The 2023 GMC Canyon is finally making its way to dealers in just about every trim that we expect to exist. We had the chance to try it out in Asheville a couple of weeks back and found it to be a very capable mid-size truck. We also took questions from all of you surrounding it. Here are your answers.
As a refresher, the 2023 Canyon comes with the same 2.7-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine across all of its trim levels. Rear-wheel drive or four-wheel drive is available though the only body style on offer is a crew cab with a 5-foot 5-inch (1,554 mm) bed.
How’s the fit and finish? If you press on the dash and panels, do they creek and give in?
It’s above average for the segment though we haven’t had a chance to get into the cabin of the all-new Ford Ranger or the upcoming Toyota Tacoma. Despite that, we expect the GMC Canyon to continue on as the plushest of the bunch for some time.
Read: 2024 Ford Ranger Arrives In America With Ruggedly Good Looks, New 315 HP EcoBoost V6
It’s not perfect though and in our full review, we brought out a few spots where it’s still sporting cheap plastic. We didn’t experience any creaking but keep in mind that we were driving brand-new trucks.
Is it quiet and smooth on the highway without a load in the bed?
Yes, it is. In fact, it was so quiet, even with 33-inch tires that I asked GMC if they were employing some sort of active noise cancellation like the kind on the entry-level Chevrolet Trax. They told me no which makes how quiet the cabin is all the more impressive.
How much room is there on the AT4X for bigger tires? Does it look like minor plastic trimming for 35s?
I don’t think it’ll have much trouble at all sporting 35s. In fact, the mysteriously covered AEV Edition of the Canyon sported 315/70/17s. Those aren’t full-on 35s but they’re darn close at 34.36 inches. That vehicle looked like it had plenty of space for slightly bigger rubber.
The rear DSSV mounts were previously a major hang-up (literally), are they still?
In older Canyons and Colorados, the DSSV shock mounting point was between the leaf spring and the pumpkin. Consequently, it would scrape and get hung up on stuff while off-roading. I’m glad to tell you that GM has moved the mounting point to the other side of the leaf spring which means that despite being lower than the axle, the tire should help it clear just about anything.
My question about this new Canyon/Colorado is, when will GMC use the basis of it for a Wrangler/Bronco rival?
I wish I could tell you that it’s coming and that GMC is just managing to hide it better than the AEV Edition it put under a black sheet. Sadly, GM’s president Mark Reuss has already nixed that potential regardless of whether it would be based on the Canyon/Colorado or something else.
