We’ve been spending time with the GMC Sierra 1500 AT4X to discover everything we can. We’re taking this beast off-roading, on the highway, and around town to see what life with it is really like. Check out what we’ve discovered about the 2023 GMC Sierra AT4X. 

Tested: Pros and Cons with the 2023 GMC Sierra AT4X 

The 2023 GMC Sierra AT4X is a comfortable, refined, and incredibly capable behemoth. This truck makes you feel large in charge, and it’s the most capable Sierra 1500 model ever. But it comes with a price. 

It darts at $81,700 before the $1,895 is factored in. The Toyota Tundra TRD Pro, similar options from Chevrolet, and off-roading-oriented Ford F-150 models are more affordable. So, is the Sierra AT4X worth the extra cash? 

1. Pro: The 2023 GMC Sierra AT4X is comfortable 

We have been driving tons of off-roading-oriented trucks, and the 2023 GMC Sierra AT4X sets the bar for comfort. The large leather seats are massive and supportive for hours of comfort on the road and trails. 

While the Sierra AT4X does have a slightly stiffer suspension, it does an excellent job at absorbing impacts on the road and trails. Larger bumps and dips are quickly settled without rattling through the cabin. 

There is a bit of noticeable wind and road noise at higher speeds, but it’s quieter than the TRD Pro. Also, the engine provides deep, throaty roars that aren’t intrusive. 

2. Pro: The AT4X is an off-roading beast 

The 2023 GMC Sierra AT4X is well-equipped to tackle the wild with precise precision and control. It rides on 18-inch wheels wrapped in 33-inch Goodyear Wrangler MT tires. Plus, it has a 2-inch lift and an 11.2-inch ground clearance. 

Five boron steel stamped skid plates protect the undercarriage. Also, the front and rear steel bumpers have tow hooks and are winch capable. 

It has a front and rear electronically locking rear differential and new Multimatic DSSV dampers with three different spool valves. 

You can select between driving modes for 4Hi, 4Lo, Terrain, and Off-Road. While the Terrain Mode provides a one-pedal driving mode and more control, the Off-Raod mode provides and most comfort. 

Off-roading in the snow, ice, and slick mud felt confident and well-controlled. We only felt the tires slip once. 

3. Pro: The AT4X has plenty of storage 

There are plenty of places to store smaller and larger tools in the 2023 Sierra AT4X. There are generous storage cubbies and trays everywhere you look, including a compartment above the glove box. 

The center console is massive, with a divider that can be removed. Plus, the rear seats fold up to provide more storage space. You can also access hidden storage bins behind the seat cushions. 

4. Pro: The tech is pretty cool 

The 2023 GMC Sierra AT4X is loaded with modern tech features such as a head-up display, trail cameras, parking sensors, built-in navigation, a wi-fi hotspot, and a customizable digital gauge cluster. 

The camera views provide angles of the ground in front of you, the truck’s sides, bed, and trailer hitch. Plus, the 360-degree camera makes it easier to navigate through tight areas. 

We enjoyed the crisp resolution on the Google-powered 13.4-inch infotainment screen and the sound quality of the premium Bose audio system. The navigation system worked in areas without cellphone service. 

5. Pro: The AT4X has easy access 

Getting into this lifted truck is easier with the optional rock rails. They protect the seal from damage and serve as a step. Getting in the cabin without them would be quite the climb. However, there are plenty of handles to grab. 

The truck bed is easy to access thanks to built-in corner steps and the multifunctional tailgate that can be turned into a step. It supports up to 320 lbs and comes with a retractable handle for balance. 

1. CON: There is a ton of carpet

The 2023 GMC Sierra AT4X is loaded with high-quality interior features, which is great. However, it’s easy to get dirty. The plush suede headliner can get stained with mud. Then you need to consider what type of cleaning products to use on it.

We enjoyed the rubberized flooring and mats. However, they contain square sections of black carpet. It’s easy to clean mud off of the rubber, durable sections, but orange mud seems to stick in those carpet fibers and has to be scrubbed out.

2. Con: The GMC Sierra AT4X is thirsty 

The 2023 GMC Sierra AT4X has a standard 6.2-liter V8 engine with 420 hp and 460 lb-ft of torque. It has plenty of power for climbing over obstacles and powering through the mud. Plus, it helps the Sierra accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in 6.2 seconds. 

However, we could only get about 14.8 mpg in the city and on the highways. While off-roading, the average fuel economy dropped to 11.6. But it’s rated for an EPA-estimated 14 mpg in the city and up to 17 mpg on the highway. You may find yourself at the fuel pump more than expected. 

3. Con: The GMC Sierra AT4X is tall 

While rock rails and built-in steps make it easier to climb in the 2023 Sierra AT4X, it’s still extremely tall. You may have to put your bags and tools down before climbing up into the truck. Lifting a child or a dog into the backseat requires you to lift them pretty high. 

Also, with the tailgate down, the truck bed has a high liftover height, making it more challenging to load heavier, awkward items. The sides of the truck bed are difficult to see over. 

Plus, it’s hard to see the engine and other components once you pop the hood. You might need a stool to check the oil level, battery, coolant, and more. 

4. Con: The climate control system is laggy 

The AT4X features heated seats, but they are slow to warm up. Older trucks like the Toyota Tacoma heat up much faster. On one snow-covered morning, it took the seats over 10 minutes to get toasty. 

But the automatic climate control system is very smart. It adjusts the temperature based on the surrounding conditions outside. We rarely had to adjust the fan speeds or temperature settings. Also, it doesn’t have standard ventilated seats. 

5. Con: the tech could be more intuitive 

The 2023 GMC Sierra AT4X is advanced, and it can do tons of cool stuff. However, the Google-powered system has a bit of a learning curve. It can be a little confusing to adjust settings on the digital gauge cluster and infotainment system. 

We recommend taking the time to push all the buttons and really learn the controls before hitting the trails. Also, buttons are everywhere. It can be easy to press the wrong one. But on a positive note, everything is clearly labeled. The text is a bit small, so wear your glasses! 

These are our first takeaways from the GMC Sierra 1500 AT4X. We still have more to learn and process. Stay tuned for our full review.