Take on the Rockies with the GMC Canyon AT4X and Sierra HD AT4X AEV

A few weeks ago, the Car guide he had traveled to Palm Springs to lead Chevrolet ZR2 Bison model. Vehicles Colorado and Silverado HD they were tested on and off road.

These performances showed their versatility and ability to overcome any obstacle in their way. For one idea, GMC he invited us to the same experience, but with a different challenge.

THE Canyon AT4X and AT4X AEV together with Sierra HD AT4X AEV were tested in the Rocky Mountains of Montana, USA.

More than 8,000 feet in height

It is 8 o’clock in the afternoon and the caravan of GMC Canyon preparing to take off from Big Sky Montage. After a radio check with the lead truck, we started driving on the mountain roads of Montana.

In the rising sun, the landscape looked like a fresco and the temperature was cool. We were driving our 2023 GMC Canyon AT4X to the McCallister Inn, located about forty minutes away. On the pitch, he shows enough balance. The Canadian-made DSSV manifold shock absorbers aren’t too stiff and the grip of the road tires doesn’t seem to affect handling.

The steering also remains precise and the digital instruments show a clear presentation. The latter can be customized according to the information you want to consult. As with any multimedia system, its interface is generally user-friendly. However, it has ergonomic limitations. Some functions, such as the lighting and lighting controls, are located on the screen – which makes operation more difficult. Otherwise, the seats provide adequate comfort thanks to the many adjustments and the cushion seems firmer than that of the Colorado ZR2.

A few dozen kilometers further, the caravan changes course and heads for unpaved roads covered with light snow. To test the car’s dynamics, we set it up in Baja mode. It provides almost complete freedom as it disables several technologies such as traction control and transmission reprogramming. Therefore, it is possible to make skids controlled.

In short, you had to go through hilly roads at high speed (60 to 80 km/h). These featured sharp curves and narrow passages. Fortunately, the chassis showed its toughness and the exercise showed how easily the car can be steered. Terrain corrects (most) mistakes made, so it was almost impossible to lose control. We arrive at the first stop of the day, the McCallister Inn.

Climb the Rocks

After a well-deserved rest, it’s time to climb the Rockies. The aim was to test the endurance and efficiency of the van at high altitudes. From the first meters, the suspension overcomes obstacles with little effort. Speaking of which, the 2.7-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine with 310 horsepower and 430 torque never ran out of steam. As for the eight-speed transmission, it does its job well enough, although it is a little slow when switching to manual mode.

We had traversed narrow and rocky passes all the way to over 8,600 feet in elevation. Once at the top, the team and journalists were able to admire the beautiful scenery before climbing into the extreme variant, the Canyon AT4X AEV 2024 (a pre-production model) to go back down.

It differs from the AT4X with its larger 35-inch Goodyear Wrangler Territory MT tires, its 12.2-inch ground clearance, its suspension being raised by 1.5 inches (38 mm) and several components from.American Expeditionary Vehicles (AEV).

At first glance, we may think that these changes will not make a real difference. However, these modifications have transformed the Canyon into a real off-road beast. Overcoming obstacles has never been easier and the van is more than forgiving of mistakes.

When returning, behavior on the pitch suffers. Its wider tread and higher center of gravity mean it tends to wander more on the road – reducing comfort and driving pleasure. Just like the Canyon AT4X, the rear axle of the AEV barely jumps.

Back at the McCallister Inn, we took an hour for dinner before getting back behind the wheel and heading to the final destination of the day.

Take his time

After a short presentation at the XOverland Ranch Clubhouse, we got behind the wheel of the 2024 GMC Sierra HD AT4X AEV, the same principle as the Canyon, were placed in the convoy and followed the lead truck.

The trip involved us walking on dusty roads and mountains. The separate HD designation means it’s capable of overcoming less impressive obstacles as it must be able to tow up to 18,400 pounds at a time (18,500 pounds for the AT4X). The idea was to use the 14 cameras we have to cross as many hills and streams as efficiently as possible. It’s not about speed, it’s about analysis and accuracy.

Halfway there, we had to go down a steep slope using the descent control system. The speed is set by the cruise control controls located on the steering wheel. At 3 km / h, the truck moved gradually and the brakes did not die.

Thanks to the DSSV Multimatic shock absorbers, the ride is always good, despite the heavy weight. Allison’s 10-speed transmission works great, regardless of whether the cog is set to high (4HI) or low (4LO).

The ride ended with a quick run to show off the 975 lb-ft of torque from the 6.6-liter V8 turbodiesel engine. Power is 470 horsepower and you should know that a 6.6 liter gasoline V8 is also available.

The last word

The Canyon AT4X, AT4X AEV and Sierra AT4X AEV have proven their off-road capabilities. These cars, despite their configuration, are also suitable for everyday users.

In conclusion, the Canyon AT4X retails for $67,829, while the price of the AEV version will be known shortly before the on-sale date. The Sierra 1500 AT4X starts at $101,963 and $110,958 when adding the AEV package. Finally, pricing will be announced later for the Sierra HD AT4X and AT4X AEV.

For more photos related to the event, Click here.

See also: How much does the 2023 GMC Sierra cost?