2023 GMC Canyon AT4X Off-Road Test: Mountain Course Redemption?

We bring the 2023 Chevy Colorado ZR2's GMC Twin to our Mountain Test Course to see just how capable this truck is when facing off against steep climbs. We also test all the modes against The Ladder.
#offroad #GMC #Chevrolet
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[@chileshemubanga3594]

This is how off-road trucks are supposed to be tested!,not 0-60 nor drag races.big up to you Ryan🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉

[@Marbind]

Until you realize that the powerful engine doesn’t move that body as quick as you imagined. Needing a wider gap of upcoming cars while merging a fast lane from a stop. The acceleration performance of this vehicle is ridiculously low for the price and power.

[@Despot1389]

This probably the best truck testing channel on youtube

[@AWDfreak]

Ryan's channel is one of a handful of automotive review channels I watch because he actually off-road tests the vehicles. Other reviewers' idea of "off-road testing" is a pathetic half-assed effort of driving a well-maintained dirt road a lowered Honda Civic could do. His attention to detail and willingness to actually test limits of vehicles are why I've been watching his videos for well over a decade.

[@samueldiego8638]

TFLOffroad/TFLTruck has the same thing if not better real world offroad testing.

[@bmarut88]

Been watching both TFL and Drivingsports TV for years now. TFL is great entertainment but more of a show than a review. Ryan is top a tier professional automotive enthusiast with great insight on every vehicle he reviews. Want to watch TV, watch TFL. Want to really dig deep on a cars/truck you’re shopping, Driving Sports TV all day!

[@jeffk464]

TFL has more challenging trails, because you know the Rocky Mountains, but what are you going to do. If he does this for a living it might be worth moving.

[@JohnJones-ty6fj]

I’m seeing that.

[@WW-wf8tu]

33 inch tires eh. From a distance, they looked bigger. So glad you are very descriptive of what you are operating. Visual cues are not always very informative. While I am not a GM product supporter, this has most everything one could want for that kind of driving. Except the bigger engine. The torque # is good. But you can get that from a V8 and still get the same MPG #'s. Sure, the new(er)small engines can compete with the #'s of the bigger engines, but will they last as long being worked as hard?🤔

[@Tacosauce81]

Great video Ryan! I really like how you show all the quirks of the vehicle. As well as all the different drive modes.

[@quantum_entangled_tardigrade]

"Bro Mode" should be an official vehicle setting, hahah!

[@48dart]

When you change the mode, it also displays which mode you are in with a little symbol down by the miles in the instrument cluster. You should be able to use that with your cameras still on to see what mode you are in.

[@drivingsports]

Tiny icons.

[@matus201]

Is there an SUV version of this? I hate truck looks, and I never carry anything I don't want protected from the elements.

[@sanktheboat]

I really wish they'd bring back the (real) Blazer and Jimmy based on this platform to compete with Jeeps, 4Runners, Broncos, etc.

[@davidlawson3400]

I’m surprised you have to go through so many screens for hill decent control. In my 2022 VW Atlas if I’m in off-road mode it just kicks in automatically once it senses a certain angle of decent.

[@kadimsilahtar]

Excellent test Ryan. Why dont you try Tremor there once again on these conditions (I have a gen1 Ranger Raptor, the diesel one)? So that we can have a clear comparison before the snow hits the ground. Thnx as always.

[@chrisbullock6477]

Would really love to see you get your hands on specifically the Nissan Frontier Pro 4

[@TM-uy4jg]

Looking forward to the snow test for this truck

[@chrisbullock6477]

Hill Descent and Hill Climb should of just been a switch button on the center console.

[@aubreya2641]

Video could have been half the time if it weren't for all that computer fiddln. Good grief it shouldn't take that much work to get in the right setting while you're offroading.

[@richshan529]

Hey Ryan...Question for ya...What do you think of the build quantity of the GMC? I've heard others complain that the leather padding on the dash and the doors feel cheaply attached, they move and squeak. What did you experience?

[@drivingsports]

Didn't have any issues with the press sample. It seemed solid.

[@northerntoyota7584]

Beautiful truck, that white on the interior though gross

[@efrainserranonegron5490]

Didn’t your ranger also made it up that hill?

[@drivingsports]

Yes, it wasn’t a comprehensive list. Also the Ranger had aftermarket tires. (Falken Wildpeak RT)

[@JohnRowe-e6m]

I know you didn't like the seat comfort for the zr2, any difference for the GMC at4x?

[@drivingsports]

No difference.

[@jeffk464]

@@drivingsports Thats kind of a bummer you pay more for the Lexus version of Toyota's but they usually give much better seats. Seat comfort is often very personal though, it depends how the seat happens to fit your body type. There was a 400 lbs reviewer of a mustang that complained how the seat fit, everyone made fun of him.

[@Murr808]

people are paying nearly 60k for a 4 banger truck?

[@thisisntgood71]

Those seats are cool. For a 1987 Pontiac Fiero...

[@JRs-guitars]

Aren't those different tires than what the ZR2 had??

[@travisthompson2287]

No. Same tire and wheel size.

[@MrSeshy]

Chevy ZR2 = Bro chacho_Racer vs. the GMC Canyon = Sexy dad_bod. 🤣

[@ahmedutuber]

Why GM no option available diesel engine

[@johnfreemire6537]

$58k plus TTL for a midsize pickup… wow. Maybe it’s my utilitarian view of transportation but anyone who’s actually going to take this off road should think twice about abusing the bank’s truck! 😂

[@jeffk464]

Well, people that buy this probably aren't that affected by the price. By the way parts are parts, if you break suspension parts on a 10 year old Tacoma they are going to cost you as much or more as on this new Canyon. Now scratches and dings on the body panels are going to hurt your feelings a lot more.

[@xijinpooh8534]

Man I prefer this version over the zr2

[@Kiss__Kiss]

You nailed the description of both the ZR2 and the GMC. And yes, due to our age bracket, I too, would opt for the GMC. In terms of pricing, it falls in the same chunk of change as the Tacoma TRD Pro. Wow, this time it made it look too easy. Good video, Ryan.

[@slabrankle9588]

There's way too much going on in this truck. Too much tech getting in the way of actual driving, too much to go wrong and add cost and it's not necessary. I know this isn't a new thought. Pretty much everyone thinks so except the manufacturers and their stupid focus groups.

[@TREVORJB101]

I love both the looks of ZR2 and AT4X. I slightly prefer the exterior look of ZR2 but prefer the interor of AT4X. GM should have made Canyon AT4X stand out a bit more from the rest of the Canyon lineup. They all look the same with the tall and wide body treatment. These are some of the best reviews on these new trucks!

[@gregorybarton-qs9qs]

Totally awesome truck !!! “It is what it is, real cool from A to Z , a well coordinated truck, excellent example of a good truck ! Way to go GMC.. yah gotta love it ! 😎

[@rfwhyte]

16MPG combined is insanely bad fuel economy for any modern vehicle and makes this truck an incredibly unappealing proposition for anyone who actually cares about fuel economy. Just insane how far backwards the truck market has gone in terms of economy for ICE vehicles, especially given how expensive gas is and how much more expensive it's going to get from here on out. Just feels like these companies don't actually want regular people to buy and drive their vehicles, as 16MPG put this truck firmly in the category of being so expensive to operate the only people who can actually afford it are people rich enough not to not care how much money they spend on gas...

[@chibbyylol]

Well the stock canyon isn’t the worst at 17 city 21 highway I’m not sure what one expects throwing on a 3 inch lift and 33s on something with the aerodynamics of a barn lol

[@forrest225]

@@chibbyylol I have a new tundra with 32.5" toyo AT3's that gets 19mpg with real world driving that makes more power, more torque, and is much larger and more barn-like overall. 17mpg is crazy.

[@ferretsmiles]

@@angrybeavers1175 thats the rated mpg but real world reports are showing that broken in engines are exceeding the epa numbers. Not to mention your rebel is only up 85 hp at sea level, get up a mountain and that difference is shrinking.

[@jeffk464]

Kick Biden out of office and gas prices will come down.

[@just4ivaylo92]

Offroad truck with white leather? Hmm...

[@4rr44E]

Would love to see the Nissan Frontier Pro-4X on this course to see how it compares.

[@Gun-cun-lun-nun]

Yea the frontier is kinda a underdog too

[@mp211204]

I just came from a frontier pro 4x, a 2023 and traded it in for the 24 at4x and I can tell you that the canyon is so much better in every way possible

[@mojavedesertsonorandesert9531]

GMC 4 Cylinder turbo...No thank you...🚫👋🏻❌

[@SuperNova23333]

Wow. It's amazing how a little moisture can make that hill so much easier.

[@WW-wf8tu]

Think, wet sand vs dry sand. 1 is clingy and usually pretty solid. (as long as it is not quick sand haha) Dry sand will give way very easily.

[@kevinstarski1598]

Next time I go offroading, I'm stealing watering can from my grandmother lol

[@forrest225]

Moist dirt can be so grippy that tires squeal and leave black marks. Dirt racing tracks are pretty much always watered down before a race to increase grip and keep dust down. They have to be careful though, too much water makes mud!

[@YeoldeOrange]

16 mpg is absolutely wild for this new of a truck on a 4 cylinder. They should’ve just kept the V6 at this point. Literally zero benefit to having a turbo charged 4 banger.

[@chibbyylol]

For most downsizing and turbocharging isn’t for better mpg or power; goal is likely similar or better power to the v6 without the emissions

[@YeoldeOrange]

@@chibbyylol yeah and then also more components to fail later. The longevity of a turbo charged 4 cylinder won’t compare to that of a V6. Just GMC making a long term investment into the consumers bank account.

[@chibbyylol]

@@YeoldeOrangealso the stock canyon gets about 17 city 21 highway If you’re fuel conscious, it’d be best not to get the version that has a 3” lift and 33s as well as the other off-roading stuff that add more weight on something with the aerodynamics of a brick

[@YeoldeOrange]

@@chibbyylol I mean I’d never buy one anyways I’m just dumbfounded that it’s a 60K midsize pickup that gets 16 mpg with a turbo charged 4 banger lol. I do agree with you though, at this price point who ever buys one is not going to be worrying about gas prices anyways.

[@jeffk464]

I believe it has more torque and at a lower RPM. Thats something.

[@mojavedesertsonorandesert9531]

Your better off getting the new Nissan Frontier with a V6!

[@garym51124]

60k...pass lol

[@rs3tuber425]

I love your channel a lot. You seem very profesional and you always communicate well and clear. I like your camera angles and your knowledge on the subject. I watched you and I watched TFL but TFL guys are a bit goofy. One thing that I dislike about TFL is that they literally clog KZbin with videos and it gets to the point where you get saturated with their videos/content. They simply put too many and when you do a search it is just flooded with their videos and I don't like that. There are other KZbin channels like Raiti's ride, the guy is nice but also goofy. I mean I like his humor but when it comes down to content you are in my opinion one of the very best. When I watch your videos I watch it with the family and we love how you go in great detail and in depth with the technology info(equipment, options, explanation of features, etc). Keep up the good work man!

[@drivingsports]

Thanks, much appreciated!

[@rs3tuber425]

@@drivingsports Absolutely. You are welcome. For instance, I just watched a few of your videos like the one in Italy with the BRZ and the WRX. I watched the GX550 in Arizona and the last few days I have been watching the Colorado and the Tacoma more than once but like I said you are our go to source for true solid automotive content. Thanks a lot for the quality work that you put, I know the video is "easy" to view in the comfort of a laptop but I know there is a ton of editing and setting up the equipment to make the correct angles and views. Your hard work is well appreciated.

[@Coloradohiker658]

Have you or would you consider a comparison with this vehicle, the Ranger, Tacoma and Colorado? Which is the best overall for comfort and Overlanding. Thanks

[@ericpizarro3084]

That noise! Hope is not the transmission. Had previous noises like that and it was the transmission.

[@salsamancer]

For such a beefy looking truck i can't believe it's a little 4 cylinder turbo. It's like a big weightlifter with tiny balls 😂

[@freedomstar3814]

I wonder if this trucks mpg would have been better with the 10-speed auto and not the 8-speed. Needs more aluminum to keep the weight down !

[@EZapar]

Cool truck. Dig the vid, won't spoil it this time. lol

[@drivingsports]

😂

[@jazzwyld1]

Can't wait to see a video of the Traverse/Acadia off road-ness review and comparison of the Trailsport.

[@gbrl30188]

....GM is years behind off-road car. Subaru is better at it, skip this overpriced truck and get yourself a subie

[@javierjavier-ht3yu]

i´d like more chevy trucks than ford or toyota I believe that these trucks are reliabies and has better appearance.

[@javierjavier-ht3yu]

These trucks fascinated to me really they are beauty.

[@gabrielfelixmunoz739]

why don't you review the king, the power wagon

[@drivingsports]

RAM doesn't have one in our regional press fleet right now.

[@stre622]

Won't sell more GM SCRAP!

[@ntzphyr]

There is no "bro mode>

[@MrSeshy]

Man, that white interior with the red accents around the vents is just plain awful and make no sense in GMC's most offroad capable truck... I agree the body off the GMC is more appealing to me as weil - Now if we could just put the ZR2 interior in the GMC I bet the GMC would outsell the Chevy 4 to 1. Why GMC with the white... WHY!!!!????

[@PG-lf3rr]

I was considering trading my2 door bronco Wildtrak for one of these. Mainly for the towing/bed so I can put a tent in the rear. But, given the time it takes to get into the right mode, and the reliance on the center screen, I think you convinced me not to. You had that guy bring his 2 door bronco and it ate that course up.

[@williamadair1260]

So for the $$$. And just for most people. Seems to me the Subaru Crosstrek Wilderness did just as well for way less. Hmmm

[@kevinstarski1598]

At around 7 minutes going down without fancy software, were you in 4low and 1 gear? If not, that could have helped...

[@rromancunard]

💎🏆⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Futuristic and elegant design at the same time. Thanks for share 🙏🏼

[@MrCh1cken]

That's a good looking truck. I'm a Ford guy and it looks much better than what Ford has to offer that is not named Raptor.

[@beavis17UF1]

When you hear weird noises in BRO MODE, you FLOOR IT AND GIT ER DONE! 😂

[@redcapote4760]

No twinkies, no ON THROTTLE stupidity. Liked it. Will be back to watch more.

[@jeffk464]

That truck looks awesome, but so does the new Tacoma. Decisions, decisions

[@morningdrums]

not a big fan of all that white seat colors. But truck looks amazing

[@juriebezuidenhout2538]

Finally, i was holding my breath for this test from you - yihaaaa

[@adamblakeley5865]

Definitely like the looks of the AT4X better than the ZR2. The GMC is more of a clean, classic, lifted truck look. The ZR2 looks like someone got a gift card to Napa Auto Parts and went wild.

[@TREVORJB101]

ZR2 cleans up a bit better without all that added Desert Boss crap. I hate that package, which makes the truck look too "busy."

[@mabelpup8502]

ZR2 is way better looking than the GM.. looks way cleaner and in some instances and $15k cheaper..loaded

[@adamblakeley5865]

@@mabelpup8502 of course it’s cheaper. It’s the Dollar General GMC.

[@EdWebster]

Wonder if there's a little moisture in the soil?

[@2URLex]

You try it on Mount Lincoln like that one guy?

[@alive4082]

That price ill get a full size

[@killersoung]

So no A rock climbing truck.

[@highcountrypioneer3025]

Moist...

[@mikefoehr235]

So the GMC and CHEVY both look sharp. The GMC is more my style. The real question will be of all of these Turbo 4s, which will last the longest...Toyota, Ford or GMC/Chev. It is too close to call. I already know the GM twins have electrical gremlins...see Andre at TFL and his new truck. I love Toyota but I am extremely skeptical even their turbo 4 will last like the old v6 engines the brand made.

[@forrest225]

Hopefully Toyota's experience with boosted engines will carry over to the new trucks, the old 2JZ was incredibly overbuilt. The chevy 2.7's were really beefed up in the latest update, so those will hopefully be solid, but I do have reservations about the 8 speed. It was also supposedly updated, but it seems like the 10 speed would be a huge upgrade.

[@jeffk464]

Well Ford's 2.3T is a pretty solid engine but, and its a big butt the 10 spd transmission its attached to might be more iffy.

[@mikefoehr235]

@@jeffk464 Well I know AISIN Transmissions tend to be very reliable...so edge to Toyota.

[@Sp3rmWizrd]

The ford 2.7l will absolutely be the best engine out of all of these trucks. Tried and true.

[@reserva120]

You own this land?

[@drivingsports]

Yes.

[@reserva120]

@@drivingsports that's Great, was just wondering how you always had the place to yourself, that's all :) Cheers, Allan

[@MountainHobbler]

Some of the improvements I like but overall the new ZR2 and AT4X make me appreciate my 18 ZR2 even more. Oh and I own it so no payments is nice too.

[@Zanderthelab]

When you hear weird noises during Bidenomics you turn the radio up.

[@terrencejones9817]

I've seen some harder tests than this hill. The only explanation for the Tranfercase issue is a user error.

[@dubprocesslbc]

You seem to get flustered really easily and your frustrations always tend to be like a whiny control freak. I noticed that in your older Bison video as well when you got stuck in the snow. Figure it out and be a little more stoic. Your little psychological tantrums make some of your videos unwatchable.

[@kennethwomack8678]

As I remember, the 4Runner made it up too (aired down). Bad when a Subaru Crosstrek shames a ZR2. Sad infotainment system having to switch around so much!

[@tallll70]

Lockers low range bigger wheels higher clearance and better articulation will never be less capable then any independent suspension AWD car, lol, It's absurd... Unless it's handicapped another way, either something is broken or the driver makes different effort or unequal terrain, That's why vehicles like Bronco and Bronco Sport are made for different purpose... It was shame ZR2 had weird equipment glitch causing it go in 2wd, truly unacceptable when it's needed most

[@jeffk464]

@@tallll70 I'm wondering if weight came into play. Lighter weight with the same tire footprint might get you places in loose dirt. A side by side will go places no truck or jeep will ever go.

[@tallll70]

@@jeffk464 thank you, it's very possible, a would not know all the physics which could make difference, i remember how V8 heavy engines in trucks like TRX and Raptor R would have the disadvantage in snow and soft sand similar way

[@MrKillshot2]

sucks being poor