Fans of GMC have been left waiting and inquiring since Chevrolet discontinued its trail-ready Colorado ZR2 pickup in 2017. With the 2023 GMC Canyon, we are interested to see what the GMC staff had planned. The previous Canyon generation was a strong pickup truck. But the dull look and lower sales limited it when compared to its rival, the Chevrolet Colorado. However, GMC placed a strong focus on off-roading and included many significant improvements to the new midsize truck. With the introduction of the 2023 GMC Canyon, which moves things on a bolder, still more sophisticated path with the brand-new AT4X variant, GMC hopes to change all that. Consider the Canyon AT4X to be GMC’s Colorado ZR2 replacement.
The all-new AT4X, the star of the formidable, new Canyon series, ups its off-road prowess in the same manner as the Sierra AT4X and Colorado ZR2. For its full size Sierra 1500 pickup vehicles, GMC this year added the new, upmarket AT4X option. The midsize Canyon vehicle will receive the same AT4X treatment today, along with the AT and Denali variants. One of the most powerful and cutting-edge pickups on the market is what GMC are currently building.
In The Off-Road Pickup Wars, Canyon AT4X Gets New Firepower
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A high-output variant of the 2.7-liter turbo-4 shared with the standard Sierra and the 2023 Chevrolet Colorado ZR2 propels this monster. The 310 horsepower and 430 lb-ft of torque are identical throughout all four 2023 Canyon trim levels. When compared to the Colorado, which has three turbo-4 iterations, this is where the Canyon’s powertrain differs the most. An eight-speed automatic is the sole available transmission. If we had to speculate, we’d say the new 2023 GMC Canyon will be able to reach 0-60mph in around five seconds. Higher Trims come standard with four-wheel drive, while Elevation comes standard with two-wheel drive.
To endure high compression off-road while maintaining enough rigidity for on-road comfort, the AT4X model incorporates front and rear lockers as well as Multimatic internal bypass shocks. All Canyons will come equipped with the same drive modes - Normal, Tow/Haul, Off-Road, and Terrain. The latter of these permits one-pedal driving for rock crawling, like the bigger GMC Sierra 1500 series. The AT4X will introduce a fifth mode called Baja made for off-road driving at high speeds.
Advance Off-Road Venture With Canyon AT4X
It is no surprise that the off-road niche market has strengthened into a fiercely competitive arena for vehicles of all sizes. Many automakers redoubling their efforts to produce trail-capable versions of their best-selling models. The Canyon AT4X is more than prepared to leave the asphalt. The top trims of the GMC and Chevy midsize pickups do have a few observable distinctions, though. Compared to the Colorado ZR2, the Canyon AT4x has a lower approach angle of 36.9 degrees vs. 38.3 degrees.
The trucks ground clearance, which is 10.7 inches instead of the 9.6 inches available on regular 2023 Canyon models, is possible by a three-inch suspension raise. To accomplish that increased height, a robust set of 33-inch MT All-Terrain tires and an improved suspension system with Multimatic DSSV shocks are combined. With a set of front and rear electronic differential lockers, the AT4X improves traction. The Goodyear Wrangler Territory MT tires mounted on the AT4X’s 17-inch wheels help the vehicle maintain excellent traction in less-than-ideal circumstances. From the front bumper back to the gearbox and transfer case, three skid plates will protect the AT4X.
Edition 1 Package For The 2023 Canyon AT4X And Its Other Features
Despite Edition 1, the 2023 GMC Canyon AT4X will be at the pinnacle of the hierarchy of trim levels, exceeding even the opulent 2023 GMC Canyon Denali. You can get a unique Edition 1 package if the Canyon AT4X appeals to you as a type of truck. Already a powerful machine, the AT4X gets even better with Edition 1. GMC claims that Edition 1 will only be available in minimal quantities. Two self-cleaning under body cameras, a bed rail system that is customizable, and 17-inch bead lock-capable wheels tailored to various trims are all included with the AT4X Edition 1. Not to mention the extra features GMC adds to the front, such as the Comeup winch, a substantial amount of skid plate, a 30-inch grille light bar, a distinctive bumper with a safari bar, and a unique Edition 1 tailgate badging.
Elevation and AT4 models come equipped with an 8.0-inch digital gauge cluster inside. While Denali and AT4X vehicles get an 11.0-inch cluster as an upgrade. A 6.3-inch head-up display is an addition to the more expensive Denali and AT4X variants. Up to 10 camera views are accessible on the center screen, including front and rear underbody cameras. Also, an off-road performance display that gives drivers access to real-time off-road performance statistics is also included. Wentzville, Missouri, will host the commencement of the new Canyon AT4X’s manufacturing in the spring of 2023, while the rest of the lineup will start in “early” 2023. And bookings are now being accepted for the top-tier Edition 1.