The redesigned 2023 GMC Canyon boasts lots of fresh attributes, plus a bolder stance and a slew of more aggressive styling elements. The Elevation, AT4, and Denali trims will have a standard factory lift allowing for 9.6 inches of ground clearance, while the AT4X will have 10.7 inches. Not only that, but the ’23 Canyon will return with a widened track and improved approach, departure, and breakover angles owing to the removal of the last gen model’s front air dam and the re-orientation of the front axle. The ’23 Canyon’s front fascia will feature full LED lighting and relocated fog lights and daytime running lights and will finally be eligible for a sunroof. All models will get an off-road optimized 2.7-liter turbocharged engine making 310 hp and a GM-estimated best-in-class 430 lb.-ft. of torque. The Elevation, AT4, and Denali with the available locking rear differential and Trailering Package will be able to tow up to a best-in-class 7,700 pounds.
The new Canyon’s cabin will show off an array of sophisticated amenities (like an off-road performance display with real-time metrics) and an improved design that’s distinct for each trim. For example, the Denali will feature laser-etched wood décor and leather, while the AT4X will get an exclusive Obsidian Rush interior with Ceramic White accents. This trail-conquering pickup will present a number of segment-first features, such as an 8-inch fully digital driver information center (11 in. in the Denali and AT4X) and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Some of the available segment firsts will be waterproof front and rear underbody cameras, a 6.3-in. head-up display, and an infotainment system with Google Built-In and a class-leading 11.3-in. touchscreen. The ’23 Canyon will also welcome a series of drive modes: Baja (which is exclusive to the AT4X), Terrain, Off-Road, Normal, and Tow/Haul.
The ’23 Canyon will host plenty of safety and driver-assistance technologies. The standard Pro Safety Package will contain automatic emergency braking, front pedestrian braking with bicyclist detection, IntelliBeam automatic high beams, a following distance indicator, lane keep assist with lane departure warning, and forward collision alert. The optional Safety Plus Package will install rear cross-traffic braking and blind-zone steering assist, while the Technology Package bundles rear pedestrian alert, adaptive cruise control, and a surround-view camera system. In the Denali and AT4X, a safety alert seat will be issued.
The major buzz surrounding the ’23 Canyon has a lot to do with the inclusion of the AT4X trim level. It has been engineered for an off-road experience like no other thanks to its 33-inch MT tires, Multimatic DSSV dampers, front and rear e-lockers (which let drivers engage the front and rear axles to lock both wheels at the same speed), underbody skid plates, and exclusive Baja drive mode that’s tailored for high-speed off-roading. The AT4X will also have a wider stance than the other Canyon trims and come with a factory lift that – as mentioned above – enables 10.7 inches of ground clearance, which will team with its 36.9-degree approach angle, 24.5-degree breakover angle, and 25-degree departure angle to give it some truly trailworthy chops.
Inside the AT4X there will be a customizable 11.3-inch diagonal touchscreen, an 11-inch fully digital instrument cluster, a GMC-exclusive head-up display, and seven-speaker Bose audio system. The available Edition 1 Package will add front- and rear underbody cameras that have a convenient wash function, plus an off-road front bumper with a safari bar, a 30-inch off-road grille with an integrated light bar, a COMEUP winch, 17-inch beadlock-capable wheels, a reconfigurable bed rail system, a heavy-duty performance front skid plate, and a special Edition 1 tailgate badge. Like the other trims, the AT4X will get the high-performance 2.7-liter turbocharged engine. Reservations for the AT4X with the Edition 1 Package are currently open but are expected to fill up quickly. If you’re interested, now is the time to secure a spot on the list.