2022 GMC Canyon AT4 Review
Together with those of its Chevrolet Colorado twin, sales of the GMC Canyon are growing in an expanding Canadian mid-size pickup market. From the 2021 model year, a new, off-road-ready AT4 trim option was added to the Canyon range.
Key Features:
- Useful off-road upgrades
- Good to drive around town
- Diesel engine option
Direct Competitors:
- Ford Ranger
- Jeep Gladiator
- Nissan Frontier
- Toyota Tacoma
This 4WD pickup comes prepared for life off-road with 31in Goodyear Wrangler Duratrac A/T tires on 17in wheels, off-road-tuned suspension, a transfer case skid plate, a hill descent control system and an Eaton G80 automatic locking rear differential.
Photo: GMC
We tested a 2021 model, but the truck is mechanically unchanged for the 2022 model year.
2022 vs. 2023 Canyon
However, if you feel the 2022 Canyon is a bit dated, especially compared to the other mid-size pickups hitting the market, GMC completely redesigned it for 2023 with a new 2.7L engine across the lineup, while adding the first-ever AT4X model to the mix.
We got up close with the new model, learn more here – First Look: 2023 GMC Canyon Gains a Full Redesign. But read on to learn about the 2022 AT4 model.
How much does the 2022 GMC Canyon AT4 cost?
- Elevation Standard: $31,828
- Elevation: $36,528
- AT4: $42,248
- Denali: $49,448
The Canyon Crew Cab lineup starts at $31,828 MSRP for the 2WD Elevation Standard with a 2.5-litre, 200-HP four-cylinder engine. Most Canyons come with 3.6-litre V6s and 4WD, but a 2.8-litre Duramax diesel is also available.
The AT4 (from $42,248) and range-topping Denali ($49,448) are 4WD-only. Denali fans should note that for 2022, the truck is available with a Black Edition package that includes low-gloss black wheels and exterior trim.
We tested a short-box Crew Cab AT4 with leather trim and the 3.6-litre gasoline V6, MSRP $44,448. Two cost-options fitted were a spray-on bed liner ($550) and trailering package ($295).
A separate package, not fitted, adds extra skid plates to protect the mechanical components for $590. The price increase from short box to long is $600.
GMC Canyon AT4 interior & equipment
Photo: GMC
Outside, the AT4 is distinguished from other Canyons by dark chrome finishes, a new, larger grille design and red recovery hooks. On the inside, it boasts ‘Kalahari’ stitching on the black leather trim (cloth is a lower-priced option) and ‘AT4’ headrest embroidery. The focus here is on function not form: with off-road use in mind, the cabin is plainer than the Denali’s more upscale interior.
The Canyon has been on sale in Canada since 2014 – and versions had appeared in international markets before that – which means that some aspects of the interior design and equipment feel a little dated against a newer rival like the Nissan Frontier (hence, the 2023 Canyon redesign).
If you are considering buying the Frontier, check out our Nissan Frontier vs Ford Ranger head-to-head comparison.
Photo: GMC
Wireless smartphone charging is more widely fitted in 2022 models and the level of tech content can be further raised with optional navigation or a Bose audio system. Another available package adds more driver assistance technology.
We’d have liked a little more rear legroom but had no problem with the available front-seat space or driving position.
Performance & driving impressions
We only drove the Canyon on the road but with a two-speed transfer case, auto locking rear differential, off-road-tuned suspension and 275 lb-ft. of torque from the 308-HP V6, we’re sure the AT4 does fine on the trails, too. Yet more torque is available from the 2.8-litre diesel, which offers 369 lb-ft.
Photo: GMC
The V6 AT4 can tow up to 7,600 lb (3,447kg), the diesel slightly more. The optional trailering package fitted to our test truck provides a 2in receiver hitch and four-pin and seven-pin connectors for trailer lights and brakes.
Around town, this mid-size truck is much more manageable than the current breed of full-size trucks. It’s happy in the cruise, too, even on all-terrain tires, and the soft suspension provides a comfortable ride. In cold conditions, we recorded fuel consumption of 14.3L/100km in city driving, only a little worse than the official figure.
Photo: GMC
Verdict: is the 2022 GMC Canyon AT4 worth it?
Unlike some vehicles targeted at off-road use, the Canyon AT4 still performs well in everyday use in the city and on the highway. It fights its corner in an increasingly competitive segment against the Tacoma TRD Off-Road and Ranger with Tremor package for example, but the Canyon as a whole is starting to feel its age as rivals like the Frontier are renewed. That’s where the next-generation 2023 GMC Canyon comes in.
Before you buy a used truck, here are our 10 things to keep in mind.
