Disclosure: Vehicles (2023 GMC Canyon), travel and hotel stay were provided to me by Chevrolet. However, all opinions are my own. All opinions are 100% my own*
The 2023 GMC Canyon lineup is here and pushing the boundaries of advanced off-roading performance in the most insane way.
It’s no secret that I am a fan of backgrounders. I always leave feeling informed/excited, and this one was no different. After learning that the next-gen 2023 Canyon lineup was specifically engineered to offer customers an extremely serious off-roading experience, and that the first ever AT4X was designed for even more intensity, I was ready to put all of them to the test.
So, when I received a Camp Canyon invitation to be one of the first to test out their lineup, I was packed before I finished reading the entire email.
Yep! I was ready!
Next-Gen 2023 GMC Canyon Lineup
The GMC Canyon comes in four trim levels for 2023: Elevation, AT4, AT4X and Denali.
Each trim is powered by a 2.7-liter turbocharged inline-four (310 hp, 410 lb-ft), and comes with an eight-speed automatic transmission. Allowing each to deliver the best-in-class torque and towing capability (Peak = 7,700).
“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.”
GMC Canyon Drive – Day 1
I have always been impressed by the handling, boldness, and aggressive/adventurous style of GMC trucks. So, I wanted to ensure I tested out as many of the newly redesigned models as time permitted.
On the first day of Camp Canyon, I had the opportunity to experience three of the four models: The Elevation, ATX and Denali.
GMC mapped out a driving lap that consisted of on and off-road driving that took about 45-minutes in total.
Here are my thoughts on the three midsize trucks…
Elevation – Starting at $36,900.00
The Elevation is the lineups entry-level trim. I was short on time when I drove this one. However, I was pleasantly surprised by how well it handled itself on the winding roads. I was also impressed by the comfortable/spacious cabin and array of standard tech features, such as the off-road performance display, 11.3” diagonal center touchscreen and 18-inch wheels with All-Terrain tires.
AT4 – Starting at $43,900.00
Next, I drove the AT4. I think I stayed in this one the longest. I loved everything about this midsize pickup. It’s gorgeous, lightweight and handled exceptionally well on and off-road. It handled so easily on the winding roads, at times I felt like it was gliding. This is definitely a fantastic truck.
Denali – Starting at $51,000.00
When I jumped in, I expected the ultra-premium interior style because Denali is Denali. What I wasn’t expecting was how well the pickup would handle during the off-roading portion of the lap.
One additional thing that stood out was that once the trail ended and I was back on-road I instantly felt the vehicle transition from authentic off-road mode to premium drive mode. It was very noticeable and also very satisfying. All I could do was say “Wow!”
Definitely no Pavement Princess over here!
All-New Enhanced Key Features and Drive Modes
For 2023, GMC is offering many cool firsts for this lineup.
Check them out below…
New Enhanced Key Features
- Available underbody cameras including front- and rear-facing views underneath the vehicle
- Available head-up display
- Fully digital driver information center
- Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility
- Available Google built-in (Google automotive services)
All-New Drive Modes
The lineup comes equipped w/4 all-new drive modes that provides a robust drive experience which includes:
- Normal Mode: Balanced every day on-road driving
- Terrain Mode: Low-speed precision off-roading and rock crawling
- Off-Road Mode: General off-road dynamics
- Tow/Haul Mode: Optimized hauling heavy loads and towing
Note: There is one additional drive mode that is exclusive to the AT4X trim, called Baja Mode, which is for High-speed off-road driving.
GMC Canyon Drive – Day 2
AT4X – Starting price $55,500.00
Day two was all about the Canyon AT4X. As stated above the next-generation 2023 Canyon lineup was engineered to offer customers a next level off-road experience. Each trim comes equipped with key features that provide customers with optimized performance and rugged off-road capability. However, the brand decided to take things a step further with the first ever 2023 GMC Canyon AT4X.
The AT4X was built with an even higher factory lift, more extreme off-roading equipment and more advanced technology than the other trims, making it the most advanced Canyon ever.
Check out a few differences below:
Factory Lift:
- Elevation, AT4 and Denali trims = Standard 2-inch factory lift
- AT4X trim = Standard 3-inch factory lift
Multimatic DSSV Dampers:
- Offers control, comfort on-road, and robust performance for extended off-road adventures = Standard on AT4X only.
Additionally, the lifted, high and wide chassis offers a standard 9.6 inches of ground clearance for improved approach, departure and breakover angles on all trims, and a 10.7-inch ground clearance available on AT4X trim.
AT4X – Edition 1 Package
The Canyon AT4X is the only trim to offer the available Edition 1 package, which includes:
- Front and rear-facing underbody cameras with wash function
- Off-road front bumper with safari bar
- Front 30-inch off-road grille light bar
- Winch by COMEUP
- 17-inch beadlock capable wheels
- Reconfigurable bed rail system
- Performance front skid plate
- Unique Edition 1 tailgate badge
I absolutely loved my AT4X experience. I enjoyed driving it on-road and putting it to the test on the muddy North Carolina trails.
A few of my favorite things was how well it drove, having the ability to switch between drive modes (Baja mode being my favorite), the GMC exclusive Head-Up Display, and the front/rear-facing underbody cameras with wash function, that definitely came in handy while going through those wet and muddy trails.
Note: There is no denying that the AT4X Obsidian Rush interior with Ceramic White accent that is exclusive to this trim is gorgeous. However, just be aware of the white when off-roading. We all know that off-road is dirty and that white can be hard to clean.
This 2023 GMC Canyon AT4X is an Off-Roading BEAST
@sassyautochick This 2023 #GMC Canyon #AT4X is an off-roading BEAST 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥! #gmctrucks #offroading #gmccanyon #drivingtik #offroadtok #canyonat4x #cartok #pickup ♬ original sound – Dawn Gibson-thigpen
My 2023 GMC Canyon AT4X Off-Road Experience
2023 GMC Canyon Warranty
- Basic warranty: 36 months/36,000miles
- Corrosion perforation warranty: 72 months/100,000miles
- Maintenance warranty: 12 months/12,000miles
- Powertrain warranty: 60 months/100,000miles
- Powertrain warranty: 60 months/60,000miles
- Roadside assistance coverage: 60 months/100,000miles
- Roadside assistance coverage: 60 months/60,000miles
GMC is definitely flexing their off-roading muscle, as they should! This lineup is full of off-roading beasts! In my opinion all trims would definitely make any off-roading enthusiast/adventurer proud.
Tell us, what are your thoughts on the 2023 Canyon lineup? Inquiring minds would love to know. To learn more about these midsize trucks contact your local GMC dealership or visit their website.
Have A Happy Healthy, and Remember to Always…
Stay Sassy
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