GMC Canyon Trim Levels Explained

Updated on Mar 18, 2025

In the mid-size truck class, a few major players stand out. Names like the Toyota Tacoma, Ford Ranger, and the Chevy Colorado encompass most of the market's sales. However, the latter isn't General Motors' only entry in the market. 

Sibling to the Chevy Colorado, the GMC Canyon delivers nearly identical performance and drivability since it sits on the same chassis as the Colorado. Carried-over suspension and powertrains make for exceptional driveability that rivals Chevy's mid-size—so where do the two differ? 

Aside from the apparent changes in sheet metal and interior bits, the GMC Canyon offers many well-equipped trim levels. Considering that GMC is essentially General Motors' luxury counterpart to Chevy, GMC only offers the Canyon in feature-packed trims, including the Elevation, AT4, and Denali. Stay tuned to learn more about these trim levels, base prices, and standard equipment.

What Are Trim Levels?

Before we get into the details, let's first answer the question of what trim levels are. 

Trim levels are pre-selected option groups a manufacturer compiles for a particular model. Most manufacturers have several ranging from fewer to more features and, thus, lower to higher price points. 

Trim levels are typically structured to appeal to different consumer bases with different needs and budgets. For instance, a manufacturer may offer one trim level that emphasizes luxury, one that prioritizes off-road capabilities, and another that strips down features to market to budget-oriented individuals.

GMC Canyon Trim Levels

With trim levels, as a concept, covered, it's time to turn our attention to those offered by GMC, including base pricing and standard features. All 2025 GMC Canyons feature the same drivetrain—a 2.7L Turbocharged I4 mated to an 8-speed automatic transmission.

Elevation

The 2025 Canyon Elevation pricing begins at $38,400.

Up first is the Elevation, which is the Canyon's least expensive trim level. Still, it's far removed from the base offerings of most manufacturers. The Canyon Elevation is a well-equipped mid-size truck, including such standard features as: 

  • 11.3-in. touchscreen infotainment display

  • 11.0-in. digital gauge cluster

  • 18-in. alloy wheels with all-terrain tires

  • HD rear camera 

  • Heated power mirrors

  • Wireless Apple CarPlay® and wireless Androidâ„¢ Auto connectivity 

  • Black fascia, mirror caps, and trim

AT4

The 2025 Canyon AT4 pricing begins at $45,700. 

In previous model years, GMC offered the AT4 trim level alongside the AT4X. However, 2025 marks the shift from the AT4X being its own trim to simply an optional package of the AT4, alongside the AT4X AEV Edition and the AT4 Nightfall. 

The standard AT4 includes all features of the Elevation, as well as: 

  • Advanced Hill Descent Control

  • Transfer case skid plate

  • 4WD with automatic locking rear differential 

  • Two-speed transfer case

  • Selectable drive modes

  • MultiStow tailgate storage system 

The AT4X package adds multiple features to transform the standard AT4 into an off-road machine, including: 

  • 3-in. factory lift kit

  • Front and rear E-lockers

  • 17-in. alloy wheels wrapped in 33-in. MT tires

  • Multimaticâ„¢ DSSV dampers

The AT4X AEV package adds multiple features from the aftermarket manufacturer AEV to further optimize the AT4X, including: 

  • AEV heavy-duty steel skid plates 

  • AEV front and rear bumpers

  • AEV Salta 17-in. beadlock-capable wheels wrapped in 35-in. Goodyear® Wrangler Territory MT tires

Lastly, the AT4 Nightfall Edition package significantly boosts aesthetics with such features as: 

  • Rocker panel guards

  • 20-in. gloss black alloy wheels

  • Sport bar

  • Black badges and emblems

Denali

The 2025 Canyon Denali pricing begins at $52,000. 

The Denali is GMC's top-tier luxury package, which is offered across multiple models. The trim level adds countless interior amenities, chrome accents, and technological features to make for a comfortable, stylish, and well-equipped vehicle—something that's just as home at the office as at the job site. 

Standard features of the Denali include: 

  • Chrome fascia, trim, and exterior accents

  • Jet black interior with genuine teak wood accents

  • Perforated, leather-trimmed upholstery

  • 6.3-in. heads-up display

  • Premium audio with HD Surround Vision

  • Wireless charging pad 

  • 20-in. diamond-cut alloy wheels

Which Trim Level is Right for You?

Which trim level should you hop into if you're in the market for a new GMC Canyon? 

GMC makes things easy for consumers. Since all Canyons feature the same potent powertrain and are well-equipped from the factory, the choice ultimately comes down to preferred styling, budget, and needs. 

The Elevation is tough to beat for a daily-driven rig, especially on a budget. Feature-packed, powerful, and affordable, the Elevation is a no-brainer choice at under $40,000. The AT4 is a must for dedicated wheelers with its auto-locking differentials and four-wheel-drive system. However, choosing between optional packages, like the Nightfall, AT4X, and AT4X AEV, may warrant some further thought. 

Lastly, those who want top-of-the-line luxury will likely fall for the well-optioned Denali. The Denali is a must-have for those seeking maximum comfort and class, featuring a luxurious chrome-clad exterior, standard 20-in. wheels, and a tech-packed, leather and wood-appointed interior. 

And remember, if you can't find a Canyon with every feature you're hoping for, you can always special order a new truck.  Alternatively, outfit your new Canyon with parts and accessories from RealTruck to turn your truck into an attention-grabbing, one-of-a-kind rig.

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