If you’re searching for a great departure from the expected, you could attend a magic show and watch illusionists perform tricks right before your eyes, or you could check out the 2023 GMC Canyon. The 2023 model of this midsize pickup truck is a completely different truck from what we’ve seen before.

The Denali trim is no longer at the top of the 2023 GMC Canyon lineup?

GMC changed the Canyon into a truck that brings an off-road focus to every trim level. In doing so, the Denali trim moved from the top spot to slip down into the middle of the pack. The trim lineup for the 2023 Canyon is:

• Elevation
• AT4
• Denali
• AT4X
• AT4X Edition 1

Only the Elevation trim has a standard RWD layout; all others come standard with 4WD.

GMC doesn’t offer as many options for the build of this midsize truck

The 2023 version of the GMC Canyon ushers in a new generation for this truck. You’ll find the greatest departure from the 2022 model in the body styles and powertrain offerings. In 2022, you could have two body styles, two bed lengths, and three different engines.

The 2023 version of this midsize truck only offers one body and one powertrain. Every 2023 truck is a short-bed crew cab model with a new high-output 2.7-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder engine under the hood. This engine attaches to an 8-speed automatic transmission giving you 310 horsepower and 430 lb-ft of torque.

Note: The 2023 Chevy Colorado has the same engine but offers three power settings across the trims.

The 2023 GMC Canyon is a bigger truck than the outgoing model

The front axle for this 2023 version moves forward 2.9 inches to increase the wheelbase by 3.1 inches and accommodate the new engine. Additionally, the three lower trims of the new Canyon sit two inches higher than the previous version. The AT4X and AT4X Edition 1 models are three inches higher off the ground than the 2022 Canyon.

Not only does the new Canyon sit up higher, but the truck’s width is also ten inches greater than the previous model. This gives you a taller, wider, and longer truck than before.

Going off-road is much easier in this midsize pickup truck

The wheel travel for the 2023 GMC Canyon is 15% greater than the outgoing model at most trims. The AT4X delivers a 30% increase in wheel travel. The three lower trims of this truck sit 9.6 inches off the ground, while the AT4X models rise up to 10.7 inches of ground clearance.

GMC has increased the off-road angles of the Canyon to give you 33.3 degrees for the approach as a standard measurement and 36.9 degrees when you get to the AT4X trim. Everything about this truck screams off-road capability, making it easy to see the priorities for this truck.

Is the 2023 Canyon really that much different from the 2022 version?

Yes, the new 2023 GMC Canyon is a true off-road truck. In the past, the Canyon was happy to be the corporate cousin to the Colorado and was the mild-mannered luxury-laden midsize truck you might choose for a comfortable drive. That’s no longer the case. This new Canyon is an off-road beast, made to take you to some of the deepest parts of the wilderness. Will you let it take you there?

Next, check out some excellent qualities of the GMC Acadia, or watch The Fast Lane Trucks team talk about the 2023 GMC Canyon in the video below: