GMC introduces 2021 Canyon AT4 with more off-road capability

Whether you want the luxury of leather or serious off-road capabilities in a midsize pickup truck, General Motors’ GMC says it has you covered either way. The automaker’s premium truck brand today introduced a new ruggedized, off-road, AT4 version of the Canyon pickup truck, along with the latest iteration of the more luxurious Canyon Denali. The all-new 2021 Canyon AT4 joins its bigger sibling, the Sierra AT4.

Duncan Aldred, GM’s vice president for GMC and the global Buick brand, said, in introducing the new truck at an event in the Colorado Rockies, “The new 2021 Canyon AT4 broadens the appeal to midsize truck customers who live an active lifestyle. Much like the Sierra AT4 has attracted new customers from outside GMC, the Canyon AT4 will attract outdoor enthusiasts looking for a premium midsize truck to GMC with the capability, technology, and refinement they’ve come to expect.”

The first-ever Canyon AT4’s mechanical upgrades include 31-inch Goodyear Wrangler DuraTrac® tires fitted to 17-inch aluminum wheels, a suspension tuned for off-road use, GM’s Advanced Hill Descent Control system, four-wheel-drive with an Eaton G80 automatically locking rear differential, and a skid plate for protecting the transfer case and other drivetrain components.

The AT4 Canyon is visually distinguished from regular Canyons with dark chrome details, a larger front grille, and bold red recovery hooks. It appears to have an improved approach angle but isn’t as off-road oriented as its Colorado ZR2 platform-mate. On the inside, you’ll find “Kalahari” stitching unique to the AT4 versions along with AT4 logos embroidered on the headrests.

The Denali version of the Canyon has been “refined”, with a more sculpted version of the brand-identifying Denali grille, signature chrome accents including five-inch chrome assist steps, and 20-inch, diamond-cut aluminum wheels, exclusive to the Canyon Denali. Interior upgrades include wood trim made from open-pore ash, heated and ventilated front seats, a heated steering wheel, unique accent stitching, and aluminum trim. A Cocoa/Dark Atmosphere theme has also been added to the interior color options.

“Denali represents GMC’s bold design philosophy and these changes further elevate the Canyon from the mainstream competition, while delivering a modern look for the customer,” said Holt Ware, director of GMC exterior design. “It features a more distinctive and sophisticated design that has become synonymous with Denali.”

The Canyon AT4 and Canyon Denali come with what GMC claims is a best-in-class 308 horsepower 3.6 liter V6 gasoline engine, with an available 2.8-liter diesel that twists an impressive 369 lb-ft of torque. No on-sale date was listed for the 2021 model Canyons, but with the 2021 Colorado coming in late spring of this year, expect them to arrive earlier than usual.