It’s at all times entertaining to craft a Proper Spec publish for a machine which is freshly revamped for the upcoming mannequin 12 months, and GMC is pulling out all of the stops for 2023 with its new Canyon. We ruminated on its brother, the Chevrolet Colorado, not too way back – however there are some key variations between the siblings which weren’t current earlier than the redesign.
Most necessary? The truth that GMC is throwing essentially the most highly effective tune of this engine into all of the trims – even the bottom mannequin.
The place the bowtie brigade chooses to supply its 2.7L four-banger turbo in three totally different strengths, GMC has taken the strongest variant (310 horsepower and 430 lb-ft of torque) and utilized it throughout the vary. This contains two-wheel drive Canyons and base mannequin trims, making essentially the most inexpensive Canyon stand on equal footing by way of energy because the priciest Chevy Colorado.
At launch, the Canyon line will begin with a base Elevation and next-rung AT4, adopted by the brutish AT4X and zooty Denali. For many who should stand out, the first-year vehicles will be had in an AT4X Version 1 livery, full with an built-in winch, 3-inch manufacturing unit elevate, and trick DSSV shocks from Multimatic. Right here’s the factor: AT4X will obtain these options as effectively, save for the winch – although we strongly suspect a seller will probably be agreeable so as to add one in alternate for a sufficiently massive wad of hundred-dollar payments.
Sticking to the decrease finish of the trim stroll will probably be a wise transfer for anybody trying to haul a trailer, with Elevation and AT4 trims (and the not-cheap Denali) good for a most towing measure of seven,700 kilos. AT4X and AT4X Version 1 vehicles are restricted to six,000 and 5,500 kilos, respectively. Off-road gear giveth, and off-road gear taketh away. Elevated curb weight doesn’t assist both, although it ought to be famous a Denali is barely 110 lbs lighter than an AT4X but sheds 1,700 lbs in towing prowess. And, earlier than you get your knickers in a knot, we all know that’s an AT4 on the prime of this publish – it’s the lowest-trim photograph GMC has but distributed of its new Canyon.
Elevation and AT4 trims have the identical floor clearance (9.6 inches), method/departure angles (33.3 and 22.3, respectively), and total peak. In different phrases, popping for the AT4 is extra of an look selection in 2023, for the reason that AT4 even wears the identical 18-inch P-rated tires as the bottom Elevation. AT4X, in fact, will get burly 17-inch LT rubber whereas the Denali will get snazzy 20-inch hoops. The AT4 and Denali do get a limited-slip diff as normal, nevertheless.
Likewise, there’s no selection in physique fashion, with GMC dropping some choices and selecting to give attention to the crew cab configuration with 4 full doorways. Inside area, cabin measurements, and gas tank capability are all equal throughout the board. And, if Chevy’s musings are any indication, some dandy inside particulars will probably be normal for all fingers together with the 11.3-inch infotainment touchscreen,
Absent a stay build-and-price device, we’re working off what info the model has already launched in regards to the ’23 Canyon within the type of PR bumfs and whatnot. This implies pricing can also be up within the air for now however it’s secure to say the unfold between trims will stay much like right this moment, even when the bottom worth does soar a tad. With that in thoughts and the function depend of which we’re conscious presently, we’ll pop for an Elevation-equipped four-wheel drive Canyon. With Chevy reserving the most effective engine for its prime trims of Colorado, the Canyon Elevation would be the least costly solution to get behind a wheel of a GM truck with the two.7L’s greatest – and strongest – variant.
[Image: GMC]
Change into a TTAC insider. Get the most recent information, options, TTAC takes, and all the things else that will get to the reality about vehicles first by subscribing to our e-newsletter.