Welcome to my 2025 GMC Sierra 1500 AT4X AEV Edition review. That’s a lot of truck words that come with a lot of truck. This Sierra 1500 is massive, capable, and nearly indestructible while providing luxury comfort.
2025 GMC Sierra 1500 AT4X AEV Edition Review
With the GMC Sierra 1500, the AT4X package adds an off-road specific adaptive suspension, electronic front/rear locking differentials, a sunroof, a power sliding rear window, a head-up display, bed-view camera, adaptive cruise control, front/rear parking sensors, and a virtual rearview mirror.
The AEV Edition adds stamped steal bumpers with recovery points, five hot-stamped boron steel skid plates, 18-inch AEV Salta wheels wrapped in 33-inch Goodyear Wrangler tries, a 3-inch suspension lift, Multimatic DSSV spool-valve dampers, 16-way powered massaging seats, all-weather floor mats, and tons of badging.
All this extra gear increased the MSRP of my review model to $87,935. I was surprised that it was under $100k.
Potential 2025 GMC Sierra 1500 AT4X AEV Edition drawbacks:
- The steep price.
- The fuel economy (I was getting 13.7 mpg).
- The rock rails are narrow and slippery, making me miss traditional running boards.
- The liftover height for the bed and back seat is pretty high.
How does the 2025 GMC Sierra 1500 AT4X AEV Edition drive?
My GMC Sierra 1500 model was equipped with the turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six diesel engine with 305 hp and 495 lb-ft of torque. It’s a bit faster than expected and can accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in 6.8 seconds.
The brakes are very impressive. They easily bring this giant beast to a halt without biting or seeming too sensitive. Plus, the transmission is velvety smooth.
The handling could be a little more direct, but the Sierra is quite nimble despite being lifted and weighed down with extra equipment.
Parking in tight lots is a little intimidating but the surround-view cameras, guidance lines, and parking sensors are very helpful. I only had trouble turning around at a trailhead that was packed with other large vehicles.
Size was a bit of a worry in the woods. On slick inclines where I usually don’t need to keep up the momentum, I started to slide backward. The 2025 GMC Sierra 1500 AT4X AEV Edition weighs 8,800 lbs.
How comfortable is the 2025 GMC Sierra 1500 AT4X AEV Edition?
This truck is surprisingly comfortable with a smooth ride. I expected larger impacts to be quite rough while off-roading, but disruptions are easily dampened to prevent you from jostling around.
There is a bit of wind and road noise to deal with thanks to the larger off-roading tires and equipment, but it’s not bothersome. Plus, the engine provides an attractive low throaty growl.
The seats in the front and rear are massive and well-supported for hours of comfort. The automatic climate control system is intelligent. It turns on the heated seats and steering wheel when it’s cold out. The ventilated seats are strong for relief on hot days too.
Does the 2025 GMC Sierra 1500 have good tech?
Yes, the 2025 GMC Sierra 1500 AT4X AEV Edition has a blend of tech that’s modern and easy to use. There are physical controls for the climate control system, driving modes, and radio.
The 13.4-inch infotainment screen, head-up display, and digital gauge cluster are intuitive and fast. It’s easy to customize your settings and gauges.
I was impressed by the bed view and hitch view cameras. The off-roading cameras stay on at any speed, while rivals only provide camera views at speeds of 15 mph or below.
The safety features are very effective. Instead of providing shroud beeps, the blind spot warning system causes your seat to vibrate gently.
Does the 2025 GMC Sierra 1500 AT4X AEV Edition have a nice interior?
The 2025 GMC Sierra 1500 AT4X AEV Edition has an interior that’s comfortable, plush, and straight luxurious. It matches the Denali Ultimate with its premium feeling, although I missed the laser-etched wood paneling.
Large sections of black upholstery are broken up by white and red accent stitching. The seats have full-grain leather that feels soft yet durable. Metal brushed accents provide a rugged feeling.
The layout is well-planned, with everything you need placed within reach. The wireless charging pad holds your phone in place and you have access to about six cupholders from the driver’s seat.
There is an abundance of storage to take advantage of. The center console is extremely deep and there’s a cubby above the glove box. The rear seats fold up to provide access to storage boxes.
The truck bed is massive, with plenty of tie-down spots and a household-style outlet to power devices. However, a bumper step would be helpful. The multi-functional tailgate can be used as a step and comes with a rail to hold on to, though.
Overall, the 2025 GMC Sierra 1500 AT4X AEV Edition is a massive truck that’s easy to maneuver thanks to 14 camera views and parking sensors. It’s well-protected and capable of the worksite and off-roading. Plus, the tech is easy to use and the comfort is nearly unmatched.
