Fun vs. Practicality: Which Off-Road Titan Should You Choose?
When shopping for a top-tier off-road truck, the choice often comes down to heart versus head. In the world of the GMC Sierra 1500 AT4X, that battle is fought between the roaring 6.2L V8 AEV Edition and the efficient, torque-heavy 3.0L Duramax Diesel.
We recently compared a 2023 AEV Edition against a 2024 Standard AT4X to see which truck reigns supreme. The verdict? One is undeniably the most fun, while the other is hands-down the most practical. Here is the full breakdown.
The Contender: 2023 AT4X AEV Edition (6.2L V8)
The "Fun" Choice
The AEV Edition is the aggressive, heavy-hitter of the lineup. It’s designed for enthusiasts who want maximum off-road capability straight from the factory—and it looks the part.
Key Features:
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Engine: 6.2L V8 pushing 420 horsepower and 460 lb-ft of torque.
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Exterior Upgrades: 18-inch AEV Salta wheels, AEV stamped steel front and rear bumpers, and high-clearance rock guards.
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Underbody Protection: Full stamped skid plates for the differential and undercarriage.
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Aesthetics: Blacked-out badging, white piping on the interior, and AEV branding on the headrests and floor liners.
The Drive:
The 6.2L V8 is a performance beast. It’s thrilling to drive, especially when merging onto highways or powering through mud. However, that fun comes at a cost. It requires premium fuel, and if you are heavy on the pedal, you can expect fuel economy in the 12–16 MPG range.
Pros: Incredible power, factory armor, and stunning looks. Cons: Thirsty engine requiring premium gas; the steel rear bumper deletes the practical corner bed step.
The Contender: 2024 AT4X Standard (3.0L Duramax Diesel)
The "Practical" Choice
For 2024, the AT4X became available with the upgraded 3.0L Duramax Turbo Diesel. While it lacks the steel armor of the AEV, it makes up for it with efficiency and daily drivability.
Key Features:
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Engine: Upgraded LZ0 3.0L Duramax Diesel delivering 305 horsepower and a massive 490 lb-ft of torque.
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Efficiency: Rated for 23–28 MPG, making it significantly cheaper to run than the V8.
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Exterior: Standard 18-inch alloy wheels, painted rear bumper (with the corner step intact), and the same Multimatic DSSV shocks found on the AEV.
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Refinement: The diesel engine is surprisingly quiet and smooth, making it a favorite among truck owners.
The Drive:
While it has about 115 fewer horsepower than the V8, the diesel offers more torque (30 lb-ft more). It feels punchy around town and is fantastic for towing. Plus, using diesel exhaust fluid (DEF) every few thousand miles is a small trade-off for getting nearly double the fuel mileage of the V8.
Pros: Excellent fuel economy, high torque, quieter ride, and retains the useful bumper corner step. Cons: Less raw horsepower; lacks the underbody skid plates of the AEV package.
Interior: Luxury Meets Off-Road
Regardless of which trim you choose, the interior of the AT4X is world-class. Both trucks feature:
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Massage Seats: Once you use them on a long road trip, you can't go back.
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Tech: Heads-up display, rear camera mirror, and a massive touchscreen.
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Comfort: Heated and cooled full-grain leather seats, suede headliners, and a power sunroof (preferred by many over the panoramic roofs for long-term reliability).
The only major interior difference is the branding: the AEV gets stamped headrests and branded mats, while the standard AT4X sticks to GMC logos.
The Verdict: Which One Should You Buy?
Buy the AEV Edition if:
You want a truck that is ready to crawl rocks immediately. The steel bumpers, skid plates, and V8 power make it a "smile-per-gallon" vehicle. It looks incredible, sounds like a Corvette in sport mode, and commands presence.
Buy the 3.0L Diesel if:
You want a daily driver that can still handle the trails. You save roughly $10,000 upfront by skipping the AEV package, and you continue to save money at the pump with mid-to-high 20s MPG. It is the smart, practical buy for the long haul.
Our Take: The AEV is the "want," but the Diesel is the "need." If you want to save cash, buy the standard diesel AT4X, spend a few thousand on aftermarket wheels and tires, and enjoy the best of both worlds.
Watch the full comparison and walk-around review here: