It’s geared properly to reply most wants by an 8-speed automated, however we want GMC would allow handbook gear management in Drive from the shift-lever toggle; driver’s selection solely comes when the shift lever is positioned in Low. In its regular drive vary, the transmission can linger too lengthy in low gears when speeds differ extensively, like on twisting roads.

A dial on the console adjustments all method of shift and throttle and traction methods within the Canyon by 4 modes: Regular, Tow/Haul, Off-Street, and Terrain, which acts as a low-speed cruise management for rock-crawling. A fifth mode, Baja, comes solely on the ATX4 (see under).

On all however the AT4X, the Canyon’s rear suspension makes use of leaf springs, whereas the impartial entrance suspension options coil-over shocks. The newest GMC mid-size pickup handles a lot better because of its wider monitor and its improved physique construction. The suspension generates some chop when it rumbles over divots within the pavement or ruts within the grime. Although they piston over bumps and scrabble for traction, the Elevation and AT4 appear flatter and higher managed than Denali variations, which get greater 275/60R 20-inch wheels and sit larger, with 10.5 inches of floor clearance. 

Throughout all variations, vastly improved steering response generates secure and predictable inputs, as we discovered rolling by paved switchbacks and forestry paths round Asheville, North Carolina. The Elevation and AT4, no shock, have a greater sense of the street, with their decrease experience peak and smaller wheels and tires. They’re one of the best selections if the Canyon’s used as a light-work-duty commuter car, as so many have been used up to now.

Is the GMC Canyon 4WD?

Solely the bottom Canyon Elevation has rear-wheel drive commonplace; four-wheel drive is an choice. All different variations have four-wheel drive commonplace. The Elevation will get a single-speed switch case, whereas AT4 and Denali fashions get a limited-slip rear differential. 

Whereas the Elevation has 9.6 inches of floor clearance just like the AT4, it’s the AT4 Canyon that presents your best option for drivers who go off-road greater than sometimes. It shares the 18-inch wheels and 32-inch 265/65 tires with the Elevation, and just like the Elevation (and Denali), the AT4 has a 33.3-degree method angle, one of the best within the lineup. With an identical powertrain output, the AT4 has the limited-slip diff to drag it extra confidently by unpaved terrain. 

GMC says the Canyon can tow as much as 7,700 kilos, a giant acquire for individuals who pull trailers, and its mattress payload has risen to 1,640 kilos. We weren’t in a position to put these elements to the check throughout our North Carolina check drive.

GMC Canyon ATX

The Canyon AT4X is GMC’s reply to the Chevy Colorado ZR2. The Canyon AT4X rides larger than different grades, due partly to a 3.0-inch manufacturing unit elevate that permits a floor clearance of 10.7 inches. It additionally comes with three skid plates and uplifted entrance and rear bumpers for higher method and departure angles. 

AT4X provides entrance and rear lockers, and Multimatic internal-bypass shocks to deal with excessive compression off-road whereas nonetheless permitting sufficient stiffness for on-road consolation. 

It rides on 17-inch wheels wrapped in 33-inch mud-terrain tires, will get a particular Baja mode for high-speed cruising off-road, and has an method angle of 36.9 levels.

There are compromises. Payload drops to 1,250 kilos, and tow scores sink to six,000 kilos. However the ATX4 rumbles by the woods with go-anywhere angle. Our check drive chewed up a half-day’s value of muddy pits greater than two toes deep, executing tight squeezes by saplings, and hardly needing the Version 1 bundle it wore, with all of the off-road gear—from safari bars to winches on the entrance bumper and 17-inch beadlock succesful wheels.