The brand new 2023 Canyon from GMC is here, ushering in the mid-size truck’s third generation. The Canyon combines unstoppable capability from a new engine with cutting-edge technology and a sophisticated first-class interior. It also features an all-new exterior, but many drivers want to know how much it can tow. A new AT4X trim is here, and off-road metrics and towing capabilities were improved across the board. Compared to the 2022 Canyon, the minimum and maximum potential tow ratings are increased.
The 2023 GMC Canyon is equipped to handle the challenges of the trails, cruise the metropolis, and even get jobs done in rough weather. Meadowland GMC is here with all the information you need, so let’s examine GMC Canyon’s new towing capacities and their requirements. We’ll also compare it to the latest 2023 GMC Sierra 1500 and its tow ratings for drivers who have trouble choosing between them.
2023 GMC Canyon Towing Capacity by Trim Options
The standard 2.7-liter Turbo High-Output engine now has the best torque in its class at 430 pound-feet and 310 horsepower. Together, this enables the Canyon’s sole powertrain to tow a maximum of 7,700 lbs on the Elevation, Denali, and AT4 trim levels. The only variations are on the Canyon AT4X with the Edition 1 Package that can tow up to 5,500 lbs or the AT4X with no Edition 1 Package that can tow up to 6,000 lbs. Considering the 2022 Canyon’s potential max towing capacity varied from 3,500 to 7,000 lbs, the new numbers are a significant improvement.

To make full use of the GMC Canyon’s 7,700-lb towing capacity, ensure that you find an appropriately equipped Elevation, AT4, AT4X, or Denali trim level. It will also need the optional locking rear differential and all the equipment from the Trailering Package. Before towing, it’s important to take into account the weight of your passengers, cargo, and any heavy accessories toward the maximum weight. Keep in mind any trailer’s tongue weight, as well. For more information on the towing capacity and recommendations for the Canyon and other models, please contact Meadowland GMC.
Does the 2023 GMC Canyon Include a Towing Hitch?
Indeed, unlike some competing trucks, the 2023 Canyon has a Trailering Package included standard, featuring a trailer brake controller, a seven-pin connector, and other required features for connecting and pulling a trailer.
Also, the new Canyon series gets an off-road chassis package included on all trim levels. This includes a 2-inch factory-installed lift for a total of 9.6 inches of ground clearance and a 33.3-degree approach angle on the Elevation and AT4. The Denali gets 10.7 inches of ground clearance and a 22-degree departure angle.
2023 GMC Canyon Cargo Bed Features
You can transport supplies and equipment to your base camp or wherever the action takes you with the help of Canyon’s cargo bed. In addition to a roomy 61.2 cubic feet of storage space and a maximum payload capacity of 1,280 to 1,670 pounds, the cargo bed also contains eight tie-downs. It also gets a half-gate position for the tailgate, which helps when loading long objects. Through optional features or packages, drivers can add a draining tailgate storage system, a 120-volt outlet, and a spray-on bed liner.
What About the Canyon Trailering App?
With the aid of Canyon’s accessible in-vehicle trailering app, you can confidently and easily pull your camper, ATV, and other necessary equipment. Some of the most useful trailering app functions include:
- Trailer Detection software.
- Trailer Maintenance Intervals.
- Towing Safety Checklist.
- Trailer Light Sequence Test and Diagnostic Mode.
- Trailer Theft Detection.
Towing Capacity and Fuel Efficiency: Canyon Vs. Sierra
The majority of folks around Carmel, New York, seeking a heavy-duty truck will probably want to compare the mid-size Canyon versus the half-ton GMC Sierra 1500. Thankfully, these two trucks both deliver a powerful and capable performance. The Sierra 1500 can be found with rear- or all-wheel drive, with two different transmissions and four different engines. Between those options, a 2023 Sierra 1500 will have maximum tow ratings of 8,700 to 9,400 lbs.
In terms of power, the closest Canyon to the Sierra 1500 is any trim with the Elevation package and other requirements, pushing the payload capacity to 1,640 lbs and the towing capacity to 7,700 lbs., such as the Elevation, Denali, or AT4. If you don’t need to go as far as 7,700 lbs of towing, the AT4X top-level trim shouldn’t be overlooked, with its maximum towing capacity of 6,000 lbs. When properly outfitted, the half-ton GMC Sierra pickup can accommodate a greater class of trailers and other objects than the Canyon, but not to an extreme level of difference.
As for fuel economy, the GMC Canyon diesel is rated by the EPA for 20 mpg in the city and 30 mpg on the highway, or 23 mpg combined, in two-wheel drive. For four-wheel drive, the engine gets 19 mpg in the city, 28 mpg on the highway, and 22 combined mpg. The GMC Sierra has different fuel economy estimates depending on the engine, but the best numbers come from the standard powertrain with 19 mpg in the city, 22 mpg on the highway, and 20 mpg combined.
Out of the two, the truck model for you depends on many factors, including your spending limit, your tastes, and more. The GMC Canyon might be the appropriate vehicle if you’re looking for a reasonably priced truck that you can use for daily driving or the occasional side project. Thanks to the affordable base pricing, you have lots of room for additional features. The Sierra 1500 is perhaps a better option if you need a heavy-duty truck that can manage regular towing jobs and heavy loads.
Test Drive a GMC Canyon in Carmel, New York
The 2023 GMC Canyon offers a lot of appealing features, some coming from specific trim levels. The new AT4X, for example, has an amazing appearance, but it shines best on inclined off-roading paths. Even this model, like the others, brings an improved average towing capacity over the 2022 edition. Visit Meadowland GMC in Carmel, New York, and test drive a GMC truck at your convenience. You can also give us a call or contact us online to learn more about pricing and availability.
