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All eyes have been on the GMC Canyon for an unfair reason. Sure, it did get stranded near a mountaintop, but it wasn’t due to a malfunction or lack of capability. Driver errors exist, people, and we demand justice for the 2023 GMC Canyon

Why did the 2023 GMC Canyon get stuck? 

The 2023 GMC Canyon AT4 off-roading in sand
2023 GMC Canyon AT4 | GMC

Recently, a 2023 GMC Canyon went rocky mountain high and got stuck above the tree line at 14,000 feet. We don’t blame the driver for wanting to explore some off-roading trails and take in the scenic views up there, but the truck is innocent. 

The truck was stuck for over four days and became the subject of multiple social media posts for getting stuck! However, the truck was taken up on the Declibron trail, which is a hiking trail for foot traffic, not driving. 

There are old mining roads that can be found in the area, but they’re no longer in use. So, the driver should have been on foot. 

Also, the driver wandered off the road pretty far and was on a footpath with the risk of rolling over if he tried to power through the soft, rocky terrain after his rear passenger wheel sank. Soil was up to the differential! 

Recovery companies shared that this happens once a week because people come from all over and get lost. The truck has an Arkansas plate, so that checks out. People are often unfamiliar with the trail rules and regulations, fail to ask questions, and may receive little guidance. 

A towing company owner shared that people are out of their element, unaware, and unprepared, and no one gives them a map. Then, they end up in a situation like the GMC did. See? That feels like it’s shaming the truck. 

Anyway, the driver had to hike down several miles to the town of Alma to call for help. The first towing company didn’t work out, so the driver called Colorado 4×4 Rescue and Recovery to get free. 

The nonprofit operates nearly 365 days per year to rescue stuck vehicles. Also, the driver will receive a fine for his mistake, and the truck isn’t damaged. 

Can the 2023 Canyon go off-roading? 

Yes, the 2023 GMC Cayon is the most capable off-roading model ever, with tons of powerful upgrades. Just take it on an actual off-roading trail that’s right for your skillset, and be prepared. Driving on a footpath isn’t the best idea. 

The Canyon AT4X features a standard 4×4, a two-speed transfer case, 17-inch wheels wrapped in mud terrain tires, extra skid plates, rock rails, an extra 1.0-inch lift, a retuned suspension, Multimatic DSSV dampers, locking front/rear differentials, and hill descent control. 

It has a 10.7-inch ground clearance, a 36.9-degree approach angle, a 25.0-degree departure angle, and a 24.5-degree breakover angle. 

The GMC Canyon AT4X AEV (American Expedition Vehicles) edition is a little more extreme, but we’re still waiting for it to come out. It could feature steel bumpers, steel skid plates, bead-lock capable wheels, a Warn winch, and upgraded tech. 

How much does the Canyon cost? 

The 2023 GMC Canyon AT4X off-roading through mud
2023 GMC Canyon AT4X | GMC

The 2023 GMC Canyon starts at $36,900, and the top-spec AT4X trim takes the price up to $55,500. This price doesn’t include the $1,495 destination fee. Because the truck has a rear differential, we can assume that it is the AT4X model that got stuck. 

That’s a pretty expensive brand-new model to take adventuring. Also, it weighs 4,970 lbs. Typically, being lighter is better for off-roading unless the center of gravity is lower and there’s enough power to make up for the difference. 

Still, it’s important to be aware of the conditions before you venture out. You don’t want to be another Hummer sinking in thick mud or another person with their truck stranded on a walking trail. 

Stay tuned for updates because the GMC Canyon has recently become a serious contender in the off-roading world, and the Canyon AEV edition will pack even more heat.