The first GMC vehicle to receive the upgraded AT4 trim was the 2019 Sierra. The trim made the already capable half-ton even more so with beefier equipment and fancier appointments in the cabin. Now, it aims to do so with its smaller pickup truck, the Canyon. The brand just unveiled the 2021 Canyon AT4 in, where else, the snowy slopes of the Rocky Mountains in Colorado. We say it makes the Canyon even better looking than before.
Although it's not just appearances that make up the AT4's changes, there's no denying the visuals give the Canyon even more presence. There's dark matte chrome trim all over, a fancier and larger grille with revised bars and a tapering shield-shape that descends lower into the front fascia. The AT4 trim also brings red tow hooks in front and the requisite AT4 badging on the front doors, the tailgate, and inside the cabin.
In terms of the rugged bits, the AT4 trim provides the Canyon with a specially tuned off-road suspension setup, beefy Goodyear Wrangler DuraTrac tires, a rear automatic locking differential, a skid plate for the transfer case, and an Advanced Hill Descent Control System. In other words, the Canyon AT4 can take more punishment than the standard (and already tough) stock truck.
The Canyon AT4 doesn't receive any powertrain changes, but that's not necessary since you can choose between two powerful versions: a 308-horsepower 3.6-liter V6 engine (base engine) or the optional torquey 2.8-liter diesel with 369 lb-ft. Choose the diesel if you plan on doing a lot of towing, but it is slower than the V6. The V6 will do 0-60 in about 6.9 seconds, while the diesel takes about 10.
Inside the Canyon AT4, there's upgraded trim just like the Denali versions. The AT4 receives open-pore ash wood trim, real brushed aluminum trim pieces, contrast stitching, special AT4 embroidery on the headrests, and the same interior trim as the pricey Denali. It also gets standard heated and ventilated seats and a heated steering wheel, features we can certainly appreciate in Chicago.
While there's no word of an actual sale date, the Canyon AT4 should be in showrooms this spring. It joins the rest of the AT4 trim models for the 2021 model year that now include the Terrain AT4 and Yukon AT4, along with the Sierra, and Sierra HD. The appeal of all of these models lies in the increased functionality and level of interior luxury, which should make them strong draws for anyone who wants toughness and creature comforts wrapped in an American truck or SUV.