2025 GMC Canyon AT4X AEV Edition: In-Depth Review, Start-Up & Test Drive

Exterior Design and Capability

• 🚀 The 2025 GMC Canyon AT4X AEV Edition features a bold stance and aggressive styling, with a widebody design and elevated interior.
• 💡 The AT4X AEV Edition boasts 12.2 inches of ground clearance thanks to an additional 1.5-inch factory lift over the standard AT4X.
• 🛠️ It includes heavy-duty AEV stamped steel bumpers with recovery points and a winch-capable front bumper, plus five underbody skid plates for protection.
• 🛞 Exclusive beadlock-capable wheels are wrapped in larger 35-inch Goodyear Territory mud terrain tires, enhancing off-road traction.

Powertrain and Performance

• ⚡ The Turbo Max 2.7L turbocharged four-cylinder engine delivers 310 horsepower and 430 lb-ft of torque, outperforming previous engines.
• ⚙️ A second-generation Hydro-matic 8-speed automatic transmission provides smooth shifting and quicker downshifts for improved power delivery.
• ⛰️ Drive modes include Terrain, Off-Road, Normal, Tow/Haul, and an exclusive Baja mode for high-speed off-road driving with launch control.
• ⛽ Four-wheel drive models are rated for 17 MPG city / 21 MPG highway, with the AEV edition averaging around 16 MPG in mixed driving.

Interior Features and Technology

• 🛋️ The interior offers soft-touch materials, standard leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob, and unique AT4X obsidian Rush trim with ceramic white accents.
• 🔊 A premium Bose sound system with seven speakers and an external amplifier is standard on the AT4X, offering a significant audio upgrade.
• 📱 A standard 11.3-inch infotainment system with Google built-in features wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, alongside an 11-inch digital instrument cluster.
• 📸 The best-in-class HD surround vision camera system provides a top-down view and hitch guidance, with optional underbody cameras for off-road clearance checks.

Off-Road Enhancements and Ride Quality

• 🔧 The AT4X features Multimatic DSSV dampers for precise control and consistency in damping, offering superior off-road performance.
• 🔒 Power-locking front and rear differentials are standard on the AT4X, ensuring equal wheel speed for maximum traction in challenging terrain.
• 🚗 Despite its off-road focus, the truck exhibits excellent road manners, with minimal body roll and a calm, composed ride, aided by the longer wheelbase.
• 💨 The air down mode allows for easy tire deflation via the infotainment system to increase grip off-road, though an external compressor is needed for refilling.

Practicality and Safety

• 📦 The tailgate features a multi-stow compartment for small items, is watertight and drainable, and can be equipped with a Kicker sound system.
• 🧑‍🤝‍🧑 Rear seat space is improved but can be limited by the optional sunroof, impacting headroom for taller passengers.
• ✅ The GMC Pro Safety System is standard, including features like automatic emergency braking, lane keep assist, and forward collision alert.
• 🔗 OnStar and GMC connected services are included, along with six standard airbags for comprehensive occupant protection.