GMC CANYON AT4X IS FOR OFF-ROAD AFICIONADOS!

By NITISH S. RELE – motoringtampabay@gmail.com
All you real passionate off-road, all-terrain enthusiasts, this ride is for you! The 2023 GMC Canyon AT4X (first-ever trim) is a step above the AT4 because of several exclusive features:
* Baja Drive mode to tackle rough terrain at higher speeds;
* Standard 33-inch Mud Terrain (MT) tires;
* Multimatic Dynamic Suspensions Spool Valve (DSSV) dampers – this high-level chassis technology for control and comfort on-road and forceful performance off-road is used by professional motor racing teams.
* Front/rear electronic-locking differentials engage axles to lock both wheels at consistent speed despite any obstacles, especially in the rugged boondocks;
* Rocker protectors/guards and rugged aluminum skid plate to protect underbody parts.
* A first for the Canyon, waterproof front/rear underbody cameras (10 total views) for higher visibility to tackle ruts, rocks, stumps and other hurdles.
* Exquisite ceramic white accents mixed in with the Obsidian Rush cabin to result in fine-looking fit and finish.
Convinced yet? Well, if you aren’t, here’s what is under the hood of the midsize pickup. A 2.7-liter turbocharged inline-4-cylinder engine pumps out 310 horsepower @ 5600 rpm and 430 pounds-feet of torque @ 3000 rpm. Mated to an 8-speed auto gearbox, the Canyon is capable of towing up to 6,000 pounds with a crew cab of 61.2-inch bed length. With a factory lift of 3 inches and 10.7-inch ground clearance, the AT4X boasts 32.8-degree off-road approach, and 24.5-inch breakover and off-road departure angles. It’s off-road ready!
Up front, it’s all about the pickup’s extreme off-road muscle capabilities with a 30-inch grille light bar, red recovery hooks, Comeup brand winch, bumper with Safari bull bar, skid plate, as mentioned, and flanked by horizontal LED headlights and fog lamps. Thanks to Obsidian Rush, the well-lit, airy and elegant interior shows off a center display 11-inch digital instrument cluster (which accesses and monitors any off-road outing) alongside the 11.3-inch infotainment touch screen. Besides Baja, the driver can also switch on terrain, off-road, normal and tow/haul modes. Other basic goodies include head-up display, Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, tilt/telescopic steering column, spray-on bedliner, 7-speaker Bose audio, keyless start, and comfy eight-way driver power and cooled/heated front seats.
Dual front and side airbags, side curtain airbag, 2-speed transfer case, four-wheel antilock and auto emergency brakes, front pedestrian braking, forward collision alert, blind zone steering and rear park assists, rear cross traffic brakes, adaptive cruise control, hill descent control, lane keep assist with lane departure warning, and tire pressure monitor are standard.
If you like to venture off the beaten path, the Canyon AT4X is worth a shot. It delivers remarkably quick and smooth acceleration, while boasting numerous creature comforts and admirable towing figures. And remember you can tackle the extreme rigors of the backcountry via to Baja mode if it suits your fancy!
CANYON AWD (AT4X)
Tires: 285/70R17
Wheelbase: 131.4 inches
Length: 213.2 inches
Width: 84.4 inches
Height: 81.6 inches
Steering: electric power
Fuel capacity: 21.5 gallons
City/highway: 16 mpg
Weight: 4,970 pounds
Base price: $55,500
Price as tested: $58,640
Web site: www.gmc.com