2021 GMC Canyon AT4

GMC debuted the current generation of Canyon midsize pickup for the 2015 model year, and it has remained popular among truck buyers ever since. Since its introduction, GMC has added trims such as the upscale Denali to the lineup, along with bringing the option of a 2.8L Duramax diesel engine. Arguably the largest update, however, came with the introduction of the off-road-focused AT4 trim for 2021.

The AT4 trim blends off-road performance with the luxury interior appointment normally found just on Denali. Tires got bumped up to larger and more aggressive 31-inch Goodyear Wrangler DuraTrac rubber, the suspension is uniquely tuned for off-road driving, it comes with standard Advanced Hill Decent Control, and the truck features an Eaton G80 automatic locking rear differential. Exterior styling also received an update, providing us with a glimpse of what the forthcoming midcycle refresh might entail.

On paper, the 2021 GMC Canyon AT4 showed real promise going into the 2021 Four Wheeler Pickup Truck of the Year test. Read on to see how it faired

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Ramp and Track

The 2021 GMC Canyon AT4 is offered with the choice of two engines: a 3.6L gasoline V-6 or a 2.8L Duramax diesel I-4. Our tester was delivered with the potent 3.6L V-6 engine mated to the company's eight-speed automatic transmission. This engine makes 308 hp and 275 lb-ft of torque. With a curb weight of about 4,425 pounds, the Canyon ran from 0 to 60 mph in 7.32 seconds and passed through the quarter mile in 15.59 seconds at 92.1 mph. If you exclude the bonkers 702 hp Ram 1500 TRX, the Canyon would have been the quickest vehicle in the test. Braking was respectable, as well, with the Canyon stopping from 60 mph in just 131.74 feet.

Factory pickups historically aren't an impressive thing on the RTI ramp. Nonetheless, it serves as an important point of comparison. On the 22-degree ramp the Canyon AT4 scored a 384.28 by traveling 54 inches up the ramp, which placed it at the bottom of our five competitors.

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Interior and Exterior

Typically, GMC's AT4 models features an interior that is strikingly similar to its Denali line, making AT4s a high-tech and luxurious off-road package. When it comes to the Canyon, however, GMC has made the choice to offer both cloth and leather interior options for the Canyon AT4. Our tester came with the leather package, and we can easily say that our judges were impressed. The team found the truck easy to get into and out of and were able to get comfortable in all seating positions. Soft touch points throughout and good fit-and-finish earned the truck high marks. While the instrumentation was generally deemed good, almost everyone took issue with the placement of the four-wheel-drive selector knob, which is hidden behind the steering wheel and adjacent to an identical knob used for actuating the headlights.

While the interior received praise and high marks, the opposite was true when it came to judging the exterior. For this test we don't get to pick the trucks that are entered; they are outfitted however the manufacturer wants (or has available). What we always suggest is for the vehicles entered to not be painted white or black. Well, the Canyon AT4 arrived to us wearing Summit White, which led the bulk of our judges to equate the pickup to that of a plain work truck. The truck also came with no bedliner, just paint, and no real attachment points in the bed to speak of other than the standard corner hooks. Lacking any sort of rocker guards and with minimal underbelly protection, the low scores kept coming. What praise the Canyon did receive for its decent front tow hooks was negated by the trendy red paint. We'd like to say the Canyon would have scored higher in this area if it had arrived in any color other than white and with GMC's fabulous spray-in bedliner, but we'll never know.

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On the Highway

Our judges particularly enjoyed the Canyon's highway prowess. The truck received high marks for its engine performance and shift quality. It was also noted to be extremely quiet inside the cabin. Steering feel was firm, while not leaning too far to the heavy side, and had a great return-to-center feeling. Most enjoyed the Canyon's ride quality and tight handling characteristics. During our time with the truck, we were able to pull down a best tank of 22.57 mpg and averaged 16.68. These figures are pretty solid for mixed on- and off-road driving from a pickup with knobby tires.

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When the Pavement Ends

Off-road is where the Canyon AT4 should have really shined brightly. Unfortunately, this just wasn't the case. The truck's Goodyear Wrangler DuraTrac tires did a fantastic job of clawing for traction, but efforts toward any kind of fun driving were quickly halted if you

forgot to disable both the traction and stability control systems (a short press followed by a long press of the traction control button). While GMC touts an off-road-tuned suspension for the AT4, we couldn't decipher much of a difference from any other Canyon model we've driven prior. There's really only so much you can do without changing to larger monotube dampers and increasing wheel travel.

The Canyon climbed hills fine, but it wasn't elegant in doing so. Whoops and washes were tough on man and machine. And there really wasn't much love for the G80 automatic locking differential. And then there's the air dam. On many of the other AT4 models in GMC's lineup, like our Four Wheeler SUV of the Year winning Yukon AT4, the air dam has been reduced or eliminated. That's not the case on the Canyon, however, and we found ourselves scraping it constantly while traveling off-road.

Don't get us wrong, the Canyon was right at home in the dirt, and its diminutive size made it perfect for navigating tight trails. However, a few thoughtful tweaks would turn the stressful endeavor into a more pleasant adventure.

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Bottom Line

In short, while the 2021 GMC Canyon AT4 is a fantastic pickup in most regards, we're eager to get behind the wheel of the forthcoming Canyon AT4 Performance Edition. With rocker panel protection, an increase in front ride height, and a bevy of aluminum skidsplates, the Performance Edition is set to right many of the wrongs that led our judges to not score the Canyon AT4 as high as we might have thought it should have deserved.

What's Hot

Powerful V-6 engine, comfortable and quiet interior, G80 locking rear differential

What's Not

Massively low hanging plastic air dam, "work truck" exterior styling, G80 locking rear differential

Logbook Quotes

"The GovLock G80 rear differential is better than nothing, but I still don't understand why after all these years GM still thinks it's a good idea to have a momentum-based locking differential in an off-road vehicle."

"Very pleasantly surprised at the look, feel, and quality of the interior appointments."

"Great engine power and torque, and the transmission shifts nicely, too."

"It doesn't have a crazy silky-smooth ride, but it's definitely on the upper end of the spectrum for what I'd expect from this class."

2021 GMC Canyon AT4

Base Price: $40,000

Price As Tested: $42,585

EPA Fuel Econ (City/Hwy/Comb): 17/24/19

Tested Fuel Econ (Average/Best): 16.68/22.57

Engine: 3.6L V-6

Power: 308 hp @ 6,300 RPM

Torque: 275 lb-ft @ 4,000 RPM

Transmission: 8-speed automatic

Accel 0-60 MPH: 7.32 seconds

-Mile: 15.59 seconds @ 92.1 mph

Braking 60-0 MPH: 131.74 feet

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