, the 6.2-liter V-8 that comes standard with every Denali model will be found in the majority of Sierra models. It can achieve up to 15 mpg in the city and 20 mpg on the highway when all-wheel drive is used. 18 mpg was the Sierra 1500 Denali’s highway fuel economy in our actual driving test.

Cargo, Comfort, and the Interior

The Sierra’s interior was created with the driver in mind. All of the controls are simple to operate, and as trim levels are increased, so does the quality of the materials. A 12.3-inch digital instrument panel becomes standard starting with the SLE.

Even more desirable options, like as a heads-up display and a power-adjustable steering column, become available when spending a lot on the higher models. Due to its abundance of leather-covered surfaces and open-pore wood trim, the Denali Ultimate is where things really become posh.

Additionally, the front chairs have 16-way motorized reclining and massaging capabilities.

For keeping all kinds of little objects and goods, the interior cubby storage is more than ample. GMC doesn’t offer any particularly cutting-edge storage options, but the Sierra 1500 may be ordered with a clever tailgate that can be set up in a variety of ways.

Also available is a carbon fiber reinforced cargo bed that is said to be lighter and stronger than steel and is class-exclusive.

Connectivity and Information

The truck’s infotainment system is controlled by a 13.4-inch touchscreen found in the majority of Sierra 1500 models. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard on this bigger screen. Additionally, it has Google software integrated into it that gives customers access to an app store, maps, and voice assistant.

A 12-speaker Bose music system, wireless phone charging, and more power outlets are further conveniences that are available.