First Look: 2023 GMC Canyon Gains a Full Redesign

At the preview, GMC showed off two U.S.-spec pre-production models, the range-topping Denali and the all-new AT4X off-roader. Two other models, the entry-level Elevation and mid-range AT4 were not present.

Since the AT4X is new to the Canyon lineup, we’re going to focus mostly on it, although much of the following is applicable to the entire model range.

If you’re shopping for a mid-size pickup, also read our feature – Small Trucks: All 9 Compact Models on the Market Today

To jump down to the spec sheet, click below:

• 2023 GMC Canyon Preliminary Specs

2023 GMC Canyon AT4X interior

2023 Canyon AT4X with Edition 1 package interior | Photo: GMC 

One of the big changes taking place with the 2023 Canyon, is differentiation between models. While we don’t yet know how these changes will impact the Elevation and AT4, differences between the AT4X and Denali were plainly evident, particularly in the cabin.

Canyon AT4X vs Denali interiors

For example, all AT4X models will feature the same trim-specific colour scheme (Obsidian Rush with Ceramic White accents) and AT4X badging, along with an 11.3-inch multimedia touchscreen, 11-inch digital instrument cluster, 6.3-inch Head-Up display, Bose seven-speaker audio system, and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

With the Denali, GMC is outfitting it with the same digital screens and tech features, but it’s the only Canyon (and only mid-size truck, according to GMC) that offers standard laser-etched walnut wood trim in its dash and door panels. The Denali also receives higher-grade leather than other Canyon models and has model-specific trim panels.  

2023 Canyon Denali interior | Photo: GMC 

Interior specs:

• Headroom: 40.3 inches (front); 38.3 inches (rear)
• Legroom: 45.2 inches (front); 34.7 inches (rear)
• Shoulder room: 57.4 inches (front); 56.1 inches (rear)
• Hip room: 54.7 inches (front); 53.1 inches (rear)

Powertrain: new 2.7L turbocharged engine for 2023

Arguably the biggest change for the Canyon is taking place under the hood where, like its 2023 Colorado cousin, the three engines of the current model will be replaced with one. The new engine, a 2.7-litre turbocharged four-cylinder is shared with the Canyon’s corporate cousin, the 2023 Chevy Colorado. 

Standard across the Canyon range, the 2.7 turbo produces 310 horsepower and 430 lb-ft. of torque. It will be paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission, the only gearbox available.

GMC has not released fuel consumption figures for the 2023 Canyon yet, but they should be available by the time production begins early next year. Same goes for trailering and payload data.

2023 Canyon AT4X with Edition 1 package | Photo: GMC 

2023 Canyon towing capacity and payload

Below, a summary of the payload and trailering specifications for the all-new Canyon.

Maximum payload (lbs):

• 1,640 – Elevation 2WD
• 1,590 – Elevation 4WD
• 1,550 – AT4
• 1,250 – AT4X
• 1,360 – Denali
• 1,010 – AT4X Edition 1 Package

Maximum trailering (lbs):

• 7,700 – Elevation, AT4, Denali
• 6,000 – AT4X
• 5,500 – AT4X Edition 1 Package

Styling changes to GMC’s 2023 mid-size pickup

The 2023 Canyon departs significantly from the current model on the styling front. The first thing that jumps out is the higher stance of the new truck. All ’23 Canyons will be sold with a factory lift that ranges from two inches (50.8 mm) for the Elevation, AT4 and Denali, to three inches (76.2 mm) for the AT4X. Ground clearance is 9.6 inches (243.8 mm) or 10.7 inches (271.8 mm) with the AT4X, which also offers a 36.9-degree approach angle.

2023 Canyon AT4X with Edition 1 package | Photo: GMC 

Other styling changes include removal of the front air dam for an improved approach angle, along with trimmed corners and relocated fog lights. A new front fascia features a larger, flatter grille and slimmer rectangular LED headlights, which are standard across the range. An optional sunroof will also be available, which is a first for a mid-size truck, according to GMC.

In terms of configurations, the ’23 Canyon will come standard with a crew cab-short box combination across the model range.

Other 2023 GMC Canyon key features 

Key features for the 2023 Canyon are somewhat dependent on grade. The AT4X, for example, comes with a long list of standard off-road features, including 33-inch Goodyear Wrangler all-terrain tires, Multimatic DSSV dampers, front and rear electronic locking differentials, and underbody skid plating. 

Edition 1 package

An Edition 1 package, with extremely limited availability, adds front and rear underbody cameras with wash function, off-road front bumper with Safari bar, front 30-inch off-road grille light bar, winch by COMEUP, 17-inch beadlock-capable wheels, re-configurable bed rail system, performance front skid plate and unique Edition 1 tailgate badge.

Infographic: GMC 

Infographic: GMC 

For the Denali, items such as open-pore walnut trim, high-grade leather seating and 20-inch alloy wheels are notable features. 

New drive modes

For the Canyon range overall, new drive modes – Baja (exclusive to AT4X), Terrain, Off-road, Normal and Tow/Haul – an Off-road Performance Display, which presents G-force, Altimeter, and pitch / roll data on the multimedia screen, are noteworthy, as are fender side markers and a water-tight storage compartment, with drain plugs, that’s built into the tailgate.

The 2023 Canyon also comes loaded with a lot of standard safety tech. The Canyon Pro Safety Package, standard on all models, comes with Automatic Emergency Braking, Front Pedestrian Braking with Bicyclist Detection, IntelliBeam auto high beams, Following Distance Indicator, Lane Keep Assist with Lane Departure Warning and Forward Collision Alert. Two optional safety packages will also be available. 

Release date: The 2023 GMC Canyon goes on sale next spring. Pricing will be announced closer to launch.

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2023 GMC Canyon Preliminary Specs

2023 Canyon AT4X with Edition 1 package | Photo: GMC 

• Engine: 2.7L I-4 Turbo DOHC VVT DI with Active Fuel Management and Stop/Start
• Transmission: Hydra-Matic 8L80 eight-speed automatic 
• Horsepower: 310-hp @ 5,600
• Torque: 430 lb-ft @ 3,000
• Fuel tank: 21.5 gal. / 81.4 liters 
• Front suspension: 2WD and 4WD: independent coil-over-shock; twin-tube shocks; Multimatic DSSV dampers on AT4X
• Rear suspension: Solid axle with semi-elliptic two-stage multi-leaf springs; twin-tube shocks; Multimatic DSSV dampers on AT4X
• Brake rotor size: 13.4 inches (front); 13.3 inches (rear)
• Wheels: ​​17 x 8-in. aluminum (std. AT4X); 18 x 8.5-in. aluminum (std. Elevation & AT4); 20 x 9-in. aluminum (std. Denali)
• Tires: P265/65R18 all-terrain (Elevation & AT4); LT285/70R17 MT (AT4X); P275/60R20 all-terrain (Denali)
• Wheelbase: 131.4 inches
• Ground clearance: 9.6 / 245 – Elevation, AT4; 10.7 / 271 – AT4X, AT4X Edition 1 Package; 10.5 / 267 – Denali 
• Approach angle (degrees): 33.3 – Elevation, AT4, Denali; 36.9 – AT4X; 32.8 AT4X Edition 1 Package