No longer content to be the mild-mannered corporate sibling to the Chevy Colorado, a new 2023 GMC Canyon debuted with some serious off-road chops.

Often, we think of the GMC lineup with premium appeal and the Denali trim offering nearly luxury levels of driving. The new version of the Canyon shakes things up and becomes a much more aggressive truck than ever before. This midsize truck is ready to hit the streets, and it’s not satisfied sticking to the paved roads, as you’ll soon see.

The Big News; an AT4X Canyon

If the Sierra can have one, why can’t the Canyon? GMC didn’t hold back with this new truck and positions a new AT4X trim at the top of the heap. That’s right; the Denali has been topped by an off-road extremist in the lineup. Does this change the personality of GMC and what we expect from this brand? It might, but that change can only be for the better. More of these trucks are looked at to be good at one thing, and the Canyon now offers a pair of off-road-ready trims to take you out into the wilderness when you want to get lost for the day.

What are the Trims and When Does the Canyon Arrive?

The 2023 GMC Canyon arrives in four trims which are Elevation, AT4, Denali, and AT4X. We will see the lower three trims in the early part of next year, with the AT4X arriving later in the spring. A special AT4X Edition 1 will debut to be a limited-production truck that’s ideal as an opening salvo into the new build for this truck. All Canyon models will use a short-bed crew cab layout, with the other body options disappearing from view.

Only the High-Output Engine Will Do

This midsize GMC truck is the twin of the Chevy Colorado, but GMC doesn’t mess around with a lower power option. All 2023 Canyon models will use a 2.7-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder engine that produces 310 horsepower and 430 lb-ft of torque. This engine mates to a new 8-speed automatic transmission to give this truck the smooth shifting desired.

Only the Elevation model will come in RWD; all others will use standard 4WD, making it easy to see how this truck is made to be an off-road performer. The AT4 model features a limited-slip rear differential, and the AT4X will have front and rear lockers, exactly like the Sierra 1500 AT4X.

Is the Wheelbase Larger for the New Canyon?

GMC moved the front axle of the new Canyon forward 2.9 inches. This move allows the engine bay to be larger, which accommodates the new turbocharger for this truck. This change also increases the wheelbase by 3.1 inches, giving this truck a longer stance and more planted feeling on the road. This change also helps increase the approach angle when off-roading in the new Canyon, which is the start of every ride up a hill.

Are All Canyons Built to be Off-Road Trucks?

You might think that every version of this midsize GMC truck is made to head out on the trails because, for the most part, they are. Every model will have Normal, Tow/Haul, Off-Road, and Terrain drive modes. Even if you order the RWD Elevation model, you’ll have these modes. This means you can leave the paved roads behind and go on an adventure. Of course, the limitations of that adventure have to do with the equipment in your truck, not these driving modes. You’ll want a 4WD version of the truck for some serious trail riding fun.

The AT4X Takes Driving Modes Farther

The Terrain mode gives all GMC Canyon models the capability to drive with only the gas pedal while crawling on rocks. This is a trick learned from the larger GMC Serra 1500. The AT4X does take things a bit farther with a fifth mode called Baja. This new mode is made for high-speed off-road driving. This mode could be the right feature to allow the Canyon AT4X to challenge the Ford Ranger Raptor and put up a good fight. We aren’t sure if the GMC will be the Ford in that challenge, but it will be fun to see.

Is this New Midsize GMC Truck a Capable Hauler?

The new Canyon offers us some serious qualities that we’re swooning over, but can it work like a truck should? The RWD Elevation model has the highest payload rating at 1,640 pounds. When you get to the AT4X trim, that number drops to 1,250 pounds. Every version of this GMC truck can tow up to 7,700 pounds except the AT4X, which can pull 6,000 pounds. Overall, these numbers make this third-generation Canyon an extremely capable truck in its class, offering you the desired power.

The Off-Road Angles are Much Better Than Before

Moving the front axle forward increases the approach angle but reduces the breakover angle of this truck. GMC found a solution to ensure the new Canyon would be an off-road champion. Every model receives a two-inch lift from the factory. This lift kit is shared with the Colorado Trail Boss, and it’s more than enough to give you the angles desired. The hardcore AT4X version enjoys one additional inch to give it a three-inch lift when compared to the 2022 models of this truck.

Not only are the off-road angles better, but the wheel travel for the lower three trims is also 15% better than before and 30% better for the AT4X. The width of this new GMC Canyon has increased by 10 inches. That’s an amazing difference and more than enough to give this truck a wide stance that’s impossible to beat. The new AT4X has three skid plates to keep everything safe under the truck.

How Much Does this Off-Road GMC Truck Cost?

The base price for the Elevation trim starts at around $40,000, which is about $10,000 more than the current Canyon. The specialized AT4X Edition 1 will cost $63,350 when it arrives, but you can bet it will sell out quickly.

We could go on for days about what this new midsize GMC Canyon has for its third generation. Suffice it to say; this truck is ready to tackle the trails, take no prisoners, and get noticed in a big way. It seems the Canyon is tired of living in the shadow of the Colorado, and it’s no longer the mild-mannered corporate sibling it once was, and we love that about it.