Midsize trucks may not get the same level of attention as the incredibly popular full-size trucks, but the class is packed with heavy-hitting, capable trucks from big-name manufacturers. General Motors currently has two players in the space: the Chevrolet Colorado and GMC Canyon. Earlier this year, Chevy announced a refresh to the Colorado for 2023. Now, it's the Canyon's turn, as GMC unveiled an all-new truck for the 2023 model year. A new AT4X off-road performance trim level joins the lineup for 2023, and all versions get refreshed styling, new tech, and more safety features.
The Canyon competes against the Chevrolet Colorado, Ford Ranger, Nissan Frontier, and Toyota Tacoma. Complicating things, two new compact pickups emerged in 2022: the Ford Maverick and Hyundai Santa Cruz. If that's not enough, the Rivian R1T is a similarly sized electric pickup truck, though its price far outstrips that of the GMC.
GMC beefs up the Canyon's exterior styling for 2023 with lines and a stance that bring it closer to the full-size Sierra 1500's profile. The front end now features the larger truck's signature C-shaped grille accents, and the AT4X Edition 1 gets a bull bar and other off-road accouterments.
The new Canyon is taller and wider than the previous model. GMC says the changes provide better off-road capabilities with steeper approach and departure angles and a better breakover angle. A more rugged, off-road-oriented approach for the Canyon brings a shift in exterior dimensions. GMC removed the front air dam, improving the truck's climbing abilities. The automaker also simplified body style choices for 2023, leaving only a short bed, crew cab option.
The AT4X trim gets underbody skid plates, along with shielding for the transfer case and rockers. It also rides on a massive 3-inch factory lift that provides 10.7 inches of ground clearance.
GMC completely refreshed the Canyon's interior, and each 2023 Canyon trim level comes with a unique interior theme. GMC says that no two trims are the same and notes that each has its own "unique identity." The top Denali trim level gets wood trim with laser etching and leather upholstery, and the rugged AT4X gets exclusive white and black interior finishes.
A large center touchscreen accompanies a digital gauge cluster, and the previous truck's easy ergonomics appear to have stuck around. A sunroof is also available for the first time.
The Canyon gets a 2.7-liter 4-cylinder engine for the 2023 model year. Like Chevy, GMC offered a V6 and a diesel option in previous model years, but both divisions trimmed powertrain offerings for 2023. As such, the 2.7-liter 4-cylinder will be GMC's only powertrain, available in varying outputs. GMC outlined the AT4X's powertrain, noting that it provides 430 pound-feet of torque. If it delivers the same horsepower output as its Chevrolet counterpart, the engine will generate 310 horses.
GMC didn't provide engine output numbers for other Canyon variants, but looking at the Chevy Colorado provides some clues. Accordingly, the base configuration will likely make 237 hp and 259 pound-feet of torque, while a mid-range "plus" variant will get 310 hp and 390 pound-feet of torque.
The Canyon AT4X comes with a 3-inch lift, giving the truck 10.7 inches of ground clearance. Other trims get 9.6 inches, giving the Canyon excellent approach, departure, and breakover angles. The AT4X also gets Multimatic DSSV shocks and front/rear electronic locking rear differentials. Four drive modes provide settings for Terrain, Off-road, Normal, and Towing. The AT4X trim gets an exclusive Baja mode, which sets the truck up for high-speed off-road driving.
Many pickup trucks lack the standard safety equipment buyers expect from family sedans and SUVs, but GMC ups the ante for 2023 with a suite of standard ADAS. GMC's Pro Safety package includes:
Three available packages offer additional safety gear, including adaptive cruise control, blind-spot warning, an HD camera system, rear cross-traffic braking, and rear pedestrian alerts.
An 11.3-inch touchscreen is available that brings wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. A standard 8-inch partially digital gauge cluster accompanies it, but an 11-inch fully digital cluster is available, along with a 6.3-inch head-up display. A Bose 7-speaker system is standard for the AT4X and Denali trims; it's optional for the AT4 trim.
The 2023 GMC Canyon competes in a crowded field, including the Chevrolet Colorado, Ford Ranger, and Toyota Tacoma. Chevrolet also recently updated the Colorado, presenting a less expensive, less upscale alternative to the Canyon. The Toyota Tacoma is aging but due for an update soon. The Ford Ranger is also scheduled for an update soon, so the GMC will soon face even stiffer competition.
GMC is the source of information in this article. It was accurate as of August 11, 2022, but it may have changed since that date. Always confirm product details and availability with the automaker's website or your local dealership.
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