2023 GMC Canyon AT4X Teased As Upcoming Ford Ranger Raptor Rival

April 19, 2022 12:03 pm

The 2023 Ford Ranger Raptor was revealed back in February following years of speculation, rumors, and spied prototypes. For the very first time, the next-generation Ranger Raptor will be sold in the U.S. when it launches in that country next year, adding yet another off-road-focused vehicle to what is quickly becoming a crowded market full of them. In the mid-size truck segment, that will also soon include a direct 2023 Ford Ranger Raptor competitor – the 2023 GMC Canyon AT4X, which General Motors just teased.

GM released one single teaser image of the 2023 GMC Canyon AT4X, which will join the relatively new 2022 GMC Sierra AT4X in that brand’s lineup. In the photo, we can clearly see AT4X badging, rocker protectors, and 17-inch beadlock capable wheels, but GM provided no additional details regarding this future model.

However, GM Authority expects the Canyon AT4X to feature equipment similar to the existing Chevy Colorado ZR2 (which GM was caught benchmarking the current-gen Ranger Raptor against last year), which employs MultiMatic DSSV dampers underneath, along with rock rails, front and rear skid plates, and larger all-terrain tires. The regular 2023 Canyon will also ride on an updated platform, feature a new interior and exterior design, and come equipped with the Sierra 1500’s turbocharged 2.L I-4 powerplant. Both the regular 2023 Canyon and the AT4X will debut this summer.

The next-gen Ranger Raptor, on the other hand, will launch in international markets later this year prior to its U.S. debut in 2023, where it will feature a starting MSRP of $52,500, as Ford Authority exclusively reported in February. The high-performance off-roader will be powered by FoMoCo’s 3.0L EcoBoost V6 powerplant, which is rated to produce 392 horsepower and 430 pound-feet of torque in most markets, though a more powerful hybrid variant is under consideration, as is a possible street tire offering.

We’ll have more on everything Ford’s competition is up to soon, so be sure and subscribe to Ford Authority for continuous Ford news coverage.

By Brett Foote

Brett's lost track of all the Fords he's owned over the years and how much he's spent modifying them, but his current money pits include an S550 Mustang and 13th gen F-150.