Is the Canyon AT4X AEV Edition GMC’s Ultimate Off-Roader?

The Canyon AT4 is ideal for casual off-road enthusiasts. It’s large enough to be practical for daily driving yet compact enough to navigate tight trail passages. For more serious off-roaders, there’s the AT4X, which is essentially an upgrade package for the AT4. It offers a three-inch lift, mud-terrain tires, and impressive Multimatic DSSV spool-valve dampers designed to handle rough terrain while maintaining a smooth highway ride. However, for those passionate about off-roading and eager to tackle tough trails and high-speed off-road adventures—similar to what owners of high-end or modified Jeep Wranglers and Ford Broncos pursue—Ewing Buick-GMC introduces the Canyon AT4X AEV Edition. 

AEV stands for American Expedition Vehicles, a well-respected aftermarket provider of 4×4 hardware. GMC asked AEV for recommendations on how to push the AT4X to its limits. AEV focused on enhancing its ability to handle tough terrain and protect the truck when that’s not enough, resulting in the AEV Edition. The specific features of the AEV Edition include: 

• 35-inch Goodyear mud-terrain tires mounted on 17-inch beadlock capable wheels with laser etching and AEV center cap 
• AEV® stamped-steel winch-ready front bumper for strength and increased approach angle 
• The AEV stamped steel rear bumper is designed for strength and a greater departure angle, featuring heavy-duty cast recovery points 
• AEV® skid plates for the front and rear differential, transfer case, and fuel tank. 
• Custom fender flares to fit the tire and wheel combination 
• Spare tire mounted on the truck bed to increase ground clearance 

As with all Canyon models, the AT4X AEV Edition is powered by the most powerful version of GM’s turbocharged 2.7-liter inline-four. It delivers 310 horsepower and 430 lb-ft of torque. The engine is paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The AT4X 4×4 system includes locking front and rear differentials. The transfer case has the ability to choose between 2WD high and 4WD high automatically. The Motor1 automotive enthusiast site described the engine as “almost diesel-like in its power delivery, with lots of punch down low. Redline is just over 6,000 rpm, though you’ll never reach that in normal driving conditions. The core of the power is between 2,500 and 4,500 rpm, and the eight-speed does a good job of keeping the engine within that range, whether you’re cruising on the highway or climbing a rocky hill.” 

Despite its rugged hardware, the truck features advanced technology, including an 11.0-inch digital instrument cluster and an 11.3-inch center touchscreen. The latter offers wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility. The $3,050 Technology Plus Package adds a Bose audio system, head-up display, and the useful 360-degree camera system that can stand in for a spotter on the trail or for parking. 

The four-door cab accommodates family responsibilities, and the only factor that limits the practicality of the AEV Edition cargo bed compared to other Canyons is the 35-inch spare tire mounted upright behind the window. The off-road features reduce its payload to 1,250 pounds and towing capacity to 5,500 pounds—approximately 2,200 pounds less than a standard Canyon. 

The Canyon AT4X AEV Edition starts at $65,380. While this may seem high for a mid-size truck, many believe that a mid-size truck is better suited for trails than its full-size counterparts, making it arguably the most capable off-road vehicle in the GMC lineup—an impressive feat. As specialized as it is, Ewing Buick-GMC may not always have this model available in stock, but with a request to our sales team, we can help you find one. For more casual off-road adventures, explore our range of AT4 models.