16 MPG combined. That’s not going to win any fuel efficiency awards. The 2023 GMC Canyon AT4X isn’t about squeezing every last mile from a gallon of fuel; it’s about conquering challenging terrain and projecting a rugged, capable image. The AT4X buyer prioritizes off-road performance, aggressive styling, and overland-ready features over trips to the gas station. They understand the compromise, and they’re willing to make it.

City and highway performance

The EPA estimates the Canyon AT4X at 16 MPG in both city and highway driving. This unusual parity suggests that the engine is working hard regardless of the environment. The turbocharged 2.7L four-cylinder needs to generate significant power to overcome the AT4X’s increased weight, lifted suspension, aggressive tires, and four-wheel-drive system. These factors contribute to higher fuel consumption, particularly at highway speeds where aerodynamic drag becomes a major factor. Stop-and-go city driving is also energy-intensive, further contributing to the low MPG number. This translates to predictable, if uninspiring, fuel use. You won’t see wildly varying numbers depending on your commute.

Annual fuel cost

The EPA estimates the annual fuel cost for the 2023 GMC Canyon AT4X at exactly $2,750. This figure is based on driving 15,000 miles per year and using national average fuel prices. Keep in mind that this is simply an estimate. Your actual fuel costs will vary based on your driving habits, the type of fuel you use, and local fuel prices. For example, using premium fuel, which is often recommended for optimal performance in turbocharged engines, will increase your annual spending. Frequent towing or off-roading will also push that number higher.

Real-world expectations

While the EPA provides a baseline, real-world fuel economy often differs, especially with vehicles like the AT4X, which are frequently used in conditions that deviate from typical driving patterns. Owners who spend a significant amount of time off-road, towing, or driving in mountainous terrain will likely see numbers below the EPA estimates. Those who primarily use their AT4X for commuting on relatively flat highways might achieve slightly better fuel economy. The aggressive tires, lifted suspension, and increased weight of the AT4X all negatively impact fuel economy compared to a more standard Canyon trim.

How it compares

The Canyon AT4X’s fuel economy lags behind its competitors. The Toyota Tacoma TRD Pro, for instance, manages 18 MPG combined with its V6 engine. A Chevrolet Colorado ZR2, sharing the same engine as the Canyon but tuned slightly differently, achieves similar figures. Even the larger Ford Ranger Raptor, despite its higher power output, achieves a similar 16 MPG combined. For prospective buyers considering more conventional mid-size trucks the fuel expenditure is far less. For example, checking CANYON MPG across all years will illustrate there are more fuel efficient Canyon family vehicles available.

Tips to maximize efficiency

While the AT4X is not designed for maximizing fuel economy, there are still steps you can take to improve your MPG. Resist the urge to accelerate aggressively. The turbocharged engine delivers plenty of torque, so there’s no need to push the engine hard for everyday driving. Smooth, gradual acceleration will help conserve fuel.

Ensure your tires are properly inflated, and check them regularly. Underinflated tires increase rolling resistance, which reduces fuel economy. Consult the sticker on your driver’s side doorjamb for the recommended tire pressure.

Minimize unnecessary weight. Remove any items from the bed of the truck that you don’t need, as extra weight increases fuel consumption. Consider removing roof racks or cargo carriers when not in use, as they can significantly increase aerodynamic drag, especially at highway speeds.

Avoid idling for extended periods. If you’re stopped for more than a minute, turn off the engine. Modern engines are designed to restart quickly and efficiently, and idling wastes fuel. You can check out all Gmc fuel economy data to compare mileage of various trucks in the family.