2025 GMC Sierra 1500 AT4X AEV Review: The Luxury Off-Roader That Eats Trails for Breakfast

Trucks today fall into two camps…those that look tough but are mostly built for grocery runs, and those that are actually built to tackle whatever gnarly terrain you throw at them. The 2025 GMC Sierra 1500 AT4X AEV is firmly in the second category. This is not some soft-roading city truck. It’s an off-road brute with real engineering behind it, ready to take on big rocks, slick mud, deep snow, or anything else Mother Nature decides to toss in your path.

This isn’t just a fancy trim package either. The AT4X AEV is what happens when GMC calls up the mad scientists at American Expedition Vehicles (AEV) and asks, “How do we make this truck a trail-destroying beast?” AEV, famous for its no-nonsense off-road builds, responded by reinforcing this thing like a tank, slapping on some serious skid plates, and giving it a presence that makes lesser trucks feel inadequate.

Let’s get into what makes this truck special, where it stands against the competition, and whether it’s actually worth the price tag.

What’s Under the Hood?

Power is never an afterthought with trucks in this category, and GMC made sure the AT4X AEV packs the muscle to match its masculine looks.

Engine & Performance Specs:

• 6.2L V8 (standard)
  • 420 hp / 460 lb-ft of torque
  • 10-speed automatic transmission
• Duramax 3.0L I6 Turbo-Diesel (optional)
  • 305 hp / 495 lb-ft of torque
• Multimatic DSSV dampers for race-proven suspension control
• Selectable Terrain Modes for rock crawling, mud, and snow
• Two-speed transfer case with a low-range setting
• Front and rear e-lockers for maximum grip
• 33-inch Goodyear Wrangler Territory MT tires

The 6.2L V8 is the obvious choice if you want instant throttle response, deep growls from the exhaust, and that satisfying grunt when climbing rocky hills. The turbo-diesel is great if you plan on towing, thanks to that monster torque curve. Either way, this truck is a serious performer, whether you’re charging through sand dunes or just merging onto the highway with more authority than necessary.

What Makes the AT4X AEV Special?

AEV didn’t just slap on some badges and call it a day. This truck gets the full overland warrior treatment.

AEV Upgrades:

• Heavy-duty steel bumpers (front and rear) with winch capability
• Five hot-stamped boron steel skid plates (protecting front diff, steering, fuel tank, and transfer case)
• AEV badging, blacked-out grille, and fender flares
• AEV-specific 18-inch wheels with beadlock capability
• Higher ground clearance and improved approach/departure angles

Most factory off-road trucks claim to be “trail-ready”, but this one actually is. Those skid plates are no joke, meaning you can slam this truck onto rocks and not cringe at the thought of expensive underbody repairs. The steel bumpers give it a “don’t mess with me” stance, and the beadlock-ready wheels let you air down for maximum traction on the toughest terrain.

This isn’t just an off-road package…it’s a full-scale armor upgrade.

Other 2025 GMC Sierra Trims

For those who like the Sierra but don’t need a truck built for a Mad Max sequel, GMC still offers plenty of trims:

Sierra Pro (Base Model)

• • Work-truck simplicity, no frills
  • Turbocharged 2.7L I4 (310 hp)
  • Basic interior with cloth seats

Sierra SLE & Elevation

• • More tech and comfort features
  • Optional diesel engine
  • Larger infotainment screen, more upscale materials

Sierra SLT

• • More refined interior with leather options
  • Available 6.2L V8
  • Bigger touchscreen and premium sound system

Sierra AT4 & AT4X

• • Off-road focused with lifted suspension and all-terrain tires
  • AT4X includes the Multimatic DSSV dampers and better tech

Sierra Denali & Denali Ultimate

• • Full-blown luxury truck territory
  • Massaging leather seats, premium sound system
  • All the tech and comfort options GMC offers

There’s a Sierra for every type of truck buyer, but if you’re the type who prefers dirt trails over asphalt, the AT4X AEV is the one to get.

Who’s Trying to Take Its Crown?

The 2025 GMC Sierra 1500 AT4X AEV has a few worthy rivals in the off-road truck world. Here’s who it’s up against:

Ford F-150 Raptor

• • 3.5L twin-turbo V6 (450 hp) or 5.2L V8 (700 hp in Raptor R)
  • Wider stance, better high-speed desert capability
  • More horsepower but less underbody protection than AT4X AEV

Ram 1500 TRX (Possibly the Last Year)

• • Supercharged 6.2L Hellcat V8 (702 hp)
  • Insane acceleration but lower payload/towing capacity
  • More of a Baja truck than a rock crawler

Toyota Tundra TRD Pro

• • 3.5L twin-turbo hybrid V6 (437 hp, 583 lb-ft torque)
  • Great reliability, less aggressive suspension setup
  • Solid, but doesn’t have the same off-road tech as the GMC

Chevy Silverado ZR2 Bison

• • Mechanically similar to the AT4X AEV (since Chevy and GMC are siblings)
  • Slightly different styling, fewer luxury touches
  • A bit cheaper but lacks GMC’s premium touches

Each of these trucks has its strengths, but the Sierra AT4X AEV brings a balance of off-road capability, durability, and luxury that’s hard to match.

What Could Be Better?

As much as the AT4X AEV is a beast, there are a few things that could be improved:

• Price tag is hefty – Starting well north of $80K, this truck isn’t cheap. You’re paying for AEV’s expertise, but it’s still a big pill to swallow.
• No supercharged option – The Raptor R and TRX both push well over 600 hp. GMC’s 6.2L V8 is nice and beefy, but a factory supercharger would be even better.
• Fuel economy is as expected – This isn’t a Prius. You’ll be visiting gas stations frequently, especially if you’re using all that power.
• More aggressive tires would be nice – The 33-inch Goodyears are solid, but 35s would make this truck look even meaner.

Final Verdict: Is It Worth It?

The 2025 GMC Sierra 1500 AT4X AEV is the real deal. This isn’t a B.S. poser truck…it’s built to take punishment and keep rolling. It brings serious off-road chops, AEV’s off-road expertise, and luxury features that make daily driving enjoyable.

If you’re looking for a truck that can handle weekend adventures but still look good rolling into the job site or a date night, this is one of the best options out there.

Would you take the AT4X AEV over the Raptor or TRX? Let me know in the comments unless you’re driving a Prius, in which case, you’re probably in the wrong place. 🚛🔥