As GM Authority has reported for over a year now, General Motors is developing a new, third-generation Chevy Colorado, which means the Colorado’s corporate cousin, the GMC Canyon, is also poised to receive a generational overhaul, set to debut for the 2023 model year. Now, we’re going over everything we know thus far about the all-new 2023 GMC Canyon prior to its expected reveal later this year.
Model Line
We expect the 2023 GMC Canyon model lineup to consist of the following trim levels: Elevation Standard, Elevation, AT4, AT4X, and Denali.
The AT4X will join the lineup as a more capable off-roader trim that slots above the “regular” GMC Canyon AT4, serving as GMC’s equivalent to the Chevy Colorado ZR2, at least from a mechanical standpoint.
Furthermore, we expect the new Denali trim to be even more premium compared to the current Canyon Denali, with improved materials and equipment. The 2023 GMC Canyon Denali may also be the first midsize GM pickup model to offer the GM Super Cruise semi-autonomous driver assist system.
Finally, it’s possible that the new Canyon will receive a new Pro trim that slots in under the Elevation as the new base model, similar to the GMC Sierra. However, this is still not definite.
Exterior
With regard to the exterior styling, the 2023 GMC Canyon will get an all-new exterior, following the latest GMC design language. We also know it will feature a more aggressive and imposing stance, as previewed in the latest spy photos.
As for the details, expect a set of new headlights with LED lighting signatures with a more complex shape than the peepers on the current truck. The body panels will be much more modernly styled, with surface development techniques being more intricate than those of the current model. The latest GMC Canyon will also offer the MultiPro tailgate.
While the bones supporting the cab structure will likely remain unchanged, the sheetmetal will be new. Speaking of cabs, cab options are a bit of a mystery at of this writing. The only 2023 Canyon configuration we’ve seen GM test is the Crew Cab, Short Box. Given huge levels of demand for Crew Cabs, especially in more premium level trucks, we’re have to wonder whether an Extended Cab will even be offered this time around.
Interior
The current GMC Canyon was introduced in the U.S. for the 2015 model year, and the cabin has often been a point of criticism. Luckily, the overhauled 2023 Canyon will have an all-new cabin, following in the footsteps of the refreshed 2022 GMC Sierra 1500, as previewed in spy photos from February. The cabin will be redone with new seats, new switchgear, a new shifter, push-button start, a new center stack with a new infotainment system and more. These changes will give the truck’s interior a more modern appearance as compared to the current model, which traces its roots to 2011 with the launch of the international-market Chevy S10/Colorado model.
Digging deeper on the infotainment system, the unit in the 2023 Canyon will run Google Automotive, with embedded connections via OnStar 4G LTE offering things like traffic and weather information, point of interest search, and other nav features. The SiriusXM TrafficLink system currently in place will no longer be used. The 2023 GMC Canyon will also offer additional camera views thanks to more cameras around the vehicle.
As mentioned earlier, the GM Super Cruise feature is also expected to be offered.
Powertrain
As for the powerplant, the 2023 GMC Canyon will offer just one engine option: the turbocharged 2.7L I4 L3B gasoline engine. This engine may be offered in both a regular output tune, as well as in higher output form for top trims. Output numbers have yet to be revealed, but when equipped by the refreshed 2022 GMC Sierra 1500, the L3B produces 310 horsepower and 430 pound-feet of torque.
Don’t expect a diesel option. However, the turbo four-cylinder gas unit will produce an audible turbo whistle under acceleration, while also delivering more horsepower and more torque than the current 2.8L LWN turbo-diesel Duramax. The GM 10-speed automatic transmission will be standard across the board, but it’s also possible that GM may equip lower trims with the GM 8-speed automatic.
Rear-wheel drive will be standard, with four-wheel drive as optional. AT4 models will get four-wheel drive as standard.
Platform, Chassis, Suspension
The 2023 GMC Canyon will ride on an upgraded version of the GMT31XX platform, dubbed internally as 31XX-2. Expect improvements to the frame and general structure of the truck, along with revised suspension bits on some models.
Additionally, the new Canyon will run the GM Global B electrical architecture, which will enable it the latest tech features, such as GM Super Cruise, plus over-the-air updates.
The GMC Canyon AT4 models will also run DSSV dampers, just like the Chevy Colorado ZR2, with dampers mounted outside the frame for greater capability and a wider stance.
Wheels And Tires
We expect that the next-gen 2023 GMC Canyon will offer a range of wheel sizes ranging from 17 inches to 20 inches in diameter. The GMC Canyon AT4X will likely ride on 17s wrapped in 33-inch Goodyear Wrangler Territory MT tires, mirroring the 2023 Chevy Colorado ZR2.
Launch
We expect the 2023 GMC Canyon to launch late this year as a 2023 model year vehicle. As of right now, the ongoing global microchip shortage has not yet affected the launch schedule.
Pricing
The next-gen 2023 GMC Canyon will have a similar pricing structure as the current model, albeit with new models like the AT4X and potential Canyon Pro base model rounding out the lineup. Expect a starting price around $27,000 and reach into the $44,000 starting mark for the Denali range-topper.
Production
The 2023 GMC Canyon will be produced at the GM Wentzville facility in Missouri for global markets, including the markets where GMC currently has a first-party presence – the U.S., Canada and the Middle East.
Competitive Landscape
With regard to the midsize mainstream pickup segment, the 2023 GMC Canyon will be up against a number of new products from rival automakers, such as the all-new Nissan Frontier and the new Ford Ranger, the latter of which will also be available in a range-Ranger Raptor that wasn’t previously available in North America.
Sales Numbers - Midsize Mainstream Pickup Trucks - 2021 - USA
| MODEL | YTD 21 / YTD 20 | YTD 21 | YTD 20 | YTD 21 SHARE | YTD 20 SHARE |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| TOYOTA TACOMA | +5.74% | 252,520 | 238,806 | 42% | 41% |
| FORD RANGER | -6.63% | 94,755 | 101,486 | 16% | 18% |
| JEEP GLADIATOR | +15.69% | 89,712 | 77,542 | 15% | 13% |
| CHEVROLET COLORADO | -24.14% | 73,008 | 96,238 | 12% | 17% |
| NISSAN FRONTIER | +64.73% | 60,693 | 36,845 | 10% | 6% |
| GMC CANYON | -4.23% | 24,125 | 25,190 | 4% | 4% |
| TOTAL | +3.25% | 594,813 | 576,107 |
For now, the Toyota Tacoma is the clear sales leader in the segment, as has been the case for the past decade, if not more. It’s worth noting that the sales figures you see above were distorted by production disruptions and shortages during the 2021 calendar year as a result of the coronavirus pandemic.
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Comments
All we have seen is crew short beds? Any other options?
I don’t know if this is accurate information but our area rep told me the next truck will only be offered in a crew cab according to an email he received. They told me the email also stated if you want a diesel in the current Gen orders need to be out in before middle of June.
Looks like an upgrade inside and out and in the engine bay. Way overdue. Around here I see 10 new Rangers for every new Colorado/Canyon excluding fleet vehicles (lots of Colorado’s there). And this is an area with a massive GM dealer where you see tons of new Silverados and Sierras.
The battlefront is with the new Ranger and new Frontier. Taco buyers are too loyal.
GM loves corporate, bland, naming ‘Elevation STANDARD”.
Using ‘Pro’ as the lowest trim like Sierra is better than Elevation STANDARD. Or call it SLE if they don’t want it thought of at the work truck trim like Pro is for Sierra. Sierra Pro used to be Sierra Base and they changed it, and they are doing the same boring, bland, lazy name with STANDARD.
Andrew: That’s basically how I feel and what I said below. But it’s not just GMC. I’ve been saying this forever with GM in general. Bottom line? Don’t confuse your customer base. That’s exactly what GM has been doing and it’s not working. It’s difficult enough to get customers into your product and even harder to get them back in if they are totally confused. And that’s not even talking how difficult this becomes for the sales staff. Boy, do I know that. One of the arguments I’ve heard in the past was it’s better to change the name than try to keep a tarnished name from a bad product. I call BS. If that were true, why change the Sierra model names? Why drop some of the well known and loved products/names from Buick?
Just too many high paid people working there that do this stuff to justify keeping them there.
GM better knock this out of the park. If not, when the new ranger raptor hits our market, I can foresee a large majority of thier midsized offroad truck customers dropping them for the blue oval. The offroad market is hot right now, and they are constantly dropping the ball.
I took a new full size truck with the 2.7 out for a test drive to try and get a feel for the new motor and wasn’t very impressed it seemed to be a little rattling on hard acceleration.sounded like marbles don’t know why.
The new 2.7 isn’t even out yet, the current 2022 trucks with 2.7 is the older 2.7 not newer 2.7.
That’s not the same engine that will be in the Canyon.
I think it will be a long time before the new 2.7 will be available in the twins.
There is probably a shit pile of the original 2.7s that will be transferred from the full size assembly line to the new Canyon/Colorado line.
Once all the older short blocks are used up then maybe the new stout 2.7 short blocks will be made available to the twins.
I believe that will kill sales of the new twins as most that understand the difference between the old short block and the new short block will wait……………..
I just hope the front end isn’t as obnoxious as the full size Sierra.
Ya the front facia is too flat I don’t like it .
I plan on ordering a 2023 Colorado and would sure like to know when GM will be taking orders. If they don’t announce a date pretty soon, I will ave to go else where.
Why? No matter what brand you place an order for a 2023 you’ll be waiting a long while for delivery.
Not true. EPA rules state that on January 2nd of the preceding calendar year that the next model year can be sold. If any brand was ready for production the could start selling and delivering two months ago.
Oh it is unfortunately true! I order the new Ford Maverick back in December, admittedly late for the party on it, but still don’t have a build date. Just got an email from Ford saying they are having trouble getting the materials to produce my Maverick was the jest of it, but doesn’t really matter because I moved my order to the Ranger in February and that still doesn’t have a build date. I know Ford has the Ranger production scheduled about to the end of May, so I am hoping mine will get scheduled in June. The Maverick is sitting about the same time scheduling.
I ordered a Ford Maverick XLT AWD in December as well and just received an email saying the material shortages was also delaying the ability to schedule a build date. Hopefully get it by June or July. I think the increases in interest rates may dampen peoples ability to afford a new or used vehicle.
Only offered in a crew cab ?? No thanks I”ll go over to ranger for the long bed
I’m thinking Taco here if they don’t offer a functional bed. I don’t understand GM sometimes.
Serious question for others and hopefully I’ll get some real responses instead of something else.
Why the need to change the names/trims? I’ve harped on this with Buick and Cadillac and Lincoln, etc. I’ve said many times over the years that I don’t understand nor agree with them constantly changing names or re-naming trims. I feel it’s stupid and counter-productive at best. People for years have known that they walk into a GMC dealership and they can see the SL (base), SLE, SLT and then the Denali as the “top trim”.
Why change this? What is the benefit? I could really care less since it’s a truck and GMC, but how I view it doesn’t change just because it’s a brand I don’t care about. I truly feel that GM (and others) are shooting themselves in the foot for no reason other than to keep some over-paid people working in some offices. They need to be fired and GM needs to stop the name swapping games.
I’m just guessing, but I’d say the old names are easier for old/loyal/returning gm buyers, but they are trying to make it easier for new buyers to the brand. The alphanumeric/euro style names get confusing when cross shopping brands.
I’ve got a ‘17 Colorado and have been chomping at the bit for the new reveal. But what I think I know, and definitely expect, is an exorbitantly priced truck. In one sense GM has earned the right (based on my great experience with the ‘17) to get first crack at my next purchase, but I’ll be damned if I’m going to get screwed in the finance manager’s office because GM insists on raising MSRP of all their trucks…well beyond what we all know they’re actually worth. Brand loyalty goes out the window for me when it comes to money. So give me a Ranger. Give me a Frontier…if they will play nicer on the sticker (though I’m not hopeful about them, either).
Please don’t let it be horrendously ugly like the full size gm garbage. GMC is the only GM product I would buy, but GM even screws that up, buy giving my hard earned money that I would buy a GMC with, back to Chevy witch I hate with a passion! I used to be a GM loyalists, Pontiac and GMC and had many great years and thousands and thousands of trouble free miles with Pontiac manly and GMC. GM Fs up Pontiac, I begrudgingly buy several Chevy and here comes the problems, transmission problems, check engine lights always on, and last Chevy I owned radiator decides to go at 40k and spent most of the 40k life with engine light on and in the shop. That was the last GM garbage, bought a used Ford F150 and it has been amazing reliable truck, no issues! So this F150 has me convinced I need a new Ranger, so sorry GM you screwed yourself with the killing of Pontiac, and lost a GM loyalists to Ford with substandard Chevy garbage. I have a 22 Ford Ranger on order and no regrets leaving GM!
Screw all the GM guys that went to Ford and Don’t come back !
Really can’t blame anyone from jumping ship. GM has had a lot of issues lately with transmission issues. Cylinder deactivation issues. GM had the best transmission for years. The cylinder deactivation system has been a disaster for a lot of people. The newest ver has been an issue also. It took years to fix the 8 speed transmission.
There has been many engine failures with the 2.8 diesel do to changing injectors and pistons when it was brought to North America.
Check engine lights that leave you stranded thousands of miles from home. And no parts to repair the vehicle.
Issues like this has left a bad taste in many peoples mouths.
I want to see GM succeed but they need to do much much better to keep customers from jumping ship.
There is only ONE reason Toyota is no. one in sales. ((( Reliability))) And no I don’t and never have owned a Toyota…..
I think the GM trucks are by far the best looking trucks on the road. Both Ford and especially Ram are looking old…..
It’s so easy to lie on the internet and even easier to take the time to troll on a competitors page just to make themselves feel better. Here’s my story, I drove a Ford for decades and have a bunch of failures lately so I left and bought a GM and have been trouble free for 5k miles so far! Only buy GM or you’re an idiot that doesn’t know better and buys foreign junk… See how easy that is?
If you believe me or not is insignificant,just stating a few of the non stop issues and my unhappiness with GM. Does GM care, hell no! Do I feel better about voicing my disappointment, and dissatisfaction…….. yeah a bit. At the end of the day it doesn’t really matter, everyone moves on to more important things and life goes on!
What lifters issues? Are you talking about the bad batch of valve springs and some early AFM designs that have had some rogue issues? These later AFM and DFM have been mostly trouble free. The failure rate is in the decimal of a percent. Besides, many of those few failures are improper maintenance. Do some homework.
The 8spd had issues with fuild which was addressed and fixes most peoples problems. So maybe come with a legitimate problem and not something you heard from a couple people on the internet that make a mountain out of a mole hill?
It is so easy to keep on your GM fan boy rose colored glasses and get triggered by anyone who doesn’t go by your fan boy GM chant, I get it, i used to be a big GM fan boy, I wore those same rose colored GM glasses, and drank that GM kool-aid.
You can open your eyes any time
They are still failing.
It’s still a big issue
But I can tell your addiction to the cool aid is very strong.
And before you flip out, I drive a 2018 Colorado diesel. 51000 miles and no issues.
I consider myself extremely lucky so far considering the failure rate.
And yes they fixed the 8 speed… what a joke. They replaced transmissions and torque converters for years. Then finally someone tried using a different transmission fluid and the issue magically went away.
2 to 3 years to find out they were using the wrong fluid.
Lots and lots of unhappy GM owners.
Rob there was more to it then the wrong fluid.
Many MFG are having shudder issues and often it can be more than one issue causing it.
In the case of GM they first though it was a converter or Transmission issue but found later it was a fluid issue. It took Mobil Oil several tries to get it right.
The flush has resolved the issue and fixe most of the vehicles with the issue as most were still in warranty. Many out of warranty have had it changed or given discounts to have it flushed.
Ford, Honda, Audi and more have has similar issues but all have either been found to be different causes or it was also the fluid.
Audi was a long mystery till they found a seeping tranny cooler in the radiator.
Even gun owners today are finding some of todays fluid will absorb moisture and they no longer can use it to prevent rust.
Better hope the new interior looks better than that. Why does GM keep screwing that up
I will be flamed for this
But
It’s because of the female influence in truck design.
I don’t want a truck that is appealing to a woman.
I want a truck that rides and looks like a TRUCK. Not a car.
Actually people use trucks for truck and have generally replaced their cars with trucks.
Not just women but men too like to have more than a rubber mat and a bench seat.
Years ago trucks were the secondary vehicle and not the primary.
Also women buy just over 50% of the vehicles sold. You got to give them what they want too.
I hope the debut the all-new Canyon (and Colorado) soon. I was hoping for a reveal in or around NYIAS, but with GMC not being there those hopes have been dashed.
Seems to have good proportions and stance. I expect it to be akward in some way though. Gun slit windows?
Do we think they will put a panoramic sunroof in these things