The GMC Sierra 1500 AT4X AEV is hunting Bison. Like the Chevy Silverado 1500 Bison edition, General Motors has asked American Expedition Vehicles to upfit the 2023 GMC Sierra 1500 AT4X edition with a new AEV kit. But, AEV being AEV, the list of accessories on the AEV version is crazy long, and crazy cool, from bigger skid plates and tires to an AEV-specific interior. It’s GMC’s rival to the Chevy ZR2 Bison truck and Ford’s Tremor and Raptor.

The monster 6.2-liter V8 is standard on the AEV

The new GMC AT4X version is GMC’s new everything package for off-roading – but as always, there’s room for improvement. Like the Chevy ZR2 it has more features than the regular 1500 truck. The AEV Edition adds special Salta wheels with 33-inch Good Year Wrangler tires. It gets heated, massaging seats. It’s built on the AT4X  so it has the MultiPro tailgate, a heads-up display, and all of the other goodies that GMC adds to the AT4X.

The AEV version adds even more goodies to the AT4X

There are two distinct versions of the new AT4X: the standard AT4X (which is anything but standard) and the AEV version, for American Expedition Vehicles, which is an aftermarket upfitter of trucks like this. The AEV version has not hit dealers yet. AEV is the company behind the ZR2 Bison, which should hit dealers soon, too. The truck has improved approach and departure angles, 11.4 inches of ground clearance, a front winch spot, skid plates, and more. It has cast recovery points into the bumper, most likely so you can pull other off roaders out of trouble, not the AT4X.

An AT4X AEV Edition is expected to cost about $85,000, or about $5,000 to $7,000 more than the 2023 GMC Sierra AT4X. The AT4X can be ordered with a few engine options, but the AEV only comes with the 6.3-liter V8.

Front and rear e-lockers are key to mud and sand driving

When you’re deep in sand or mud, it’s nice to have all the traction you can get. The AT4X AEV has front and rear electronic locking differentials just like on the ZR2. That means wheels on each axle will turn together, instead of the differential only sending power to the wheel with the most power. You certainly don’t want to hit the e-lockers on the road, it’ll make turning nearly impossible and scrub off your tires quickly, but in the mud or sand, it’s key.

AT4X and the AT4X AEV get the Multimatic shocks

GM uses its’ Multimatic DSSV spool-valve shocks on several vehicles, from the Camaro ZL1 1LE sportscar to the Chevy ZR2 trucks. They’re designed to control damping, which means the wheels stay in contact with the ground more often giving you more traction. On the AT4X AEV, they’re paired with unique springs to control front and rear travel. The shocks also add an extra 2-inch lift that gives the truck better approach and departure angles.

The AEV Edition is winch-ready, and full of skid plates

The Ram Power Wagon has one, and so does Ford’s Tremor Super Duty, why not the Sierra 1500 AT4X AEV? The winch slot is nicely integrated into the AEV-specific bumper. While the AEV version doesn’t come with the winch, it is set up to allow you add one easily. It’s the first half-ton factory truck available with a winch.

Most off-road trucks have a couple of skid plates to protect the sensitive bits underneath like the oil pan, the transmission, or the steering gear. The AT4X AEV has a five, and GMC says they’re harder and more resistant than standard bash plates. In all, the skid plates protect the front approach area, the steering gear, the transfer case, the fuel tank, and the rear differential.

GMC didn’t skimp on the interior, either

The GMC Sierra AT4X and AT4X AEV both have significantly upgraded interiors. Both feature leather seats with contrasting stitching, a new Bose stereo, and leather-trimmed dash and door panels. It also has Vanta ash trim, which is a black wood trim. The driver’s seat gets 16-way power motors and a massage feature. You can spot an AEV, however, by the bespoke AEV stitching in the headrests of the 2023 GMC Sierra 1500 AT4X AEV Edition.