The already off-road ready GMC mid-sized pickup gets even more off-road accessories.
Launched earlier in the year, the AT4 trim of the current GMC Canyon pickup lineup was already touted to be a pretty competent tool off-road. To those however who still thought otherwise however, maybe this new Off-Road Performance Edition might tickle your fancy.
An addition on top of the AT4 trim, the highlight of this even more off-road ready accessory package is perhaps the increased approach angle by 35% to nearly 30º, thanks to a 1-inch lift kit and the removal of the truck’s front air dam. The Off-Road Performance Edition also gains a sturdy aluminium front and mid skid plate, as well as black-painted rock sliders, further protecting the underside of the Canyon when out on the trials.
Speaking of black painted trim pieces, the Off-Road Performance Edition Canyon AT4 comes standard with custom 17-inch gloss black alloy wheels, not to mention carbon black AT4 logos and a gloss black performance exhaust tip. Just to further distinguish it visually from the normal AT4 variety. The black theme continues on the inside with heavy-duty floor liners and the now-standard spray-in bed liner.
Just as a refresher to those unfamiliar, the standard Canyon AT4 already comes with a decent amount of kit for one’s off-roading needs. These include 31-inch Goodyear Wrangler DuraTrac tires, an off-road biased suspension system and a four-wheel drive system that comes complete with an Eaton G80 Rear Automatic Locking Differential and Advanced Hill Descent Control System.
A transfer case shield is also already standard on the AT4 tier, as are the custom AT4 front grille, red painted tow hooks, dark chrome exterior trim and AT4 badging. All these aforementioned AT4 accessories will still be present on the Off-Road Performance Edition.
No official word thus far on any engine upgrades for the Off-Road Performance Edition, though it is most likely that the 3.6 litre petrol V6 and a 2.8 litre turbodiesel four cylinder remains unchanged from the normal AT4 guise. The petrol unit outputs a decent 308 hp 373 Nm of torque, while the power and torque figures of the turbodiesel are 181 hp and 500 Nm respectively.
Available to order in North America later this year, GMC has yet to announce the price of this even more off-road ready pickup truck. A reasonable assumption though is that it will probably cost more than the standard Canyon AT4, which starts at $39,395 (RM 145,400) for the V6 and climbs to $45,570 (RM 188,000) for the turbodiesel.
PRESS RELEASE: Today, GMC announced the new 2021 GMC Canyon AT4 Off-Road Performance Edition, which enhances the Canyon AT4 and enables customers to confidently venture into rugged off-road environments, all while maintaining the premium comforts they have come to expect from GMC.
“When customers are looking for a capable off-road truck, we know that they want improved vehicle height as well as additional protection,” said GMC Marketing Director Rich Latek. “Whether it’s tackling die-hard off-road courses or embarking on a weekend adventure, the Canyon AT4 Off-Road Performance Edition provides an improved approach angle, enhanced maneuverability and underbody protection to key parts of the truck, while still delivering a premium GMC experience.”
When the Canyon AT4 debuted in January, its bolder design and premium detailing combined with confidence-inspiring capability signaled the brand’s continued commitment to offering premium, off-road capable vehicles.
Standard equipment on the Canyon AT4 includes 31-inch Goodyear Wrangler DuraTrac® tires, an off-road tuned suspension package with Advanced Hill Descent Control System and a four-wheel drive system with Eaton G80 Rear Automatic Locking Differential.
The Canyon AT4 Off-Road Performance Edition builds on this foundation to provide even more capability for drivers whether they’re venturing far off-road or navigating a trail. A suspension leveling kit and the removal of the front air dam improve the truck’s approach angle by more than 35 percent to nearly 30 degrees.
This increased approach angle is paired with rocker panel protectors and performance front and mid skid plates to provide increased off-road capability and maneuverability. The skid plates are made from sturdy, 5/32-inch aluminum and help protect the lower radiator, front differential, steering gear and oil pan. In combination with the transfer case shield standard on the Canyon AT4, the Off-Road Performance Edition offers the protection to the majority of the truck’s powertrain that off-road enthusiasts expect.
The Off-Road Performance Edition elevates the bold styling and premium refinement of the Canyon AT4 with the addition of:
- Unique 17-inch Gloss Black wheels
- Carbon Black AT4 logos
- Gloss Black performance exhaust tip
After a day of off-road adventure, additional protection for the interior and the truck bed is provided in the form of accessory floor liners and spray-in bedliner.
