2023 GMC Canyon

The Chevrolet Colorado recently got a major makeover, so it's quite logical that its corporate cousin, the GMC Canyon, follows suit. The old Canyon was unremarkable but competent, but the new one is in a far stronger position to pick a fight with class rivals such as the new Ford Ranger and Toyota Tacoma. The new Canyon is an upmarket truck that doesn't even offer a steel-wheel-shod base workhorse model - the starting price of the new GMC Canyon is around $7k higher than that of the Colorado.

We've always complained that the old Canyon didn't feel its price inside and although there are still a few cheap plastics in the new car, the cabin is a huge step forward and properly high-tech, with a big infotainment screen and smart finishes on the top trims. Under the skin, the bones come from the larger Sierra and this is now a seriously tough truck with a superbly off-road-capable AT4X flagship, complete with a desert-charging Baja mode. Gone are the three engine options, to be replaced by a high-output turbocharged 2.7-liter gas four-cylinder with an impressive 310 horsepower and 430 lb-ft of torque. The 2023 Canyon is not cheap, but it has the makings of a champion.

The MSRP of the GMC Canyon starts at $36,900 for the base Elevation trim with RWD. Adding AWD will cost you an additional $3,300. The other trims are all 4WD by default, starting with the AT4 at $43,900 and followed by the luxurious Denali at $51,000. Available later in the model year, the AT4X will set you back $55,500. The 2023 GMC Canyon's prices don't include any extras, dealer markups, or the destination fee of $1,495.

The underpinnings may have a lot in common with the full-size Sierra, but the drive is a revelation and the Canyon now rides and handles with deft and precision, even if it doesn't feel quite as car-like as a Ridgeline. All trims have an elevated new stance, yet roll is not excessive, pitching is well-controlled, its steering isn't overly light, and its brake pedal is nicely responsive. It looks like the Canyon's rivals will be playing catch-up, such is the all-round talent of the new model. The AT4X, in particular, is as close as local buyers can get to a Ranger Raptor for now, until we actually get a Raptor alongside the upcoming new Ranger to give the AT4X proper competition. The AT4X is extremely impressive for the way it covers ground at high speed off-road with its trick Multimatic suspension and ample clearance. Performance is excellent on all Canyons, with only the high-output 310-hp/430-lb-ft version of GM's 2.7-liter turbocharged four-pot available. It provides excellent performance and the eight-speed automatic is perfectly tuned and responsive.

If the Chevy Colorado has set the cat among the pigeons, the GMC Canyon now provides the same competence in a more upmarket package, with a truly luxurious Denali at the top of the pile. Its cheaper sibling is better value for money, but we can see where the Canyon's money went and it does offer an elevated driving experience, both in terms of ride height and luxury. It's not perfect and some people will bemoan the availability of a single body style and the loss of the diesel engine, but the excellent ride and handling and the powerful new engine should soon win them over. Until the next-generation Ranger and Tacoma arrive, there isn't a better mid-size truck right now.

While the base Elevation will be well enough equipped for many people, we prefer the AT4 because it adds a few important items, such as an eight-way power driver's seat, heated front seats, dual-zone climate control, remote start, and rear USB ports. It also doesn't hurt that it comes with the MultiStow EZ-Lift tailgate, a sliding rear window, heated side mirrors, and LED foglights as standard. The Denali offers nicer trim, leather, big wheels, a premium audio system, and a few additional driver assists, but we don't think it's worth the extra money, which takes the Canyon past $50k.