Get Hotcars Premium. Start your free trial today
The all-new monstrous GMC Canyon AT4X is a lot more than your average mid-size pick-up truck.
When a new truck is unveiled, it gets us more excited than a supercar unveil, simply because that's how trucks are looked upon in the United States. GMC recently took the wraps off its first-ever GMC Canyon AT4X for 2023. As the looks suggest, GMC is raising the bar with its new truck, making it more capable than the rest of the range, more powerful and talented on the off-road trails - all without compromising on refinement.
For those of us familiar with GMC's trucks, these adventure-focused machines are built keeping in mind one thing: to take on the unforeseen. With the new Canyon AT4X, GMC intends on rewriting the rules of mid-size trucks and their ability to tackle the rough.
Sporting a bold new look, an all-new cabin, and a host of segment-first off-roading hardware and innovative technology, the AT4X is GMC's most capable Canyon model so far. The Canyon AT4X is locked and loaded with a 2.7-liter turbo high-output engine, producing 310hp and 430 lb-ft of torque. It can manage a towing capacity of 5,500 pounds. The engineers have optimized the powerful engine for hardcore off-road trails, which betters the outgoing 3.6-liter V6 engine.
Related: Why The 2023 GMC Sierra 1500 AT4X AEV Is An Off-Road Beast
For the first time on a Canyon, GMC has equipped it with Multimatic DSSV dampers powering the AT4X, featuring dynamic spool valves for enhanced off-road applications. The three separate spool valves control damping and three connected chambers for the flow of fluid.
Each Canyon AT4X incorporates a special valve specific to off-road applications. The moment the truck veers off the road, it gets activated, further providing better dampening during extended wheel travel and high-impact compression circumstances.
Protecting a truck's underbody is crucial when you're off the road, so the Canyon AT4X features a big front heavy-duty skid plating, a massive transfer case shield, and rocker protectors. The standard kit on the 2023 Canyon includes an off-road chassis package comprising a factory-installed lift and wider track, which gives the pick-up truck a better ground clearance and 33.3-degree approach angle.
One look at the GMC, and you're sold! Its tall, upright stance will intimidate anything it dwarfs. It's like a monster truck that's been made legal for our roads - its huge grille fits well with the rest of the front end; the headlights look sleek with the DRL outlines, and the bull bar and skid plate up-front will have you believe it can push gigantic boulders out of the way.
The 17-inch bead lock-capable wheels, with solid off-road tires, further add to the girth of this truck, and no one's complaining. The side profile includes flared front and rear fenders, giving the truck the muscle it needs, to appeal to a buyer. The rear cab, despite being simple, looks tough - like it can take a hit, and not be shaken by it one bit. It also has 'GMC Canyon' lettering in bold at the back.
Related: GMC Has Raised The Stakes For Luxury Family SUV With The 2023 Yukon Denali Ultimate
Initial pictures reveal that the interior is top-notch and built-to-last. There is no compromise on comfort, and there's technology wherever you look. The front seats are wrapped in premium leather with red stitching and sporty white-and-red accents all over the cabin.
There are multiple class-leading innovations on the inside which add to the Canyon's AT4X's off-roading prowess. Compared to some of its rivals, the 10 camera views you get is much better, and it includes surround vision and front/rear underbody cameras.
The cameras have been developed to offer a better experience; the front and rear underbody cameras have a washing function integrated, and are waterproof as well. The cameras can be viewed with HD Surround Vision, around and beneath the truck when tackling rocks and gravel.
Features include a 6.3-inch diagonal head-up display, an 11.3-inch diagonal infotainment center touchscreen that comes with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Google built-in compatibility, plus an 11-inch diagonal fully-digital multicolor driver instrument cluster.
All of this gives the interior a modern, up-market feel. On top of that, the Canyon AT4X gets a new Off-Road Performance Display that reflects real-time off-roading performance data on the center infotainment screen and instrument cluster. Three tabs show up on the display: Terrain, Overlanding, and Baja modes.
The GMC Canyon AT4X is probably one of the toughest-looking on the market, and this comes as no surprise considering GMC makes other trucks and the Hummer EV, which has a waiting period that's stretched. We're yet to get our hands on one, but until then, we think you should go ahead and order your truck before you end up waiting for years to have one.
Rehan got published for the first time at the age of 17, having written a feature on a Triumph Herald in print. He uses his writing as a tool to express his fondness for all things automotive even today, aged 28. Collecting scale models is a hobby close to his heart, and he wishes to sprinkle pixie dust on them only to see them grow into full-sized cars. He now represents HotCars.com.