Introduction
For years, modest offerings prioritizing practicality over persona dominated the midsize truck segment. But the tides have shifted, and GMC is making serious waves with the all-new 2024 Canyon.
Introducing the AT4X and the brilliantly burly AT4X AEV Edition – two trail-worthy warriors that blend daily drivability with genuine off-road prowess straight from the factory floor.
From the moment you look at these trucks, it’s clear GMC isn’t messing around. The aggressive, modern styling exudes a ruggedness that’s often missing from the midsize class.
And beneath that brawny exterior lies a host of purpose-built upgrades engineered to conquer the road less traveled. Buckle up because this is one ride you won’t want to miss.
What’s New on the 2024 GMC Canyon AT4X?
The Canyon AT4X is GMC’s opening salvo in the midsize off-road arena, and it’s a doozy. This truck comes kitted out with a veritable greatest hits of off-road hardware:
- A factory-installed 3-inch lift kit
- Robust Multimatic DSSV dampers with outboard rear mounting for improved articulation
- Selectable front and rear electronic locking differentials
- Impressive 37-degree approach angle and 10.7 inches of ground clearance
- The potent 2.7L turbocharged four-cylinder engine churning out a healthy 310 horsepower and 430 lb-ft of torque
But the Canyon AT4X isn’t just about brawn – it’s also packing some serious brains in the form of cutting-edge off-road drive modes and camera views. Drivers can select “Terrain,” “Off-Road,” or “Baja” modes to optimize the truck’s performance for various conditions.
And with up to ten available camera views, including underbody cameras, you’ll always have a clear line of sight to navigate challenging terrain.
The Canyon AT4X AEV Edition Takes It Even Further
As impressive as the base AT4X is, GMC took things to a new level by collaborating with the renowned overland experts at American Expedition Vehicles (AEV). The result? The Canyon AT4X AEV Edition – a veritable off-road war machine.
This beast starts with the already capable AT4X as a foundation and then adds:
- An additional 1.5 inches of lift for a towering 12.2 inches of ground clearance
- Massive 35-inch Goodyear Wrangler Territory mud-terrain tires
- Burly fender flares to accommodate the increased tire size and track width
- Factory-installed rock sliders to protect the body from trail damage
- A comprehensive skid plate package shielding vital components
- Heavy-duty AEV-designed stamped steel front and rear bumpers with recovery points
In short, the AEV Edition is an overlander’s dream come true – it rolls off the showroom floor ready to tackle the gnarliest trails and terrain without a single aftermarket modification required.
Exterior Styling That Turns Heads
Beneath all that off-road armor, the 2024 Canyon cuts a decidedly aggressive stance that instantly separates it from the milquetoast midsize crowd. GMC’s designers nailed the styling, giving the truck a modern yet unmistakably rugged look.
A key element is the standard wide-body design across the entire Canyon lineup. Those muscular fender flares look cool and serve a functional purpose by accommodating the AT4X’s beefy 33-inch tires or the AEV Edition’s massive 35-inch meats. And speaking of those tires, the way they fill out the wheel wells is pure automotive poetry.
From the front, the blunt fascia and rectangular grille imbue the Canyon with an almost toy-like sense of heft and presence that belies its midsize dimensions.
Yet there’s a sleekness and refinement to the lines that keep it from looking cartoonishly over-the-top. It’s an impressive balance of brawn and sophistication.
What’s It Like to Drive the Canyon AT4X On- and Off-Road?
Impressive specs and sexy sheet metal only get you so far – at the end of the day, an off-road truck needs to walk the walk when the pavement ends. Fortunately, the Canyon AT4X doesn’t disappoint.
Let’s start with that punchy 2.7L turbocharged engine. While hardly a powerhouse by modern standards, the robust 430 lb-ft of torque provides plenty of low-end grunt for tackling steep grades and slogging through mud pits. There’s a hint of turbo lag from a stop, but once you get those revs up, the power delivery is linear and willing.
Some enthusiasts may lament the low 5,600 rpm redline and complain that GMC should’ve opted for a gruntier V6. And sure, more power is always welcome – especially with those big 35s weighing down the AEV Edition.
But the four-banger has enough sauce for most driving situations to get the job done without feeling overtaxed.
One area that could use some tweaking is the transmission and throttle calibration. The 8-speed automatic swaps cogs and responds to pedal inputs with a noticeable sense of lethargy.
It’s not a deal-breaker, but it does take away from the overall sense of sportiness and responsiveness that many buyers crave from a performance-oriented truck like this.
| Powertrain Specs | Canyon AT4X | Canyon AT4X AEV |
| Engine | 2.7L Turbo I4 | 2.7L Turbo I4 |
| Horsepower | 310 hp | 310 hp |
| Torque | 430 lb-ft | 430 lb-ft |
| Transmission | 8-speed Auto | 8-speed Auto |
That said, any minor powertrain gripes quickly fade into insignificance once you hit the trails. With its beefy all-terrain tires, generous ground clearance, and advanced traction management systems, the Canyon AT4X feels utterly unstoppable in technical off-road environments.
Whether scrambling over rocky outcroppings or slogging through deep mud pits, the truck just laps it all up without breaking a sweat. The front and rear lockers work seamlessly with the terrain management system to keep you moving, while the long-travel DSSV dampers smother bumps and provide a planted, confident feel.
From the driver’s seat, it’s hard not to feel like a total badass piloting this rig over obstacles that would bring most trucks to their knees. And with the available 360-degree camera views, navigating tight trails or spotting potential hazards is a breeze.
One key difference between the AT4X and the AEV Edition is the sensation of “unstoppability” you get behind the wheel. With its extra lift and cavernous 12.2 inches of ground clearance, the AEV variant feels even more detached and impervious to rough terrain.
You gain real “point-and-shoot” confidence as obstacles almost disappear from view as you steamroll over them without a second thought.
It’s an empowering, almost intoxicating experience – like driving a life-size Tonka Truck. If hardcore overlanding and rock-crawling are your jam, the AEV Edition’s enhanced suspension articulation and ground clearance could be worth the premium over the already stellar AT4X.
“The Canyon AT4X AEV Edition feels utterly unstoppable on the trail. With a lifted suspension and 35-inch tires from the factory, it simply walked over obstacles that would bury lesser trucks.” – Off-Road Journalist
An Ultra-Modern yet Rugged Interior
While the Canyon’s off-road chops are certainly its biggest draw, GMC didn’t forget to make it a livable daily driver. Slip inside, and you’ll be greeted with a modern, comfortable, and functional interior.
The overall design aesthetic is a major departure from the outgoing model. Gone are the drab, dated plastics and uninspired layout. In their place is a bold, almost futuristic vibe with sweeping lines, upscale materials, and brilliant splashes of color.
The centerpiece is the slick 11.3-inch infotainment touchscreen perched atop the waterfall center stack. It’s a crisp, high-resolution display that provides intuitive access to all the truck’s comfort, convenience,and technology features.
Speaking of tech, the Canyon comes loaded with all the latest digital goodies, like wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, an available 4G LTE Wi-Fi hotspot, and Amazon Alexa integration.
Flanking the center display is an equally modern 11-inch digital instrument cluster that can be configured to show various gauge layouts and vehicle info tailored to your needs. For instance, you can pull up the front camera view for better visibility when cresting hills off-road.
The overall interior execution hits that sweet spot of combining an upscale, almost premium vibe with an underlying sense of ruggedness and durability. The leather-wrapped dash and door inserts have a rich, substantial feel, while the rubberized trim along the center console provides a tough, no-nonsense aesthetic.
That said, some may question the bold red-and-white color scheme’s long-term livability. While eye-catching, only time will tell how well those lighter hues will hold up to the inevitable abuse of mud, dirt, and grime that comes with regular off-road use. An optional dark color scheme may have been a wise addition.
Overall, the Canyon’s cabin makes a strong first impression as a comfortable and well-equipped place to spend time on the road or trail. There’s plenty of room to stretch out, clever storage solutions, and all the creature comforts you’d want, like heated/cooled seats and dual-zone auto climate control.
Value Proposition – Is the Premium Worth It?
Of course, all these updates and off-road upgrades don’t come for free. The 2024 Canyon AT4X starts at a healthy $55,895, while the full-boogie AEV Edition commands an even loftier $65,995 price tag. That’s a sizable premium over more mainstream midsize trucks.
But in GMC’s defense, just look at what you’re getting for that money. With the AT4X, you’ve got a truck straight from the factory with:
- A 3-inch lift kit
- 33-inch all-terrain tires
- Beefy Multimatic dampers
- Front and rear electronic locking diffs
- Impressive approach/departure angles
- Advanced off-road drive modes and camera tech
Most midsize trucks don’t offer those types of off-road upgrades as factory options at all. You’d need to spend a lot of money installing an aftermarket lift, tires, lockers, etc., to match the AT4X’s capability. So, in that respect, the AT4X is a compelling value for serious off-roaders.
And then there’s the uber-deluxe AEV Edition, which takes that formula to its logical extreme. For that $10k premium over the AT4X, you’re essentially getting:
- An additional 1.5 inches of lift for even more ground clearance
- Massive 35-inch mud-terrain tires
- Rugged off-road bumpers and rock sliders
- Comprehensive skid plate protection package
- Beadlock-capable AEV wheels
Again, if you tried piecing together that level of equipment from the aftermarket on something like a stock Canyon, you’d be looking at far more than $10k in modifications and labor. The AEV Edition’s pricing becomes even more impressive when you realize it’s turn-key ready for serious off-road abuse and overlanding right from the jump.
“For buyers who plan to modify their truck for hardcore off-roading anyway, the Canyon AT4X AEV Edition could save you money versus buying a base model and adding all that gear from the aftermarket.” – Truck Trend Magazine
The calculus does get a bit trickier when you start cross-shopping the Canyon against its corporate cousin, the Chevrolet Colorado ZR2. While not quite as extreme as the AEV, the ZR2 still comes trail-ready from the factory with a lifted suspension, locking diffs, skid plates, and other off-road gear…yet it undercuts the pricing of both Canyon variants.
The Colorado ZR2 starts at $45,595, while the even more hardcore ZR2 Bison kicks off at $52,095. Those stickers suddenly make the $55,895 Canyon AT4X seem a bit steep and the $65,995 AEV Edition positively extravagant by comparison.
Ultimately, though, the Canyon offsets that premium with some baked-in advantages like:
- A wider track and aggressive wide-body styling
- Standard 2.7L turbo engine (vs base 2.5L on Colorado)
- More premium cabin appointments and tech features
- Unique AEV off-road upgrades not available on the Chevy
So, while it may not be the uber-bargain of the midsize off-road world, the 2024 GMC Canyon AT4X (and especially the AEV Edition) still makes a very compelling case for its premium pricing through its impressive blend of extreme capability and daily driver civility. It’s an uncompromising package for those who want a true do-it-all midsize truck.
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FAQs
What is the difference between Canyon AT4X and AT4X AEV?
The main difference is that the AT4X AEV Edition builds upon the AT4X with additional off-road upgrades from American Expedition Vehicles (AEV). It gets a further 1.5-inch suspension lift, larger 35-inch mud-terrain tires, fender flares, rock sliders, skid plates, and heavy-duty bumpers.
How much is the GMC Canyon AT4X AEV edition?
The 2024 GMC Canyon AT4X AEV Edition has a starting price of $65,995.
What is the AT4X AEV edition?
The AT4X AEV Edition is an off-road-focused version of the Canyon created through a collaboration between GMC and the overlanding experts at American Expedition Vehicles (AEV). It comes from the factory with upgraded suspension, larger 35-inch tires, body armor, and other extreme trail gear.
What is the payload of the 2024 GMC Canyon AT4X AEV?
While official payload figures are not provided, the article estimates the payload capacity of the 2024 GMC Canyon AT4X AEV Edition to be just over 1,000 lbs, which is lower than the standard AT4X due to the increased weight of the off-road upgrades.
Conclusion
With the all-new 2024 Canyon AT4X and AT4X AEV Edition, GMC has emphatically staked its claim as a force to be reckoned with in the midsize off-road truck space. These trail-worthy rigs depart from the brand’s traditional focus on plush refinement and luxury, instead delivering a heaping helping of mud-slinging, rock-crawling, go-anywhere prowess.
Yet through it all, the Canyon hasn’t forgotten its daily driver roots. With a powerful yet fuel-efficient powertrain, premium-level interior trimmings, and a full suite of comfort and convenience tech, these trucks are just as happy taming the urban jungle as they are conquering the wilderness.
The AT4X is an exceptional all-arounder that gives you legitimate off-road cred with its lifted suspension, knobbier tires, and advanced 4×4 systems while retaining decent towing and payload capacities.
And if you want to turn things up to 11, the AEV Edition takes that formula and dials up the aggression to borderline overkill levels with its towering ground clearance and extreme off-road equipment like beadlock wheels, rock sliders, and skid plates galore.
Make no mistake – with options like these, GMC has placed a massive target squarely on the backs of the Gladiator, Ranger, and Colorado ZR2 in the rapidly heating midsize truck wars. The Canyon is a real contender now and one that enthusiasts seriously can’t afford to overlook.
So, for those who want the ultimate in-midsize truck off-road cred yet don’t want to sacrifice the daily livability and comfort of a modern full-size rig, the 2024 GMC Canyon lineup has two compelling options. These beasts aren’t just built to get you to your next adventure – they practically beg you to find one.
