If you’ve ever lived in places with a variety of terrain, you’ve probably encountered your fair share of off-road types––the young group of friends trying out their Jeep on some sand dunes, the couple who like to test the mettle of their SUV on steep, gravel-covered trails, and the off-roaders who enjoy maneuvering their vehicles over logs, rocks, and brush. Whatever off-road type you are, there comes a point where you’re on the hunt for the next off-road vehicle to whisk you away on a whirlwind adventure full of rugged natural views, a couple of creeks to wade through or canyons that seem to stretch for miles.
GMC has designed the perfect new off-road buddy for you––the 2023 GMC Canyon. The pickup has been given a major makeover and is slated to be the most exciting, rough-and-tumble, and technology-packed off-road vehicle to arrive in 2023. With a redesign both inside and out, upgraded features, and new off-road trim levels, the Canyon is sure to hit the top of everyone’s list for the most desirable off-road vehicle. Curious? Let’s see what we have to look forward to, shall we?
An Incredibly Thorough Redesign
Prior to the redesign, the GMC Canyon was a powerful pickup but didn’t offer much in the way of off-road packages, additions, or updated technology outside of the basic AT4 trim. It was a great truck, regardless, but not for those who were looking for a beefy pickup that could handle sliding rock, shifting sand, or splashing through running water. GMC decided, however, that the Canyon was perfectly suited to be the ultimate off-roader with the right equipment, and so the redesign began.
For 2023, GMC has added the new AT4X trim to the line. The Canyon has a completely redone interior, from the steering wheel to the bigger storage spaces, as well as a 2.7L turbocharged engine that has been primed specifically for off-roading, technology updates (we’ll get into this a bit later), and all-terrain tires. With so many goodies, it’s difficult to imagine you’d want anything else apart from a few of the packages that can add more off-road capability.
Is this GMC’s move toward offering more capable, versatile vehicles? The brand has been known to be a step above the rest, often providing more luxe interiors, newer technology, and better machinery, all of which goes to show that GMC is serious about giving drivers the ability to drive in tough conditions while also retaining a sense of comfort and security. It’s one thing to be bounced around in a Jeep while traversing difficult terrain and very much another thing to enjoy the ride without doing damage to your spine. Ultimately, GMC’s Canyon is a cut above the rest.
GMC Canyon AT4X – The Ultimate Off-Road Partner
The newest trim level in the Canyon stable is the AT4X, created specifically to cater to those serious off-roaders who want a tough, durable truck that still feels luxurious. GMC touts it as “The Most Advanced Off-Road Midsize Truck,” but this doesn’t mean that it just has a bunch of bells and whistles added on for show. Rather, the exterior and interior have been equipped to provide you with the best off-road experiences of your life.
The exterior of the Canyon AT4X is particularly suited for rock crawling, with GMC’s best-in-class standard gas engine torque, a stance measuring 66.3 inches, a 3-inch factory lift, and 10.7 inches of ground clearance. Other trim levels have a 66.1-inch stance, a 2-inch factory lift, and 9.6 inches of ground clearance, which is alright for somewhat rough terrain, but if you’re going anywhere near canyons, boulders, sliding rocks, cliffs, or other difficult terrains, the AT4X is your best choice.
Inside the AT4X, you’ll see GMC’s off-road performance display, which can track time and performance, and you’ll also be able to select locking differentials in the front and at the rear of the pickup. You’ll have access to the 11.3-inch infotainment center touchscreen, an additional 11-inch Driver Information Center screen, and you can take a peek at any angle of your vehicle on up to ten camera views, including front and rear waterproof underbody cameras, so that you can make smart decisions when it comes to traveling over obstacles. You won’t find this setup anywhere else in the segment.
Pair the Canyon AT4X With the Edition 1 Package
The AT4X is ready to roll off the lot and into the wilderness, but if you’re looking for even more off-road capability, you’ll want to see what the Edition 1 Package has to offer. When paired with the GMC Canyon AT4X, the Edition 1 offers quite a bit to the table, not the least of which is the 17-inch beadlock-capable wheels. These wheels are used not only for off-roading activities but also incredibly popular among drag racers for their durability. What does this mean for the GMC Canyon AT4X? Even if you need to air down your tires for your off-roading activities, your tires will remain securely in place without slippage.
Another offering in the AT4X Edition 1 Package is the reconfigurable bed rails, essential for those who need to haul items that either hang over the edge or need to be tied down. This is excellent for when you need to bring along hiking and camping equipment, fishing gear, or other outdoor activity tools. You’ll also have a winch, in case you need to pull someone out of mud, snow, or water, as well as an off-road front bumper with a safari bar and a skid plate that will protect the front and underbody of your vehicle should you come across brush, logs, rocks, or other materials that might dent or scrape your truck.
Off-Road Safety Measures
While none of us like to think about the potential for accidents and minor mishaps while off-roading, it’s a good idea to at least be aware of the safety precautions GMC has taken with the Canyon, just in case there is ever a time when you’ll need them, or you want to take extra care during a more dangerous trek. The 2023 GMC Canyon comes standard with lane keep assist with lane-departure warning, as well as automatic emergency braking and forward collision alert.
When you’re going off-road and need a little extra help spotting all those potential problems, you’ll appreciate having safety features like the forward collision alert with automatic emergency braking. You’ll encounter all sorts of things while you’re driving off the pavement, including animals, vegetation, inclement weather, and rock formations. You may be driving along without a care in the world, and suddenly, a deer can pop out of nowhere. These systems will alert you to the potential obstacle and apply the brakes if you aren’t quick enough to do so, so you don’t end up hitting the deer or lessen the impact. Whether or not you use these features all the time, it’s good to have them on hand for those occasions when you’ve done all you can to be safe but want to ensure that you, your passengers, and your equipment are all going to be protected, no matter what comes your way.
What Are You Waiting For?
Have you got that itch to explore? Want to discover new places nearby? Have an idea for a road trip that involves rock crawling? You need to use the buddy system and pick a vehicle that will have your back no matter what. With its AT4X trim, Edition 1 Package, and standard off-road features, the GMC Canyon is ready to take you anywhere and everywhere. Newly built to handle more adversity in driving, whether on or off the pavement, the 2023 GMC Canyon is here and ready for your next adventure.
