2021 GMC Canyon AT4 is ready for the rough stuff

Think of the 2021 GMC Canyon AT4 as a Chevy Colorado ZR2 for people who have never consumed Monster energy drinks. 

It's a little calmer, a little less rugged, and while it's getting older, it still makes for a solid off-road-oriented midsize pickup.

It'll tow up to 7,000 pounds, and it'll haul about 1,500 pounds' worth of stuff in the bed.

Considering the average new-car transaction price has eclipsed $40,000, I guess I can't call the Canyon AT4 expensive, but it sure feels it.

Starting at $39,595 (including destination) with cloth seats, my leather-bedecked tester rings in with options at $45,780.

Why GM doesn't take Toyota more seriously as an existential threat is beyond me.

If you combine (and, sometimes, double) the sales of the GMC Canyon and the Chevrolet Colorado, they still can't match the selling power of Toyota's venerable midsize pickup. 

For what it is, though, the 2021 GMC Canyon AT4 is solid.

It's an attractive pickup truck that offers more off-road prowess than your average midsizer, without requiring a deep-end leap into something more purpose-built like the ZR2.

Keep scrolling or clicking to check out even more pictures of the 2021 GMC Canyon AT4.