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The old GMC Canyon serves as an excellent midsize truck option for years. However, it’s been aging for a while and could benefit from some upgrades. From the sound of things, the 2023 GMC Canyon will change the game. 

The 2023 GMC Canyon gains incredible updates 

2023 GMC Canyon spy shot
2023 GMC Canyon spy shot | GM Authority

The GMC Canyon had a complete redesign back in 2015, marking its second generation. Not much has changed since then, aside from mild refreshes. But the good news is that we don’t have to wait much longer because it’s expected to be fully redesigned for 2023. 

Spy photos reveal that significant upgrades for off-roading and brand new looks are on the way. We will most likely see a new GMC Canyon AT4X off-roading variant to tackle rivals like the Toyota Tacoma TRD Pro and Ford Ranger Tremor. 

What to expect with the new Canyon 

The spy shots of the 2023 GMC Canyon are heavily camouflaged, so we can’t see its new face or interior yet. However, they reveal a few clues about the upgraded suspension that feels similar to the Chevy Colorado Z2R. 

You’ll notice that the off-roading upgrades look like they go beyond what typically comes with the AT4 trims. This could be why the new off-roading Canyon is being called the AT4X. It’s taking things to a new extreme. 

The Canyon AT4 appears to have disguised DSSV shocks. It also rides pretty high, meaning a factory-installed lift kit could be available. It’s sitting on a set of 17-inch wheels wrapped in chunky Goodyear Wrangler all-terrain tires too. 

These are the same tires that the upcoming 2022 Chevy Silverado Z2R has been spotted with. The Silverado’s tires measure at 285/70R17 or 33-inches. These could be the same tires that the updated Colorado will receive too. The Colorado and Canyon are cousins, after all. 

The 2023 Canyon will ride on an enhanced version of General Motor’s current GMT-31XX midsize body-on-frame platform. It’s known as the 31XX-3. Hopefully, it will improve its ride quality both on the pavement and in the wild. 

What else do we know about the new Canyon? 

When the 2023 GMC Canyon arrives, it’s expected to have a more confident boxy shape. It could have LED lights at the top with vertically oriented light sources running down the sides of its face. It will have a similar look to the 2023 GMC Sierra HD prototypes. 

The fender flares look slightly wider for a more confident stance with an intricate treatment on the doors. The taillights are covered in camouflage, meaning that in the current spy shots, they could be placeholders. 

Along with a new interior and exterior, the 2023 Canyon might get the 2.7-liter inline-four LB3 engine with 310 hp and 348 lb-ft of torque. But on a sad note, the diesel engine may not make the cut. Also, there hasn’t been any mention of a hybrid powertrain yet. 

Pricing information hasn’t been released. The 2021 Canyon starts at around $26,800. Its upgrades could increase the price a little. We will keep an eye out as more information about the AT4X emerges.

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Allison Barfield

Allison Barfield joined MotorBiscuit in 2020 and covers all things trucks, SUVs, and Jeeps. Having grown up on a farm in Rock Hill, South Carolina, she’s no stranger to the “Best in Class” truck and SUV debates; people in her hometown were always gathering to help work on vehicles together, and deliberation would naturally arise.

Allison graduated from the University of South Carolina with a degree in Media Arts. She has helped bring awareness to issues Women In Trucking face and has promoted Truckers Against Trafficking, an anti-trafficking NGO.

A fan of creatively dark literature, Allison appreciates the works of Shirley Jackson and Emily Dickenson. She lives in a mountainous area of the country and enjoys off-roading and camping. Her dog, Bruce, often joins her in testing trucks and SUVs for our site.