As if we needed more proof that overland travel, once the reserve of outsiders and hard-core explorers, has become a mainstream concept, GMC is investing heavily in the overlanding and off-road arena with the unveiling of the 2024 Canyon AT4X AEV Edition. Following on the heels of the 2023 Canyon, GMC is taking the capability and connectivity of its midsize truck up a notch with the introduction of the Ultifi end-to-end software platform with the first-ever Canyon AT4X AEV Edition. Chances are good that the Canyon AT4X AEV will be an attractive new player in the slide-in camper market, but that may depend on the base price, which is yet to be confirmed.
Duncan Aldred, global vice president of Buick-GMC, stated,
“GMC is giving customers the ability to forge their own path within the premium off-roading space. GMC Sierra LD and HD AT4X AEV Editions delivered what customers were looking for in the off-roading space, and now we’re applying that same formula to the next-generation Canyon.”
AEV Editions, previously available only on the 2023 GMC Sierra 1500, are now accessible throughout the GMC truck lineup, showcasing the brand’s dedication to delivering top-tier, advanced, and genuinely capable trucks in North America.
AEV CEO and founder Dave Harriton commented on the Canyon AT4X AEV Edition’s enhancements:
“This truck checks a lot of boxes for any discerning overland enthusiast looking for luxury, technology, and capability in a midsize platform. The GMC Canyon AT4X is an incredibly formidable platform when it comes to on- and off-road performance and capability. We took our signature approach to help elevate the Canyon AT4X’s inherent off-road capability to the next level.”
The Canyon aims to become the most capable premium off-road-focused midsize truck on the market; the next-generation 2024 Canyon AT4X AEV Edition builds upon the power and versatility of the Canyon AT4X, enhancing the vehicle’s hardware and overall performance. The AT4X AEV is equipped with 35-inch Goodyear Wrangler Territory MT tires running on AEV beadlock-capable Salta wheels and an additional AEV in-bed vertical spare tire mount. The updated front fascia and larger fender flares enable a wider track for the big rubber, and the factory-installed 4.5-inch lift boosts the ground clearance to 12.2 inches (for reference, the 2024 Toyota Tacoma TrailHunter has 9.5 inches of ground clearance on 33-inch tires).
AEV stamped-steel front and rear bumpers—the front is winch-ready—feature heavy-duty recovery points and are complemented by no less than five ultra-high strength, hot-stamped boron steel skid plates for optimized underbody protection, covering key areas such as the radiator, steering gear, transmission and transfer case, fuel tank, and rear differential. Additionally, the rear bumper has removable corners for easy removal and installation during off-road excursions. As a result, the AEV Canyon boasts impressive angles for off-road maneuvers, including a 38.2-degree front approach angle, a 26.9-degree break-over angle, and a 26.0-degree departure angle.
The 2024 Canyon takes technology to new heights with the inclusion of advanced features. The Baja drive mode, exclusive to the Canyon AT4X and AT4X AEV Edition, now features launch control—yes, launch control. This innovation lets the driver press the brake and accelerator pedals simultaneously, then simply release the brake for dramatic standing-start acceleration both on and off-road. The intelligent launch control system adapts to driving surfaces and can adjust engine speed and torque to enhance subsequent launches.
To round off an already impressive package, all 2024 Canyons will benefit from GM’s Ultifi Platform, enabling the addition of new features and software updates over time. Utilizing over-the-air technology, GMC can update off-road aids can be updated and integrate new tools into the vehicle’s functionality. Adding to the truck’s versatility, three standard auxiliary control switches allow for the integration of off-road and overlanding accessories.
Duncan Aldred, global vice president of Buick-GMC, stated,
“The market continues to see a surge of interest in the midsize space. Customers want something capable and premium, with purposeful technology that enables them to set off the beaten path. This next generation GMC Canyon, and the all-new Canyon AT4X AEV Edition, will be all that and more.”
GMC will use globally sourced parts to build the next-generation Canyon at GM’s Wentzville Assembly in Wentzville, Missouri. The 2024 Canyon AT4X AEV Edition is expected to be available for customer orders later this year, and we will wait impatiently for pricing to be announced.
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