Like a number of other GM models, the 2024 GMC Canyon is designed with multiple available drive modes, enabling owners to get more utility out of it by changing driving and handling characteristics with the push of a button for different situations or tasks.
GM Authority is providing an overview of the available 2024 GMC Canyon drive modes so we know which to pick when we’re enjoying the outdoors off-road, towing a heavy trailer, and more.
By default, the 2024 GMC Canyon operates in Normal Mode and usually reverts to that mode from other drive modes when it is turned off and restarted later. Driver Mode Control is the system enabling the use of the additional modes. Actually changing the modes is carried out by turning the Mode knob on the center console to the left of the shifter.
An indicator on the instrument cluster shows which mode is engaged, with the exception of Normal Mode. There is also an information icon on the infotainment screen for a given mode, which can be tapped to access more info on the mode’s features and operation. These modes are offered on the current GMC Canyon:
- Normal Mode
- Off-Road Mode
- Terrain Mode
- Tow/Haul Mode
- Baja Mode
Normal Mode
Normal Mode is the default drive mode, as noted above, and provides a balance of comfort and handling for everyday, standard use. The pickup always starts in Normal Mode unless it was turned off while in Tow/Haul Mode within the past four hours, in which case it will instead resume Tow/Haul when restarted.
Off-Road Mode
Designed for off-pavement operation on moderately challenging cross-country surfaces at low to medium speed, Off-Road Mode is for “grass, gravel, dirt, unpaved roads, or deep snow” according to GM. Stopping distance on loose, slippery substrates is much shorter in this mode thanks to modified Antilock Brake System (ABS) characteristics. Steering, pedal response, and transmission shifting are also changed for optimum performance.
Terrain Mode
Tackling highly challenging or technical off-road situations like rock-crawling, heavily rutted tracks, or very rugged terrain is the function of Terrain Mode, a more intensive off-road setting. Terrain Mode is meant to be used at low speeds only and offers one-pedal driving, applying the brakes automatically when the driver eases off on the accelerator. High torque is generated by holding lower transmission gears longer. It also prevents the 2024 GMC Canyon from rolling backward while stopping on a steep incline, and other useful functions.
Tow/Haul Mode
Improving the stability and control of our GMC Canyon when pulling a heavy trailer is the purpose of Tow/Haul Mode. This is achieved by adjusting the function of many inputs and systems, ranging from steering, pedal response, and transmission shifting to antilock brakes, electronic stability control, and traction control. It will persist between uses if there is less than four hours between turning the vehicle off and restarting it, while reversion to Normal Mode will occur after four hours.
Baja Mode
Baja Mode is a hard-charging, high-speed off-road mode available only on the 2024 GMC Canyon AT4X trim level. This mode provides better response and shorter stopping distances on relatively firm off-road surfaces, such as packed dirt, packed sand, or gravel while operating at higher speeds. The mode can be used regardless of transfer case state.
Finally, the table below details how the various modes can be customized for our particular driving needs:
Normal (Default) | Off-Road | Tow/Haul | Terrain | Baja | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Steering | Normal | Normal | Tow/Haul | Terrain | Normal |
Transmission (2WD/4WD High) | Normal | Tow/Haul | Tow/Haul | Crawl | Baja with DPM |
Locking Rear Axle | Up to 25 mph (40 km/h) | Unlimited | Up to 25 mph (40 km/h) | Up to 50 mph (80 km/h) | Unlimited |
Locking Front Axle | Up to 25 mph (40 km/h) | Up to 25 mph (40 km/h) | Up to 25 mph (40 km/h) | Up to 25 mph (40 km/h) | Up to 25 mph (40 km/h) |
Throttle Progression (2WD/4WD High) | Normal | Normal | Normal | Crawl | Baja |
Traction Control | Normal | Off-Road | Normal | Terrain | Off-Road |
Stability Control | Normal | Off-Road | Normal | Off-Road | Baja |
Antilock Brake System | Normal | Off-Road | Normal | Normal | Baja |
As a reminder, the third-generation Canyon is motivated by a single engine choice, the turbocharged 2.7L I4 L3B gasoline engine rated at 310 horsepower and 430 pound-feet of torque. This engine is designated with TurboMax branding for the 2024 model year.
Under the sheet metal, the Canyon rides on an updated variant of the GMT 31XX platform, with production taking place at the GM Wentzville plant in Missouri.
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Comments
I have that engine in my ZR2 and it’s amazing. I am averaging between all types of driving, 19.5MPG. and the things about the auto head lights, it’s great, it really is and you still have the stalk to override whenever you want. To turn it off from Auto, two presses on the screen. I’m at the point where 99% if the time, it’s in Auto. Live it,!
I am more curious on what traction control system the front axle gets on all these trucks. I am not a fan of front lockers, really only a handful of people will ever put them selves in a position where a front locker is beneficial. In the mean time you have an IFS that shouldn’t have a front locker putting tons of stress and high probability of breaking from angles it shouldn’t be locked in. A front traction control system is a far better option and will get 99.98% of people out of the situation a locker would. I don’t see this type of system talked about or shown often. TFL did a test with a Z71 Colorado showing how it worked on a 3 wheel roller test. Jeep has done a fantastic job that is nearly imitates a locker instantly. GM while it does work should check out Jeeps system, it is one of the best along with Toyota. That is a far better option for anything with an IFS. How do the different modes work differently for the front diff if a wheel is up in the air?