GMC Canyon trim levels explained

By CarWhere Research · Updated

The 2026 GMC Canyon is sold as Elevation, AT4, Denali and AT4X, with the AT4X AEV Edition at the top. Every trim uses the 310-hp, 430 lb-ft 2.7L TurboMax and an eight-speed automatic. Prices start at $38,900 for a 2WD Elevation before destination, and most trims tow up to 7,700 lbs (AT4X: 6,000 lbs).

Current Canyon trim levels: 2nd generation (2023–present)

Crew Cab-only redesign that shares its platform and TurboMax engine with the Chevrolet Colorado but positions every trim more upscale. AT4 and above are 4WD as standard. Prices below are 2026 MSRPs with the $2,095 destination charge removed.[1][2]

GMC Canyon 2nd generation (2023–present) trims in ladder order with 2026 model-year base MSRP (USD), engines and key standard equipment
TrimBase MSRP (2026, USD)EnginesKey standard equipment
Elevation$38,9002WD, excl. $2,095 destination
  • 2.7L TurboMax I-4 (310 hp)
  • 11.3-inch touchscreen with Google built-in and an 11-inch digital cluster
  • 4WD adds $3,300
[1][2]
AT4$45,4004WD, excl. $2,095 destination
  • 2.7L TurboMax I-4 (310 hp)
  • 2-inch factory lift, off-road dampers and two-speed transfer case
[1][2]
Denali$53,0004WD, excl. $2,095 destination
  • 2.7L TurboMax I-4 (310 hp)
  • 20-inch wheels, head-up display, Bose audio and leather with wood trim
  • Black Edition option ($3,850)
[1][2]
AT4X$57,2004WD, excl. $2,095 destination
  • 2.7L TurboMax I-4 (310 hp)
  • 3-inch lift, Multimatic DSSV dampers and front and rear locking differentials
  • 17-inch mud-terrain tires; tow rating drops to 6,000 lbs
[1][2]
AT4X AEV Edition$67,3004WD, excl. $2,095 destination
  • 2.7L TurboMax I-4 (310 hp)
  • AEV package on the AT4X, adding about $10,100
  • AEV-spec armor including boron-steel skid plates
[2][1]

MSRP excludes destination unless noted. "—" means we could not confirm the price from a GM or press pricing source.

Previous Canyon trim levels: 1st generation (2015–2022)

GMC's twin of the second-generation Colorado, with the same 2.5L four, 3.6L V6 and (from 2016) 2.8L Duramax diesel. The 2021 update replaced every trim except the Denali with Elevation Standard, Elevation and AT4.[3][4]

GMC Canyon 1st generation (2015–2022) trims in ladder order, engines and key standard equipment
TrimBase MSRP (USD)EnginesKey standard equipment
SL / Base—through 2020
  • 2.5L I-4
  • 3.6L V6
  • Entry trims of the original lineup
[3][4]
SLE—through 2020
  • 2.5L I-4
  • 3.6L V6
  • 2.8L Duramax diesel
  • Volume trim before 2021
[3][4]
All Terrain—through 2020
  • 3.6L V6
  • 2.8L Duramax diesel
  • Off-road-styled trim, succeeded by the AT4 for 2021
[3][4]
SLT—through 2020
  • 3.6L V6
  • 2.8L Duramax diesel
  • Leather-trimmed upper trim
[3][4]
Elevation / Elevation Standard—2021–2022
  • 2.5L I-4
  • 3.6L V6
  • 2.8L Duramax diesel
  • New base trims for 2021; Elevation Standard came only as an extended cab
[3][4]
AT4—2021–2022
  • 3.6L V6
  • 2.8L Duramax diesel
  • GMC's off-road sub-brand, new to the Canyon for 2021
[3][4]
Denali—
  • 3.6L V6
  • 2.8L Duramax diesel
  • Top trim and the only one carried over in the 2021 shuffle, with an upgraded interior
[3][4]

MSRP excludes destination unless noted. "—" means we could not confirm the price from a GM or press pricing source.

2026 Canyon towing capacity by configuration

Maximum conventional trailer ratings for the 2026 Canyon with the standard TurboMax engine, when properly equipped. The AT4X's off-road hardware lowers its rating.

2026 GMC Canyon maximum towing (lb) by configuration, GM-published
ConfigurationMax towing (lb)Notes
2.7L TurboMax I-4 – Elevation, AT4, Denali7,700[1]Properly equipped
2.7L TurboMax I-4 – AT4X6,000[1]

Ratings depend on engine, cab, bed, axle ratio, drivetrain and packages; the exact figure for one vehicle is in GMC’s official trailering guide, and CarWhere’s Canyon towing capacity page breaks it down by configuration.

Related Canyon research

See which trim and packages a Canyon was ordered with.

Trim names on a used listing are not always right. The CarWhere build sheet decodes a GMC Canyon VIN into the factory-ordered option codes (RPOs) on record — trim, engine, axle and the packages it was ordered with. $9.99, instant.

GMC build sheet by VIN

Frequently asked questions

What are the 2026 GMC Canyon trim levels?

Elevation, AT4, Denali and AT4X, with the AT4X AEV Edition as the top variant.

What is the difference between the Canyon AT4 and AT4X?

The AT4 has a 2-inch lift and off-road dampers. The AT4X adds a 3-inch lift, Multimatic DSSV dampers, front and rear lockers and mud-terrain tires, but its tow rating falls to 6,000 lbs.

How much can a GMC Canyon tow?

Most 2026 Canyon trims are rated up to 7,700 lbs when properly equipped; the AT4X is rated at 6,000 lbs.

Is the GMC Canyon the same as the Chevy Colorado?

They share a platform and the 310-hp TurboMax engine, but the Canyon has its own trims and styling and starts higher, at $38,900 for a 2026 Elevation 2WD before destination.

What trims did the 2015–2022 Canyon have?

Through 2020: SL, Base, SLE, All Terrain, SLT and Denali. For 2021–2022 GMC switched to Elevation Standard, Elevation, AT4 and Denali.

Sources

Prices and equipment are as published by GMC for the model year shown; trim content changes between model years, so confirm a specific vehicle against its window sticker or build sheet.

  1. 2026 GMC Canyon invoice pricing: what you're paying over the Chevrolet twin — Automotive Addicts
  2. 2026 GMC Canyon pricing uncovered — GM Authority
  3. 2021 GMC Canyon Review Update — J.D. Power
  4. 2015-2026 Chevrolet Colorado Engines: What Used-Truck Buyers Should Know — Pickup Truck Talk

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Independent reference compiled by CarWhere — not affiliated with or endorsed by General Motors. Chevrolet, GMC, Cadillac, Corvette, Duramax, Vortec and the model names are trademarks of their owner.