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Forbes
2 days ago
- Automotive
- Forbes
Test-Driving The GMC Canyon AT4X AEV
Front 3/4 view of the 2024 GMC Canyon AT4X AEV Edition in a field. A few years after the latest GMC Canyon hit dealership lots, I recently had the chance to thoroughly test-out the 2025 GMC Canyon AT4X AEV. There's good reasoning behind this dressed-up Chevy's long name: The AT4X is appointed from the factory with increased clearances and choice components to up its capability. The AEV part is actually an aftermarket supplier brought into the tier 1 parts chain; American Expedition Vehicles provides a variety of added equipment to bolster this top-spec Canyon's off-road-ability even further. In spite of sporting a powertrain that at first sounds like it'd be lacking, the end product is one of the most fun 4X4s that I've ever taken off the beaten path. Here's what $65,995 worth of an American-made, adventure-ready truck has to offer. Focused through and through. The highest-riding Canyon's appearance ensures nobody would ever assume it talks the talk but doesn't walk the walk. Big tires, big steel bumpers, big fender gaps, and a lifted ride height, as well as big dimensions compared to the previous-generation—there's more big about it than an '80s Peter Gabriel song. Additionally, its massive grille and sharp headlights fit into GMC's design language well and definitely add to its muscle-bound prowess. Inside, the interior is well-appointed, featuring a chic stitched contrasting leather, comfortable leather seating sporting embroidered AEV branding, and an aesthetically pleasing center console, dash, and touchscreen layout. From there, the amount of gloss black plastic trim throughout is par for the course on the new car market, and only a few surfaces are of a thin, cheap-feeling plastic. The gear selector, drivetrain dial, and buttons that lock and unlock the differences possess a substantial feel, too, which were a pleasant surprise. GMC's definitely stepped up its game in this area. Interior view of the 2024 GMC Canyon AT4X AEV Edition. Buttons are logically placed, too—including those that actuate its various drivetrain settings, more on that later—and the touchscreen and digital instrument cluster are of a reasonable size and run easy-to-use, lag-free software. However, I still have two criticisms. Firstly: the interior is a tad too nice. The jury is out on how many buyers will consistently put the AT4X AEV through its paces, but for those who do, and are even keen to outfit something for substantial overlanding duty, they might want to avoid dirtying it up with mud, dirt, and sand. But I can personally attest to it being surprisingly easy to clean: the massive rubber floor mats helped here, but otherwise it was easy to wash off the leather seats and blow out the sand after a long afternoon in the field. Secondly: its interior dimensions are weirdly cramped for this truck's size. With the seat set as low as possible, I just barely fit at six-foot-three, and couldn't imagine being comfortable in the backseat for very long. Small engine, large moxie. Being such a visual and dimensional bruiser, you'd think a thirsty GM V8 lived under the hood of the 2025 GMC Canyon AT4X AEV. But what's actually in there is far from it: power comes from a turbocharged 2.7-liter inline-four, hooked up to an eight-speed transmission with high and low range, plus power locking front and rear differentials. That may sound like not enough, but it's actually right at home. The previous, off-road-focused Canyon and its dressed-down Chevy Colorado sibling sported a turbo diesel inline-four of similar displacement, and it was a riot to rip around with. I was sad to find out that this powerplant is no longer available, but the gasoline 2.7 is still good fun. Despite sounding a bit strained and uninspiring at times, its 310 horsepower and impressive 430 pound-feet of torque suits the 4,970-pound AT4X well, and with a massive 21.4-gallon fuel tank to sip from, guarantees excellent range. This counts on lengthy off-road expeditions where gas stations may be few and far between, plus, fuel consumption becomes a real thing with the revs high in the low gear set while scrambling up steep climbs, and at high elevation. The little four-banger feels like it reaches peak torque just off idle, and its little turbo keeps the power on full blast all the way to redline, maximizing the lockers' effect. To sum it up: this lump of aluminum is very good at cosplaying as its sturdy diesel predecessor. With independent suspension up front and a conventional straight axle out back, there's no mistaking the way it rolls down the road as anything other than a pickup truck, but it does so quite comfortably due to the secret sauce that ties the suspension all together: Its Multimatic DSSV dampers. These are—hyperbole incoming—the most beautifully riding passive shock absorbers that I've ever experienced in any 4X4. Due to their intuitive way of routing shock fluid around inside, they give the AT4X such a good ride quality, yet the AT4X stays respectably planted under hard cornering. Then, they shrug off the stresses of ripping up and down trails with ease, and ensure that weight is always shifting across the axles as effectively and smoothly as possible. The 2025 GMC Canyon AT4X AEV American Expedition Vehicles is an authority in all-things capability in the off-roading/overlanding realm. With the AEV package, customers get front and rear steel bumpers with added tow provisions, as well as a substantial amount of underbody armoring to protect the body, frame, and various drivetrain components from the roughest terrain. Additionally, a host of interior auxiliary switches for connecting added lighting and other accessories are wired up and handsome 17-inch beadlock-ready wheels wrapped in meaty 35-inch Goodyear Wrangler Territory MT rubber fill out its massive wheel wells. Additionally, a full-size fifth wheel is secured to the bed for easy changes in case a sidewall gets cut—it inhibits rear visibility, but I was glad to have it while far, far away from any wheel and tire shop. This equipment, combined with the AT4X AEV's moxie-filled turbo-four and versatile drivetrain makes for one impressive spec. But it doesn't end there: Approach, breakover, and departure angles reach 38.2, 26.9, and 26 degrees, respectively, and ground clearance underneath its 131-inch wheelbase is a massive 12.2 inches, thanks to a 1.5-inch higher ride height over the standard AT4X. The 2025 GMC Canyon AT4X AEV I had the pleasure of feeling all of this out at one of Southern California's most beloved off-road areas, Rowher Flats, just north of Los Angeles. With a whole midweek afternoon in front of me, I decided to venture further into this stretch of the Castaic Mountains than I ever had before climbing up and over an entire mountain. The GMC Canyon AT4X AEV's whole package was simply brilliant. Jumping in and out of high and low range, enabling and disabling the lockers, and configuring GMC's intuitive hill descent control was all easy to figure out and took no time at all. This accommodates snap decisions based on quickly changing terrain features and conditions rather well. In terms of doing a lock-off—which is my new term for a race to see how long trucks take to lock and unlock their front or rear differentials—the 2025 Mercedes-Benz G550 G-Wagen has the Canyon beat, but not by much (for the record: this is a fun comparison and not an actual reason to spend double the money on the Benz). The 2025 GMC Canyon AT4X AEV And boy did the terrain change while crawling up, along, and down steep unpaved terra firma. The only moments of mild terror were some mildly cocky, overly-confident inputs while crawling down incredibly steep terrain—I definitely danced on the edge of this thing's maximum pitch angle. Otherwise, its chunky Goodyear rubber, locking differentials, and awesome chassis helped this beast push forward with so much ease. Its long wheelbase required making multi-point turns to properly line up for particularly steep moments on the trails' more narrow sections. But its massive array of front and rear camera angles accompanied sticking my head out the window and provided great resolution. My only gripe was a lack of visibility while cresting the top of steep climbs, as I wish I had more of a view of what laid ahead—I was surprised this was an oversight. Otherwise, the AEV went about the rest of my journey exhibiting nothing but assured confidence. The brakes were strong and enabled precision modulation, the chassis' ability to articulate and maximize its footing was solid, and it scoffed at any menacing trail I pointed it at. Rather than stressed and feeling worn out, I ascended towards the trail's end relaxed and happy to take in all of the scenery. For under $70,000 fully loaded, the 2025 GMC Canyon AT4X AEV is a top-shelf piece of comfortable machinery for those looking for a turn-key way of taking on tough terrain. The 2025 GMC Canyon AT4X AEV
Motor 1
3 days ago
- Automotive
- Motor 1
The GMC Canyon AT4X AEV Is Off-Roading on Easy Mode: Review
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 Get the best news, reviews, columns, and more delivered straight to your inbox, daily. back Sign up For more information, read our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use . 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 Share this Story Facebook X LinkedIn Flipboard Reddit WhatsApp E-Mail Got a tip for us? Email: tips@ Join the conversation ( )
Motor 1
29-05-2025
- Automotive
- Motor 1
GMC Canyon AT4X AEV Edition: What Do You Want to Know?
If you're looking for off-road supremacy, GMC and American Expedition Vehicles (AEV) have the truck for you. It's called the Canyon AT4X AEV Edition . Tough, brutish, and capable, it's one of the most hardcore factory off-roaders you can buy right now. We've got it for a week, with plans to take it on- and off-road. The AEV Edition is the top-dog AT4X trim. Introduced in 2023, it gets heavy-duty steel skid plates and a 1.5-inch lift. Paired with gigantic 35-inch Wrangler all-terrain tires, it has 12.2 inches of ground clearance. There are also front and rear steel bumpers that unlock better approach and departure angles, as well as AEV-specific fender flares, for that extra bit of muscle. Photo by: Brian Silvestro / Motor1 The regular Canyon AT4 starts at $47,395. Upgrading to the AT4X hikes the price to $58,720, but gets you valuable upgrades like locking differentials, different trim panels, and a nicer interior. Our AEV Edition tester, meanwhile, rocks an eye-watering sticker price of $70,350. That's a lot of money for a mid-size truck. Still, I can't help but love this thing. I've only had the Canyon for a couple of days, but bashing through the broken pavement and huge potholes of New York City has never been less stressful. I'll be doing some highway driving and off-roading, but for now, here's what I like and what I don't like. What's Good So Far? Photo by: Brian Silvestro / Motor1 This thing looks mean. The steel bumpers, big fender flares, and bigger wheels suit the Canyon nicely, without seeming too ostentatious. Every other Canyon looks boring by comparison. The suspension is excellent. The AT4X gets Multimatic's DSSV spool-valve dampers, which work magic on the road. It makes the AEV Edition one of the very few trucks on sale that feel more like a unibody machine than a body-on-frame truck. The infotainment is solid. It's a shame General Motors is moving away from Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, because this one connects every time without issue, and it looks great. What's Not Good So Far? Photo by: Brian Silvestro / Motor1 The engine isn't very exciting. GM's 2.7-liter turbocharged inline-four is powerful enough, but it doesn't match the drama delivered by the AT4X's looks. Sound and top-end power aren't priorities for a truck like this, though, so it's not a huge issue. There aren't enough buttons. Many critical controls, like the headlights and the traction control, have been placed into the touchscreen, making them tougher to use. It's a clear, in-your-face cost-cutting measure we're not sure buyers will appreciate. The spare wheel is mounted in the bed. This isn't necessarily a bad thing, as it frees up space for the steel bumper and ground clearance. But it also makes the rear-view mirror useless. If I drove this truck every day, I'd be annoyed. I still need a few more days to figure out if the AEV Edition is really worth it, but the first impressions are solid. Stay tuned to see what I think. Check Out These Truck Reviews Bison Vs Raptor Vs Trailhunter: The Ultimate Off-Road Truck Showdown The Colorado ZR2 Bison Has a High-Tech Suspension. Here's How It Works Share this Story Facebook X LinkedIn Flipboard Reddit WhatsApp E-Mail Got a tip for us? Email: tips@ Join the conversation ( )
