The 2024 GMC Sierra 1500 AT4X AEV Edition is the off-road truck you’re looking for

At the time of this writing, I am totally in love with the 2024 GMC Sierra 1500 AT4X AEV Edition. But at first, I was skeptical. Very skeptical. I’ve driven the non-AEV 2022 Sierra 1500 AT4X and its closely related cousin, the Chevrolet Silverado 1500 ZR2 AEV Edition. Both were great, but neither left me daydreaming. 

So what’s so different about this 2024 AT4X? In short? The 3.0-liter Duramax diesel engine. A good motor transforms any truck, and this motor is miles beyond “good.” Tack on the always-cool American Expedition Vehicle off-road parts, and I’m pretty much sold. Sure, it might cost nearly $90,000, but if you’ve got the funds, you’re actually getting a pretty good return on that value.

In this review, I’ll discuss several reasons why I loved my time driving the 2024 Sierra 1500 AT4X with the AEV package. I’ll also mention a few of the drawbacks or things I didn’t love as much. It’s a true Goldilocks of a truck, and I wish it was still in my driveway.

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Duramax diesel power, efficiency and range

In a segment where all the buzz is about hybrids, plug-ins and electric vehicles, it was really refreshing to get into something with a robust, refined, efficient and buttery smooth turbocharged diesel engine. For 2024, GM updated its 3.0-liter Duramax with new steel pistons, a re-tuned turbo compressor, updated fuel injectors, a revised combustion bowl and improved temperature control features. These refinements made the already lovable diesel into something even better, especially for off-road use.

All those updates also mean more power. The revised engine now produces 305 horsepower and 495 pound-feet of torque — and you feel it all. The torque is so silky in its delivery and so robust in its application, that you feel like you can subdue the entire earth under its AEV boron-stamped skid plates. It’s incredibly confidence-inspiring and charming, and I just couldn’t get enough. 

It’s also shockingly efficient for a full-size pickup. It’s rated at 19 mpg in the city and 20 mpg on the highway. Those are pretty good numbers, and I even found them to be an underestimation. In my week of combined driving, I averaged just shy of 23 mpg. There were some longer highway stretches (about 30 miles) that I even saw up to 28 mpg. That’s seriously impressive, especially given how large and in charge this truck is. I know electrification is all the buzz right now, but these figures left me wondering what numbers could be achieved with advanced diesel technologies in more vehicles. 

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The 3.0-liter Duramax diesel motor is the standard motor in the current AT4X trim, and I can totally understand why. Overlanding in this truck while getting more than 20 mpg nets you nearly 500 miles of range on a single tank — far more than either of its closest off-road competitors. You can upgrade to the also-well-loved 6.2-liter V8, but trust me, you won’t feel the need.

Legitimate off-road chops

Truck commercials might lead you to you believe that the only type of off-roading people are interested in is high-speed, dune-jumping desert running. And while that certainly is fun, there’s a whole world of off-roaders that’s far more interested in crawling over anything and everything between the driver and their destination. This is where the Sierra AT4X with the AEV package excels. It may not have you launching over dunes, but its tough-as-nails constitution will probably take you just about anywhere you want to go, thanks to a very compelling list of off-road goodies. 

Formula One racing dampers on a truck 

First up are the factory two-inch lift and downright magical Multimatic DSSV dampers. With their roots in Formula One racing, Multimatic develops some of the absolute best dampers in the world. 

“The ability to tailor a force response curve is crucial in damping technology to give the vehicle the balance of ride comfort and handling control that it needs,” said Multimatic Product Line Manager David Meyer in an interview with Chevrolet. “We can dial in massive amounts of damping force so the truck can absorb huge impacts when it hits something really harsh. But you don't sacrifice the on-road ride by having that high-force damping response at the end of the travel. No compromises. That’s what we offer with our hydraulic architecture as well as the spool-valve technology.”

It’s a complicated equation that works wonders. GMC eschews the more modern coil spring suspension approach in the rear in favor of a traditional leaf spring setup. Old-school or not, the Multimatic DSSV dampers are so good at providing excellent ride quality, you won’t even know they’re back there 95% of the time. 

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AEV protection

I seriously debated for a long time whether or not the AEV package is worth it. It costs $6,895 — not cheap — and on the surface, it doesn’t add a whole lot. But, given the brand’s second-to-none quality, I’d rather spring for the package and have the protection that I might need rather than end up needing it and not having it. If you’re serious about off-roading (or just want to look extra cool), get the AEV package. It’s pricey, but at least you’re getting the best in the business. 

The package offers no-nonsense protection, with hot-stamped boron steel skid plates on the front and rear differentials, the transfer case and the fuel tank. It also includes a stamped steel rear bumper, 12-spoke high-gloss black aluminum wheels (which look awesome), rocker protection, AEV-branded all-weather floor liners, AEV-branded front headrests and an AEV tailgate decal. Just one knock of the knuckles on those ultra-thick skid plates and bumpers, and you’ll be sold. 

Other off-road features

Other off-road elements include front and rear locking differentials, a two-speed Autotrac transfer case, hill descent control and more. 

There’s probably only one thing that would make this an even better Goldilocks truck — 35-inch tires. The 33-inch Goodyear Duratrac tires look good and perform very well, but we wonder why GM hasn’t gone with 35s from the factory in this application. Nevertheless, that’s an easy upgrade in the aftermarket and would be the first thing I’d do if I were to buy one of these sweet rigs. 

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Handsome and rugged styling

When you think of serious full-size off-road trucks, you probably think of two names: Raptor and TRX. Both are awesome trucks in their own right, and we’re huge fans of both. However, there’s no denying that their styling is very bold and perhaps a bit over the top for some buyers. The AT4X certainly looks like the grown-up of the three, with impeccable, classic styling that exudes confidence without being flashy. 

If that description has you hooked, or if you just want something slightly more understated but still rugged and refined, the Sierra AT4X is the perfect choice. Between the factory two-inch lift, the elevated AEV steel bumpers and the Duratrac tires, this is one beautiful truck (that would still be a little better with larger tires). 

A top-tier luxury interior

If I’m being honest, getting inside the AT4X is a bit of a struggle. The AEV rock rails, while very cool and useful, aren’t great for stepping on, so you’ll almost need to get a running start to leap inside. 

Once you’re in, however, you’ll never want to leave. GMC has nailed the AT4X’s interior with a near-perfect blend of luxury and practicality. I’ve complained about GM’s seats in the past, even in the 2022 V8 AT4X that we tested, calling them too shallow, too stiff and too narrow. 

I’m not sure if GM actually changed something about them or not, but either way, I found them to be so comfortable this time around. They’re well-bolstered, supportive and just soft enough to become your new favorite chair. The rear seat is likewise very comfortable and soft, with acres of legroom even for taller adults. 

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Aside from the excellent seats, GM provides a welcome array of buttons, knobs and high-quality crystal-clear screens and cameras. The infotainment and camera displays are some of the best we’ve seen and operated. We’re only sad that GM’s Super Cruise system isn’t available on the AT4X trim. Regardless, the interior is a true luxury car experience, which makes the omission of a panoramic moonroof even more curious. 

Final thoughts

The Sierra 1500 AT4X AEV Edition is a truck I would happily make my daily driver. It’s more efficient than plenty of competing (and non-competing) vehicles, feels super comfortable to drive, looks awesome and is supremely capable both on and off-road. Oh, and did I mention it can tow up to 8,500 pounds? Not too shabby. 

While some of its competition might get all the attention, the AT4X AEV Edition with the diesel is the quiet, stoic and dependable one in the lineup. It’s the one that’s always ready to go to work, do a great job and never make a fuss about it. It’s a truck I’d buy, and I think you should, too — high price tag and all. 

See all new Sierra 1500 AT4X models 

Highs

• Incredible diesel motor

• Hardcore off-road capabilities

• Excellent dampers and ride comfort on and off-road

• Rugged, understated styling

• Truly luxurious and comfortable interior, even for five adults

• Out-of-the-box capability and styling

Lows

• High price tag, especially in AEV form

• Entering and exiting are a challenge

• No panoramic moonroof

• Surprisingly skinny steering wheel

FAQs 

Is the Sierra 1500 AT4X fun to drive? 

Definitely. It’s very enjoyable. Yes, it’s large, but the ride quality, torque and luxury make this a very compelling daily driver for those who need or want a truck in their life. 

Is the Sierra 1500 AT4X good for families? 

Absolutely. If you have two or three kids, this is quite the adventure vehicle. It will take you anywhere you want to go in supreme comfort, and can tow a small trailer or boat while doing so. It’s a true do-it-all truck. Most importantly, your kids will have so much room in the rear you’ll never hear any complaining about space.

KSL Cars does not endorse any vehicles. The views or opinions expressed in this article are those of the writer and do not reflect the views or opinions of KSL.com or its employees.

About the author: Having owned everything from a DeLorean to an E46 BMW M3 and a Toyota Land Cruiser, Jason Bell is a lifelong car enthusiast who loves sharing his passions as a teacher, automotive journalist, and social media manager. He is an accredited member of the Rocky Mountain Automotive Press where he serves on the Board of Directors. Contact him at jasonbellcars@gmail.com.