Yahoo Autos 2021 GMC Canyon AT4 Road Test | The everyday tool
Bold take: The GMC Canyon is the most well-rounded midsize truck. Admittedly, “well-rounded” is a lukewarm compliment, but the Canyon does nearly everything well. It is not the flashiest, which is undeniably the Jeep Gladiator. Or the most comfortable, which is the Honda Ridgeline. But for those seeking a midsize truck that looks like a truck, drives like a truck and has a solid interior, the Canyon is the right formula.
We would test the 2021 GMC Canyon AT4 for a week and find that it’s pleasant, capable and sturdy off-road. We would haul a bookshelf in the bed, get dirty during a woodsy soft-road jaunt and pile up the miles running around town. In short, it’s exactly what most need in a midsize truck.
The AT4 model is new for 2021, and it replaces the All-Terrain model, a move GMC is rolling out across its lineup. The AT4 adds an off-road-tuned suspension with hill-descent control, beefy 31-inch Goodyear Wrangler DuraTrac tires wrapped around 17-inch aluminum wheels, standard four-wheel drive with locking rear differential and a transfer case skid plate. The AT4 punches up the Canyon’s appearance with red tow hooks, dark chrome elements and a bigger grille that’s similar to the Sierra’s. The Canyon Denali, which was also refreshed for ‘21, is showier, but the AT4 trim feels cooler with its understated off-road vibes.
Considering this, we head out for an afternoon drive along a familiar route through Detroit’s northern suburbs. The Canyon is a solid daily driver. The 3.6-liter V6 rated at 308 horsepower and 275 pound-feet of torque is widely used in General Motors vehicles. It’s powerful and actually sounds pretty good — even throaty — in GMC’s midsize truck. Our passengers are surprised to be pulled back in their seats during hard acceleration, and the eight-speed automatic transmission is well-calibrated for the many jobs the Canyon is called upon to perform. This powertrain, standard in the AT4 and Denali trims, is a step up from the 2.5-liter inline-four and six-speed auto offered on the lower models. It’s worth it. The 2.8-liter Duramax diesel is an option on higher-spec Canyons, and its 369 lb-ft of torque is tantalizing. For everyday use, take the V6. Our tester with the gasoline V6 and four-wheel drive can tow as much as 7,000 pounds, has a maximum payload of 1,609 pounds and has respectable fuel economy of 17 mpg in the city and 24 mpg on the highway. The numbers reinforce a basic premise: the Canyon can do what you need.
