The 2023 GMC Canyon will sit higher from the ground and have larger attack/departure angles, resulting in a significantly improved off-road experience.
Two weeks after the launch of the Chevy Colorado, its fellow truck manufacturer under the GMC banner is out with its variant, the Canyon. Notably, GMC is known for providing premium trucks, whereas Chevrolet tends to cater to the needs of average truck buyers.
The 2023 GMC Canyon storms in not only with the plush Denali trim but also an off-road-focused AT4X trim, similar to Colorado’s ZR2 model. As a result, GMC calls it ‘the official vehicle of nowhere.’ GMC Global Vice President Duncan also heavily praised the 2023 Canyon, saying, “GMC is flexing the might of our off-road muscle.”
The 2023 Canyon is wider and taller than its predecessor and available only in a four-door crew-cab configuration. Moreover, the truck loses the front air dam and has a forward-shifted front axle.
Crucially, the truck gets a completely revamped suspension with a two-inch lift (three-inch on the AT4X), dramatically improving the truck’s off-road credentials. Notably, the 2023 Canyon boasts 9.6-inches (10.7 inches on the AT4X) of ground clearance and improved approach, departure, and break-over angles at 36.9, 25, and 24.5 degrees.
Meanwhile, the AT4X rides on 17-inch wheels wrapped in 285/70R17 Goodyear Wrangler Territory MT tires for traction on some very challenging terrains. On the other hand, Elevation and AT4 trims come with 18-inch wheels, and the Denali trim has the biggest 20-inch alloys.
Other off-road goodies include Multimatic DSSV shocks (standard), electronic locking front and rear differentials, and seven cameras around and under the truck allowing a ten-angle surround view for easier navigation across treacherous terrains. In addition, drivers can access five driving modes — Terrain Mode, Off-Road Mode, Normal Mode, Tow/Haul Mode, and the AT4X exclusive Baja Mode. Moreover, metrics such as G-forces, an altimeter, and pitch and roll figures shown directly to the infotainment display further aid off-road activities.
GMC will initially offer the 2023 Canyon with the exclusive AT4X Edition 1 package; it includes 17-inch bead-lock wheels, a 9,500-pound COMEUP winch, 30-inch LED light bar, an off-road front bumper with safari bar, reconfigurable bed rails, a performance front skid plate, a special tailgate badge, and front and rear underbody cameras (part of a 10-camera system).
Coming to the powertrain, we see the Colorado-sourced 2.7-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine making 310 HP and 430 lb-ft of torque. However, like in its cheaper cousin, entry-level trims might get the low-powered engine version, producing 237 hp and 259 lb-ft of torque. The sole transmission will be an eight-speed auto, sending power to the back wheels (Elevation trim) or all four wheels (all other trims).
The towing capacity also varies depending on the trim; the AT4Xs can tow up to a 6,000 lb trailer, while the Elevation, AT4, and Denali top out at 7,700 lbs.
Inside, the Elevation and AT4 models will feature an eight-inch digital instrument cluster, while higher-end trims will pack a larger 11-inch unit. Meanwhile, the Denali and AT4X also get a heads-up display.
Thankfully, an 11.3-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto is standard across all trims. Lastly, a seven-speaker Bose sound system (standard in the AT4X and Denali) and a power sunroof complete the interior experience.
Although we don’t have complete pricing details, we expect them to surface around the start of the production scheduled in early 2023, with the AT4X joining in spring 2023. Still, the Canyon AT4X Edition 1 is available for reservations, priced at $63,350.
Gallery: 2023 GMC Canyon
