- GMC’s midsize truck is latest AT4 model
- All GMC vehicles will soon offer AT4 variants
- Standard 4-wheel-drive with locking rear differential
- Standard V6 or optional diesel engine
- Current 2020 All Terrain Canyon starts at $36,600
- All GMC models will offer AT4 variants this year
The 2021 GMC Canyon midsize truck will be the latest model to get the AT4 off-road treatment. GMC introduced its first AT4 variant with the 2019 Sierra full-size pickup, and the adventure-ready treatment then spread to the Acadia, Sierra heavy-duty pickups, and now the Canyon. And it won’t stop there.
At a media briefing in Colorado where GMC introduced the all-new 2021 Yukon – including an AT4 variant – executives said all GMC models will be available in AT4 off-road form this year.
Off-road sub-brand
GMC likens the new AT4 treatment to its popular Denali packaging. The top-line Denali trim debuted 20 years ago and is so successful that GMC calls it a sub-brand. Executives used the same terminology for AT4, and said the off-road packaging is already finding success.
“The new 2021 Canyon AT4 broadens the appeal to midsize truck customers who live an active lifestyle,” said Duncan Aldred, vice president of Global Buick and GMC. “Much like the Sierra AT4 has attracted new customers from outside GMC, the Canyon AT4 will attract outdoor enthusiasts looking for a premium midsize truck to GMC with the capability, technology and refinement they’ve come to expect.”
2021 GMC Canyon AT4 off-road features
For the 2021 Canyon, the AT4 variant includes an off-road suspension, 4-wheel drive with a rear automatic locking differential, hill-descent system, and 31-inch Goodyear Wrangler DuraTrac tires on 17-inch wheels. The 2021 Canyon AT4 also comes with extra underbody protection in the form of skid plates, including one that protects the transfer case.
Red recovery hooks on the front make the AT4 Canyon distinguishable from the rest of the pack, as does an exterior designed that aims to look bolder with a larger grille and dark chrome finishes. Inside, the 2021 GMC Canyon AT4 gets Kalahari stitching and “AT4” embroidered headrests.
The 2021 Canyon AT4 will come standard with a 3.6-liter V6 engine that makes 308 horsepower. Optional is GM’s 2.8-liter turbodiesel 4-cylinder that makes 181 horsepower and a robust 369 lb-ft of torque.
2021 Canyon AT4 competitors and pricing
The Canyon AT4 will compete with off-road-oriented rivals like the Toyota Tacoma TRD variants and its corporate sibling the Chevrolet Colorado Z71 and ZR2, not to mention the Jeep Gladiator.
The new Canyon AT4 will be available later this year, and pricing will be announced closer to its on-sale date. For reference, however, the current GMC Canyon All Terrain model starts at $36,600.
Can’t wait to get a 2021 GMC Canyon? Shop now for a Canyon on sale at a dealership near you.
