The new GMC Canyon 2023 is already in Mexico and although in its respective launch note I detailed everything related to the equipment. Now, I will focus on the first impressions I had behind the wheel of this midsize pickup on a route that started from Mexico City, heading to Taxco Guerrero, where, by the way, we had the opportunity to discover its off-road qualities on a circuit drawn in some petrified dunes.
If you are interested in acquiring a medium pickup that combines luxury, equipment, all-terrain capacity and robustness for work, you should not miss this first contact on board the new 2023 GMC Canyonwhich returns to our country after little more than a decade of absence:
2023 GMC Canyon: Design
Externally, it is appreciated that the Canyon stands out from the Colorado and has its own design solutions. The times in which only the grill was changed and one or another detail here and there are over. Split headlights and a massive grille draw attention up front. In general I think the lines are more oriental, and away from the classic American grid. It must be remembered that it is available in two versions: Denali (luxury) and AT4 (off-road), both with slight mechanical, equipment and, of course, aesthetic differences. In our particular case, we got behind the wheel of the first, which is distinguished by the chrome grille and chrome running boards, as well as the 20” diamond-cut aluminum wheels with gray finishes.
2023 GMC Canyon: Interior
Inside, the attention is captured by an 11.3” screen with wireless connectivity with Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, as well as by an 11” cluster and a 6.3” Head-up Display. To these technological amenities we must add that it has Google Integrated and OnStar with 12 months of unlimited data and 12 months of OnStar Essentials. By the way, the audio equipment has 6 speakers plus an amplifier and is signed by Bose.
As far as materials are concerned, we must highlight the heated seats lined with perforated leather, open-pore wood laser-engraved with the coordinates of the mountain Denali, as well as aluminum inserts. The plastics on the upper part of the dashboard and door panels are hard, designed to last. In general, the atmosphere achieved is correct and manages to combine luxury with robustness.
2023 GMC Canyon: Handling
under the chest, sits a turbocharged 2.7-liter engine that is theoretically capable of putting out 310 hp and 430 lb-ft of torque, which is mated to an 8-speed automatic transmission. Traction is AWD. With this we have that, it is positioned as a leader in the segment. Simple and simply, no rival equals him in terms of torque. Be careful, theoretically, only the Ranger Raptor with its 392 Hp and 430 lb-ft surpasses the Canyon, but we are talking about a more extreme off-road concept vehicle, so it does not qualify as a direct rival.
Either way, this healthy dose of power allows you to move with ease. Overtaking is no problem and it is even capable of maintaining cruising speeds beyond the legal limits with the least effort. The acceleration, although, is correct, the reality is that at least behind the wheel, those 400 lb-ft are not perceived, and, in fact, it seems that it had about 50 pounds less. Perhaps a lot of it has to do with the off-road tires, suspensions, and slightly over-powered steering, isolating everything that happens under the tires.
But there is no reason to be alarmed, it is something common in the segment. However, it is also commendable, the general feeling of stability obtained. It handles like a midsize pickup, yes, but it’s more refined than most of its direct competition, no question about that.
According to the file, it boasts a towing capacity of more than 3,490 kg, while in the tray it can support loads of up to 744 kilograms.
2023 GMC Canyon: Off-Road Handling
Canyon features 4WD, 2-speed transfer case, factory 2” raised suspension, as well as rear differential lock and hill control. It equips 10 different camera views and for the Denali version the camera under the body is added, enabling a view of the front and rear that provides an surround vision. It also includes the Off-Road Performance Display, which allows drivers to track real-time driving data on the center display.
With a length of 5,416 mm, this pickup boasts a 33.3° angle of attack; outlet of 22.3° and ventral of 20.9 degrees. For those who want more off-road capability, there is the AT4 version, but in the United States it is possible to purchase the AT4X version, with extreme intentions.
This does not mean that Canyon Denali is afraid of mistreatment, and we verified it by subjecting her to a route drawn in the petrified dunes of Taxco, which represented a real challenge for this pickup. Slopes, descents, torsion, low adhesion, the reality is that this GMC surprised all and sundry. If on the road the steering, tires and suspensions comply, here they simply and simply shine. It is their natural environment. It should be noted that despite being supercharged, the engine boasts excellent torque delivery, even turning at low revs.
GMC Canyon 2023: Conclusion and rivals
Within the organization chart of General Motors, the new GMC Canyon 2023 is placed above the Chevrolet Colorado. In particular the version Denali ($1,198,400 pesos) It has a more playful approach than work, although it is not afraid of hard work or 4×4 raids either. Undoubtedly, its strength lies in the image, luxury, technology, as well as the power and handling that place it as one of the benchmarks in the segment.
This new midsize pickup reaches a segment where it will have to face rivals like Ranger WildTrak either Frontier V6 PRO-4X, which, both by price and by profile, are listed as the closest contenders. However, one should also add to the Tacoma 4×4, which already looks somewhat outdated next to this GMC, although it will soon release a generation. I insist, Ranger Raptor is another concept, and therefore left out of the equation.
