Future GMC Canyon AT4 Will Have ‘Different Capabilities’ Than Chevy Colorado ZR2
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Certain details about the AT4 sub-brand strategy are surfacing after an interview with Duncan Aldred, the marketing vice president for both Buick and GMC. It’s understood that AT4 will phase out the All Terrain badge, and also enhance the capabilities of the models it will replace. For instance, the 2019 GMC Sierra AT4 adds a two-inch lift kit to go with its locking rear differential and skid plates and Rancho monotube shock absorbers. Meanwhile, the Acadia All Terrain will be replaced by a more off-road capable Acadia AT4, when the time comes. As for the future GMC Canyon AT4, it certainly means more off-road capability than the Canyon All Terrain X it will replace, but it won’t mirror the proficiencies of the 2018 Chevrolet Colorado ZR2 pickup.
“They’re going to have different capability levels,” said Aldred. “The ZR2 is extreme capability. AT4 isn’t positioned as extreme… not intended to rival the ZR2.”
We envision the GMC Canyon AT4 to be more in line with the Chevrolet Colorado Trail Boss: a package that featured more aggressive off-road tires, G80 automatic locking rear diff, transfer case skid plate, sport bar with projector lights, and specific wheels. The Colorado Trail Boss was phased out in favor of the more extreme ZR2 version, but buyers can still option most of the exterior accessories a la carte for a Trail Boss look. We hope that the impending GMC Canyon AT4 will offer more qualifications than looks alone, even if it’s not counterpart to the ZR2.
GMC has not yet revealed the cadence of how it will roll out the planned AT4 variants through its lineup.
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It will mirror the Sierra AT4. Lift, ranchos, tires, G80 + auto transfer case, appearance.
So it’s basically a GMC equivalent of the Z71 “off road” appearance package. *Yawns while dreaming of a Raptor beating Silverado or Sierra performance model*
Exactly
Not really… AT4 on the new Sierra is a lift kit, skid plates and larger all terrain tires, like the Z71 Trailboss – which is a step up from the regular z71. I would assume it will be the same on the Canyon.
If there are changes made to be better offroad it is not an appearance package.
What appears to be going on is the All Terrain and Z71 marketing is going away. The AT4 and Trail Boss appears to be taking the place of each in various models. The Z71 suspension will remain but it will be two inches higher from the factory. They will also see similar added content similar to the full size. It will be more than just a sticker package.
The real interesting part is the move to make an Acadia more trail rated and possibly a Terrain. Could GMC be working to challenge jeep?
Either way the new AT4 and Trail Boss will be a good truck for off road people who do not want the high priced ZR2. the ZR is a great truck but many real off road guys like to build their truck to their own needs. The package should be cheaper and make a good place to add their own parts.
Smart marketing especially when the Ford Raptor if and when it is announced may be over $50K. It is over $50K overseas now.
Z71 may stick around in its current form. AT4 builds on Z71 to make it actually more capable.
Z71, in my opinion, is a waste. Instead of spending money on one of the Z71 packages (which is mostly appearance) I’d work to spec: G80 diff, auto transfer case, trans cooler/HD tow pack. If getting those things is cheapest to do Z71 then great, but it might not be. Then do a tire upgrade at the dealer (they credit the factory tires) and put Duratracs on. Those things will make you extremely capable off road, on road, in snow. You just won’t have a Z71 decals ;).
No It was stated that there is no longer a Z71 package. The AT4 and Trail Boss replaces both.
GM is offering more features and changing the name to better reflect it is not just shocks and a skid plate on the trans axle.
Well your opinion would cost you more money. Better to have just bought the Z71 and remove the sticker.
The new full size is getting What’s included with Trailboss specification? You’ll get the off-road equipment of the Z71 Package, along with a Chevrolet-certified 2-inch suspension lift kit, Rancho off-road shocks, a locking rear differential, skid plates, and 33-inch all-terrain tires mounted to unique 18-inch aluminum wheels. The setup is available for Custom and LT trim, which means it is offered right in the new Silverado’s pricing sweet spot.
This means you can buy a low end Custom and get the Boss kit with the lift and larger tires at a much lower price. It would make a good starting point to build a truck on at much less than doing your own lift.
Then you have the folks who want an off road package that can not do their own work. It would make it easy for them to get into a truck and have fun.
The bottom line is it will make more money and prove to be very popular.
Not everyone can afford a Raptor but they can afford a good starting point to build their own.
I thought AT4 replaced the All Terrain package. They will still need a soft-road package, that’s what the Z71 has always been, for people who think a gravel road or parking on a lawn is offroading.
The offroad kit I listed above might cost more only because to get the auto transfer case you typically have to get LTZ/SLT or higher. And the added cost difference of Duratracs vs the crappy stock highway LT tires. If GM let you add G80 and AutoTrak on their own you’d be cheaper than Z71 and far more capable in all driving conditions. I would never buy a truck without the auto transfer case, makes driving too easy in the winter (set it and forget it, with 4hi you need to flip it in and off as needed, 4auto catches you before you even notice and when you get back on asphalt you don’t need to worry) and handles everything offroading I’ve thrown at it – combined with proper tires of course.
Sure mine doesn’t have skid plates, but if you’re crawling over rocks that requires plates the Z71 factory ones aren’t going to cut it.
So since I’ve bought my truck configurations have changed. You can get the G80 auto locker on it’s own for $395. But the cheapest way to get the auto-transfer case is to select LT Z71, which includes both it and the G80. $2000 over a standard LT.
The Z71 is actually a decent package now. Back when I got my truck there was a Z71 appearance and a Z71 that was more mechanical and beneficial. It might be because I bought an LTZ so it already included the diff and transfer case, leaving the Z71 package as just appearance pieces.
The auto transfer case has been standard on the GMC models for a while.
The G80 is standard on most agMC models too with 4WD.
The skid plate on a Z71 is generally a plate for the transfer case and if needed is arou $40 and bolts on if you want it. The new truck here appears like it will offer more.
It fit the most part will be a ZR2 with out the shocks and lockers with many items on a option by option basis.
It will be interesting to see what they do to the antenna as mine is close to 8 ft now on my Denali. 2” will put it very close to most garage doors combined with 33” tires.
I know it won’t happen with a refresh, but I sure wish they would downsize those huge rear wheel fenders.
Way to go gmc you have tried to copy Chevy so many times and failed now you are trying to step up your game to out due the zr2 good luck you will fAil.
They are not copying or trying to out do the ZR. This is simply a replacement of the All Terrain with a new Z71 package.
Will the 2019 canyons be able to be ordered with the new multi-pro tail gate ?
No. The refresh is now 2020.
Even then the tailgate is unknown as of yet.
If it does appear expect it only on the higher. End option packages.
ALL I HAVE TO SAY IS FOR THAT KIND OF MONEY IT BETTER HAVE A LOCKER in the front!!! AII THE REST OF THAT STUFF FOOY
Unless the Canyon doesn’t come to the the party with new muti-pro tail gate, like the 2019 Denali half ton it’s just another canyon. I believe it would be a lost opportunity .
It may but we have yet to see anything on the refresh yet. Let them show us what they have before you condemn the.