As GM Authority reported previously, General Motors appears to be cooking up a new, more-aggressive model variant of the 2023 GMC Canyon dubbed the AT4X. When it finally launches, the 2023 GMC Canyon AT4X will finally give GMC a model equivalent to the Chevy Colorado ZR2.
For those readers who may be out of the loop, GM Authority spies recently captured a prototype of the upcoming 2023 GMC Canyon AT4X undergoing real-world testing in full camo. However, under the covers, we were able to discern some of the new pickup’s features. For starters, the new AT4X prototype has the same signature front-end lighting as previous GMC prototypes, including a makeshift LED signature strip up top.
The prototype also features 17-inch wheels wrapped in Goodyear Wrangler Territory MT tires, the same rubber as prototypes of the up-and-coming Chevy Silverado ZR2. Tire sizing is measured at 285/70R17, a beefy 33 inches.
Critically, the new GMC Canyon AT4X also appears to have a set of MultiMatic DSSV shocks front and rear, which is similar to the suspension underpinning the Chevy Colorado ZR2 and upcoming Silverado ZR2.
Add it all up, and what you get is a highly capable off-roading pickup truck that slots in above the “regular” Canyon AT4 in GMC’s lineup – essentially giving GMC an equivalent to the Chevy Colorado ZR2.
This is big news. Ever since the introduction of the current-generation GMC Canyon for the 2015 model year, GMC has not offered a premium, highly off-road capable model for the midsize truck space, despite GMC’s positioning as a premium brand. However, with the introduction of something like the GMC Canyon AT4X, GMC will finally have a premium product that will be able to compete with the Chevy Colorado ZR2 in the rough, but with premium appointment (not to mention the higher price point that goes with it).
Last year, GMC Canyon sales in the U.S. amounted to 25,190 units, while sales of the Chevy Colorado amounted to 96,238 units in the U.S. For the first half of the 2021 calendar year, GMC Canyon sales in the U.S. amount to 12,491 units, while Chevy Colorado sales in the U.S. amount to 38,859 units.
GMC Canyon Sales - 2020 - USA
MODEL | YTD 20 / YTD 19 | YTD 20 | YTD 19 |
---|---|---|---|
CANYON | -23.26% | 25,190 | 32,825 |
Chevy Colorado Sales - 2020 - USA
MODEL | YTD 20 / YTD 19 | YTD 20 | YTD 19 |
---|---|---|---|
COLORADO | -21.31% | 96,238 | 122,304 |
GMC Canyon Sales - 2021 - USA
MODEL | YTD 21 / YTD 20 | YTD 21 | YTD 20 |
---|---|---|---|
CANYON | +28.67% | 12,491 | 9,708 |
Chevy Colorado Sales - 2021 - USA
MODEL | YTD 21 / YTD 20 | YTD 21 | YTD 20 |
---|---|---|---|
COLORADO | -5.85% | 38,859 | 41,273 |
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Comments
Now the question will be will Chevy get a High Country?
Actually a very good question. Why isn’t there a high country version of the Colorado? Leaving money on the table…
W ell if they copy both lines then the complains will be why have two truck divisions come in. Then it is pointed out GMC generally is the more profitable brand over Buick.
This argument just goes in a circle.
I have personally owned both GMC and Chevy trucks, currently own a GMC. I honestly get tired of the Chevy vs GMC argument. Outside of a few purists the average buyer is mostly concerned about looks. I like having the option of different body styles within the same family of trucks. It only makes sense to make both lines as competitive as possible.
I’m really hoping that they do a sunroof in this generation of trucks, as an option.
I’m pleased the marketing staff is reading our comments. It’s about time, when one thinks about the thought of a real offroad vehicle the AT4 just doesn’t cut the mustard. Looking forward to the Canyon AT4X package. We shall see if it measures up the the ZR2. Guys does this mean the Sierra AT4 will step up to compete with the Silverado ZR2? Cool things seem to be happening within the Marketing group. Cheers!
They already failed by having the truck with such a nose-down stance. An off road mid-sized pickup like an AT4-X, Bison, ZR2 etc. should sit LEVEL. It’s not for towing.
The AT4’s are ridiculous at this too, instead of GM using a real 2″ lift up front, they really only raised the front end about 3/4″ compared to a non-AT4, and they corrected none of the drivetrain angles, meanwhile they shoved a 2″ block in the back so it looks even more off balance than a normal Sierra. They clearly haven’t learned their lesson, no one wants an off-road vehicle that sits 2.5″ lower in the front than the back.