{"id":1150,"date":"2025-06-03T16:00:00","date_gmt":"2025-06-03T16:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.undergroundz.org\/?p=1150"},"modified":"2025-06-13T09:38:11","modified_gmt":"2025-06-13T09:38:11","slug":"the-gmc-canyon-at4x-aev-is-off-roading-on-easy-mode-review","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"http:\/\/www.undergroundz.org\/index.php\/2025\/06\/03\/the-gmc-canyon-at4x-aev-is-off-roading-on-easy-mode-review\/","title":{"rendered":"The GMC Canyon AT4X AEV Is Off-Roading on Easy Mode: Review"},"content":{"rendered":"

<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
Quick Specs<\/td>\n2025 GMC Canyon AT4X AEV Edition<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Engine<\/td>\nTurbocharged 2.7-Liter Inline Four<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Output<\/td>\n310 Horsepower \/ 430 Pound-Feet<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Ground Clearance<\/td>\n12.2 inches<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Base Price \/ As Tested<\/td>\n$67,030 \/ $70,350<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

Pros: Great Design, Solid Infotainment, Unmatched Off-Road Capabilities<\/em>
Cons: Buzzy Powertrain, Spare Tire Impedes Bed Space, No Physical Headlight Switch<\/em><\/h3>\n

GMC Canyon AT4X AEV Overview: No Compromise<\/h2>\n

\"2025
\nPhoto by: Brian Silvestro \/ Motor1<\/p>\n

For most adventurers, the AT4X is the ideal GMC Canyon. It comes standard with some serious equipment, including front and rear differential locks, rock sliders, and all-terrain tires. For occasional off-roading, it\u2019s more than capable enough. But there are a select few buyers who want even more. Something they know will be able to traverse virtually any terrain and climb any obstacle. For them, there\u2019s the AT4X AEV Edition<\/a>.<\/p>\n

American Expedition Vehicles, or AEV, outfits this top trim with even more equipment to ensure a worry-free journey. In addition to all the standard AT4X upgrades, the AEV model gets skid plates for the rear diff, transfer case, and gas tank, along with 17-inch beadlock-capable tires wrapped in giant 35-inch tires, paired with specific fender flares. There are new metal bumpers and a bed-mounted spare added to improve approach and departure angles. In other words, all the stuff you could possibly want for an off-road vehicle, save for a winch and some flood lights.\u00a0<\/p>\n

Engine & Drivetrain: A Torquey Four-Cylinder<\/h2>\n

\"2025
\nPhoto by: Brian Silvestro \/ Motor1<\/p>\n

There\u2019s only one engine to choose from with the AT4X AEV Edition: a turbocharged 2.7-liter inline-four making 310 horsepower and 430 pound-feet of torque. It\u2019s paired to an eight-speed automatic transmission and a two-speed transfer case offering high- and low-range gears for rock crawling. Drivers can choose between 2WD high, 4WD high, or 4WD low. There\u2019s also an Auto function that can switch between 2WD and 4WD, depending on drive mode and road conditions.<\/p>\n

The engine is almost diesel-like in its power delivery, with lots of punch down low. Redline is just over 6,000 rpm, though you\u2019ll never get near that in normal driving conditions. The meat of the power is between 2,500 and 4,500 rpm, and the eight-speed does a good job of keeping the engine there, whether you\u2019re cruising on the highway or creeping up a rocky hill. There\u2019s a bit more buzz in the cabin than I\u2019d like, though it\u2019s tough to expect a truck that looks like this to be incredibly quiet or refined.<\/p>\n

Technology & Infotainment: As Good As GM Gets<\/h2>\n

\"2025
\nPhoto by: Brian Silvestro \/ Motor1<\/p>\n

The GMC Canyon comes standard with an 11.3-inch touchscreen paired to an 11.0-inch digital instrument cluster. Our tester also came with a $3,050 Technology Plus package, which includes a head-up display and an upgraded Bose audio system.<\/p>\n

That package is worth the money. It includes accessories like a power sunroof, adaptive cruise control, and something GM calls HD Surround Vision. That unlocks a 360-degree camera, allowing you to see exactly where the truck is placed on a trail. It\u2019s also useful if you street park often, as the front camera can show you precisely how much space you have between your bumper and the other car.<\/p>\n

The Canyon still uses the company\u2019s older infotainment system. In this case, that\u2019s a good thing. Even with GM shifting away from Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, the Canyon\u2019s older system uses an Android-based operating system with wireless CarPlay connectivity. It\u2019s easy to use and responds quickly to inputs, and after a brief setup, it connects seamlessly to my iPhone. Climate controls have been left to physical buttons\u2014another refreshing touch. Sadly, stuff like the headlights and traction control can only be adjusted via the screen.<\/p>\n

Passenger & Cargo Space: What You\u2019d Expect From the Segment<\/h2>\n

\"2025
\nPhoto by: Brian Silvestro \/ Motor1<\/p>\n

Despite its wide stance and brawny looks, the AT4X AEV Edition is just as tight inside as the normal Canyon. The front row is snug, but there\u2019s plenty of adjustability in the seats and the steering wheel to accommodate all body types. The rear seats have adequate legroom, but the upright backrests mean bigger children and adults might become uncomfortable after an hour or so. For quick jaunts around town, it works. Bring some pillows if you\u2019re planning a road trip.\u00a0<\/p>\n

Like every Canyon, the AEV Edition gets a 5.5-foot bed, for a total cargo volume of 41.9 cubic feet. The only difference here is the spare tire, mounted in the bed to improve ground clearance underneath. Suffice it to say, it drastically reduces the bed\u2019s usefulness. But as you can see, I still managed to squeeze eight tires into the space. You just have to be creative.<\/p>\n

Driving Impressions: Pretty Damn Excellent<\/h2>\n

\"2025
\nPhoto by: Brian Silvestro \/ Motor1<\/p>\n

When I drove the first Colorado ZR2<\/a> back in 2017, I knew GM had a winner on its hands. This AT4X AEV Edition is simply an evolution of that formula. Thanks to the black magic of Multimatic\u2019s DSSV dampers, the Canyon rides amazingly on the road and absorbs virtually any bump you throw at it. The truck does this without feeling wallowy or floaty\u2014in fact, it\u2019s even pretty sporty.<\/p>\n

Yet, when you take the AEV Edition off-road, it performs even more valiantly. Small bumps are ironed out entirely, while bigger imperfections are light\u2014the truck just letting you know they\u2019re being conquered. And despite an inherent tightness in the setup, there\u2019s enough articulation to crawl over more challenging terrain.<\/p>\n

The two-speed transfer case and lockable differentials allow drivers of all skill levels (even lowly auto journalists) to traverse smoothly over any sort of obstacle. Water crossing, rock faces, mud pits, you name it. All I had to do was press some buttons, then drive forward. The truck did all the work. And I was having a blast.\u00a0<\/p>\n

All of this capability doesn\u2019t come totally without compromise. Those huge tires aren\u2019t exactly the best for on-road handling or braking performance, and they make a lot of noise at highway speeds. But if you\u2019re buying something as extreme as this, you probably already know that.<\/p>\n

Fuel Economy: Expectedly Average<\/h2>\n

The tires also don\u2019t help when it comes to efficiency. The GMC Canyon AT4X AEV Edition is rated at 16 miles per gallon city and 16 highway, for a combined rating of 16 miles per gallon, according to the EPA. That\u2019s 4 fewer MPG versus a normal Canyon. If you want something more efficient, consider a different hobby, because efficiency and off-roading don\u2019t usually mesh.<\/p>\n

Payload & Towing: Not a Work Truck<\/h2>\n

The normal Canyon is well-equipped to handle big payloads and lots of cargo. But the AEV\u2019s reworked suspension and drivetrain throw a wrench into the formula, trading off tradesman capabilities for off-road prowess. As such, the AEV Edition carries a maximum payload of 1,250 pounds, and a max towing capacity of 5,500 pounds\u2014390 and 2,200 pounds less than the normal truck, respectively.\u00a0<\/p>\n

Pricing & Verdict: Expensive But Worth It<\/h2>\n

\"2025
\nPhoto by: Brian Silvestro \/ Motor1<\/p>\n

Our tester carried an as-tested price of $70,350. That\u2019s a lot of money for a mid-size truck. But a bargain relative to what you\u2019d pay to a lesser Canyon with equivalent aftermarket parts. So we\u2019re not terribly upset with the price.<\/p>\n

That being said, the AEV Edition is only worth it if you plan to off-road often. Otherwise, you\u2019ll be better off with the standard AT4X, which starts at $58,720. It\u2019s cheaper, more economical, and for many, the most rational choice.<\/p>\n

Competitors<\/h2>\n

Chevrolet Colorado ZR2 Bison<\/a>
\nFord Ranger Raptor<\/a>
\nNissan Frontier Pro-4X<\/a>
\nToyota Tacoma TRD Pro<\/a><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

2025 GMC Canyon FAQs<\/h3>\n

Does the GMC Canyon have a V-8?<\/p>\n

The GMC Canyon does not have an available V-8. You can\u2019t even get a V-6, actually. The only engine available is a 2.7-liter turbocharged inline-four making 310 horsepower and 430 pound-feet of torque.<\/p>\n

Can the GMC Canyon tow?<\/p>\n

Yes, the 2025 GMC Canyon can tow a decent amount. The most capable versions are rated at 7,700 pounds of towing capacity\u2014plenty for a race car and a trailer. Off-road focused models, like the AT4X shown here, are rated a bit lower due to their equipment.<\/p>\n

How much does the GMC Canyon cost?<\/p>\n

The 2025 GMC Canyon starts at $40,095, including destination. That gets you a 2WD Elevation model with the 2.7-liter turbocharged inline-four. Our tester, an AT4X AEV Edition, landed at the other end of the pricing spectrum, with an MSRP of over $70,000.<\/p>\n

2024 GMC Canyon AT4X AEV Edition Debuts: More Lift, More Tires, Same HP<\/a>
GM Exec Explains Why Chevy Colorado And GMC Canyon Have Only One Engine Option<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
2025 GMC Canyon AT4X AEV Edition Specifications<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n
Engine<\/td>\n2.7-Liter Turbocharged Inline-Four<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Output<\/td>\n310 Horsepower \/ 430 Pound-Feet<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Transmission<\/td>\nEight-Speed Automatic<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Drive Type<\/td>\nFour-Wheel Drive<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Speed 0-60 MPH<\/td>\n7.2 seconds (est.)<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Maximum speed<\/td>\n101 MPH (Electronically Limited)<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Weight<\/td>\n5,200 Pounds (est.)<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Efficiency<\/td>\n16 MPG City, 16 MPG Highway, 16 MPG Combined<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Seating Capacity<\/td>\n5<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Cargo Volume<\/td>\n41.9 Cubic Feet<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
On Sale<\/td>\nNow<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Base Price<\/td>\n$67,030<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
As-Tested Price<\/td>\n$70,350<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Quick Specs 2025 GMC Canyon AT4X AEV Edition Engine Turbocharged 2.7-Liter Inline Four Output 310 Horsepower \/ 430 Pound-Feet Ground […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":1152,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":[],"categories":[14],"tags":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"http:\/\/www.undergroundz.org\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1150"}],"collection":[{"href":"http:\/\/www.undergroundz.org\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"http:\/\/www.undergroundz.org\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/www.undergroundz.org\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/www.undergroundz.org\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=1150"}],"version-history":[{"count":3,"href":"http:\/\/www.undergroundz.org\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1150\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":1160,"href":"http:\/\/www.undergroundz.org\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1150\/revisions\/1160"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/www.undergroundz.org\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/1152"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"http:\/\/www.undergroundz.org\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=1150"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/www.undergroundz.org\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=1150"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/www.undergroundz.org\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=1150"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}