​​The Canyon AT4X AEV Edition Is a Long Name for a Truck That Goes All the Way Off-Road​

The Canyon AT4 is an ideal vehicle for the casual off-roader. For the more dedicated off-road enthusiast, there is the AT4X, which is technically an option package for the AT4. It includes a 3-inch lift, mud-terrain tires, and the impressive Multimatic DSSV spool-valve dampers, designed to withstand all kinds of off-road abuse while still offering a smooth highway ride. For those who are passionate about off-roading and enjoy crashing the trails that owners of high-end and/or modified Jeep Wranglers and Ford Broncos think they own, Valley GMC wants to tell you about the Canyon AT4X AEV Edition. 

AEV stands for American Expedition Vehicles, a well-respected supplier of 4×4 aftermarket parts. GMC brought an AT4X to AEV and essentially asked, “What would you add to make this truck even better off road?” AEV didn’t hold back and focused mainly on enhancing its ability to navigate exceptionally rough terrain and to protect the truck when that isn’t enough. Specifically, the main additions made by AEV include: 

• An additional 1.5-inch factory lift (4.5 inches over the AT4) for a total of 12.2 inches of ground clearance. 
• 35-inch Goodyear mud-terrain tires. 
• 17-inch beadlock capable wheels with laser etching and AEV center cap. 
• AEV® stamped-steel winch-mount ready front bumper, designed to increase the approach angle. 
• AEV® stamped-steel rear bumper, designed to increase the departure angle with heavy-duty cast recovery points. 
• AEV® skid plates for the front and rear differentials, transfer cases, and fuel tanks. 

GMC adds bespoke fender flares to give the tire/wheel combination some cover, and also in the interest of increasing clearance below, the spare tire has been moved to the truck bed. 

Like all Canyon models, powering all this is the most powerful version of GM’s turbocharged 2.7-liter inline-4. It produces 310 horsepower and 430 lb-ft of torque. It is paired with the truck model line’s 8-speed automatic, and obviously, the Canyon 4×4 system is standard. 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 get near that in normal driving conditions. The meat of the power is between 2,500 and 4,500 rpm, and the eight-speed does a good job of keeping the engine there, whether you’re cruising on the highway or creeping up a rocky hill.” 

Locking front and rear differentials are also standard on the AT4X package. As expected, the transfer case allows the driver to choose between 2WD high, 4WD high, or 4WD low. For the first two options, you can also let the system handle them automatically since it can switch between 2WD and 4WD based on drive mode and road conditions. 

Despite the rugged hardware, the truck is equipped with advanced technology, including an 11-inch digital instrument cluster and an 11.3-inch center touchscreen, which features wireless Apple and Android driving app mirroring. At $3,050, the Technology Plus Package is a worthwhile addition for its Bose audio system upgrade, head-up display, and the very useful 360-degree camera system that allows you to see what is around you on a trail and is quite comprehensive for parking as well. 

The 4-door cab can handle family duties, and the 35-inch spare tire mounted upright behind the window is the only thing preventing the AEV Edition cargo bed from being as practical as any other Canyon. The off-road equipment does lower its payload to 1,250 pounds and towing capacity to 5,500 pounds, which is about 2,200 pounds less than a standard Canyon. 

The Canyon AT4X AEV Edition has a base MSRP of $65,380. Smaller is often better on the trails, and this midsize truck is arguably the most capable off-road vehicle in the GMC model line, which is saying quite a bit. Valley GMC doesn’t always have this model in our inventory, but ask one of our sales professionals, and we can source one for you. If your off-roading is a bit more on the casual side, check out our selection of AT4 models.