2023 GMC Canyon Revealed With Turbo Engine And Hardcore AT4X Off-Roader

• Powered by a 310-horsepower, 430-lb-ft turbocharged four-cylinder
• New Canyon AT4X trim promises epic off-roading
• First-in-class technologies include a head-up display and underbody cameras

Just weeks after the new Chevrolet Colorado was revealed, its corporate cousin, the 2023 GMC Canyon, has also been introduced to the world. For the first time ever, the GMC introduces a rough new AT4X off-roader to the Canyon nameplate, which leads the brand to call this 'the official vehicle of nowhere.'

"GMC is flexing the might of our off-road muscle," said GMC Global Vice President Duncan Aldred. "Canyon benefits from key learnings gained from our AT4 strategy to bring customers the most advanced off-road midsize truck."

So what does the midsize truck bring to the table for 2023 in a segment that contains hot sellers like the Ford Ranger and Toyota Tacoma?

To start with, the Canyon is now powered by a 2.7-liter turbocharged four-cylinder - yes, the same one from the Cadillac CT4-V. But unlike the Chevy Colorado, which is available in several states of tune, the Canyon is had in only one. In this guise, it produces 310 horsepower and 430 lb-ft of torque.

Power is dealt to either 2WD or 4WD systems via an eight-speed automatic gearbox to an open differential on Elevation models, a limited-slip diff on AT4 and Denali derivatives, and a power-locking front and rear differential setup on the hardcore AT4X.

The new turbocharged engine provides the Canyon with enough grunt to tow up to 7,700 lbs in Elevation, AT4, and Denali trims, with the AT4X dropping to 6,000 lbs. Maximum payload capacity varies by trim but tops out at 1,640 lbs.

Visually, the Canyon has been redesigned, now taller and wider than the truck that came before. A new focus on off-road ability has seen the front air dam removed from the bumper to improve approach angles on all trims, while the truck has seen the number of configurations trimmed to an effective short bed, crew cab configuration across all derivatives, and introduces a water-tight tailgate storage system for enhanced practicality.

Up front, full LED lighting makes a bold impression, while elsewhere on the truck, a power sunroof has been made available for the first time on a Canyon.

The AT4X is the headliner of the launch, and with good reason. From the factory, this top-spec truck is lifted and equipped with a ton of tech to make off-roading easy. Compared to the old model, the factory lift of three inches (versus two on Elevation, AT4, and Denali models) and widened track provides 10.7 inches of ground clearance, while approach, departure, and break-over angles measure 36.9, 25, and 24.5 degrees, respectively.

Beneath the newly sculpted bodywork, Multimatic DSSV shocks give the AT4X the legs and composure to climb just about anything, while the front and rear locking differentials aid its ability to put the power down. 33-inch multi-terrain tires measuring 285/70 R17 aid the rock-climbing antics, while Elevation and AT4 models make do with 32-inch tires on 18-inch wheels and the Denali sticks with glitzier 20-inch alloys.

As a technological tour de force, the Canyon AT4X gets a raft of new drive modes including Terrain Mode, Off-Road Mode, Normal Mode, Tow/Haul Mode, and Baja Mode - the latter an AT4X exclusive.

Available to make things even better are front- and rear-facing underbody camera with a washer function. The off-road performance display on the infotainment system gives the driver access to a slew of metrics including g-forces, an altimeter, and pitch and roll figures.

Exclusive to the AT4X, an Edition 1 Package equips it with the aforementioned cameras, an off-road front bumper with safari bar, 30-inch light bar, a COMEUP winch, 17-inch beadlock capable wheels, reconfigurable bed rails, a performance front skid plate, and a special tailgate badge. Expect several of these accessories to be made available as standalone options.

The cabin of the Canyon has taken the biggest leap forward into a bold technological era. Elevation and AT4 derivatives ship with an eight-inch digital instrument cluster while the Denali and AT4X get 11 inches. A class-exclusive head-up display is just one of the high-end touches.

Each trim receives unique design touches. The AT4X gets Ceramic White and Obsidian Rush touches, for example, while the Denali features laser etched wood and leather.

Infotainment is taken care of by an 11.3-inch touchscreen with Google Built-In and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto - both of which, say GMC, are segment firsts. The AT4X and Denali (optionally on AT4) receive a seven-speaker Bose sound system.

The infotainment itself provides access to the Canyon's suite of 10 camera views as just one aspect of an abundance of safety features. Other safety tech includes the Canyon Pro Safety Package comprising automatic emergency braking, pedestrian and cyclist detection, automatic high beams, a following distance indicator, lane keep assist, lane departure warning, and forward collision alert. Options include rear cross-traffic braking and blind-zone steering assist, rear pedestrian alert, adaptive cruise control, and an HD surround-view camera.

Production of the all-new GMC Canyon is set for early 2023 with the AT4X in the spring. Final pricing for all trims has not yet been confirmed, but the base Elevation trim is estimated at an MSRP of around $40,000. The Canyon AT4X Edition 1 is limited but available for reservations as of now, with a price tag of $63,350.