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Mid-size trucks that can handle off-road use are legitimately popular among American consumers. Even for those who only plan to take their pickup on the trail every once in a while, having something capable is fairly sought after. And that is why it makes sense that GMC is introducing an off-road variant of the Canyon. Known as the 2023 GMC Canyon AT4X, it won’t be cheap, but it will be ready for the road less traveled. 

How much is a GMC Canyon AT4X?

If you want the ultimate off-road 2023 GMC Canyon, you will be paying over $60,000. That price tag will certainly be more than the corporate cousin of this mid-size truck, the Chevy Colorado ZR2. At the same time, GMC is focused on providing more luxury than Chevy. So, the AT4X might be able to justify that price jump. 

If the 2023 Canyon AT4X costs around $65k, that will put it closer to the Ford Bronco Raptor in terms of pricing. For a Canyon model that still features off-road capability, but does not break the bank, there is always the AT4 trim. According to Car and Driver, that option was the most popular variant of the last generation of this mid-size truck. 

The 2023 Canyon AT4X is not your average pickup truck

The best way to view the GMC Canyon is as an up-scale version of the Chevy Colorado. General Motors typically gives this model better equipment to adhere to a luxury feel. With this new AT4X trim, GMC is really taking things to the next level. 

A 2023 GMC Canyon AT4X shows off its looks as an off-road mid-size truck.
GMC Canyon AT4X | GMC

The 2023 GMC Canyon already features four standard drive modes. But for the AT4X mid-size truck, the Canyon will gain a unique drive mode. Known as Baja mode, it optimizes this pickup to travel at high speeds, even when tackling off-road situations. Only time will tell how it actually performs in the real world. 

Another perk of the AT4X trim is that it is available with the Edition 1 package. This package adds a front bash bar, grilled-mounted light bar, beadlock wheels, and even a factory-installed winch. All of those things make this mid-size truck look more aggressive, but it will likely be a hard configuration to actually get your hands on. 

Is the GMC Canyon good for off-roading?

In terms of off-road ability, the Canyon might not seem as good as things like the Tacoma TRD Pro, but the AT4X trim is hoping to change that. The Canyon first gained the AT4 trim back in 2001, but it is less rugged than the ZR2 Chevy Colorado. 

A 2023 GMC Canyon AT4X sits in a remote location as a mid-size truck.
2023 GMC Canyon | GMC

The GMC Sierra 1500 already has the AT4X trim, but for 2023, it’s a new option on GMC’s mid-size truck. It will boast front and rear locking differentials, plus drivers will get up to 10 available camera angles for those tough off-road situations. 

The big question will be whether or not buyers will be interested in spending over $60,000 on a mid-size truck. That cost certainly is not cheap, but for those who take off-roading seriously, maybe it will be worth it.