GMC released a new generation of its mid-sized prince as a 2023 model. This latest version of the GMC Canyon wears a restyled body design and interior and introduces the off-road-focused AT4 and AT4X trim levels to the lineup. Compared to its predecessor, the styling on this midsize pickup truck looks like it has a chip on its shoulder and a luxury-taxed interior fitted with the latest contemporary touchscreens. The model shown came equipped with the AT4 package, accessorizing the GMC’s chrome bling with all-terrain chic, like custom engraving on a hunting knife. 

The current midsize truck segment is a small but cutthroat group. Industry veterans like the Toyota Tacoma, Nissan Frontier, and Ford Ranger are locked in a perpetual stand-off, casting a shadow for the Honda Ridgeline to live in. The Canyon stands out by being the only midsize truck brandishing a luxury name on its grille. As a result, this truck must prove that it can work, play, and live up to the premium associated with the GMC brand.

New for 2024

For 2024, the GMC Canyon stayed relatively unchanged from 2023. New additions include the AEV Edition to the AT4X trim level. The AEV Edition adds exclusive 17-inch AEV wheels surrounded by 35-inch Goodyear Wrangler MT tires. Other all-terrain goodies include heavy-duty skid plates, AEV steel bumpers, and a 1.5-inch higher lift kit. The added lift brings the 2024 GMC Canyon AT4X AEV Edition to a total ground clearance of 12.2 inches.  

Rugged Luxury with the AT4 Package

Combining a luxury feel with off-road capability is unlike adding pineapple to a pizza. The combination has been proven to work without stirring up debate, but the performing results vary. Sometimes, one can negatively affect the other. The AT4 package’s rugged tires and off-road-tuned suspension influence the truck’s ride quality in the GMC Canyon. This truck is a rough rider — a high-quality leather saddle on a bucking horse. 

Off-road, the Canyon feels as sturdy as a mountain goat, with a solid weight that you can only experience in a body-on-frame construction vehicle.

Off-road, the Canyon feels as sturdy as a mountain goat, with a solid weight that you can only experience in a body-on-frame construction vehicle. The problem is that this rugged character trait continues even after the off-road trail ends. Your spine is punished by shockwaves of vibrations whenever the truck drives over the slightest imperfection, whether a patched-up pothole or a school zone speed bump. It’s enough to make you feel like a martini ordered by James Bond. 

Difference Between the AT4 and AT4X 

Within the Canyon’s trim level hierarchy, the AT4 and AT4X make up the mid-range tiers before stepping up to the luxury-spec Denali. The AT4 entry adds a factory 2-inch lift, allowing for 9.6 inches of ground clearance. This increases to a 3-inch lift and 10.7 inches of ground clearance on the AT4X. It also has an Autotrac 2-speed transfer case operated by push-button controls and selectable 4WD. 

Standard AT4 features include fog lights, red tow hooks, a MultiPro tailgate, and 20-inch Dark Grey Gloss machined aluminum wheels for an extra $800. Available off-road gear includes skid plates and waterproof front and rear undercarriage cameras to aid you further when taking the high road. Towing capacity for the Canyon Elevation, AT4, and Denali trim levels is 7,700 pounds and 6,000 pounds for the AT4X. 

GMC made sure to throw some interior love at the AT4, giving it a unique Jet Black leather interior with timber accents decorated with signature badging and embroidering to emphasize the cabin’s welcoming interior.

The higher spec AT4X offers exclusive goodies like rear electronic locking differentials, an additional “Baja” drive mode for high-speed off-roading, and an eye-catching tri-color Obsidian Rush interior. GMC made sure to throw some interior love at the AT4, giving it a unique Jet Black leather interior with timber accents decorated with signature badging and embroidering to emphasize the cabin’s welcoming interior. It also boasts a heated steering wheel, a Bose audio system, and a wireless charger. 

Higher Grade Interior Amenities 

GMC redesigned the dashboard to house an 8-inch center display screen, which is expanded to 11- inches in the AT4X and Denali models. Climate controls are managed traditionally, using switches and dials, but you can see that GM plans to transition all interior controls to a touchscreen soon. 

The engine, a high-output 2.7-liter turbocharged inline-four cylinder, is the same throughout the lineup. It may read small on paper, but this compact engine packs a potent punch, producing 310 horsepower and 430 pound-feet of torque. 

If you’re bold enough to search on the touchscreen for the option to turn off the traction control. You’ll experience why GMC calls this compact engine “high output.” It’ll spin the rear wheels like your grandpa’s old square body GMC Sierra from the 1980s. This means you can put the power down in a cloud of tire smoke or make some Baja happy rooster tails. 

GMC Canyon is One of the Best-Looking Pickup Trucks on the Market 

An eight-speed automatic transmission distributes the power to the wheels. Unfortunately, the engine’s power doesn’t translate to efficiency. I averaged 16 mpg over 550 miles of city, off-road, and highway driving. 

Its saving grace is being a good performer when your right foot gets heavy. The GMC Canyon AT4 is also handsome with a civilized prerunner aesthetic, X-shaped grille, and aggressively flared wheel arches. The higher-grade amenities and bespoke leather interior are a cut above its Chevrolet Colorado cousin and other midsize trucks. 

Plus, this new truck has the power and off switch to have good old-fashioned fun if the occasion calls for it. As modern vehicles become more restricted by nanny-driver-aids, I’m always grateful when OEMs allow drivers to turn them off, even if I have to look for them through menu screens like a CSI detective. 

The only criticism preventing it from being a class-leading contender is its less-than-ideal fuel economy and bouncy ride quality. Nevertheless, the GMC Canyon AT4 proves itself in style, capability, and strength within the confines of luxury at a competitive price. 

Engine: 2.7-liter Turbocharged inline 4
Transmission: 8-speed automatic
Max Power: 310 hp
Max Torque: 430 lb.-ft