--- title: "2021 GMC Canyon AT4 Isn’t Quite the Colorado ZR2 Twin We Hoped For" description: "Where are the Multimatic DSSV shocks, man?" date: "2020-01-13" modified: "2020-01-13" authors: - name: "James Gilboy" job_title: "Contributing Writer" link: "https://www.thedrive.com/authors/james-gilboy" url: "https://www.thedrive.com/news/31821/2021-gmc-canyon-at4-isnt-quite-the-colorado-zr2-twin-we-hoped-for" categories: - "GMC News" - "News" - "News by Brand" - "Trucks" tags: - "Canyon" - "GMC" - "Off-Road" - "pickup" --- # 2021 GMC Canyon AT4 Isn’t Quite the Colorado ZR2 Twin We Hoped For ![]() *\www.thedrive.com\* If you were holding out for GMC to release a fancier version of the [Chevrolet Colorado ZR2](), then prepare to be mildly let down. GMC's freshly announced Canyon AT4 is a bit more Z71 than ZR2, which isn't necessarily a mark against it—we were only hoping for more. ![message-editor%2F1578931715084-2021-gmc-canyon-at4-014.jpg]() *2021 GMC Canyon AT4, *GMC** The Canyon AT4 maintains footing on all surfaces with an automatic locking Eaton rear differential, four-wheel-drive transfer case, and 31-inch [Goodyear]() Wrangler Duratrac tires on 17-inch aluminum wheels. These features cooperate with retuned off-road suspension to keep the Canyon's underbelly off the trail. Should the Advanced Hill Descent Control System somehow not be enough to stop you from exuberantly bottoming out on a boulder, a skid plate will take the blow rather than the transfer case. ![message-editor%2F1578932285675-2021-gmc-canyon-at4-013.jpg]() *2021 GMC Canyon AT4, *GMC** GM's 3.6-liter V6 powers the AT4 as standard, its 308 horsepower and 275 pound-feet of torque more than adequate to take the Canyon anywhere it can go. Seeing as the GMC is already the premium option, it'd be sort of a shame not to match the AT4's distinct interior—which features model-specific headrest embroidery and unique "Kalahari" stitching—with an upmarket engine, specifically a 2.8-liter Duramax [turbodiesel](), which produces 181 horsepower and 369 pound-feet of torque. ![message-editor%2F1578932494708-2021-gmc-canyon-at4-022.jpg]() *2021 GMC Canyon AT4, *GMC** If the AT4's larger, "dark chrome" grille and red recovery hooks call your name, then plan a day off to visit [a GMC dealer]() sometime in the year's second quarter. Pricing hasn't yet been announced, but going by current price schemes for the Chevrolet Colorado and GMC Canyon in crew-cab, short-bed configuration, nobody should be surprised to see 2021 AT4s start close to $45,000. Those built with the Duramax diesel may yet scratch $50,000—a steep price for any midsize truck. *Got a tip? Send us a note: tips@thedrive.com* ![2021 GMC Canyon AT4]() *2021 GMC Canyon AT4* *, *GMC** ![2021 GMC Canyon AT4]() *2021 GMC Canyon AT4* *, *GMC** ## Author James is a former staff writer for The Drive. He has changed the conversation around electrification, debunked misinformation online, and become a prominent hunter of what he calls "automotive cryptids." ### Author social links [Instagram]()