The 2025 GMC Canyon represents the third model year of the third-generation midsize pickup truck, for which it receives all kinds of small changes and updates. GM Authority is now delving into everything that’s new and different about the 2025 Canyon.
Model Cadence
The 2025 GMC Canyon follows the 2023 Canyon, which was the introductory year of the overhauled (redesigned and re-engineered) model and the 2024 Canyon, which was headlined by the introduction of the AT4X AEV Edition package.
2025 GMC Canyon Model Line
The 2025 GMC Canyon is offered as a mid-size pickup truck in the Crew Cab, Short Box configuration and in 2WD or 4WD across the following trim levels (product code in parentheses):
- Elevation (T4C43) – 2WD or 4WD
- AT4 (T4E43) – 4WD only
- Denali (T4F43) – 4WD only
Those paying particularly close attention may have noticed that this list does not include the AT4X. That’s because the AT4X is no longer a trim level for the 2025 model year, instead becoming a package offered on the AT4 trim.
Powertrain
GM made no changes to the Canyon’s powertrain, with the midsize pickup truck continuing to be offered solely with the turbocharged 2.7L I-4 L3B engine, otherwise known as TurboMax, delivering a decent 310 horsepower and a whopping 430 pound-feet of torque. GM’s second-gen eight-speed automatic transmission handles the cog swaps.
The Elevation trim is available in either 2WD or 4WD, while the AT4 and Denali ship exclusively with 4WD.
2025 GMC Canyon Exterior
On the outside, the 2025 GMC Canyon swaps three existing exterior colors for three new ones.
Deleted colors:
- Desert Sand Metallic (GTL)
- Solar Flare Metallic (GCP)
- Dynamic Blue Metallic (GLT)
New colors:
- Glacier Metallic (GAE)
- Desert Sun (GBF)
- Rapids Metallic (GAL)
Desert Sand Metallic
Solar Flare Metallic
Dynamic Blue Metallic
Glacier Metallic
Desert Sun
Rapids Metallic
Also new for the 2025 model year is the Canyon Nightfall Edition Package (XNF). Available exclusively on the AT4 trim, the Canyon Nightfall bundles the following features:
- Rocker Panel Protector (LPO S6L)
- 275/60R20SL AT blackwall tires (QAE)
- 20-inch aluminum wheel (RHO)
- Bed mounted sports bar (LPO SBY)
- Black Badge (LPO RIK)
2025 GMC Canyon AT4 in Desert Sun and Nightfall Edition Package
From there, the 2025 GMC Canyon adds an optional snorkel as an LPO-level (dealer-installed) option for the AT4 trim level. Also, a new acoustic laminated windshield is added as an option for the AT4 (with the new Technology Plus Package) and standard on Denali.
Rounding out the changes to the exterior are two wheel and tire changes. The first is the deletion of Goodyear Wrangler Territory Mud Terrain (MT) tire option on the AT4; these were optional on the 18-inch wheels. The only way to get Mud Terrains on the Canyon from the factory is to opt for the AT4X package.
Finally, the optional 20-inch wheels (RD5) have been removed as a standalone option. With this change, the only way to get a 20-inch wheel on the Canyon AT4 is to opt for the aforementioned Nightfall Edition pack.
Interior
The 2025 GMC Canyon sees no changes to the interior, continuing with the same 2+3 passenger configuration, layout and tech. That includes the 11.3-inch diagonal center stack display with the GMC Premium infotainment system (with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto) and 11-inch fully-digital Driver Information Center display (gauge cluster).
Driver Assist Technology
There are a bunch of availability changes to the Driver Assist Tech for the 2025 model year.
First, Blind Zone Steering Assist has been replaced with Blind Zone Steering Assist with Trailering. The feature is included and only available as part of the Canyon Safety Plus Package (Y5W), optional across all trims.
Additionally, the Canyon Safety Plus Package is now standard on Elevation and AT4 trims. For the 2024 model year, the package – which includes Rear Park Assist, Rear Cross Traffic Braking and Blind Zone Steering Assist – were available as options on Elevation and AT4 and required the Convenience Package (WPC).
Finally, the Rear Seat Belt Indicator (UH5) becomes standard on all trims.
2025 GMC Canyon Packages
And that brings us to packages, and there are quite a few changes here. First, the Elevation trim now gets the following features as standard:
- Rear Sliding Window (A28)
- Rear Window Defogger (C49)
- Outside Heated Power Mirrors (DLF)
For the 2024 model year, these features were included only within the optional Convenience Package (WPC).
Additionally, the ProGrade Trailering System (ZL6) is now standard on Elevation, AT4, and Denali. It includes:
- Blind Zone Steering Assist with Trailering (UKW)
- In-vehicle Trailering App (U1D)
- Trailer hitch
- 7-pin connector
- Trailer brake controller (JL1)
For the 2024 model year, the package was only available as an option on Elevation, AT4, and Denali while being standard on AT4X.
Meanwhile, the Technology Package (Y5X) is replaced with the Technology Plus Package on the AT4 trim, and includes:
- Adaptive Cruise Control (KSG)
- Rear Pedestrian Alert (UKK)
- HD Surround Vision (UV2)
- Sunroof (CAC)
- Bose Sound System (UQA)
- Multicolor 6.3-inch Diagonal Head-Up Display (UV6)
The Technology Plus Package was technically introduced late in the 2024 model year; it’s available exclusively on the AT4 trim and requires the AT4 Premium Package (PCU).
From there, the AT4X package joins the lineup as an option on the AT4 trim, replacing the standalone AT4X trim level offered for the 2023 and 2024 model years. The package requires the AT4 Premium Package and Technology Plus Package, and includes the following content:
- Trailering Package (Z82)
- Red seatbelt color (3F9)
- All-weather floor mats (LPO AAK)
- Off-Road Rocker Protection (BZT)
- Spray-on bedliner (CGN)
- Electronic, driver-selectable full-locking front differential (G93)
- Electronic, driver-selectable full-locking rear differential (G94)
- Safety Alert Seat (HS1)
- Obsidian Rush interior trim (HV1)
- Sport upper body window moldings (MFI)
- LT285/70R17C Mud Terrain blackwall tires (QAF)
- 17-inch Black High Gloss Machined Finish Aluminum wheels (R34)
- Spare LT285/70R17C MT blackwall tire (RMR)
- In-vehicle Trailering App (U1D)
- Underbody cameras (UXA)
- Drive mode selector adds Baja mode
- Solar glazing front side glass (AGG)
- Off-Road Suspension with 3-inch lift
- Exterior badging
- Interior badging
- Package removes CornerStep rear bumper (BWN)
The AT4X AEV Edition remains a package added on top of the new AT4X package.
And finally, the Bed Pro Utility Package (LPO PDO) is added as an LPO-level (dealer-installed) option that includes:
- Bedside Utility Walls (LPO RVY)
- Front Bed Utility Wall (LPO SJS)
- Utility Wall Strap Kit (LPO S4K)
- Utility Wall Latch Kit (LPO 5WI)
The Bed Pro Utility Package is available across all trim levels.
The updates and changes described here are specific to the U.S. market and may be different for other markets.
Where To From Here?
We expect that the current, third-generation Canyon will remain in production thru at least the 2028 model year. A mid-cycle refresh is expected for either the 2026 or 2027 model years.
Comments
Glacier Blue looks really nice.
I have a Canyon now but with the extended cab/long bed and V6. Although the new one has a much improved interior and is really good looking and I do like the Glacier Blue, I’m just not really interested in it with the four-cylinder and only a short bed/crew cab.
It seems to me that rather than building a Wrangler competitor as Ford did, GM tried to morph their small trucks into off-roaders. Maybe that works for some but for those who actually haul thing’s occasionally, the short bed-only configuration of the new Canyon/Colorado is just prohibitively small.
Kind of. The Canyon was to have shared its platform with the SUV variant called the Jimmy, which would have been a Wrangler and Bronco rival. That, however, was canned:
https://gmauthority.com/blog/2023/10/heres-why-canceled-gmc-jimmy-was-called-bold-and-capable-during-development/
Beyond that, let’s assess the market: midsize trucks are primarily purchased by retail (non-fleet) buyers, and most of these buyers want the Crew Cab. Within that space, the biggest interest is off-roading… so the off-road/rugged direction makes sense.
These are not really used as trucks, though the can if needed… within the restrictions of the short bed, of course. It’s not for everyone, but it does satisfy the majority of buyers currently.
Most of the people never take them off the pavement, they just want to say they have a truck!
95% or + off-roading is limited to pulling into their driveway.
It is for show only, that is why gm does not put real off-road tires on them.
If you want a rougher ride than necessary knock yourself out.
Gen 2 8 speed is still a failure of a transmission.
LOL man, the 4 cylinder blows that 3.6l V-6 out of the water! Stop shouting at the clouds
I haul mulch, sod, building materials, furniture, etc. with my truck. Not all the time of course but I do actually use it as both a truck and for commuting and it functions well in either capacity and that functionality is the reason I want a truck. If the bed is so small that one needs to rent a bigger truck for any project, then I truly don’t see the point of owning any truck. Of course I also own other vehicles so for me if I need to haul passengers, the extended cab Canyon isn’t well suited to that so I wouldn’t use then.
I understand the concept and marketability of making the Canyon an off-road lifestyle vehicle and perhaps the need for many to have more passenger space but I liked it better when GM’s mid-sized trucks could be that or it could be outfitted as a more useful truck depending on how it was optioned.
I’d much prefer to see two products if that was the original plan or as GM once did with the S-10 and S-10 Blazer.
It seems GM is trying to convince the consumer what they need, rather than providing the consumer with what they want.
I wanted the AT4CX so I ordered it. When it came in and I saw the interior in person, I just let it go. That white trim is hideous. Got a Colorado ZR2, which coincidentally comes in only one interior color, unlike a Corvette that has 30,000 interior combinations. Love my ZR2.
No disrespect but how do you order a brand new vehicle without checking out the interior to see if you like it or not? Enjoy the ZR2
I love my ’21 Canyon. But I won’t buy another one until they put back the V6 engine
I have a 2016 Colorado with the Diesel, Long Bed 4 Door Cab. I have 204000 miles on it. Will not buy another Colorado until they put the Diesel back in and offer the same wheelbase as mine. I need the long bed for Real Estate Supplies, I’m not a Golfer.
Withdrawn
GM and other truck manufacturers are forcing these worthless 4 door small bed trucks on us…..give me back the smaller ext cab canyon, full bed, and with V6 engine !!!
I think you do regular cabs and crewcab, also liking the smaller ‘hd’ work truck idea. If it’s supposed to be a smaller truck, have them be.
I’d take the 4.3 S10 back in a heartbeat, dropping Colorado and Canyon.
Now i have to order a $5325 option to get 20″ wheels.? … way to go gm….up yours
You can always buy aftermarket wheels and have rims that are not like everyone else.
wanted a new colorado or canyon dont want 4cyl
Same here, ended up buying a honda ridgeline….V6, more interior room, lower step in, great bed, tailgate, independent suspension, ….great truck!
If ithe Canyon came with a rear view camera mirror, especially for the AT4X AEV Edition, I would buy one right now!
if you have the 360 surround vision you can use the rear view camera while driving. not just in reverse.
have NO intension of ever buying a 4 cylinder pick up truck. S-10’s are in the old past. Don’t care about expensive turbos. V6 or V8 only. NEVER!!!!!!!!!!! that is stupid.
Four cylinders and turbo-chargers have come a long way from the S-10 era you’re referring to. In fact, I’m observing more issues with GM’s V8 engines than with the L3B/TurboMax.
All that means is GM is making a lot of crappy V-8’s.
Finally a SUNROOF/MOONROOF,should also offer power rear windows, and tuneau covers at those prices .Xpensive
In my little world of utopia, I’d have a Colorado crewcab, long bed, 4×4 with the 3.0l inline six wonder engine baby Duramax.
I’d be first in line to buy it, but GM and Madness Mary will never go for it, as they want the baby Duramax for the full size vehicles only. All they care about is the cash register.