GMC introduces the Canyon AT4X as a performance focused off-road truck for the mid-sized market

When GMC first introduced its AT4 branding in its Sierra pickup a few years back, the goal was to highlight the truck’s capabilities as an all-terrain adventure vehicle. Later, the auto-maker expanded that concept with its AT4X badge, adding even more advanced off-road performance. The end result was a pickup that features a plush interior with elevated amenities that delivers an outstanding ride on and off the pavement.

With the unveiling of the new 2023 Canyon pickup, GMC is bringing those same sensibilities to the midsize market. The latest edition of the truck gets a slew of upgrades straight from the factory designed to enhance its performance both as an everyday driver and an off-road workhorse. Those improvements include more ground clearance, better approach and departure angles, and a wider wheelbase. The cockpit gets a facelift, too, with upscale materials throughout and improved technology that includes an 11.3″ center touchscreen and a fully-digital gauge cluster.

Perhaps most exciting is the Canyon’s new 2.7L turbo high-output engine. Paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission, this powertrain produces 310 horsepower, matching the Nissan Frontier for best-in-class performance. But the motor—which uses technology typically reserved for diesel engines—also offers 430 lb.-ft. of torque and can tow up to 7,700 lbs., both class-leading numbers.

Recently, we had the chance to spend some time in the all-new and first-ever 2023 Canyon AT4X model ahead of its release later this fall. Our test drive included city, highway, and off-road driving, giving us a good sense of how the midsize pickup handles a variety of conditions. As you would expect, the truck’s performance on paved roads was smooth, precise, and very comfortable. On the street, the Canyon’s cab proved to be a tranquil space, offering respite from the hectic traffic around us.

But it was when we took the Canyon AT4X off-road that we really got the chance to see how it performed. We drove the truck on gravel, dirt, rocks, and deep mud, while crossing streams and narrowly avoiding perilously deep ruts. Our route crawled up and down steep terrain and along very narrow trails that required precise control and deft handling.

At every step of the journey, GMC’s new truck accounted for itself nicely. The Canyon AT4X’s 33″ off-road tires provided excellent traction on a variety of terrains, and its upgraded Multimatic DSSV shocks weathered some serious bumps and drops along the way. The new 2.7L turbo engine also offered excellent on-demand power, helping the vehicle to overcome steep obstacles and tire-grabbing sludge along the trail.

To be fair, the AT4X model comes with several off-road-focused upgrades that make it more capable than the standard model Canyon and the AT4 edition. For instance, the AT4X trim gets an extra 1″ lift and front and rear selectable e-lockers. It also has reinforced underbody protection, along with enhanced off-road tires and the Multimatic shocks mentioned above. Still, GMC says the base model will be a highly-capable off-roader in its own right, and by upgrading to the AT4, customers will get advanced hill descent controls, an Autotrac two-speed transfer case, and a rear locking differential.

The AT4X also comes with five drive modes, including a trim-specific Baja mode which is designed for better speed and control on loose surfaces like sand or silt. We used this option sparingly on our test drive, preferring Terrain mode instead. This setting adjusts the Canyon’s performance for challenging off-road conditions, effectively turning it into a single-pedal drive model. Terrain mode provides plenty of power when needed, along with precise, confidence-boosting control on steep descents.

As with most modern vehicles, the 2023 Canyon is equipped with a multitude of high-resolution cameras, including front and rear views and an overhead angle that makes parking the truck a breeze. Depending on the options package, drivers can actually access up to ten unique views from the cockpit, including front and rear underbody shots. Those two cameras, along with the front-facing view, are incredibly helpful when navigating a tricky off-road trail. GMC has even integrated a high-pressure jet that sprays washer fluid onto the camera lens to help keep them clean. This was a feature we utilized on several occasions throughout our muddy drive.

As first impressions go, the 2023 Canyon AT4X certainly makes a memorable one. While looks are always subjective, the truck has a distinct, eye-catching design that should help it stand out more on the road. Its rugged exterior is bold and attractive, conveying a family resemblance to the GMC’s Sierra line while still carving out a personality all its own.

The truck demonstrated its off-road chops while offering a refined driving experience under various conditions. The vehicle’s cab is comfortable, plush, and well thought out, with most of the controls within easy reach. All of this comes together to deliver a midsize pickup that feels like it will make an excellent daily driver that will have no problems pulling double-duty on date nights.

But underneath its luxurious exterior hides an off-roading, overlanding beast just tearing to be set free. Whether that’s exploring a remote and rugged trail, off-roading in the desert, or towing an RV to a campsite, the new Canyon is built to take its owners on outdoor adventures. How many buyers actually tap into those capabilities remains to be seen, but it is good to know that the truck is more than up to the challenge when called upon.

GMC expects more than half of new Canyon buyers to opt for the AT4 or AT4X models, demonstrating growing interest in the brand’s off-road capabilities. The next-generation version of the truck will also come in the base model Elevation trim and a top-of-the-line Denali edition. Pricing starts at $36,900, with the first models now available at your local dealer.

For more information, visit the GMC website HERE.

OutdoorX4 Magazine – Promoting responsible vehicle-based adventure travel and outdoors adventure