When GMC unveiled the 2021 Canyon AT4 back in January, speculation started that a special edition model was already in the works. It probably took longer than GMC expected — blame the COVID-19 pandemic for that — but 10 months after the Canyon AT4’s arrival, the special edition model, dubbed the Off-Road Performance Edition, is finally here.
As expected, the Canyon AT4 Off-Road Performance Edition packs plenty of extra goodies, most of which are of the functional sort. There are visual upgrades, too, but this special edition truck is all about making sure that your travails on roads less travelled run smoothly and without any complications.
2021 GMC Canyon AT4 Off-Road Performance Edition
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- Model: 2021 GMC Canyon AT4 Off-Road Performance Edition
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What makes the GMC Canyon AT4 Off-Road Performance Edition a true special edition model?
Before we jump into the juicy bits, let’s get the aesthetic upgrades out of the way. There are no significant visual improvements to the Canyon AT4 Off-Road Performance Edition other than the addition of the Carbon Black AT4 logos that identify this truck as a special edition model. That’s largely it. You can add the rocket panel protectors and the aluminum front and mid skid plates, but they’re functional upgrades that serve real purpose beyond model identification. Those skid plates, in particular, are particularly useful in protecting the trucks’ lower radiator, steering gear, oil pan, and front differential. Last I checked, all these parts are important to the Canyon AT4.
The set of bespoke 17-inch wheels are finished in glossy black so that counts as a visual upgrade, too. It’s the same thing with the exhaust tip, which is also finished in the same glossy black look.
For the most part, though, the GMC Canyon AT4 Off-Road Performance Edition earns the status of a “special edition” model through all the mechanical upgrades that GMC added to the truck. Those 17-inch wheels that I mentioned earlier are wrapped in massive 31-inch Goodyear Wrangler DuraTrac tires, ensuring that there’s no road that this truck can’t conquer. For those moments of physical unrest, the truck’s new bespoke suspension setup ensures smooth sailing when you’re driving on messy roads. A suspension levelling kit is also included in the list of upgrades.
Likewise, GMC fitted the Canyon AT4 Off-Road Performance Edition’s four-wheel drive system with an Eaton G80 Rear Automatic Locking Differential that’ll give you one less reason to be worried about your travels. The automaker is even adding an Advanced Hill Descent Control System for good measure.
What are the Canyon AT4 Off-Road Performance Edition’s specs?
All these upgrades point to a truck that’s ready to conquer the outdoors. Of course, it also helps that the Canyon AT4 Off-Road Performance Edition is powered by a 3.6-liter V-6 engine that produces 308 horsepower and 275 pound-feet of torque.
2021 GMC Canyon AT4 Off-Road Performance Edition specifications
Engine |
3.6-liter V-6 |
---|---|
Horsepower |
308 HP |
Torque |
275 LB-FT |
Towing |
7,000 pounds |
Payload |
1,531 pounds |
How much does the GMC Canyon AT4 Off-Road Performance Edition cost?
GMC has yet to give pricing details on the Canyon AT4 Off-Road Performance Edition. The good news is that the truck builder is scheduled to start taking orders by the end of the year. For now, you can estimate that the special edition Canyon AT4 will cost more than the $40,000 price tag of the base Canyon AT4 version.
Final Thoughts?
The 2021 GMC Canyon AT4 Off-Road Performance Edition is a truck that’s built for the outdoors. There’s no denying that. With all the upgrades it’s carrying, you can be sure that all your weekend getaways will be as smooth on the open road as they are off the beaten path.