2023 GMC Canyon Denali Hands-On Preview: Standing Out From the Crowd

GMC has taken the wraps off the 2023 GMC Canyon Denali.

More than a mild update, this is a complete overhaul of the brand’s mid-size truck. The unofficial theme behind it appears to be separation. Separation from the competition, separation from its corporate sibling, the Chevrolet Colorado, and separation within the various trim levels of the Canyon itself.

GMC was gracious enough to invite us down to Detroit, Michigan to get a hands-on preview of the next-generation truck. Two models were on hand, the all-new AT4X trim and the Denali. We will be covering the off-road specialist AT4X at a later date, but for now our focus is on the Denali.

Below are five interesting details on the upcoming 2023 GMC Canyon Denali.

During our time at the preview, it was revealed that the Canyon will come in at least four trim levels; Altitude, AT4, AT4X, and Denali. The Altitude will be the entry level Canyon, but unlike the Chevrolet Colorado, there is no narrow-body version in the GMC stable. All Canyons, including the Altitude, come with the wide-stance and 2-inch lift kit compared to base Colorado’s.

As well, the Canyon only comes with high-output version of the 2.7-liter turbocharged four-engine. That means every Canyon, regardless of trim, receives 310 hp and 430 lb-ft. of torque. Since the only Colorado to receive this engine is the off-road ready ZR2 trim package, it’s nice that something like the fancy Canyon Denali can get it as well.

Losing a 2023 GMC Canyon Denali in a dark parking lot will be next to impossible if its within key fob range (or has an active OnStar subscription). Unlock the vehicle and it will light up the night sky like a mobile casino.

Starting up front, there are separate, stand-alone LED accent lights positioned just below the hood line. They work in conjunction with the headlight cluster, located further down the fascia, to give that GMC signature lighting effect. The taillights continue this lighting theme and feature multilayered LEDs that really give it depth and feel.

A pickup truck needs to be useful, and GMC has added a few features to the Canyon’s bed to help folks haul a plethora of gear. There are now 8 standard tie downs built into the bed to better secure loads.

The tailgate can be set to only partially open, helping with carrying slightly oversized loads. But its best party trick is the watertight compartment that’s built right into it. It can be opened when the tailgate is lowered and can be separated into sections using dividers. It also has a drain plug, which could come in hand for tailgating.

A mid-size pickup truck usually isn’t a place to find a lot of glitz and glamour, but the 2023 GMC Canyon Denali is a bit of an exception. Each trim of Canyon has a unique color scheme, and the Denali is one swathed with brown and black leather, chrome, and wood. In fact, the wood trim is real inside and is textured with laser etching.

The Denali also separates itself from other mid-size trucks by including quilted patterns on the dash, doors, and seats. The toggle switches under the infotainment screen are unique for each trim level of Canyon as well. This was done to better personalize each version of the truck as well as avoiding having any blank toggles. In the Denali, the comfort switches are located closest to the driver.

Large screens are the name of the game inside the Canyon Denali, with a 11.3-inch infotainment screen complemented by an 11-inch digital gauge cluster. Both are fully programable and only the Denali and AT4X get the large digital gauge display. Lesser Canyons make do with an 8-inch cluster.

One of the coolest technology tidbits is that all the screens are powered by the unreal gaming engine. This leads to great graphics, good response, and some impressive animations, like the giant GMC logo that welcomes drivers as it floats from screen to screen.

And in case there isn’t quite enough real estate dedicated to relaying information to the driver, the Denali also features a programable head up display.

Pricing for the 2023 GMC Canyon Denali should be announced closer to the on sale date with production set to begin in early 2023.