OutdoorX4 spends a day touring the new GMC Sierra HD AT4X in conjunction with American Expedition Vehicles in North Carolina
GMC’s line of heavy-duty trucks is getting an upgrade. After bestowing the AT4X moniker on the Sierra 1500 and Canyon pickups, the company is bringing the same off-road features and capabilities to its Sierra HD line while also introducing the first-ever Extreme AEV Edition aimed squarely at overlanders.
“GMC’s AT4X trim, which will be available across the entire GMC truck line-up, offers customers more premium choices when it comes to ‘do-it-all’ capabilities,” said Duncan Aldred, Global Vice President of Buick-GMC in a press release announcing the new vehicles. “Each model delivers unique strengths, with the all-new Sierra HD AT4X taking it to the max, giving our customers the most luxurious and most off-road capable HD we’ve ever offered. AT4X means you can conquer almost any terrain, in complete comfort and with the towing power to bring your recreational toys, gear or camper along for the adventure.”
Designed to offer a powerful and refined ride both on and off-road, the 2024 Sierra HD AT4X comes with a host of upgrades. Those include a 1.5-inch factory-installed suspension lift, rear e-locking differential, a reinforced steel transfer case skid plate, and automatic DSSV dampers. The truck also rides on 35-inch Goodyear Territory tires and has a max towing capacity of 18,500 pounds.
The AT4X edition also includes an all-new Off-Road Mode that functions similarly to the one found on the Sierra 1500 and Canyon AT4X models. When engaged, this mode automatically adjusts the truck’s anti-lock brakes and traction and stability controls for optimized performance when driving on rough terrain. The vehicle’s throttle progression and transmission shifts are also altered to improve performance and control in a variety of conditions, including dirt, mud, and rocks.
Under the hood, the AT4X comes standard with a 6.6L gas engine with the option to upgrade to a turbocharged 6.6L Duramax Turbo-Diesel. This motor has been updated for 2024, delivering 470 horsepower and 975 lb-ft of torque. Both engines are paired with an Allison 10-speed automatic transmission specifically optimized for the Sierra HD.
Joining the Sierra HD AT4X in the GMC line-up is the first-ever Sierra HD Extreme AEV Edition. This model was designed in conjunction with American Expedition Vehicles (AEV), a company specializing in rugged overlanding rigs for over 20 years. To make the Extreme AEV Edition as capable as possible, it has been outfitted with heavy-duty steel skid plates, 18-inch Salta wheels, and an over-engineered stamped steel bumper complete with integrated recovery points and winch compatibility. It also includes unique AEV exterior badging and interior cues.
“The Sierra HD is an ideal foundation when it comes to on-road performance, off-road capability and insane pulling power,” said AEV CEO and founder Dave Harriton. “As with the Sierra 1500 before it, we took AEV’s signature performance-driven approach and dedication to detail to elevate the aspects that off-road customers want and demand in their heavy-duty truck. The result is an awesome truck with capability and confidence in all the right spots.”
The 2024 GMC Sierra HD AT4X and AT4X AEV Edition will begin shipping to dealers in the fall of 2023. Pricing has not been announced yet and is expected closer to the start of production.
OutdoorX4 Magazine – Promoting responsible vehicle-based adventure travel and outdoors adventure
