On the heels of the all-new 2023 Chevrolet Colorado reveal is today the unveiling of its upscale brother, the 2023 GMC Canyon. Completely redesigned and elevated – literally, the new Canyon mid-size pickup trucks bring their A-game with a few new moves as well.

Taking its cues from the 2021 AT4X Canyon Concept Truck we saw last year is the new top dog off-road model for the 2023 GMC Canyon – the AT4X. Think of it as a Colorado ZR2 for GMC, all the hardware plus the elevated style and luxury you come to GMC for.

Like all 2023 GMC Canyon models, the AT4X comes only with a single wheelbase four-door crew cab configuration with a five-foot cargo box configuration. While all other Canyon models now have a two-inch factory suspension lift, the AT4X has three. It has a wider track as well across the lineup.

The AT4X brings the box of suspension and drivetrain goodies over from the Colorado ZR2 including the amazing Multimatic DSSV spool valve dampers, heavy-duty lower control arms at the front, locking differentials front and rear and Goodyear Wrangler 33-inch off-road tires mounted to 17-inch wheels.

This gives the Canyon AT4X some great digits to brag on with an approach angle of 36.9 degrees, departure of 25 degrees and a break-over angle of 24.5. Ground clearance is a full inch more than the base models at 10.7-inches. Protecting your precious under-bits is a full battery of skid plates.

Along with all of the off-road hardware, the new GMC Canyons come with a multitude of drive-modes tailored for work and play including Normal, Tow/Haul, Off-Road and Terrain. When you step up to the AT4X you get an extra Baja Mode which adjusts all of your powertrain metrics for high-speed off-roading.

Powering all 2023 GMC Canyons and the AT4X is the 2.7-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine and 8-speed automatic transmission. In Canyon however unlike the Colorado, all models come with the high-output version rated at 310 horsepower and 430 pound-feet of torque. Gone for good are the 3.5-liter V6 and 2.8-liter baby DuraMax diesel.

Styling for the GMC Canyon is pretty buffed up from the last generation. It does share familiar body musculature with the Chevrolet Colorado such has its own hood, facial features and the cut-away off-road style bumper across the lineup in addition to a unique rear tailgate design that includes waterproof storage inside.

Stepping up to the AT4X gets you a lot of hardware gear including rock rails under the cab, wide fender flare trim with amber markers, and unique bumper treatments. There’s LED headlamps and fog lamps with signature lighting up front as well as LED tail lights at the rear.

The Edition 1 package you see here adds more including the Safari Bar front bumper, 30-inch LED light bar and integrated winch supplied by Comeup. Wheels are 17-inch bead-lock capable units and underneath are standard under body cameras to give you extra views and the all important Edition 1 badge.

A feature standard on the Canyon AT4X that really gets my attention is the re-configurable bed rails that sit on top of your bed lengthwise or crosswise, allowing you the same functionality you would have to spend out for with Yakima, Thule and the like. Nice. These are also optional to other models.

Another place the GMC Canyon is really elevated is inside. All Canyons get a unique dash design and more luxurious trim options than Chevrolet Colorado offers at any price. Here in the AT4X you get the 11-inch instrument cluster, a color HUD and an 11.3-inch Bose audio backed infotainment display with all the bells like wireless Android Auto, Apple Car Play and Google Built-In feature content.

The trims and colors though are really a treat for the eyes with red accents aplenty and exclusive Obsidian Rush and Ceramic White color scheme with leather trimmed seats. Those front seats are heated and ventilated and yes you can have the red seat belts too.

The 11.3-inch information screen features up to 10-camera views including the aforementioned under-body cameras but also off-road monitoring screens with real time data like angles, g-force, pitch and roll as well as altitude.

GMC will begin production of the new Canyon in early 2023 with the AT4X model coming a little later in the spring. Pricing for the base model 2023 GMC Canyon Elevation starts at around $40,000 – the AT4X Edition 1 we’re looking at here starts at $63,000 and some change.

If you want one however you need to reserve and order it, especially if you want the highly limited Edition 1. You do that right now at the GMC website.