2023 GMC Canyon

Overview

After nearly a decade, the GMC Canyon and its twin, the Chevrolet Colorado get new bones for 2023. The Canyon has always been nearly identical to its bow-tie bro, but only up to a point. Historically, both trucks have shared powertrains, a smooth ride, and an underwhelming interior. Besides being all-new inside and out for 2023, they both have a dedicated off-road equivalent this year. The 310-hp GMC Canyon receives a new AT4X trim similar to the Chevy ZR2, which pumps the Jimmy up with significantly more off-road capability. The AT4X becomes a serious challenger to the most off-road oriented versions of rivals such as the Toyota Tacoma, the Jeep Gladiator, and the Ford Ranger. The AT4X uses the ZR2's Multimatic spool-valve dampers, locking front and rear differentials, and upgraded suspension with available 33-inch all-terrain tires.

What's New for 2023?

The 2023 GMC Canyon is all-new this year, and its AT4X off-road trim—a new addition to the lineup—endows the Canyon with off-road chops previously reserved for the Chevy Colorado ZR2. The AT4X unlocks 10.7 inches of ground clearance thanks to a factory 3.0-inch lift and 33-inch mud-terrain tires. Every Canyon gets some form of added height, including a 2.0-inch lift for Elevation models. GMC is offering an Edition 1 package, which adds extra cameras, bumpers, light bars, a winch, and 17-inch beadlock-capable wheels. If that sounds familiar, it's because that's pretty close to the equipment list for the Colorado ZR2 with the Desert Boss off-road equipment package. The AT4X will come standard with the Chevy Silverado's 310-hp turbocharged 2.7-liter inline-four engine, which grunts out 430 pound-feet of torque. A completely revised interior is part of the Canyon's newfound quality-of-life improvements.

Pricing and Which One to Buy

Significantly pricier than the Chevy it shares most parts with, the Canyon is for those who want something different and don't mind paying for it. With that in mind, $50,000 is still a lot for a mid-size pickup (looking at you, Canyon Denali), so we'd feel better about suggesting Canyon AT4, which offers plenty of standard equipment such as four-wheel drive, an 11.3-inch infotainment system, and a 2.0-inch lift, but for much less than the Denali trim. Heated front seats that are manually adjustable are also standard on the AT4, and so is the nice-to-have remote start.

Engine, Transmission, and Performance

Every Canyon uses a 310-hp turbocharged 2.7-liter inline-four engine with 430 pound-feet of torque. That's bolted to an eight-speed automatic transmission with rear-wheel drive as standard, but a strongly-suggested four-wheel drive is optional. That's on par with the Colorado ZR2, but with an additional 39 pound-feet of torque. This gives both GM mid-size pickup siblings more power and torque than the V-6 powertrains found in the Honda Ridgeline, Jeep Gladiator, and Toyota Tacoma. Unfortunately, another formula shared with the Chevy is the discontinuation of the Duramax Diesel. The Canyon has nicely weighted steering and a firm brake pedal that matches the characteristics of its solid-feeling chassis. We called the last-generation GM mid-size pickups "the best-driving body-on-frame vehicle on sale today" in 2019, but these new trucks improve on that. We haven't tested the new Canyon yet, but we expect it to achieve 60 mph in just over 6.0 seconds.

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Towing and Payload Capacity

The new GMC Canyon has a max towing capacity of 7700 pounds for Elevation, AT4, and Denali trim levels. That rating drops to 6000 pounds for Canyon AT4X, and down to 5500 for the AT4X when optioned with the Edition 1 package.

Fuel Economy and Real-World MPG

The most fuel-efficient GMC Canyon is the rear-wheel drive Elevation model that gets an EPA-estimated 18 mpg city and 23 mpg highway. Things only get slightly more thirsty for four-wheel drive models, with an EPA-estimated 17 mpg city and 21 mpg on the highway. The EPA also estimates mud-terrain equipped Canyon pickups get an estimated 17 mpg city and 20 mpg highway. We'll update this space once the Canyon has undergone 75-mph fuel-economy route, which is part of our extensive testing regimen. For more information about the Canyon's fuel economy, visit the EPA's website.

Interior, Comfort, and Cargo

GMC has brought some much-needed technology to the inside of the Canyon. Available equipment includes underbody cameras, a head-up display, and a full redesign of the Canyon's cabin similar to how Chevy updated the new Colorado's interior. A new digital gauge cluster sits behind a new steering wheel, and the gear shifter is now closer to the passenger side of the cab, which allows room for the drive-mode selection knob. GMC has even moved those precious cupholders into a deeper cubby, closer to the driver and passenger. The AT4X trim comes standard with a head-up display and a boomtastic seven-speaker Bose audio system. Elevation and AT4 trims get an 8.0-inch digital gauge cluster, while Denali and AT4X get a larger 11.0-inch display.

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Infotainment and Connectivity

Every Canyon gets a fancy 11.3-inch infotainment touchscreen, making them all Wi-Fi hotspot capable and wireless Android Auto and Apply CarPlay compatible. Wireless phone charging is available on AT4 trim, but standard on Denali and AT4X. GM's Hitch View and Hitch Guidance system that makes finding a willing trailer tongue much easier are standard on even the lowly Elevation trim level. The 360-degree camera is standard on Denali and AT4X only, but available on the two lowest trim levels for extra cash.

Safety and Driver-Assistance Features

Overall Safety Rating (NHTSA)

View Crash Test Results

GMC's list of driver-assistance features for the Canyon is part of its standard Pro Safety package. For more information about the Canyon's crash-test results, visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) websites. Key safety features are likely to include:

• Standard forward-collision warning and automated emergency braking
• Standard lane-departure warning and lane-keeping assist
• Available adaptive cruise control

Warranty and Maintenance Coverage

General Motors provides competitive coverage in the mid-size-pickup segment with the Canyon and the Colorado. The two have the best corrosion protection and the most impressive roadside-assistance coverage. While complimentary scheduled maintenance is included, Toyota provides better coverage.

• Limited warranty covers three years or 36,000 miles
• Powertrain warranty covers five years or 60,000 miles
• Complimentary maintenance covers one visit for the first year

Specifications

Specifications

2023 GMC Canyon
Vehicle Type: front-engine, rear- or rear/4-wheel-drive, 5-passenger, 4-door pickup

PRICE
Base: 2WD Elevation, $38,395; 4WD Elevation, $41,695; AT4, $45,395; Denali, $52,495; AT4X, $56,995

ENGINE
Turbocharged and intercooled DOHC 16-valve inline-4, aluminum block and head, direct fuel injection
Displacement: 166 in³, 2727 cm³
Power: 310 hp @ 5600 rpm
Torque: 430 lb-ft @ 3000 rpm

TRANSMISSION
8-speed automatic

DIMENSIONS
Wheelbase: 131.4 in
Length: 213.2–217.9 in
Width: 72.4 in
Height: 79.8–81.7 in
Passenger Volume, F/R: 61/43 ft³
Curb Weight (C/D est): 4500–5250 lb

PERFORMANCE (C/D EST)
60 mph: 6.0–6.5 sec
1/4-Mile: 13.0–14.0 sec
Top Speed: 100 mph

EPA FUEL ECONOMY
Combined/City/Highway: 18–20/17–18/20–23 mpg

More Features and Specs