Canyon AT4X vs Colorado Trail Boss: Do You Need to Spend A LOT More to Go Off-Road?

[@TheNotimprezed]

The Trail Boss would be so much better with a selectable rear locker, that was a perfect example of the limit of the G80.

[@vanquish5023]

If it had a selectable rear locker, I would seriously consider it due to the ridiculous price of the ZR2 and AT4X, but the G80 just sucks off road.

[@ALMX5DP]

It was probably a very conscious decision to do it that way, to get people to pay out for a more expensive model.

[@Kristian_Saile]

I think the price difference of a g80 versus the selectable rear locker would be something most Trail Boss owners would be willing to pay for. Having a 22 Duramax Z71 and a Silverado z71 with G80’s, they are better than an open diff but are very crude and the need of spinning the tire that much to get it to engage makes keeping through tough stuff really hard to do smoothly.

[@honeyberry4009]

It doesnt help that everytime the g80 would actually lock andre lets off the gas. You just need to spin a little let it lock then you can start crawling it will stay locked, when u stop and roll back it unlocks. With a little more experienced driver this would have been a better example

[@hitempguy]

My 2020 F150 had an electronic activated locking rear diff. Absolute game changer, any new truck I bought would be required to have one. Or add one. About $1500usd for an eaton electric locking diff for a Dana M220

[@arjunkathiravan784]

Gm midsize trucks look soo good now

[@dezdman8623]

Thr razor rocks were only an issue for the TB because he kept letting off the gas. He needed more "send it." Had enough ground clearance to not damage anything

[@TreatsOnTheStreets]

I'm not sure why GM made the g80 so much less sensitive lately. On my 1st gen Colorado z71 it locks right up with the tiniest bit of spin. I don't really even notice the wheel spinning because it is so immediate. Could be for drivability reasons. Sometimes if I give a generous amount of throttle coming out of a tight corner from a stop it will lock up on the street and chirp the tires.

[@RedHawkish]

Andre - while you have the AT4X, swap the tires with your truck to see if it all clears

[@PlumbRalph]

Can’t wait to see you do a Ranger Raptor against that AT4X.

[@richfarfugnuven6308]

Came here to say this...

[@jeffk464]

I think I like the Raptor better

[@9663mu]

@@richfarfugnuven6308no you didn’t. Stop lying

[@richfarfugnuven6308]

@@9663mu ok...

[@vincefairleigh6899]

The ranger raptor is way better,man’s I own a silverado…

[@WheresHerb]

I really like the G80 locker in my Colorado. Especially in the winter.

[@Bpf1893]

It’s better for daily driver duties than a selectable.

[@duncdunc76]

​@@Bpf1893That's a great point and another reason the G80 is a great addition to your truck and might honestly be a better option then a designate locker for most truck owners.

[@jeffk464]

@@duncdunc76 That could be, better for normal driving like snow/mud, but inferior for rock crawling. Everything is a trade off.

[@urbanredneck3068]

I had a 1st gen Colorado with the G80. The biggest thing is you have to two foot drive and drag th brakes to help it lock in. But a selectable lock does make it a lot easier.

[@rockymountboy]

Or just give it a little more pedal to spin the wheels faster so it grabs earlier.

[@kristoferfc6525]

that and the more miles that diff has the faster it engages too

[@JT4X4OFFROADING]

The G80 is designed for the throttle to be maintained, letting off unlocks the DIF. Stay lightly on it and follow through. Great video, wish I had those obstacles here!

[@rossoverland]

Right? It seemed like right as it locked up he let off the gas.

[@irishkelly654]

Yes, he just doesn't quite get how it works and how to use it. He'll get it!

[@christianw929]

So glad you all are getting back on the trails. That Tumbleweed Ranch stuff…oof.

[@ryansheard8092]

Love the new GMC Canyon's, especially that AT4X. Its size makes it hard with a family of 5 for traveling though.

[@robertyoung8289]

Easy peasy. Throw the child you like the least in the bed. Problem solved. 🤠

[@dansherwood9851]

Smart Alec…u beat me to it…😂

[@WalterA-b3d]

Thank you for this comparison of two versions of the new mid size twins. Interesting seeing how they handle the same obstacles.

[@honeyberry4009]

To be honest once you learn how the g80 locker works its not a bad traction device to have. Andre is making it look worse than it is because he doesnt want to damage the TB

[@drayray4009]

No s… who wants to damage their truck

[@jeffk464]

I don't know, didn't look that great to me. Looks like its especially bad for slow speed rock crawling.

[@vincefairleigh6899]

He should have kept going once he started to spin, that’s when the lockers engaged.. . The locker sucks for sure but still better than an open diff.

[@drayray4009]

@@vincefairleigh6899 agreed

[@TrendyTryhard]

@@drayray4009which is half of why these tests (and trucks/ SUVs) are pointless. Who wants to tear up their $50k truck when they can beat the shit out of a $3000 jeep?

[@Gazziza29]

@15:50 Andre certainly has an interesting take on the Can-am 😂

[@Beattheroutine]

Brand new truck and the rear camera is not working? To make things worse the dealership doesn’t have the parts to fix it? Did I hear that right? 40,000 truck with no cruise control, no back window defroster & no back up camera now! What a treat!

[@TryingYourLvck]

its a DIY project truck lol. one day we'll have the option to buy a vehicle without tires or air in them.

[@CheezeWhizzz]

The AT4X just seems like a more luxurious ZR2. I owned a 2017 diesel ZR2 for a while and it was a phenomenal truck for these kinds of trails.

[@BrandonBaecker]

I've been off-roading a 2017 Z71 with the G80 here in Colorado and all over the country and I've never gotten stuck. It actually works really well once you learn to drive with it. It takes a certain driving style and driving by feel. You get used to it and it's no big deal. I know exactly when it's going to lock. I've done all the obstacles my friends in similar vehicles with selectable lockers do. 🤷 That being said, selectable lockers are nicer in certain circumstances. I still would have gotten a ZR2, but I got a phenomenal deal on the Z71, and I knew I was going to lift it and upgrade the suspension anyway. It's been more than capable off-road for me. I'm repeatedly stunned by the things it climbs up with no issues.

[@Offshore1977]

G80 take a little wheel spin to lock up. But once it locks you need to keep going and not brake. It’s actually extremely effective. Thank you for the great video.

[@krnwhitlow]

Great video guys. I like the at4x but I would probably get a trail boss and swap out g80 for a Yukon gear and axel Dura-Grip ,this is what I did in my 05 sierra 1500 to make it more like a trail boss

[@JonBecker81]

That canyon has got some FLEX for a stock truck!

[@backwoodstherapy]

I think the big takeaway from this is a front locker does make a difference. The TB was on two wheels at one point and all the power in the front was going to the tire in the air and the one tire with grip in the back just kept spinning. A front locker would help tremendously there. Also, TFL loves to not air down their tires. Gives half an inch extra ground clearance at the expense of grip. If they do air down it's to like 20 psi, which is barely airing down at all (I personally go to at least 15, sometimes 12). All that considered, it also proves that while a cheaper rig may not be able to do the obstacles as easily (or may have to take a bypass) or take the same line, it can still go on the same trails.

[@playanddisplay3636]

Well on the plus side with GM showing its great initial build quality has not changed to the trail boss is fewer cameras to continue to replace. For 17k difference in price you can build a recovery rig for the Trail Boss.

[@brettbloxom7029]

That road used to be driveable in my 2 wheel drive xterra until all the side-by-side folks destroyed it. Really amazing to see how much it has changed in this video.

[@gqami]

Not just heated seats André, but cruise control as well on the GMC! 😂 great job guys!

[@veteranviper564]

Would have been easy in the razor rocks if you’d stop letting off the gas every time that locker kicks in. Sheez

[@michaelstringer1840]

I wish more companies took a page out of fords book and offer the (mainly) lockers and suspension on all trims as an option like the bronco I don’t really need the bells and whistles.

[@TREVORJB101]

Really looking forward to seeing the next gen ZR2 Bison out there walking all over that course.

[@huahin6149]

I believe the only difference between that and the zr2 is more skidplates and a little more lifted to accommodate 35s. I'm not sure the 35s will be worth the reduced fuel economy. We'll see

[@JIPlatium]

What do you get for 17K more? hopefully cruise control! defiantly not better rims ROFL

[@roncelaya4115]

Great video! I'm waiting for the second or third year production on these new trucks

[@andresmontoto1276]

That AT4X is super nice and very capable with those lockers

[@Problematicbehavior]

The fact that you havent pulled that airdamn off yet is insane!

[@ALMX5DP]

How would they do back to back OEM comparisons if he mods it?

[@JonBecker81]

I think they actually help a noticeable amount on mpg. But chevy should have made them easy to take on and off without tools and under 2 minutes.

[@ALMX5DP]

looks easy enough from the online guides and videos. Just takes a trim tool and a small ratchet. Once familiar I can see it being a 60 second job.@@JonBecker81

[@Hellenkeller777]

@@JonBecker81I took my air dam off my 2nd gen Canyon and there was no noticeable difference in MPG.

[@brandonstewart7145]

Seems like not all G80 s work the same, I had two early 2000s full size Chevy's and I believe they kicked in quicker than Andres trail boss. Has anyone else experienced this?

[@DrJeffM]

I want to see the two titans go head to head, TRD Pro vs Canyon AT4X.

[@richfarfugnuven6308]

Add the new Ranger Raptor for a 3x competition.

[@jeffk464]

@@richfarfugnuven6308 I'm waiting for all three to hit the market and start getting reviews and owner feedback. Plus competition will lower prices, frankly I like all three.

[@memer-_-9235]

That probably won’t be until new gen Tacoma comes out, wouldn’t really be a fair comparison comparing the new gen canyon to the outgoing Tacoma

[@harolddenton6031]

I almost bought a 2023 Tacoma trd pro but decided not to do so when my local johnson city,tn Toyota dealer was adding a 5 grand market adjustment fee bringing the total price up to 58,500.00. I refused to pay that much for a mid sized 4x4 truck.

[@MrLegendL2118]

Although I will never be on trails like this, I have a question. Do I really need the rear lockers on a ZR2 if I’m only going to be driving in snow? Sometimes deep snow(2+ feet) maybe going up some hills that are bumpy etc. or is the G80 good enough? Thanx

[@machfive916]

Great video guys. It really shows the limitations and unpredictability of the G80.

[@gogofastful]

Hey Andre, i think I inspected a house in your cul de sac recently. Your truck is still pretty rare and looks great in person.

[@JusticeforPeanut-t6x]

It's Aug 22 and I haven't seen a single 2023 colorado on the road in the VA peninsula area from Richmond to VA Beach. Are they only available to youtubers?

[@DrunkenChewbacca]

Nice that GM moved the shocks outward

[@vincefairleigh6899]

About time they did👍🏻

[@duncdunc76]

Well that AT4 is awesome for those that can afford it and can afford to fix any issues that develop with the tech. That white interior is a no no for anyone who uses there truck for work though lol. Id personally take a truck with all the off road tech of the AT4 with none of the luxury. But I guess those trucks dont sell or arent super profitable for the makers. Honestly the only interior comforts I want are comfortrable durable seats, AC, power windows, and cruise control. Oh and I like physical buttons, no tablet screen with all the controls, no thank you. With the way all new vehicles are being made it seems Im in the minority with my preferences though lol.

[@robertedwards7430]

Andre for God's sake STOP letting off the gas lmao😂

[@scottgeorgia4705]

Andre, I have a 2023 GMC Canyon AT4. I'd love to do a road trip out to Colorado and meet up and do a comparison with your Trail Boss. The trails you do your testing on look great. I am located in California. Thanks for the great content.

[@foxarrow33]

I don't know why he didn't just get a zr2 but that Canyons interior is nicer than my Desert Boss

[@andresmontoto1276]

Andrey... you should have aired down your tires to 20psi on the razor rocks since your truck has no lockers.... would have helped immensely

[@completoencristo]

Love that gmc canyon . I have a Tacoma .

[@lunamaria1048]

Top vs mid. 😂 Seeing them in action actually makes sense for people trying to decide between the 2! My fiance ordered a Sierra AT4X this week. We recently moved to Utah from Canada.

[@warrantydelete9122]

Y’all need to cover the issues with these. Like the cool digital dash randomly turning off or the transmission issues. Not just the cool parts of it.

[@geezusmeatball1328]

I have 23 canyon elevation and flawlesd for now very good truck

[@eeleye4]

Anecdotes aren’t the norm lol

[@ageekandhistacoma]

Andre did put out a video right after he bought the truck about his digital dash going blank. I forgot what he did to get it to work again.

[@ageekandhistacoma]

​@@eeleye4they aren't the norm, but it is funny that one of those issues has already happened with Andre's truck (his dash went out).

[@geezusmeatball1328]

@@ageekandhistacoma he unplug the battery

[@myaandbigs]

You guys should do a comparison between the new ZR2 and the AT4x. It would be interesting to see how they both handle and if the AT4x would still be worth getting over the ZR2

[@tristan_g9508]

They are mechanically and spec wise identical so there wouldn’t be much of a difference other than interior

[@jeffjarvie7223]

Can’t wait for the Trail Boss Vs Trail Hunter comparison video.

[@TheNorthWestDude]

You reviewers should quit talking about how everything is hidden in the menus... hit the truck icon. it gives you the basics that everyone complains about. The Light button is a thing, but everyone looks for the light switch in any vehicle. Also you could have used one pedal in terrain mode in the ATX4. I have the 23 ZR2 and it is AWESOME! Read the manual before you go out fellas!

[@MeatloafMelvin]

Do it against the ZR2 and the Ranger Raptor when it releases.

[@TheZR2Kid]

Great video! Love both trucks! 23:50

[@scottyellis3442]

I know BF GOODRICH was just one of y'all's sponsors but I'm glad to see they put a better off road tire on these trucks. I had a 4X4 truck that I use to go fishing with down at the coast "Cape Hatters" here in N.C & never had any trouble driving on the sand until I put a set of BFG's all terrain tires on & then nothing but trouble.

[@yamahschector]

The gmc looks great. Is it the best off-roader in the colorado canyon class? Isn’t there a bison

[@huahin6149]

Please compare at4x or zr2 to the newest tacoma pro when you are able. Find a more difficult trail. Like a long steep hill rocky where you need 4 low.

[@1REspawnPLS]

Need to know what tonneau cover Andre went with!!

[@chaleowin7732]

Front and rear lockers are key to easy mode crawling.

[@mrt3206]

Getting into the $60-80k pricing is kinda wild for these, at this point if you’re going for a vehicle that off-roads I’m not sure why you wouldn’t choose a Bronco, Wrangler, Gladiator, etc… there are a TON of options for the insane pricing of these mini trucks and Broncos and Jeeps have more interior space🤷‍♂️ you can maybe fit a Pallet in the bed of these trucks but even then the wheel wells probably prevent them from sitting flat so I’m not sure at this price who the market is when you could get a full size 1500 for the same price🤯 just mind blowing what they are charging now.

[@robertyoung8289]

Please drag race those two so we can see any real difference in engine tune.

[@geezusmeatball1328]

They made this video allready

[@blakegarner3719]

Looking forward to seeing this against the Ranger Raptor! Should be good!

[@ivaniuk123]

How does it compared to the ZR2? Which seems like the Canyon ATX4 is the exact same car as the ZR2?

[@CarlosTorres-kw9eq]

I really want to see you take the base Work truck 4x4 and compare it with the Trail Boss on those trails.

[@daveharness70]

I own a Ford F-150 Tremor and like it, but that AT4X is a great looking and super capable truck! Just a bit too small for my needs.

[@fernandorivas5059]

Midsize isn't for everyone. it does perform very good at offroad or mud than full size which mean more heavier.

[@jeffk464]

@@fernandorivas5059 My impression has always been the smaller trucks are for play, and full sized trucks are for construction sites. Always preferred the image of the smaller sportier looking trucks.

[@davidgroff3355]

U guys are the best at your stuff

[@mitchstein288]

The difference was noticeable, especially going over Razor Rocks. The AT4X handled it with ease. $17,000 is a HUGE premium to pay though. I could justify $10,000. $17K, I don't know. I would likely still go with the Trail Boss. Unless a person was off-roading challenging terrain a lot, I just don't know if I'd pay the extra. The Trail Boss is still very capable. I wish GM would at least give a rear locker option for the Trail Boss though. Close to $60K for a midsize pickup is a lot of money. I'd likely go with a fullsize if I was planning to spend that kind of money. Thanks for the great video Andre and Alex. This was very informative.

[@masonthomas9671]

You can get the ZR2 with same lockers and shocks for starting at $48k. If you want it with adaptive cruise, ventilated seats etc it’s $50,700.

[@kx8960]

You're payng a huge premium for the AT4X interior vs the ZR2, which is why I'm getting a ZR2 instead.

[@masonthomas9671]

@@kx8960 I think it’s(ZR2) the better move for anyone who wants to take it off road. Plus why would I want white accents at major touch points in my off road truck?

[@kx8960]

@@masonthomas9671 EXACTLY! The ZR2 is for people who actually DO take their trucks offroad to get dirty. The AT4X is for people who want to LOOK like they do. LOVE that red though. I was going to go with blue, but when I saw that red in person on the Z71 I recently drove, that's the color for me unless in the 2024 model I'm waiting for, they have an orange to match(ish) my KTM!

[@michaelboese6679]

Great video as usual Andre !!!😊

[@vica7667]

Andre - any recommend for getting a new Colorado for MSRP? I’m in Albuquerque and all the dealers here have no inventory or want to charge market adjustment, mandatory dealer accessories, or BS fees. Willing to travel a ways to save some money.

[@TJY2K]

The shot at 16:14 was cool *crunch*

[@jedpalfreyman9807]

So is the trail boss just the colorada z71? Kinda what it seems like

[@XboxOne_IronPatriot8787]

Hello Brothers and the TFL team!! I have a 2006 GMC Canyon SLE with Z71 suspension and Greneral Grabber AT2s with maybe a 80% rusted frame with black coat on it. Which level of off-road is okay to tackle?

[@diytacoma5758]

The new Tacoma looks like the Colorado

[@kevinselzer1669]

Are you ever going to take off that front air dam as you talked about it when you were at the press event earlier this year? I was curious how much it would change the approach angle as now Chevy is taking them off from the factory if you equip the skid plate option.

[@doublebackagain4311]

The dust that collects on the screen & shiny black plastic would drive me NUTS. (And I don't keep my vehicles particularly clean lol)

[@tanka93]

I'm surprised that you haven't removed that chin spoiler yet!

[@kevinselzer1669]

Chevy is now removing them from the factory if you equip the skid plate option.

[@DanielIonescu-rt8jc]

I think people would really like to see a true comparison between the brothers, as in Chevy Colorado ZR2 vs GMC Canyon at4x.

[@BrentKung89]

so happy i got my at4x

[@krnwhitlow]

What have you heard about GM and a Terra truck by gmc she said it would sale for around 15000 with a 2.5 I4 ??

[@mikefoehr235]

One other thing the red truck has...cruise control. That is got to be worth $17k

[@kx8960]

LOL Ouch!

[@paulchalos8502]

Does the G in G80 stand for “grenade”?

[@Nitromudder]

Need to bring the big ZR2 up there!

[@robertmatthews2721]

Using your own truck again Andre . That Roman character better be paying you well you crazy man .

[@southbay1279]

Auto-locking rear differentials are a gimmick to get you to pay $7-$10k more for a truck with a fancy limited slip differential 😂

[@spartanchirho]

And, I bet Alex has cruise control 😂 great video and long. I prefer seeing more obstacles other than razor rocks, steps and truth or dare

[@Bubs.-]

Yes more of this yes yes yes😊

[@cartopia6161]

Andre, what is the status of your cruise control? 😂 nice video. 👍🏽

[@theglitch99]

Imagine having to use your own eyes while driving/off-roading. That's CRAZY😂 talk!

[@WW-wf8tu]

🤔 17K difference? I would say it is color, no cruise control, no back up camera, no front camera, no lockers, instrument cluster going blank on you, cannot get GM to get you upgrades. That is just for starters. lol A lot of glitches in your golden goose.

[@is6566]

I am watching this at the end of March 2024 (seven months after publication of the video) and the Trail Boss’ rear backup camera is still NOT fixed because the dealership doesn’t have the parts available. 😃

[@harolddenton6031]

With the high cost of gmc at4x you might aswell go ahead and buy the colorado zr2 baja or the bison models for about 5 to 6 more grand.

[@Ctb1998]

The worst thing about the g80 is how long/fast the wheels have to spin to get it to engage

[@theglowcloud2215]

Trim levels have gotten so out of hand. A midsize truck that costs $55,000. I can option a base trim 2023 Tundra with the 6.5 ft bed, trailer hitch, spray in bedliner, all-weather floor mats, and a TRD skid plate for $42,785. Insane.

[@wesleymcgonagle3394]

Not really a fair comparison. i was wondering the guys weren't using the traction controls systems in available in each vehicle. Something i learned 30 years ago is, any locking Differential will disengage if don't keep the power on the locker or panic and roll backwards? Keeping the Locking differential LOCKED is Key. An old mechanic fella years ago showed me one of the easiest way to utilize the full potential of the locker, was when you feel the locker engage, then simply apply a little brake while keeping the power on the gas, never forgot that advice and it works. But in the end, $17K can buy a lot of after market upgrades. Lift, Wheels & Tires, Rear Locker, Skid Plates, Under $10K, that leaves $7K for adventure Travel.

[@kx8960]

I'm really looking forward to getting my 2024 ZR2, I'm hoping all the little problems GM ALWAYS seems to have with every new model are fixed in the second year. Looking to put maybe a 1-2" lift on it and be able to fit 35's. Great vid showing the big difference between a true locker and the G80. If it had been raining or there had been any snow, I think it would have made a lot more of a difference having the real locker.

[@willskissick4100]

Great video

[@stout_tossme7541]

The video we asked for!!

[@LukeEdward]

Does the cruise control buttons control the hill descent function? Ohhhh…. Nevermind.

[@doublebackagain4311]

Savage 💯

[@JimmyMRollins]

Lmao I feel bad for that camera @16:20 lol

[@CraigSmith568]

I don't think that white interior parts are the best choice for an off road vehicle. I wish they would show an installation of lockers on the trail boss.

[@kristoferfc6525]

Shoulda used 4Hi for the razor rocks

[@TheCarCrazyGuy]

The Turbo Plus is dead for 2024. Now only the base tune and Turbo Max is available.

[@okienightstalker3145]

I wish GM gave the option to buy the rear "E" locker in the Canyon AT4...the G80 is just OK