With the Ford Raptor and the RAM TRX battling it out for top dog, General Motors is sitting on the sidelines with their popcorn in hand watching what could only be described as two toddlers fighting over the monkey bars on the playground. Meanwhile, GM has other plans, sticking to what they do best and leaving well enough alone… well sort of. We are all already familiar with GMC’s AT4 models, an upgraded package that turns their everyday common vehicle into an all-terrain adventurer. But with the launch of the more off-road capable Chevrolet Silverado ZR2, the GMC Sierra couldn’t just sit by.  

The GMC Sierra 1500 AT4 is already a capable off-road vehicle. It even already shares some of its mechanical parts with the Silverado ZR2 like the Multimatic spool-valve damper suspension and two electronic locking differentials. It was originally tagged to be GMC’s version of the ZR2. But let’s be honest, with its pretty face and painted bumpers, it was one scratch away from putting its owner in a bad mood.

GMC recognized the Sierra AT4’s flaws and sent it back to the engineers to make it even more capable of climbing mountains and forging rivers. In return they produced the Sierra 1500 AT4X that beefs up the suspension with a 2-inch lift kit and fitted some gnarly 33-inch off-road tires wrapping 18-inch painted aluminum wheels. However, the AT4X was still missing that “grrr I’m a serious off-roader” mentality… Working coincide with American Expedition Vehicles, the AEV Edition features a unique aggressive front steel bumper that allows for a 32.5-degree front approach and steel rear bumpers that allocates a 23.4-degree departure angle. Furthermore, the AEV Edition gets beefier upgraded protection under the important bits. Fitted with more skid plates than an armored assault vehicle, the AEV is fitted with boron steel hot stamped skid plates under the differential, fuel tank, transfer case and steering gear. Above all else, the AEV also bolted on steel rock rails to protect the frame and the cabin. Even though we used them as foot stools.  

Unfortunately, the AT4X is only available in its short 69-inch bed form and does not offer the 5.3-liter V8 option. Thankfully, for those that want more torque, good fuel economy, and enjoy going the extra mile, the 3.0-liter Duramox Turbo Diesel is an available option that puts the AT4X at a starting price of a staggering $81,195. However, what’s life if we were not fueling up every other day and averaging 14-miles to the gallon? You have not lived until you have started to sweat at the gas pump hoping you have enough credit on your credit card to fuel up and go another 200-yards. For all the power and glory, the 420-horsepower, 6.2-liter V8 that comes to a mere $2000 more than the Duramax will treat you like a high-class hooker – knows how to put a smile on your face until it is time to pay up.  

Serving up 460lbs-ft of torque, the 6.2-V8 is a surefire way to turn that frown upside down. Foot to the floor and it goes like it has somewhere it needs to be. And because we are sitting high and mighty over all the little people in traffic, it does not feel like it is going as fast as it is. For its off-road suspension and chunky mud-tires, the AT4X is incredibly smooth to drive. At 90-mph it feels like it is doing 50. We learned really quick we had to be careful with the demons that lay beneath.  

Inside, we start to take notice of why our example Sierra had a $90,000 price tag – this has to be one of the most luxurious trucks on the market. The leather embroidered AEV seats felt of a high-quality material. The fit and finish surpassed GM’s previous history of quality control with tight seams and not a creak or rattle in sight. Even the headliner was covered in microfiber suede that just gave it that extra level of premium touches. It was the kind of vehicle that made you feel special sitting behind the wheel. It was almost a shame we got it dirty.  

Technology is a far improvement on the Sierra series in general with a high-definition infotainment display and digital instrument cluster. With the use of Google Assist it makes the driving experience much more relaxing and puts our minds at ease when it comes to stressing over the little things like where to eat. Just say “hey google” and let the computer sort it out. Granted the same thing can happen when you have wireless Apple CarPlay connected and you scream for Siri, but sometimes we get sick of hearing her voice. Stepping it up a notch however, the safety systems are working spectacularly well with the adaptive cruise control being smooth  in both high-speed and low-speed traffic scenarios, the lane keep assist does a decent job keeping us centered and when we had a load in the bed, it was nice that we could watch over it with the integrated camera system. There are actually multiple camera angles all over the truck that allow you to move around and find the angle when it’s off-roading on difficult trails.  

The RAM TRX and Ford Raptor R may have more power and a Baja style suspension kit that can do 100-mph down a dirt road – but when it comes to real off-roading, there is a level of science and sophistication to its articulation. The GMC Sierra AT4X AEV is an impressive machine on and off the road that makes off-roading a luxury lifestyle. But even better, you will not look like a tool driving one and go figure, you can also fit in a parking space too.