Off-Road in HD: GMC Announces the Sierra HD AT4X and Extreme AEV Edition

Chris Teague
by Chris Teague

People use pickup trucks as everyday vehicles, even heavy-duty models, so it’s not surprising to see automakers adding more luxury and capability to their most work-ready models. Rugged, off-road-read heavy-duty trucks are nothing new, but GMC’s taking it to the next level with the new Sierra HD AT4X and Extreme AEV Edition trucks. The pair comes with a slew of upgrades to improve their off-road capability while maintaining the workhorse attitude that people expect from heavy-duty trucks.


The 2024 GMC Sierra HD AT4X gets a 6.6-liter gas V8 as standard, but buyers can add the 6.6-liter Duramax diesel. A ten-speed automatic transmission and four-wheel drive are standard. The truck delivers 18,500 pounds of towing, a 1.5-inch lift kit, Multimatic DSSV dampers, an electronic locking rear differential, and 35-inch Goodyear tires. The HD also gets a new off-road driving mode, which recalibrates braking, steering, and other settings to improve traction and performance. 


The Extreme AEV Edition brings touches from American Expedition Vehicles, including 18-inch wheels and underbody steel skid plates. It also offers steep bumpers with integrated recovery points and a winch mounting point. 


Both trucks bring the luxury inside, where GMC equipped leather upholstery and massaging front seats. Ash wood trim and a Bose 12-speaker premium stereo come standard, along with a 13.4-inch touchscreen and 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster. GMC offers several driver aids, but most are withheld in added-cost options package. Available tech includes a transparent trailer-view camera system, blind spot monitoring with trailer coverage, and adaptive cruise control with trailering.


GMC hasn’t detailed pricing for the new trucks yet but said more information would become available closer to their on-sale date this fall.


[Image: GMC]


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Chris Teague
Chris Teague

Chris grew up in, under, and around cars, but took the long way around to becoming an automotive writer. After a career in technology consulting and a trip through business school, Chris began writing about the automotive industry as a way to reconnect with his passion and get behind the wheel of a new car every week. He focuses on taking complex industry stories and making them digestible by any reader. Just don’t expect him to stay away from high-mileage Porsches.

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  • Billyboy The Big Three, or what used to be the Big Three, have been building sedans in the FWD unibody mold since the 80’s to compete with the Japanese - and failing. The Taurus was the only decent attempt, and even that fizzled out after a few years. Back to GM, There’s no reason to choose a Malibu over a Camry or Accord for normal buyers. The story was the same when it was the Citation, Celebrity, Lumina, and Impala, as it was the same with Ford and Chrysler. GM knows this, as does Ford, and doesn’t care - and rightfully so. Better to cede this time-worn commodity segment to others and focus to where the market has shifted.
  • CanadaCraig You are not wrong. Or a dummy for that matter. I also think it's foolish of GM to kill off the Malibu. That said... I think there needs to be full-sized plain jane sedans for sale. And there are none. And haven't been for a long time. A basic BIG car. With room for six. Bench seat and all. Nothing fancy. And a low price to go along with it. I would buy one.
  • OCcarguy Back in the 1980s the Mitsubishi Cordia was one of my favorite cars. I would love to see them make cars we could get excited about again.
  • Chris I dislike SUVs. I think they are clunky looking and not much in the handling department. I'll take an Audi A4 or BMw three series or even a VW Jetta over any SUV. It I need more interior room for a shot time, I'll rent something bigger.
  • Amwhalbi I have a sedan and an SUV, and for pure driving and riding enjoyment, I'll pick my sedan every time. But yes, SUV's are generally more practical for all around usage, particularly if you have only one vehicle. So I think the perfect answer is the sedan hatchback (a la the last Buick Regal) which can still yield the drive and ride or a sedan, yet provide a greater modicum of practical, accessible cargo capacity. Most of the sedans made could (with minor styling changes) easily become 4 door hatchbacks. Oh, yeah, I forgot - Americans don't like hatchbacks, even if they do in Europe...
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