The Canyon AT4X Does Off-Road Right

The off-road world doesn’t always favor the big. Quite often, a smaller footprint is better to get you through the ruts and between the trees. That explains the rugged functionality of the Canyon AT4X. This is the Canyon model line’s most off-road-focused model and the platform for the overlanding-focused AEV Edition.

The High Output 2.7-liter powers the Canyon turbocharged inline-4 engine producing 310 horsepower and a stomping 430 lb-ft of torque. Under the body is an off-road suspension 3-inch lift and 33-inch mud-terrain tires with plenty of sidewall on 17-inch black finish wheels for 10.7 inches of ground clearance and approach, breakover, and departure angles of 36.9 / 25 / 24.5. 

The 4-wheel drive system features driver-selectable, full-locking differentials for both the front and rear. Its Dynamic Suspensions Spool Valve (DSSV) dampers are highly configurable to provide excellent suburb wheel control over high-speed off-road courses, slow rock crawling, slick-surface sliding, and pedestrian on-road driving. Road & Track had this to say about the Canyon AT4X’s off-road behavior: “…the trail became a proper rock crawl, and that’s when the Canyon went from good to great. The truck’s articulation was shocking. Even on steep descents over large rocks, the Canyon didn’t lose footing. And because I could lock either axle nearly instantaneously, I could stay moving as long as one wheel had grip.” They added: “Both diffs locked and a bit of gas will get you through just about anything in this truck.” For drivers planning extended trail adventures or remote overlanding trips, access to off-road fuel delivery can also help keep capable trucks like the Canyon AT4X ready for longer journeys away from civilization.

The heavy-duty kit brings the maximum towing down a bit, but it is still good for 6,000 pounds. To that end, the AT4X comes standard with the Canyon Trailering package, which includes:

• 2″ receiver hitch, 4-pin and 7-pin connectors
• 7-wire electrical harness and 7-pin sealed connector for connecting your trailer’s lights and brakes to your vehicle
• 4-way sealed connector for use on trailers without brakes to hook up parking lamps, brake lamps, and right and left turn signals

At the same time, the Canyon AT4X will treat you well when you are driving it day to day. The dash is a beautiful thing to look at and work with as it includes a fully configurable high-definition 11″ diagonal color Driver Information Center and a standard 6.3″ diagonal multi-color Head-Up Display. In the center is an 11.3-inch landscape-positioned touchscreen with Google Built-in operation. Wireless Apple CarPlay, wireless Android Auto compatibility, and wireless charging are all standard, as is a 7-speaker Bose® audio system. Driver and front passenger get 6-way power adjustment and power lumbar control. 

Road & Track sums the Canyon AT4X well: “It’s hard to find something the Canyon doesn’t do well. It’s no sports car but hucked into a corner, it’ll fare far better than a Tacoma or Ranger. It’s not a luxury car, but its cabin is quieter and nicer than any of its competitors.” If this kind of competent all-rounder appeals to you, check Valley Buick GMC’s inventory and then come to our Auburn, WA, location for a test drive.