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What do our experts think of the 2023 GMC Canyon? We look at powertrain, interior options, trim levels, and more. Find out our thoughts here.
2023 GMC Canyon – netcarshow.com | Shop 2023 GMC Canyon on Carsforsale.com
What’s New for the 2023 GMC Canyon?
The 2023 GMC Canyon is all new with an updated frame, body, interior, and drivetrain package.It introduces a new 2.7-liter powertrain for all four trim levels along with rear or four-wheel drive. Every new Canyon gets an impressive upgrade in terms of interior quality and styling as the model matures and grows in size just a bit too.
The Breakdown
Great engine
Serious off-road chops
Excellent technology
Underwhelming fuel economy
Expensive
Middling interior quality
An impressive step forward
2023 GMC Specs
- 310 horsepower from base engine
- 430 lb-ft of torque from base engine
- 4 available trims
- Towing capacity of 7,700 lbs
- Available integrated trail cameras
- Standard lane-departure warning
- 3-year limited warranty
2023 GMC Canyon Powertrain
Under the sleek hood of every 2023 GMC Canyon is a 2.7-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine. That’s the same one used in the new Chevrolet Colorado and previous editions of the larger GMC Sierra. In the Canyon, they all make 310 hp and 430 lb-ft of torque. That’s more than most versions of the Chevrolet Colorado and just about every other midsize truck on sale today.
In practice, we can report that it feels great under one’s right foot too. The engine is pretty quick to respond with serious power and performance. The steering is good too and makes this truck much easier to place than its wide stance might have you believe. The braking leaves a touch to be desired as it takes a lot of engagement to get full power but keep in mind that the Canyon weighs well over two tons.
What really separates the Canyon in our eyes is its ability to offer different driving experiences that are all good. The base Elevation trim is a quiet and comfortable everyday workhorse while the Denali offers serious luxury and improved ride quality. Finally, the AT4X is one of the most off-road capable mid-sized trucks in the segment bar none. We hope to torture-test it against the new Ford Ranger Raptor and the Toyota Tacoma TRD Pro soon.
Towing & Payload
The majority of the Canyon lineup gets a fantastic 7,700-pound towing capacity. That puts it right up there with most of its main competition. The AT4X sees a slight drop off to 6,000 pounds and the very rare AT4X Edition 1 can only tow 5,500 pounds.
2023 GMC Canyon Fuel Economy & MPG
If there’s one area for serious concern in the Canyon’s arsenal it’s regarding fuel economy. Overall, it gets at best an EPA rating of 20 mpg combined. 4WD models get just 19 mpg combined and the AT4X drops to 18. That’s below average against its main rivals and it’s not even as good as the outgoing Canyon. That’s backsliding at its worst.
Interior, Comfort, & Cargo Space
GMC made leaps and bounds in terms of its interior technology and quality in the 2023 Canyon. The seats, the switchgear, and the dash design is a big improvement over the outgoing truck. We also really like the straightforward control systems and the easy-to-navigate driver information display.
Ride quality is great across the lineup and the cabin is shockingly quiet even when the Canyon is wearing off-road tires. Both rows of seats are spacious and supportive. The heated seats work ok but they tend to work in waves with inconsistent temperatures. We’d also love to see a future version of the Canyon get the same massaging seats from the Sierra.
The Canyon makes the most of its cargo space though. The center console has a cavernous opening for just about anything, each door has its own drink space, and the bed itself features tie-downs. We also like the extra storage space in the tailgate itself.
Entertainment & Technology
An 11.3-inch infotainment system with Google Built-In acts as the star of the technology show in the Canyon. All trims get the same system though upper levels get additional features like drive modes and trail cameras. In general, the user interface is fast, easy to understand, and attractive.
Android and Apple integration is standard too and buyers can also use physical controls on the steering wheel to navigate some menus. A controversial change is the fact that the headlights are now controllable only through the touchscreen. Thankfully, the lighting icon stays on screen no matter what menu one is in. Overall, we don’t think it’ll be a bad change.
Safety Features
Speaking of safety, neither the IIHS nor the NHTSA has released any safety data on the Canyon. What we do know is that GMC offers it with forward collision mitigation, lane-departure warning, and lane-keep assist. Adaptive cruise control is also available for a premium.
2023 GMC Canyon Trims & Pricing
Elevation – $38,395
The base Canyon comes with LED headlights, 18-inch wheels, keyless entry, a tilt-only steering wheel, an 8-inch digital gauge cluster, an 11.3-inch infotainment system with Google built-in, satellite radio, Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, six speakers, cloth upholstery, two USB ports, automatic climate control, automatic emergency braking, lane-keep assist, and lane-departure warning.
AT4 – $45,395
Step up to the AT4 and you’ll get hill descent control, a wider fender flare package, additional USB ports, dual-zone automatic climate control, LED fog lights, a tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel, heated front seats, and a power-adjustable driver’s seat.
Denali – $52,495
This is the luxury-focused version of the Canyon and as such it reverts to rear-wheel drive but adds 20-inch wheels, chrome exterior trim, black recovery hooks, a heated steering wheel, heated and ventilated front seats, a Bose sound system with seven speakers, an 11-inch digital gauge cluster, a 6.3-inch multi-color heads-up display, and off-road performance data.
AT4X – $56,995
The AT4X gets an off-road focused suspension with DSSV dampers, a 3-inch lift kit, electronically locking front and rear differentials, 17-inch wheels with all-terrain tires, skid plates, rock rails, a spray-in bedliner, and a trailer package.
Warranties
GMC will cover the first routine maintenance visit one has when one buys a Canyon. Beyond that, the warranty coverage is very average. It includes three years or 36,000 miles of bumper-to-bumper coverage and five years or 60,000 miles of powertrain coverage.
What we think
2023 GMC Canyon – netcarshow.com | Shop 2023 GMC Canyon on Carsforsale.com
GMC was the first to unveil their new midsize truck and despite newer drops from Ford and Toyota the Canyon continues to look enticing. None of these trucks offer everything one could ask for but the Canyon is the most premium of the bunch and offers possibly the best rock-crawling off-road capability too.
We can’t wait to drive the Ford and Toyota but we suspect that they’ll trail the GMC in on-road comfort as well. If you’re in the market for one of these we’d suggest taking a deep dive into our article on new car incentives before pulling the trigger. If $50,000 is a bit too rich for your blood we’d suggest our article on the best used mid-size pickup for $20,000 or less.
