The GMC Canyon AT4X AEV Is Off-Roading on Easy Mode: Review

Motor 1

2 days ago

Quick Specs
2025 GMC Canyon AT4X AEV Edition
Engine
Turbocharged 2.7-Liter Inline Four
Output
310 Horsepower / 430 Pound-Feet
Ground Clearance
12.2 inches
Base Price / As Tested
$67,030 / $70,350
Pros: Great Design, Solid Infotainment, Unmatched Off-Road Capabilities
Cons: Buzzy Powertrain, Spare Tire Impedes Bed Space, No Physical Headlight Switch
GMC Canyon AT4X AEV Overview: No Compromise
Photo by: Brian Silvestro / Motor1
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's 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's the
AT4X AEV Edition
.
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.
Engine & Drivetrain: A Torquey Four-Cylinder
Photo by: Brian Silvestro / Motor1
There's 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's 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's also an Auto function that can switch between 2WD and 4WD, depending on drive mode and road conditions.
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'll 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're cruising on the highway or creeping up a rocky hill. There's a bit more buzz in the cabin than I'd like, though it's tough to expect a truck that looks like this to be incredibly quiet or refined.
Technology & Infotainment: As Good As GM Gets
Photo by: Brian Silvestro / Motor1
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.
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's 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.
The Canyon still uses the company's older infotainment system. In this case, that's a good thing. Even with GM shifting away from Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, the Canyon's older system uses an Android-based operating system with wireless CarPlay connectivity. It's 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—another refreshing touch. Sadly, stuff like the headlights and traction control can only be adjusted via the screen.
Passenger & Cargo Space: What You'd Expect From the Segment
Photo by: Brian Silvestro / Motor1
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's 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're planning a road trip.
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's usefulness. But as you can see, I still managed to squeeze eight tires into the space. You just have to be creative.
Driving Impressions: Pretty Damn Excellent
Photo by: Brian Silvestro / Motor1
When I drove the first
Colorado ZR2
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's 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—in fact, it's even pretty sporty.
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—the truck just letting you know they're being conquered. And despite an inherent tightness in the setup, there's enough articulation to crawl over more challenging terrain.
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.
All of this capability doesn't come totally without compromise. Those huge tires aren't exactly the best for on-road handling or braking performance, and they make a lot of noise at highway speeds. But if you're buying something as extreme as this, you probably already know that.
Fuel Economy: Expectedly Average
The tires also don't 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's 4 fewer MPG versus a normal Canyon. If you want something more efficient, consider a different hobby, because efficiency and off-roading don't usually mesh.
Payload & Towing: Not a Work Truck
The normal Canyon is well-equipped to handle big payloads and lots of cargo. But the AEV's 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—390 and 2,200 pounds less than the normal truck, respectively.
Pricing & Verdict: Expensive But Worth It
Photo by: Brian Silvestro / Motor1
Our tester carried an as-tested price of $70,350. That's a lot of money for a mid-size truck. But a bargain relative to what you'd pay to a lesser Canyon with equivalent aftermarket parts. So we're not terribly upset with the price.
That being said, the AEV Edition is only worth it if you plan to off-road often. Otherwise, you'll be better off with the standard AT4X, which starts at $58,720. It's cheaper, more economical, and for many, the most rational choice.
Competitors
Chevrolet Colorado ZR2 Bison
Ford Ranger Raptor
Nissan Frontier Pro-4X
Toyota Tacoma TRD Pro
2025 GMC Canyon FAQs
Does the GMC Canyon have a V-8?
The GMC Canyon does not have an available V-8. You can't 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.
Can the GMC Canyon tow?
Yes, the 2025 GMC Canyon can tow a decent amount. The most capable versions are rated at 7,700 pounds of towing capacity—plenty 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.
How much does the GMC Canyon cost?
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.
More on the Canyon
2024 GMC Canyon AT4X AEV Edition Debuts: More Lift, More Tires, Same HP
GM Exec Explains Why Chevy Colorado And GMC Canyon Have Only One Engine Option
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2025 GMC Canyon AT4X AEV Edition Specifications
Engine
2.7-Liter Turbocharged Inline-Four
Output
310 Horsepower / 430 Pound-Feet
Transmission
Eight-Speed Automatic
Drive Type
Four-Wheel Drive
Speed 0-60 MPH
7.2 seconds (est.)
Maximum speed
101 MPH (Electronically Limited)
Weight
5,200 Pounds (est.)
Efficiency
16 MPG City, 16 MPG Highway, 16 MPG Combined
Seating Capacity
5
Cargo Volume
41.9 Cubic Feet
On Sale
Now
Base Price
$67,030
As-Tested Price
$70,350
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