After the last three Ultimate Overland Vehicle builds, a mid-sized truck was obviously the next choice. From coast to coast, mid-sized trucks from various makers are the platform of choice for those looking to build out an overland rig. You get the cargo capability that comes with a truck bed, the nimbleness of a smaller vehicle, and the flexibility to take the build in many directions.
While plenty of GMC trucks are built for adventure, with the introduction of the Canyon AT4X, GMC is redefining off-roading for mid-size trucks. With a bold new look, a totally redesigned interior, and a host of extreme off-roading hardware and innovative tech, the GMC Canyon AT4X was the perfect starting point for our mid-size Ultimate Overland Build.
Under the hood, the Canyon AT4X is propelled down the trail by way of a 2.7L Turbo High-Output Engine with 310 horsepower and 430 lb.-ft. of torque. Additionally, this potent powerplant helps the AT4X achieve an impressive towing capacity of 5,500 lbs.
The Canyon AT4X’s factory-tuned off-road suspension was one of the biggest selling points of this truck for us. The Multimatic™ DSSV dampers feature dynamic spool valves for off-road applications, utilizing three separate spool valves to control damping and three connected chambers for fluid management. These dampers excel during extended wheel travel and high-impact compression events.
The Canyon AT4X also has several high-tech innovations inside the vehicle that help expand its off-road capabilities. For starters, the Canyon AT4X’s multiple camera views are engineered to provide the ultimate off-road driving experience; the front and rear underbody cameras even feature an integrated washing function and are waterproof for driving in mud or water. The front and rear cameras can be viewed with HD Surround Vision for a view of your surroundings, underneath and around your truck when driving on rocks or gravel.
For an even more enhanced experience off-road, the Canyon AT4X features an Off-Road Performance Display, displaying real-time off-road performance data. This display contains three tabs: Terrain, Overlanding, and Baja modes, which feature key metrics and visuals to help drivers tackle a variety of terrains.
The Canyon AT4X also looks amazing and was designed to be bigger and bolder than the previous generation, receiving an amped-up exterior featuring a redesigned grille and headlamps, plus a wider stance.
As you would expect from GMC, the interior of the Canyon AT4X is just as stunning as the exterior. When you open the door, you are greeted by a performance-oriented, high-tech cockpit that was clearly designed to provide a luxurious driving experience. Our favorite part is the AT4X-exclusive Obsidian Rush leather-appointed seats with red stitching and sporty white inserts and the red anodized accents throughout the interior.
The GMC Canyon AT4X is a phenomenal off-road platform in stock form, so we wanted to focus on taking that great foundation to the next level in terms of capability, ease of use, and overall functionality as a dual-purpose, overland vehicle. Every modification was carefully thought out by the Overland Expo team and our build partner, Peak Suspension, so as not to detract from the premium ride quality, comfort, and drivability that GMC trucks are known for.
Since the GMC Canyon AT4X features a performance-tuned, off-road suspension straight from the factory that utilizes state-of-the-art Multimatic DSSV dampers, we did not want to remove these components for the sake of additional lift height. We reached out to GM suspension experts, Peak Suspension for their two-piece front spacer kit, tie rod reinforcement sleeves, front differential drop kit, skid plate spacer kit, sway bar relocation kit and a rear add-a-leaf and rear block kit. These enhancements give us capability and control off-road, when combined with a set of OEM Canyon AT4X AEV Edition fender flares we had plenty of room to fit our 35 inch BFGoodrich All-Terrain tires, mounted on a set of 17×8.5 Torque wheels.
READ MORE: Ultimate Overland Vehicle Build Product Highlights
We added a 589 Fabrication Mini-Fighter front bumper, which only replaces the inner portion of the factory front bumper so the newly redesigned Canyon AT4X retains an OEM+ look. This bumper features an integrated front skid plate, provisions to mount four Vision X CG2 lights, and a 9,500lbs ComeUp Winch. In the rear, we added the OEM AEV rear bumper from the Canyon AT4X AEV Edition due to the incredible quality, strength, and AEV’s reputation within the overland space. This rear bumper is incredibly strong, looks great, and features two chassis-mounted recovery points.
AEV had us covered again with their Canyon-specific snorkel kit. A snorkel will significantly increase air filter service life, even in the dustiest conditions, and provide additional protection from accidentally ingesting water into the engine, should a creek crossing be a little deeper than expected. Since we have lots of clean air coming in, we installed a stainless steel Magnaflow Overland Series exhaust on our truck for increased performance and an improved exhaust note.
Luckily for us, the GMC Canyon AT4X is equipped from the factory with a pair of exceptionally well-made rock rails protecting the rocker panels, so our primary focus was figuring out how to protect the underside of the truck. We did not have to look far since AEV makes IFS, transfer case, fuel tank, and rear differential skid plates for the Canyon AT4X. These AEV skid plates are OEM validated and manufactured out of Hot-Stamped Boron Steel, making them extremely strong and lightweight.
To maximize storage space in the Canyon, we started with a Leitner bed rack out back, which gave us a solid mounting surface for the Alu-Cab rooftop tent. We also used the rack to mount a smaller Leitner gear box and shower system on the passenger’s side, and a full-size box with a pair of Maxtrax mounted on the driver’s side.
Inside the bed, we added the recently updated Decked storage system, which gives us a ton of very secure and neatly organized storage possibilities. Our MaxTrax recovery gear, big things, small stuff, muddy clothes, spare parts—there is a spot for it all!
A 35-inch tire will not fit underneath the truck and would take up too much room inside the bed, so we hit up our friends at Rig’d for one of their Ultra-Swing tire carriers. This hitch-mounted tire carrier is super robust and handles the weight of the 35-inch spare with ease, and has a super slick, flip-down table on the back side.
Alu-Cab’s Gen 3-R tent with comfortable Aeronaut bedding was at the top of our list for our sleeping quarters. Getting a good night’s rest is key when you’re out on the trail . This setup is complemented with an Alu-Cab Shadow Awn 270 and Shower Cube for shade and convenient showering.
With the help of a GP Factor mounting kit, the Alu-Cab rooftop tent also provided a great mounting platform for our Redarc 200W solar panel. Power is stored in a Battle Born AGM Battery, supplied by Redarc’s brand new Manager 100. This setup is perfect for charging our camera equipment, cooking on our Blackstone grille, and keeping our Project X fridge powered while out in the backcountry.
Here’s a full rundown of the technology and gear we chose to build out the project to provide a best-in-class experience. For more details on each item, visit the Ultimate Overland Vehicle landing page.
- Peak Suspension, as the official builder, provided a two-piece front spacer kit, tie rod reinforcement sleeves, front differential drop kit, skid plate spacer kit, sway bar relocation kit and a rear add-a-leaf and rear block kit
- OEM Canyon AT4X AEV Edition fender flares that fit 35 inch BFGoodrich All-Terrain tires, mounted on a set of 17×8.5 Torque Wheels
- A 589 Fabrication Mini-Fighter front bumper creating an OEM+ look with an integrated front skid plate, provisions to mount four Vision X CG2 lights, and a 9,500lbs ComeUp Winch
- OEM AEV rear bumper enhancing quality, strength
- AEV Canyon-specific snorkel kit significantly increasing air filter service life
- Stainless steel MAGNAFLOW Overland Series exhaust for superior performance
- AEV IFS, transfer case, fuel tank, and rear differential skid plates
- For storage, comfort, and recovery the truck has:
- Leitner Designs bed rack with an Alu-Cab roof top tent with Shadow Awn 270 and Shower Cube for shade and convenient showering
- AERONAUT Outdoor bedding and camp blankets
- A full-size storage box with a pair of Maxtrax on the driver’s side
- An updated DECKED storage system
- RiG’d Supply Ultra-Swing tire carriers
- Husky Liners X-Act Contour Floor Liners
- Forrest Tool MAX MultiPurpose Toolkit Signature Edition shovel
- Midland Radio MXT575 and Gain Ghost Antenna for communication
- ZOLEO Satellite Communicator
- REDARCÂ 200W solar panel and brand-new Manager Alpha 100 for charging equipmentÂ
- Battle Born Batteries 100Ah 12-Volt Heated LiFePO4 Deep Cycle Battery
- BLUETTI POWER INC. AC240 powerstation
- Switch-Pros accessories switch
- weBoost Cell Booster
- Quad Lock car suction windscreen mount for phone
- Blackstone grill and PROJECT X fridge
- Jetboil Flash Cooking System, Coffee Press, and Genesis Basecamp System
- Overland modifications protected by Tredder Insurance
