2025 GMC Sierra AT4X AEV Edition Review: Ultimate Half-Ton Performance

Pros

• Torquey diesel engine
• Sumptuous interior
• Handles adverse terrain well

Cons

• Lacks high-speed excitement
• Smaller, cheaper Canyon AT4X AEV Edition is even more fun
• Needs more visual distinctions from normal Sierra trucks

This year’s Performance Vehicle of the Year competition differed from previous installments due to the introduction of an off-road element. This modification opened our contest to an entirely new category of performance vehicles, including trucks with bona fide dirt credentials, like the 2024 GMC Sierra AT4X.

On paper, the Sierra AT4X AEV Edition appears to be an all-dominating brute. The AT4X package adds significant features such as a front bumper with a standard AEV winch, boron-steel skidplate, a two-speed transfer case, front and rear e-locking differentials, and underbody armor. Our test truck featured the optional Duramax 3.0-liter turbodiesel engine, providing an impressive 305 horsepower and 495 lb-ft of torque. The maximum torque is available at 1,500 rpm, enabling the truck to reach 0–60 mph in a rapid 7.7 seconds.

While the Sierra AT4X AEV Edition offers a refined ride on pavement, it truly shines on the trail. Despite its size, this half-ton truck maneuvered impressively through dirt and terrain, showcasing its capability, especially aided by the smooth, torquey diesel engine. The off-road hardware is user-friendly, thanks to accessible button controls placed conveniently for the driver.

Once we activated Off-Road mode and disengaged some electronic nannies, our adventure began. The course featured loose sand and hard-packed dirt—ideal surfaces for testing the Sierra’s handling. One staff member commented, “This really isn’t what this truck is meant for, but it’s still quite a lot of fun doing it.” However, some found the truck cumbersome during the trial, comparing it unfavorably to the GMC Canyon AT4X AEV Edition, which also competed this year.

Compared to other trucks, the Sierra AT4X was less enjoyable on the paved sections of our hybrid course. Nonetheless, our judges praised the GMC’s high-quality interior, which displays premium materials and large technology features. Key functions like climate control, lane departure, and hill descent control are all easily accessible with the push of a button.

Although the Sierra AT4X AEV Edition is a robust truck with substantial capability, it did not progress to the finalist phase this year. Still, GMC’s half-ton offering impressed us with its versatility and overall refinement. For a more balanced pickup across all surfaces, options may exist elsewhere; however, for trail-centric performance, the 2024 GMC Sierra AT4X AEV excels.