Earlier this month, GM Authority spies caught the upcoming 2023 GMC Canyon undergoing testing for the very first time. That model appeared to have been finished in the range-topping Denali trim, as evidenced by its shiny chrome wheels and low-hanging chrome running boards. Today, we caught another prototype that seems to be the off-road-oriented Canyon AT4.
Despite the fact that this 2023 GMC Canyon AT4 prototype is covered from bow to stern in a healthy amount of vinyl camouflage, we can clearly see that it has quite the imposing stance. There are also signs of aggressive surface development under all that camo, including prominent fender flares and an aggressive front fascia. Also note that this particular prototype doesn’t have any running boards, unlike the low-hanging chrome units seen on the aforementioned Canyon Denali prototype. We expect the 2023 Canyon AT4 to be offered with no running boards as standard for optimum off-road clearance, while a set of tightly-tucked units will be offered as an option.
Additionally, this prototype features a high-clearance front end treatment. In fact, some of the camo has slipped off the front bumper cover and wheel well. The overall setup sure looks like it will provide a healthy approach angle.
Higher up on the front fascia is a set of placeholder headlights with an LED signature at the top followed by what appears to be a vertically-oriented light source. This arrangement is similar to what we’ve seen on 2023 GMC Sierra HD prototypes. Additionally, this setup differers quite substantially from the configuration on the 2023 Chevy Colorado, which gets a set of high-mounted, horizontally-oriented lights consistent with the general arrangement seen on the Chevy Silverado 1500.
This 2023 GMC Canyon AT4 prototype is riding on a set of Goodyear Wrangler Territory MT tires – the same rubber used for prototypes of the upcoming Chevy Silverado ZR2 Trail Boss models. These Maximum Traction MT tires feature a unique design for added grip on the sidewalls and appear to be generally more aggressive than the Goodyear Wrangler DuraTrac tires used on the current Canyon AT4.
Those tires wrap a set of 20-inch silver wheels with black accents. Contrary to what one would expect when hearing about those dimensions, those 20-inch wheels do not result in a low-profile sidewall. Instead, the tires on the prototype measure in at a healthy LT265/60R20, with measurement estimates placing the tires at 32.5 inches. That’s quite a bit taller than the 31-inch DuraTrac rubber used on the current Canyon AT4.
As GM Authority reported previously, the 2023 GMC Canyon will ride on an updated version of GM’s current GMT-31XX midsize body-on-frame architecture, which will be dubbed 31XX-2. The vehicle will get an all-new exterior and interior, along with an all-new powerplant in the form of the turbocharged 2.7L I-4 L3B gasoline motor currently offered in the Sierra 1500. In that application, the boosted four-pot is rated at a healthy 310 horsepower and 348 pound-feet of torque. GM’s 10-speed automatic transmission will handle shifting duty. The current model’s atmospheric 2.5L I-4 LCV and 3.6L V-6 LGZ, along with the 2.8L I-4 LWN turbo-diesel baby Duramax will not be offered.
GMC’s midsize pickup truck will also adopt GM’s new Global B electrical architecture – otherwise known as Vehicle Intelligence Platform, or VIP. Besides allowing for over-the-air (OTA) updates to all vehicle systems, Global B also allows for the latest in infotainment and active safety technologies.
The 2023 GMC Canyon, including the Canyon AT4, will continue to be built at the GM Wentzville plant in Missouri alongside its corporate cousin, the 2023 Chevy Colorado. GM invested $1 billion into the facility specifically for the new midsize pickups.
Availability will include to include the three North American countries, including the United States, Canada, and Mexico. It’s also possible that the next-gen Canyon will become available in the Middle East, which is the only remaining market outside North America where The General’s GMC brand has a first-party presence.
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Comments
I’m liking what I’m seeing so far from these next gen-Canyon articles and spy shots. Although admittedly, there’s a whole lot more to be seen. Bring it on!
Veo que es más de lo mismo claro con sus variaciones
Se dice que va tener un mejor interior nunca a sido el fuerte en los Chevrolet los interiores.
Lo que es excelente no hay que cambiarlo mucho
It appears they are wider than the current ones, which would be a welcome addition. I find the current models to be very narrow. Hopefully it doesn’t have that oh so weird window uptick on the back door too.
The 2.7l will probably work very well for these so long as they are a good deal lighter than the current Silverado. Currently, they’re only about 500lbs lighter but the midsizers may see more aluminum.
Not to mention the weight difference of the 2.7 vs the 3.6. Also, the frontal profile is significantly less. That’s will help with MPG improvement significantly. The 2.7’s low valve lift “efficiency” cam profile does nothing Id the motor remains in high lift mode for most highway cruising.
Very promising, the overall proportions look great. I think GM has finally realized it needed to up it’s tire sizes. Fun fact… this is running a taller tire than the current full-size TrailBoss and AT4 lol. If this is in fact the Canyon AT4 it almost makes me wonder if they are planning a ZR2 equivalent given the high clearance front bumper.
Truckz , I agree with you ,The Canyon look higher of the ground just like the ZR2 ! I wish more photos of the Colorado testing would show up !
The Denali Trim really needs to have the 2.8 L or 3.6 L in order to set itself apart from the rest of the line when it comes to powertrain options. Too bad it doesn’t appear to be likely that this will happen.
Why would you want the 2.5, 2.8, or 3.6 when the 2.7 has 2.5 fuel economy, 3.6 horsepower, and 2.8 torque?! Not to mention if you want a diesel in these trucks, ask for the new 3.0! The 2.7 is meant to replace the 3.6 and 4.3 together. At this point, the only hope for a 6 cylinder truck from gm is the 3.0 replacing the 5.3 and 6.2, with gm adding the 6.6 as a new halo v8 engine.
I understand the need for differentiation. The 2.7 however is superior to those.
We all know the 5.3 will never happen.
I like what I see, will this come with the 6ft + bed?
Get rid of the big wheels on the off road models, even with the taller tire the sidewall doesn’t allow for much airing down. 18’s at the most, 20’s are for the suburban yuppies and look massive on this truck.
Yes, please keep the 6ft bed with the crew cab and remove the center console shifter and use either a stalk or at the very least buttons as the shifter takes up so much room on the current truck. We want side by side cup holders and plenty of storage.
Why can’t GM put a front bumper like that on the Sierra AT4?? Would make all the difference in the world..
Looks really promising. I can’t wait to see these.
I hope they keep the front end nice and trimmed. And don’t put a stupid air dam on the front.
Looking like a Toyota