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General Motors has unveiled a concept of the 2021 GMC Canyon AT4 as overlanding vehicle called the OVRLANDX and it is impressive. GMC says it will be gauging customer reaction to the vehicle to decide what future options GMC buyers would like see. I believe the main reason that buyers will be attracted to the GMC Canyon OVRLANDX is that it is luxurious throughout.
Overlanding is Growing
GMC revealed the Canyon concept at Overland Expo Mountain West 2021, a show devoted to the growing overlanding phenomenon. Overlanding is traveling to remote destinations and staying there for an extended period of time. Enthusiasts typically go as far as they care to and live primarily off-the-grid. They often camp out of their vehicles and carry most, if not all of their supplies in their very rugged vehicle. Some of the more intricate overlanding vehicles can run hundreds of thousands of dollars.
“We wanted to showcase GMC Canyon with this concept and punctuate GMC’s commitment to premium, off-road capable vehicles. Consumer reaction to this concept’s design will help us further serve the growing market of buyers leading authentic outdoor lifestyles,” said Buick and GMC Global Vice President Duncan Aldred.
The Canyon OVRLANDX concept includes some clever and highly functional options that overlanding fans would love. The spare tire is on a swivel mount so the spare tire can be kept on the back of the truck and swing out of the way of the tailgate when the driver needs to get into the back of the truck bed. Also, there are guy lines attached to the front to protect the windshield from low-hanging branches.
GMC Canyon OVRLANDX Rugged Off-Road Features
- Factory installed lift
- Wide off-road chassis with enhanced underbody coverage
- Off-road rocker panel protectors
- Cast-iron control arms
- Heavy-duty front bumper with winch
- Front and rear electronic locking differentials
- Wheel flares with integrated task lamps
- GMC’s 3.6L V-6 engine with an eight-speed automatic transmission
The concept truck is designed to master potential obstacles. The OVRLANDX has a 27.7-degree approach angle and a ground clearance of 10.0 inches. It rides on 33-inch BFGoodrich KM3 Mud-Terrain tires on 17-inch AEV Crestone wheels. The vehicle could handle water fording up to 32.1 inches, and it has a custom-tailored snorkel for filtered and cooler air intake.
Overlanding Specific Features
- AEV rear off-road bumper
- Stainless steel truck bed cap
- Roof-mounted tent
- 270-degree awning
- Jerry cans for gasoline and water
- Traction boards
- Cooler and kitchenette
- Truck bed storage with drawer system
- Solar panel
“The Canyon AT4 OVRLANDX concept truck was designed to balance functionality with aesthetics. When you’re overlanding, capability is an important factor, but doing it with premium style and comfort elevates the experience even further for customers who truly want zero compromises,” said John Owens, lead creative designer for the concept truck.
AT4 is Already a Popular Model
GMC first introduced the AT4 trim package on its Sierra pickup truck in 2019. Since then, interest in off-roading has sky-rocketed and GMC now offers the AT4 upgraded trim on the entire line-up. According to GMC, 30 percent of Canyon buyers opted for AT4 models this year. Canyon is also considered a conquest vehicle for GMC. More than half of the Canyon buyers this year came from other brands.
My guess is that the GMC Canyon OVRLANDX would be a great seller. I would also guess that relatively few people would actually use the truck for real overlanding, but they would love it for off-roading and camping. It looks great and would be very comfortable for getting back to nature, something nearly everyone would enjoy.
Follow Mary Conway at @maryconwaymedia and send her car news tips for future stories.
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