GMC introduced its AT4 lineup of trucks and SUVs for buyers seeking a bit of off-road performance without sacrificing comfort and premium feel. The 2021 GMC Canyon mid-size pickup truck received an AT4 variant earlier this year, and now it will receive a new Off-Road Performance Edition. While we discovered this package at the beginning of the year, GMC has now officially revealed what it includes.

"When customers are looking for a capable off-road truck, we know that they want improved vehicle height as well as additional protection," said GMC Marketing Director Rich Latek. "Whether it's tackling die-hard off-road courses or embarking on a weekend adventure, the Canyon AT4 Off-Road Performance Edition provides an improved approach angle, enhanced maneuverability, and underbody protection to key parts of the truck, while still delivering a premium GMC experience."

The standard Canyon AT4 already includes a slew of off-road goodies, including 31-inch Goodyear Wrangler DuraTrac tires, an off-road-tuned suspension, hill descent control, and four-wheel-drive with an Eaton G80 rear automatic locking differential. Building on this capability, the Off-Road Performance Edition adds a factory-installed suspension leveling kit and removes the front air dam. Together, these changes improve the approach angle by more than 35% to around 30 degrees.

Along with the improved approach angle, Off-Road Performance Edition includes rocker panel protectors and performance front and mid skid plates. The skid plates are made using 5/32-inch aluminum, helping to protect the lower radiator, front differential, steering, and oil pan.

GMC also adds a few styling changes to differentiate the Off-Road Performance Edition from the standard AT4. These include unique 17-inch Gloss Black wheels, Carbon Black AT4 logos, and a Gloss Black performance exhaust tip. The truck also comes with accessory floor liners and a spray-in bed liner.

No official pricing is available yet, but GMC says the 2021 Canyon AT4 Off-Road Performance Edition will be available to order later this year. The engines are the same as the standard AT4, a 3.6-liter V6 with 308 horsepower and an optional 2.8-liter turbo diesel with 181 hp and 369 lb-ft of torque.