The upcoming 2023 GMC Canyon has once again been spotted testing in prototype form, giving us another early look at the third-generation vehicle. This particular example, however, is a bit odd, sporting both on-road and off-road exterior cues.
For those who may have missed it, GM Authority previously brought you coverage of a 2023 GMC Canyon AT4X prototype caught testing with tight, body-hugging graphic camouflage, as well as a set of red seat belts. This latest example, however, reveals a few new details worth examining, starting with a set of production headlights, with LED signatures up top, and the main forward illumination below. Also notable is the hood, which appears to boast new styling lines and contours that give it a more muscular appearance.
Critically, this 2023 GMC Canyon prototype is also equipped with a high-clearance front bumper, but despite this, there are several details that suggest the prototype is not an example of the AT4 off-roader trim level. The wheels are one indication, with a larger diameter than the 17-inchers found on the upcoming AT4X model, as well as matching low-profile tires.
Previous 2023 GMC Canyon prototypes have been spotted wearing 20-inch wheels wrapped in 265/60R20 tires. Despite the thin sidewalls, this setup still yields an overall tire height of 33 inches, and overall, the new model should still offer an additional 2 inches of ground clearance as compared to the current Canyon AT4.
That said, this is still likely not the AT4. The large wheels and thin sidewalls are certainly one indication of this, but so are the low running boards, which undoubtedly delete some of the clearance on offer with that new front fascia treatment.
Finally, moving around to the rear, we see this new 2023 GMC Canyon prototype running a set of production taillights, which are covered in black-and-white camo, but still give us a rough idea what the final product could look like.
Under the skin, the 2023 GMC Canyon will ride on an updated version of the GM GMT-31XX platform, while GM’s Global B electrical architecture will enable the use of the automaker’s latest tech features.
Motivation will be derived from the turbocharged 2.7L I4 L3B gasoline engine, while production will take place at the GM Wentzville plant in Missouri. Look for a full model debut this summer.
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Comments
Been noticing the bumpers are not showing the man step. This could be a clue that we may see the step tailgate here.
We have not seen them in the mules but they can be added easily at any time.
If they skipped the foot steps in the bumper, that would suck. They’re so handy. Maybe they’ll be available on select models.
Loook at the tailgate a bit closer, you can see the multipro tailgate system
It does appear to have the multipro. Excellent
Just curious as I have a 2021 1500 with that tailgate and I wish it didn’t have it. What do you like about the multi tailgate over the standard one and what uses are you finding for it?
I don’t see GMC eliminating them other than for high clearance bumpers on AT4
multipro tailgate should migrate to the midsizers but I don’t think it will be at a cost to the corner steps. The steps are highly functional and have become a signature of GM trucks
It may be a radar change due to Super Cruise. The steps are actually an excuse to put plastic corners in the metal bumper, so they can put radar units behind it. I always thought the shaped step would degrade radar performance.
Ford and Ram have them behind the lights, so they have a big dark spot that doesn’t light up.
Proportions look promising. GM getting the wheel style and sizes right, finally.
I like what I am seeing. The body lines flow very well (from what we can see) and the wheels and tires look to be much larger than previous models.
Will it be in a long bed ??
Hard to tell due to all the camo, but I’m getting a GMT-355 vibe in the front.