2023 GMC Canyon AT4X Revealed!

General Motors has pulled the sheet off the 2023 GMC Canyon, and it is ready to hit the dirt — especially in the AT4X Edition 1 with a rather surprising $63k price tag. 

Following up on the 2023 Chevy Colorado unveil last month, the 2023 Canyon basically takes what the Colorado did well and adds a lot more luxury and a new AT4X sub-brand.

What is the 2023 GMC Canyon AT4X?

Front 3/4 view of GMC Canyon AT4X with Edition 1 package with a mountain view in the background.

Every new 2023 GMC Canyon will be wider and taller than ever before, and like the Colorado, it features a new longer wheelbase, pushing the front axle forward for better wheel articulation. The AT4X takes this to the extreme with even more off-road capability and more.

The AT4X comes standard with 33-inch mud-terrain tires, Multimatic DSSV shocks, front and rear e-lockers, underbody skid plates and the AT4X-exclusive Baja drive mode. 

These improvements help the midsize truck achieve 10.7 inches of ground clearance and an impressive 36.9-degree approach angle. Plus, it comes standard with front and rear e-lockers.

Inside, the cabin has an exclusive Obsidian Rush with Ceramic White accents, customizable 11.3-inch diagonal touchscreen infotainment system and an 11-inch diagonal fully digital instrument cluster.

Plus, you can jam out with a Bose seven-speaker audio system. And no need to take your eyes off the road with a GMC exclusive 6.3-inch head-up display.

It will also be the only trim with 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

This extremely limited-availability package can be reserved now and will start at $63,350.

Fewer cab configurations, trims

Beyond the wow factor of the 2023 GMC Canyon AT4X Edition 1, there are a lot more details to know — like the fact it only comes in one bed and cabin configuration.

That’s right, like the Colorado, the Canyon will only come with a crew-cab, short-bed configuration. 

Rear view of GMC Canyon AT4X with Edition 1 package over uneven terrain.

What it does get is a more aggressive look and stance. Also, it does come with an available sunroof, water-tight tailgate storage and skid plates. Plus, each trim will have its own interior styling identity. 

Speaking of trims, there will be only four: Elevation, Denali, AT4, AT4X. The starting price for the Elevation will be around $40k.

One engine choice, no diesel

Making this pickup even simpler to order, there is only one engine choice. While it’s the same engine you’ll see in the Colorado, it’s only tuned one way instead of three. 

The 2023 GMC Canyon’s 2.7-liter four-cylinder turbocharged engine delivers 430 pound-feet of torque. Though the press release didn’t specifically give a horsepower rating, since this is the “high-output” engine offered in the Colorado ZR2, we can assume it’ll deliver 310.

That engine is mated to the second-generation 8-speed transmission and fuel economy estimates are not available at this time.

Lifts for every trim!

Every trim gets a factory lift kit. No really.

While the AT4X comes with a 3-inch lift, the Elevation, AT4 and Denali trims all come with a 2-inch factory lift. This provides a standard 9.6-inch of ground clearance and improved approach, departure and breakover angles. 

Those other trims won’t come with the slick Mutlimatic DSSV shocks, but they will get standard 32-inch multi-terrain tires.

More tech all around

Lastly, the truck’s interior is now setup as a more of a cockpit for the driver who is surrounded by technology. 

Kicking off the list is Android Auto/Apple CarPlay wireless capability and the Google-based infotainment software.

There are also a slew of standard and available tech features:

Standard Canyon Pro Safety Package 

  • Automatic emergency braking
  • Front pedestrian braking with bicyclist detection
  • IntelliBeam auto high beams 
  • Following distance indicator 
  • Lane keep assist with lane departure warning
  • Forward collision alert

Available Canyon Safety Plus Package

  • Rear cross-traffic braking 
  • Blind-zone steering assist 

Available Technology Package

  • Rear pedestrian alert 
  • Adaptive cruise control 
  • HD 360 cameras
  • Standard Denali/AT4X
  • Safety alert seat

That’s a good assortment of tech if you click all the boxes when you order.

The bottom line on the 2023 GMC Canyon

View of GMC Canyon AT4X with Edition 1 package interior with pitch and roll screen featured.

This pickup is really no surprise as GM is basically taking the Colorado and making it more upscale, following the same trend it has been doing with the Silverado/Sierra setup. The disappointment, though, is GMC seems to be throwing in the towel on the work truck customers. The lack of an alternative powertrain (like the diesel) and the OMG price of the AT4X Edition 1 are also underwhelming.

Is the future of the midsize truck really to be focused on off-road performance? It would appear so.

Tim Esterdahl

Automotive Journalist Tim Esterdahl has been a lover of trucks and SUVs for years. He has covered the industry since 2011 and has pieces in many national magazines and newspapers. In his spare time, he is often found tinkering on his '62 C10 pickup, playing golf, going hunting and hanging out with his wife and kids in Nebraska.

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