GMC

First unveiled with the GMC Sierra 1500 in 2023, AEV Editions are becoming a defining feature of the GMC truck lineup. GMC is taking its brand to new heights of off-road prowess, and with 12.2 inches of ground clearance, the new Canyon AT4X AEV Edition takes that quite literally.

Things are heating up in the mid-size off-road pickup truck market with the recent reveals of Ford’s 2024 Ranger and Toyota’s 2024 Tacoma lineups. Not to be outdone, General Motors has swiftly responded with the unveiling of its 2024 GMC Canyon AT4X AEV Edition.

Sporting larger tires, more durable armor, and reworked fascias, the truck proudly stands out over its base-model Canyon siblings. Out on the trails, these enhancements provide tangible benefits, making this formidable mid-size truck more than just a pretty face in the wilderness.

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American Expedition Vehicles, or AEV, has more than 25 years of enhancing off-road vehicles under their belt. As you would expect, the AEV Edition GMC Canyon AT4X is not your ordinary truck. This new model is the third truck in GMC’s lineup to get the AEV treatment, following in the footsteps of the previously successful 1500 AT4X AEV Edition and the 2500HD AT4X AEV Edition.

The recent edition of the 2024 Canyon made its impactful debut at the Overland Expo Pacific Northwest event in Bend, Oregon.

Similar to the way the Bison version enhances the off-road prowess of the 2024 Chevy Colorado ZR2, the AEV Edition does much of the same as the GMC Canyon AT4X, but on steroids. AEV has given the same anabolic treatment to Chevy trucks in the past, and it’s easy to recognize that this new release represents the pinnacle of capability within the current model range.

GMC makes a bold statement right out of the gate with the AEV Edition’s tires. While the Ford Ranger Raptor and Toyota Tacoma TRD Pro use 33-inch tires, the Canyon arrives outfitted with an aggressive set of 35-inch Goodyear Wrangler Territory MT tires.

These formidable tires are encased around a set of AEV-exclusive beadlock-capable Salta wheels with a 12-spoke design. To ensure preparedness for any off-road challenge, a full-size spare tire is included in the package, conveniently mounted in the truck bed via an AEV vertical spare tire mount.

In the AEV Edition of the Canyon AT4X, the Multimatic DSSV dampers have been skillfully retuned with an increased front spring rate to accommodate for the heavier bumper. Multimatic further equips the truck with hydraulic jounce bumpers, translating into an incredibly smooth landing during off-road adventures.

The wheel travel is 9.9 inches in the front and 11.6 inches in the rear, remaining competitive with the new Ford Ranger Raptor’s similar wheel travel distances.

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The AEV Edition rides on a significant 4.5-inch lift, which is 1.5 inches taller than the regular Canyon AT4X. This lift is designed to accommodate those larger 35-inch tires. As a result, the Canyon AEV Edition boasts an unrivaled 12.2 inches of ground clearance, making it the best in its class.

This is a clear edge over its rivals, as the Tacoma TRD Pro only manages 11 inches of clearance, while the Ranger Raptor trails with 10.7 inches.

Prospective buyers of the AEV Edition will be treated to a set of robust stamped steel bumpers, gracefully adorning each end of the truck. These bumpers come with cast recovery points and are fully capable of equipping a winch. Unfortunately, the winch itself remains optional.

However, the updated bumpers do more than just add rugged aesthetics; they also significantly enhance the truck’s capabilities. They enable the Canyon AEV Edition to achieve respective approach, breakover, and departure angles of 38.2, 26.9, and 26.0 degrees.

Further enhancing the durability of the Canyon, the AEV Edition is equipped with additional skid plates, each offering superior protection compared to the aluminum ones found on the regular Canyon AT4X.

Comprised of hot-stamped boron steel, this robust five-piece armor is designed to safeguard the truck’s critical components, including the radiator, steering gear, fuel tank, rear differential, and transmission plus transfer case. These boron steel skid plates are more than 3.5 times stronger than their cold-stamped steel equivalents.

Protection and durability are of utmost importance on the Canyon AEV Edition. Tubular steel rock rails have been integrated to safeguard the truck’s doors and rocker panels in case the high ground clearance is still not enough to prevent contact.

The truck’s front fender openings are also slightly larger and wider than the regular Canyon AT4X to prevent potential rubbing from the larger tires and wider front and rear tracks.

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Powering the AEV Edition is the same engine found in every Canyon AT4X model. This turbocharged 2.7-liter inline-four delivers 310 hp and 430 lb-ft of torque, offering a blend of power and responsiveness for both off-road and on-road performance. Coupled with this engine is an eight-speed automatic transmission with all-wheel drive as standard.

GMC has also introduced launch control within the truck’s Baja drive mode. As with the 2024 Colorado ZR2, this feature can be accessed using the rotary knob on the center console. Once the launch mode is activated, the operation is straightforward: simply press both pedals, then release the brake to experience an exhilarating takeoff.

Adding to its functionality, GMC has ensured that the launch mode automatically adjusts to different surface conditions, whether the truck finds itself on dirt, gravel, sand, or tarmac.

The AEV Edition stands out as the most technologically advanced Canyon to date, thanks to the integration of the innovative Ultifi end-to-end software system. This new platform has the capability for over-the-air updates, allowing the truck’s off-road software to continually improve over time. These enhancements can now be conveniently made without the need for a physical visit to a dealer.

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Inside, the AEV Edition is much the same as the base Canyon AT4X, complete with all the luxury features. However, AEV branding is adorned across the vehicle. You can find their logo on the headrests, all-weather floor liners, and even outside on the bumpers.

Each AEV Edition Canyon is brimming with cutting-edge technology. At the cabin, drivers are greeted with a digital gauge cluster and an expansive 11.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system. This system features the aforementioned Ultifi software for a seamless and ever-evolving user experience.

But the tech is more than just creature comforts; it’s also about enhancing the vehicle’s off-road capabilities. Adventure-ready features include available waterproof front and rear underbody cameras, designed to provide a high-definition view of the terrain beneath you. This way, you can safely navigate over rocks, stumps, and other obstacles with confidence.

The 2024 GMC Canyon AT4X AEV Edition is lined up for production at GM’s Wentzville, Missouri, assembly plant. While there is yet to be any word on pricing, anticipation is building for this high-performance off-road truck. The Canyon AT4X AEV Edition will be available for order later this year, promising a formidable addition to GMC’s already rugged lineup.