2024 GMC Canyon vs 2023 GMC Canyon

2023 marks the third generation of GMC's midsize pickup truck. The first-generation Canyon arrived for the 2004 model year as a replacement for the compact GMC Sonoma, and after a short hiatus a second-generation Canyon was introduced as a 2015 model. Throughout, the Canyon has been a twin of the Chevrolet Colorado, with only a few differences to distinguish the ostensibly upscale GMC from its working-class sibling. That changes for 2023.

The new Canyon is once again based on the Colorado, sharing the Chevy's body-on-frame platform, powertrain, and tech features. This time around, though, the Canyon is further distinguished from the Colorado by skipping some of the Chevy's entry-level features. That will raise the out-the-door price of a 2023 Canyon, but it's in keeping with the truck's positioning above the Colorado.

The Canyon is once again available in the base Elevation, luxury Denali, and off-road-oriented AT4 grades familiar to owners of the outgoing model. For 2023, GMC also adds a Canyon AT4X model that dials up the off-road capability. We drove it, as well as the Elevation and AT4 models, to see if this redesign is really an improvement.

Taller and wider than most midsize pickup trucks like the Ford Ranger or Toyota Tacoma, the GMC Canyon is designed to go farther and work harder than the rest of its class. GMC redesigned the Canyon for 2023, and a new AEV package arrives for the 2024 model year. With this off-road-specific kit, the rugged Canyon AT4X grows yet another 2.5 centimetres taller and adds 35-inch tires, steel skid plates, and a full-size spare tire.

Verdict: You don’t need to test drive an AT4X AEV trim to walk away impressed with the 2024 Canyon. Although pricey, this truck delivers a more impressive array of standard equipment than any other vehicle in its class, and its high-output turbocharged four-cylinder engine provides more than enough firepower for towing, hauling, and off-road driving.