The fully-redesigned 2023 GMC Canyon pickup truck release date is on the horizon. The third generation cousin to the Chevrolet Colorado will feature a more aggressive exterior look, following similar design language from General Motors seen (GM) across its truck and SUV lineup.

So when does the all-new Canyon come out? GMC recently announced the official reveal date for the 2023 GMC Canyon pickup truck, which is slated for August 11, 2022.

“The Canyon AT4X with Edition 1 package will be available for customer reservations at launch. Availability will be announced at a later date.”

GMC Media

As of September 14, 2022, GMC‘s 2023 Canyon page says that initial availability is expected in early 2023, with the AT4X trim available in spring 2023. GMC says the starting price will be around $40,000.

2023 GMC Canyon’s reimagined exterior 

The 2023 GMC Canyon will use an updated version of GM’s current GMT-31XX body-on-frame architecture, internally known as the 31XX-2. But it will be wrapped in a larger, more angular body with increased bumper clearance. This design deviates from the current model’s hefty look for an imposing, off-road-ready appearance.

Along with the body upgrades, GM has swapped the old-fashioned, blocky headlights for slimmer LED lighting signatures. These are seen placed near the top of the front fascia, with fog lights in a ducting array underneath.

The latest Canyon will also offer the six-function MultiPro tailgate on the Sierra 1500 and Heavy Duty models. It consists of the primary gate with a smaller inner gate hinged within it to allow different user combinations. 

Demand for extended cab pickup trucks has declined in recent years. However, rumors speculate that the 2023 GMC Canyon will arrive on dealer lots with the following cab configurations:

• Crew cab, Short box
• Crew cab, Long box
• Extended cab, Long box

2023 GMC Canyon’s modernized interior 

Like its Colorado cousin, the GMC Canyon has always come standard with a rather chunky, underwhelming interior. That’s all to change, however, as the upcoming Canyon interior will be radically different, matching the futuristic brawn of its exterior.

Spy photos provided by GM Authority indicate a modernized, landscape-oriented infotainment screen in the center similar to the unit in the refreshed 2022 GMC Sierra 1500 and much bigger than the seven-inch screen in the current Canyon. Moreover, the 2023 GMC Canyon sports chrome-trimmed rotary control knobs on the piano-black display and a thin row of HVAC buttons directly below the infotainment screen, giving finesse to a typically utilitarian cab. 

New driver controls accenting the redesigned steering wheel’s three and nine o’clock arms are just the tip of a new approach to creature comforts for the 2023 GMC Canyon. There’s even detailed stitching on the steering, adding an opulent touch to the more affluent-looking cockpit. We imagine it will be offered in various colors beyond the standard black.

Premium trim levels will have dual climate control, heated and vented seats, and a new console-mounted shifter. Spy photos also suggest wood-inlaid door handles, presumably on models like the Denali and above. 

Although the current Canyon doesn’t include many safety features compared to other GM offerings, the 2023 Canyon is expected to be available with a suite of advanced safety features. A rearview camera and Teen Driver system will be standard, but lane departure warning, forward collision warning, rear parking sensors, and even GM’s Super Cruise will round out top-of-the-line specs.  

2023 GMC Canyon’s impressive performance specs 

Buyers can select a current Canyon with either the 2.5 liter I-4 LCV or 3.6L V-6 LGZ gasoline engines or the 2.8 liter I-4 LWN diesel, all teamed with a six or eight-speed automatic transmission. However, GM may ditch those for the 2023 model and offer only the turbocharged 2.7-liter I-4 L3B found in the Sierra 1500 mated to a 10-speed automatic transmission, GMAuthority reports. Regardless, the Tripower L3B puts out an impressive 310 horsepower at 5600 rpm and 348 lb-ft of torque at just 1500 rpm.

The 2023 GMC Canyon will be available with both two-wheel and four-wheel drive and is anticipated to have roughly the same towing capacity, maxing out at a best-in-class 7,700 pounds and 1,580-pound bed capacity.

2023 GMC Canyon AT4X: An Off-Road Challenger 

The Canyon has been almost identical to the Colorado since the beginning, with both trucks sharing a frame, powertrain, interior, and appearance. Yet, GM’s only midsize off-road capable, trophy truck-esque offering was the trail-pounding Colorado ZR2. One of the 2023 GMC Canyon’s most significant changes is its mud-slinging performance package to complement its Chevrolet cousin. 

The 2023 GMC Canyon AT4X is expected to share the Colorado ZR2’s capable rigging. This features GM’s StabiliTrak control system with advanced hill descent. Additionally, it gets automatic locking front and rear differentials, Multimatic spool-valve dampers, and upgraded suspension components, GMC claims.