GMC just revealed the 2023 Sierra 1500 AT4X AEV Edition — an extreme off-road version of its venerable pickup designed to cross deserts and mountain ranges alongside the Ram TRX and Ford Raptor. It flaunts skid plates, off-road tires and all the luxury trimmings, but biggest influence may be on fortified crossovers sporting big wheels and facelifts.
“It started about ten years ago, but more with the Ford Raptor pickup,” said Ivan Drury, senior manager of insights at Edmunds. “Then it proliferated down to SUVs. Subaru was already in that realm, but other automakers realized nobody wants the image of a soccer mom SUV, so they have packages that make them look more capable than they really are.”
A good example is the GMC Terrain AT4 — a compact crossover with cosmetic upgrades like a black chrome grille and roof rack that hint at enhanced capability. Drivers get hill descent control to creep down steep inclines, grippier tires for muddy trails, and Traction Select System to configure the powertrain for all conditions, though it needs increased ground clearance to challenge significant trails. It’s some show, some go.
