Overlanding News: All-New GMC Canyon AT4X Hits Trails 2023

Designed with off-roaders in mind, the reimagined GMC Canyon AT4X steps up performance in style.

GMC has jumped levels in their quest to expand into the overlanding and off-road markets with their 2023 vehicle releases, specifically the Canyon AT4X. We’re itching to get behind the wheel of one of these. GMC debuted an early version of the AT4X trim on the Canyon at Overland Expo West 2021, where it rocked off-road, convincing many that GMC’s time in the overlanding spotlight was coming up soon.

“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.”

Off-Road Upgrades

GMC calls the Canyon AT4X “the official vehicle of nowhere.” We like the sound of that. We like a lot of other stuff about the new Canyon, too: the top-of-the-line AT4X model comes standard with 33-inch MT tires and Multimatic DSSV shocks, and it’s also got standard front and rear e-lockers and underbody skid plates.

While we’re always going to be huge fans of our favorite top-quality OE replacement parts for vehicle upgrades, we’ve gotta admit we’re enticed by a truck that comes standard with the stuff we were going to add onto it anyway.

Another great thing about the GMC Canyon AT4X is that it comes with a factory lift, which enables 10.7 inches of ground clearance standard. That gives the truck a 36.9-degree approach angle, which isn’t too shabby for a truck this size. We’re into this factory lift kit – it gives us peace of mind that we won’t have any desire to violate the warranty on a beautiful new truck. (And we certainly won’t hesitate to take it out and get it dirty, either.)

While all of the Canyon models have available upgrades, the AT4X is the only model that can rock the special-release Edition 1 package. It features:

• 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

Like we said, tons of function already built-in. The 2023 GMC Canyon AT4X has serious potential to be somebody’s dream off-road rig – or even daily driver.

Tech-ing It Out

One of the reasons why we’re so excited to see the newest crop of 2023 truck releases is the combination we’re seeing of serious off-road performance with high-tech infusions in the cockpit.

In the 2023 Canyon, including the AT4X model, GMC has incorporated electronic upgrades customized to overlanders’ needs. Giving drivers the power to make on-the-fly choices, the 2023 Canyon’s tech upgrades give it the ability to perform where most mid-size vehicles wouldn’t. Off-roaders and overlanders alike will find this mid-size Canyon more adaptable than meets the eye.

First, let’s talk about the factory lift that comes standard on all Canyon models. The Elevation, AT4, and Denali each rock a standard 2 inch lift, while the AT4X boasts 3 inches of extra height. With these upgrades, the standard ground clearance on this truck is 9.6 inches, with up to 10.7 inches available on the Canyon AT4X. That’s pretty nice to have when off-roading a rig this size.

A lift like that improves approach, departure, and breakover angles, too, allowing drivers to push over some serious obstacles. Underbody skid plates protect the AT4X from knocks, and its 10 body cameras give drivers a full view of the terrain. GMC has really thought of everything on this Canyon: the underbody cameras are waterproof and wash the dirt off all by themselves with Canyon’s camera-washing feature.

In the cockpit, the Canyon AT4X features all the technology you could ever need. This truck has five off-road customized drive modes and a real-time off-road performance display.

On the AT4X, you’ll also find standard Multimatic SSV shocks, which evenly distribute the weight of the Canyon and keep it driveable off-road and on. Plus, GM estimates that you’ll get up to 430 lb-ft of torque out of this beast’s 2.7L turbo.

2023 GMC Canyon AT4X

The 2023 Canyon is set to begin initial production in early 2023 with AT4X in spring 2023. Reservations for the 2023 GMC Canyon AT4X Edition 1 are open now, with MSRP starting at $63,350. MSRP for other 2023 Canyon trims will likely  start around $40,000.

Click below for exclusive video coverage from GMC’s partnership with ADVENTR, which showcases some really cool vehicle features.