This story includes independent illustrations made by CarScoop’s artist Josh Byrnes based on 2023 Canyon testers captured by our spies, GMC’s own teasers and our own information. The cleaners are neither related to nor approved by GMC.
Once a segment on the verge of collapse, the mid-range pickup category has made a seismic comeback with rejuvenated offerings such as Nissan’s Frontier, Ford Ranger and Jeep Gladiator. Sure, they are not the absolute breadwinners compared to their full-size stablemates, but in the face of sky-high petrol prices, it is undoubtedly a safe bet to have a foot in the medium-sized arena.
Read: What we know about the 2024 Honda Prologue Electric SUV
Next up to be updated are GM’s Chevrolet Colorado and GMC Canyon twins. We’ve seen the latter in prototype form, so let’s illustratively explore GMC’s strong new look and everything else we know.
Trucking Good Looks
The outgoing Canyon is undoubtedly handsome enough, albeit somewhat overwhelming, in the visuals. For 2023, GMC has injected the tool with a robust new attitude that aims to top Tacoma when it comes to pure aesthetic appeal.
The front style has an egg-shaped grille flanked by a pair of two-tiered headlights. Narrow upper units include DRLs and turn signals, while lower ones provide the primary light source. Clumsy, square fenders and chiseled sheet metal dominate the side profile – although it must be said that the cabin surface looks virtually identical to the current truck.
The rear view matches the stable, monolithic front; here, the truck has a bed box in a competitive size, LED taillights and a hard-pressed tailgate.
A much nicer place to be
One area that the current truck desperately needed attention to was in the cabin. Fortunately, it seems that GMC has thrown the bucket to correct past mistakes with a completely modern and future-proof interior that will borrow a lot from the latest Sierra 1500. Key highlights include a digital instrument cluster and a horizontal infotainment system that can run Apple CarPlay and integrated Google features like maps at the same time.
Touch screen critics can breathe a sigh of relief as the new truck has a series of physical buttons and knobs for the HVAC system located below the infotainment display. A proper power / volume button is also located in the upper left corner of the interface. Elsewhere, the Canyon will have improved materials, passenger space and a myriad of semi-autonomous driver assistance.
Platform and driveline
The new Canyon (and upcoming Colorado) will form the basis of a heavily revised version of GM’s GMT32XX platform. It will also include a new version of GM’s electrical architecture to enable over-the-air updates and other dial-up services.
Although we do not have official confirmation of which powertrain (s) will be offered, there is a strong belief that GM’s highly advanced L3B 2.7-liter inline-four turbo unit will be used as the sole form of propulsion. In the larger Chevrolet Silverado 1500 and GMC Sierra 1500 twins, this unit is mated to GM’s 10-speed automatic, which pumps out 310 hp and a torque of 430 pounds. There is more power, not only over the current 2.5-liter four-pot, but also the 308 hp and 275 lb-ft (373 Nm) 3.6-liter V6.
Rivals & Reveal
Canyon’s direct competitors include the subcutaneous twin Chevrolet Colorado, Toyota’s best-selling Tacoma, Nissan Frontier, Ford Ranger and Jeep Gladiator. The truck will once again be offered in various specifications, including an off-road AT4X trim similar to the ZR2 offered by the Chevy twin. GM has locked in an official debut for this summer, so stay tuned for more information soon.
Would you consider the next GMC Canyon ahead of the competition? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
