“Beware of software problems with infotainment system and heads up display. Beware of poor exterior paint and bodywork imperfections. Beware that there is no headlight control switch on the steering column.”
2023 GMC Canyon: What's New, Specs & Features
Last updated August 4, 2026
The 2023 GMC Canyon is a fully redesigned, third-generation truck, not a light refresh; that complete redesign is the year's defining change.
About the 2023 GMC Canyon
3rd generation, first year of the redesign
GMC positions the Canyon as a premium midsize truck that makes capability standard instead of saving it for specialty versions. Even the lower trims get a lifted stance, strong turbo power, large screens, and core safety tech, while the lineup branches into everyday utility, off-road adventure, luxury, and extreme trail use. Versus many midsize rivals, the Canyon leans more upscale than basic work-truck formulas and more trail-ready than street-focused pickups.
Elevation is the everyday starting point, while AT4 adds four-wheel drive, a locking rear differential, and Hill Descent Control for trail use. Denali focuses on comfort with leather-appointed seating, authentic wood trim, a head-up display, and Bose audio. The first AT4X is the serious off-road flagship, pairing a 3-inch lift with specialized dampers and locking front and rear differentials.
What changed, by category
Powertrain
The old V6 and diesel choices are gone. Every Canyon uses a 310-hp, 2.7-liter turbo four-cylinder engine with 430 lb-ft of torque and an 8-speed automatic transmission.
Structural
The lineup moves to one body configuration: a four-door crew cab with a short bed. Every trim also gets a wider stance and a factory lift—2 inches on Elevation, AT4, and Denali, and 3 inches on the new AT4X. The Elevation Standard trim is dropped.
Styling
The third-generation Canyon receives a completely redesigned body. Fog lights are no longer standard on Elevation.
Safety
GMC's Canyon Pro Safety driver-assistance suite becomes standard across the lineup. Lane-departure warning moves from optional to standard on AT4 and Elevation.
Tech
Every trim gets an 11.3-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Denali and AT4X also have an 11-inch digital driver display, while Denali adds a head-up display and expanded camera technology. Satellite radio is no longer standard on AT4 or Elevation, and Elevation's power driver's seat and remote start are no longer standard.
2023 GMC Canyon specs and features by trim
| Feature | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | 4-Cyl, Turbo, 2.7 Liter | 4-Cyl, Turbo, 2.7 Liter | 4-Cyl, Turbo, 2.7 Liter | 4-Cyl, Turbo, 2.7 Liter |
| Transmission | Automatic, 8-Spd | Automatic, 8-Spd | Automatic, 8-Spd | Automatic, 8-Spd |
| Drivetrain | 4WD | 4WD | 4WD | 4WD |
| Fuel Type | Gas | Gas | Gas | Gas |
| MPG City | 17 mpg | 16 mpg | 17 mpg | 18 mpg |
| MPG Highway | 21 mpg | 16 mpg | 21 mpg | 23 mpg |
| Horsepower | 310 hp | 310 hp | 310 hp | 310 hp |
| Torque | 430 lb-ft | 430 lb-ft | 430 lb-ft | 430 lb-ft |
| Max Towing | 7700 lb | 6000 lb | 7700 lb | 7700 lb |
| Rear Legroom | 34.7 in | 34.7 in | 34.7 in | 34.7 in |
| Seats | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 |
| Doors | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 |
| Adaptive Cruise Control | ||||
| Alarm System | ||||
| Automatic Emergency Braking | ||||
| Automatic High Beams | ||||
| Blindspot Sensors | ||||
| Hill Descent Control | ||||
| Lane Departure Warning | ||||
| Park Assist | ||||
| Rear View Camera | ||||
| 360 Camera | ||||
| Alloy Wheels | ||||
| Fog Lights | ||||
| Heated Mirrors | ||||
| Memory Exterior Mirrors | ||||
| Power Moonroof | ||||
| Side Steps | ||||
| Trailer Hitch Receiver | ||||
| Head-Up Display | ||||
| Premium Audio | ||||
| Smartphone Interface | ||||
| Touch Screen Monitor | ||||
| Auto-Dimming Interior Mirror | ||||
| Dual Power Front Seats | ||||
| Dual-Zone Climate Control | ||||
| Heated Front Seats | ||||
| Heated Steering Wheel | ||||
| Leather Seats | ||||
| Memory Driver's Seat | ||||
| Power Driver Seat | ||||
| Push-Button Engine Start | ||||
| Remote Start | ||||
| Tilt Wheel | ||||
| Tilt/Telescoping Steering Wheel | ||||
| Ventilated Front Seats | ||||
Frequently asked questions
Is the 2023 GMC Canyon a full redesign?
Yes. The 2023 GMC Canyon begins the truck's third generation with a new body, a simplified crew-cab short-bed lineup, a wider lifted stance, a new standard engine, and a redesigned cabin.
Did the 2023 GMC Canyon keep the V6 or diesel engine?
No. The V6 and diesel choices were dropped for 2023. Every Canyon uses a 310-hp, 2.7-liter turbo four-cylinder engine that produces 430 lb-ft of torque and is paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission.
What cab and bed does the 2023 GMC Canyon have?
Every 2023 GMC Canyon has a four-door crew cab and a short bed. The previous lineup's smaller cab and other body configurations do not continue into the redesign.
Is the GMC Canyon AT4X new for 2023?
Yes. The 2023 AT4X is a new off-road flagship with a 3-inch factory lift, specialized Multimatic dampers, locking front and rear differentials, underbody protection, and a dedicated Baja driving mode.
What screen and safety features became standard on the 2023 GMC Canyon?
Every 2023 Canyon has an 11.3-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, along with the Canyon Pro Safety driver-assistance suite. These are lineup-wide features for the redesigned truck.
2023 GMC Canyon Reviews
What owners are saying about the 2023 GMC Canyon.
3.9
2023 GMC Canyon
(107 reviews)
“The Truck is awesome. The ride is very smooth and quiet. It has a lot of power and good gas mileage. The interior is awesome, well-appointed, and feels like a high-end ride. The lines and color are beautiful. The sound system is awesome. The technology is great. Love driving it. Look forward to driving it.”
“The only disappointing items are the wind noise when you drive, the infotainment system as far as connectivity with smart phone, and the cruise will think something is in the road when it's not and brakes hard or the system swerves for a pot hole. Other then those three items it's a wonderful truck and I would recommend it.”
Sources
- news.gmc.com — 2022 / Aug / 0811 Canyon
- gmc.com — 2023 Models / 02 Pdf / GMTC23CT000FO MY23 GMC CANYON 062323
- news.gmc.com — 2023 / Jul / 0706 Canyon
- gmc.com — 2022 Models / 02 Pdf / GMTC22CT000FO MY22 GMC CANYON 3 28
- gmc.com — 2023 Models / 02 Pdf / GMTC23CT000 MY23 GMC CANYON MOBILE 103023 INTERACTIVE
- gmc.com — 2023 Models / 02 Pdf / GMTC23CT000 MY23 GMC CANYON DESKTOP 111323 INTERACTIVE
- gmc.com — Trucks / My24 Canyon / Denali