Episode 452: 2026 GMC Canyon AT4, 2026 Kia EV4

The Jeep Grand Wagoneer is a large, upscale SUV positioned as a premium, full-size family vehicle. It’s notable for its luxury focus and for being the kind of SUV people talk about in terms of big features and big presence. The podcast references a video of the Grand Wagoneer doing something specific (hitting going live soon), indicating it’s being showcased prominently.

The GMC Canyon AT4 is a midsize truck trim focused on off-road capability, and the “AT4” badge typically signals tougher suspension tuning and more rugged equipment than the base trims. In this segment, the host says they spent a week with the 2026 Canyon AT4 and were surprised by how good it was.

AT4X is a GMC Canyon trim name that indicates an even more hardcore off-road setup than the standard AT4. In this segment, the host frames it as the most rugged option in the Canyon lineup.

Four-wheel drive (4WD) is a drivetrain setup that can send power to both the front and rear axles, improving traction when roads are slippery or uneven. For off-road trims like the Canyon AT4, 4WD is a foundational requirement for tackling loose surfaces and climbs.

The Chevrolet Colorado is the Canyon’s key competitor in the mid-sized truck segment. Here, the host says GMC is using the Canyon’s four-wheel-drive/off-road positioning as part of a plan to differentiate from the Colorado.

“Multi-matic DSSV shocks” refers to a premium shock-absorber system (DSSV is a specific brand/technology name) that uses electronically controlled damping to better manage ride and control over different surfaces. The host uses it as a key differentiator: you only get these higher-end shocks on the Canyon AT4X, not the standard AT4.

This is a market statistic describing the typical transaction price for a newly purchased vehicle. The host uses it to argue that the Canyon AT4’s Canadian pricing is unusually high relative to what most buyers are paying on average.

Shock absorbers (dampers) control how quickly the suspension compresses and rebounds after hitting bumps. The host notes the AT4X has them while the AT4 he drove does not, tying the difference to ride quality and off-road capability.

Electronically locking front and rear differentials force both wheels on an axle to rotate together when traction is limited. That improves grip on uneven surfaces like mud, sand, or rocks by reducing wheelspin—something the host contrasts between AT4X and AT4.

A lift kit raises a vehicle’s ride height by changing suspension components. The host says the truck he drove had a factory lift kit, which increases ground clearance for off-road obstacles, but then he points out that adding sidesteps can reduce the practical clearance benefit at the body/step area.

Sidesteps (also called running boards) are exterior steps mounted along the lower rocker area of a pickup to help people climb in and out. On off-road trails, they can reduce usable ground clearance and add extra width that makes tight obstacles harder to clear.

Ground clearance is the distance between the lowest part of the vehicle and the ground. Off-road accessories like sidesteps can lower effective clearance and increase the chance of scraping or getting hung up on bumps, rocks, or ruts.

Rock rails (often also called sliders) are off-road protection bars mounted along the rocker panel area. Because they sit closer to the body than sidesteps, they’re designed to take impacts from rocks and scrapes without projecting as far into the trail, helping preserve ground clearance and bodywork.

Heated and cooled seats use temperature-controlled heating elements and cooling airflow (or refrigeration-based cooling) to keep the cabin comfortable year-round. It’s a premium comfort feature that can reduce the need to rely on HVAC settings for seat-level comfort.

“Adaptive crews” appears to be a transcription error for an adaptive driver-assistance feature (commonly “adaptive cruise control”). Adaptive cruise control automatically adjusts speed to maintain a set following distance from the car ahead.

Surround view cameras stitch multiple camera angles into a near-360° view to help with parking and low-speed maneuvering. It reduces blind spots by showing areas around the vehicle that mirrors can’t cover.

A head-up display (HUD) projects key driving information—like speed and navigation prompts—onto the windshield so you don’t have to look down at the instrument cluster. It can improve glance management while driving.

Bose is an audio brand known for premium speaker and sound-system tuning. In this segment, the host mentions a Bose sound system as part of the truck’s option packages.

An off-road lighting package adds auxiliary lights designed to improve visibility on unpaved roads and trails. Here, the host describes two square lights mounted on the hood and additional lights in their field of view, controlled by a dedicated auxiliary switch.

An auxiliary switch is a dedicated control for an add-on accessory (like auxiliary off-road lights) separate from the main headlight controls. It’s typically wired to a relay/fuse so the accessory can be turned on and off independently.

A bed liner is protective coating or lining applied to a pickup’s cargo bed to resist scratches, dents, and corrosion. “Spray” bed liners are typically applied as a liquid that cures into a durable, textured surface.

A suspension lift raises the vehicle’s ride height by changing suspension components (or adding spacers), improving ground clearance for off-road obstacles. It can also affect steering geometry, ride quality, and tire wear, so it’s usually paired with alignment and sometimes additional off-road tuning.

Kicker is an aftermarket car-audio brand known for speakers and subwoofers. The host is describing a Kicker audio system integrated into the tailgate for portable-style sound.

This appears to be a transcription error for a “portable” or “tailgate” audio system hidden under the tailgate’s interior panel. The idea is to provide built-in speakers for tailgating without needing to bring a separate Bluetooth speaker.

A tailgate is the rear door of a pickup truck that swings down for loading and unloading. Here it’s discussed as a potential corrosion risk point because water can infiltrate around it and then rust the metal from the inside out.

An ingress point is an area where water (and often road salt) can enter a vehicle’s body cavities. Once inside, trapped moisture can accelerate corrosion, especially in seams and structural areas like pickup tailgates.

All-terrain tires are designed to work on both pavement and light off-road surfaces, balancing tread life, traction, and comfort. The host notes they’re not “super hardcore,” meaning they’re typically quieter and more road-friendly than true mud-terrain tires.

Mud-terrain tires have deeper, more aggressive tread patterns for traction in mud, ruts, and loose terrain. The tradeoff is often more road noise and less comfort on pavement, which is why the host calls them potentially over the top for mostly street driving.

“2.7-liter” refers to engine displacement, a measure of the total volume swept by the pistons in the cylinders. Displacement is one of the key specs that influences how an engine makes power and how it feels under load.

“Turbo four” means a four-cylinder engine that uses a turbocharger to force more air into the cylinders. That typically boosts low- to mid-range torque, which is why the host immediately talks about torque figures right after mentioning it.

“Pound-feet of torque” is a measure of rotational twisting force the engine produces. Torque is especially important for how easily a truck accelerates from low speeds and how well it pulls on inclines, which is why the host uses it to compare engines.

An “eight-speed automatic” is a transmission that uses eight gear ratios and automatically selects the best one for driving conditions. The host’s point is that it feels smooth and has good passing power, but can hesitate to downshift when approaching an incline at modest speeds.

“Kick down” is the driver’s request for a rapid downshift—typically when you press the accelerator more firmly. The host says the transmission didn’t want to downshift when they hit an incline, which made the engine feel like it was “lugging” and less responsive.

“Lugging” describes an engine operating at too-low RPM for the load, so it feels strained and less responsive. In this segment, it’s tied to the transmission not downshifting promptly on inclines, even though the host says they didn’t feel a big power loss.

“Fuel mileage” refers to how efficiently the vehicle uses fuel, usually expressed as miles per gallon (MPG). The host quotes a combined rating and then compares it to what they personally achieved.

“Miles per gallon combined” is a standardized MPG figure that blends city and highway driving into one number. It’s useful for comparing vehicles because it’s meant to represent mixed real-world use rather than only one driving style.

“Liters per 100 kilometers” (L/100 km) is another fuel-economy unit used outside the US. Lower L/100 km means better efficiency, and the host converts their MPG into this format to discuss how decent it is for a pickup.

“Tow 7,700 pounds” refers to the vehicle’s maximum trailer towing capacity under the manufacturer’s rating. It’s a key spec for pickup buyers because it determines what size trailer and load you can safely haul.

This segment covers practical truck use: hauling rocks and boards, discussing payload and towing capacity, and commenting on bed length constraints for long materials.

“Payload” is the maximum weight you can put in the truck bed (and sometimes includes passengers and cargo, depending on the rating). The host cites a payload around 1,700 pounds and then describes hauling rocks and boards to illustrate real-world usefulness.

The GMC Canyon Crew Cab is a mid-size pickup truck configuration focused on passenger space, with a cab that can seat more people comfortably. The podcast specifically mentions that this generation of Canyon (and the related Chevy Colorado) went to four-cylinder turbo engines only. That’s a key talking point because engine choice affects how the truck feels and how it’s maintained.

A diesel model refers to a version of the truck powered by a diesel engine, which typically uses compression ignition instead of spark ignition. Diesel engines often deliver strong low-end torque and can be efficient, so removing the diesel option changes what buyers expect for towing and fuel economy.

In this context, the host is talking about the transmission’s gearing strategy—how the gearbox ratios are chosen to match engine output to driving conditions. They suggest it feels “conservative” in normal driving, but that it doesn’t become a problem even when the truck is fully loaded.

A build sheet is the factory document that lists how a specific vehicle was configured—options, packages, and major specifications. The host’s point is that after driving and reviewing the truck, they looked at the build sheet to imagine what the vehicle would be like with a certain configuration.

Off-road drive mode is a vehicle setting that changes how the truck manages throttle response, traction control, and sometimes shift behavior to make low-speed crawling and slippery surfaces easier to control. The goal is to reduce wheelspin and keep the vehicle predictable when traction is inconsistent.

The Nissan Pathfinder is a family-oriented SUV built for passenger space and versatility. It often comes up in conversations about what someone already owns and what they might add or replace. In the podcast, it’s mentioned as something the speaker already has, along with another vehicle, implying they don’t need another similar option.

Stake sides describe a trailer design with vertical posts (“stakes”) along the sides, allowing you to secure loads while keeping the sides open. It’s useful for many materials, but it can be limiting for loose items like mulch or compost because they can fall out unless you use containers or a different trailer setup.

The Subaru Outback is a wagon-style crossover known for its all-weather capability and practicality. It’s often discussed in terms of how much it changes year to year and how it compares to other models in the same general category. The podcast references the Outback directly while talking about how different it is from something else.

Gross vehicle weight (GVW) is the total weight of the truck when loaded—vehicle plus passengers plus cargo plus anything else it’s carrying. The host notes that once you’re towing near higher limits, you have to watch GVW so the truck isn’t overloaded.

Tongue weight is the downward force the trailer puts on the hitch—essentially how much load is carried by the truck’s rear axle and suspension. The host says the trailer’s tongue weight was too much for the full-size Ram’s cargo rating because the truck had many accessories, reducing its available payload.

The Dodge Ram (often referred to as a full-size Ram truck) is a large pickup known for towing and hauling capability. It’s commonly discussed by owners who use their trucks for heavier work, including towing vehicles. In the podcast, the speaker mentions towing a race car with a full-size Ram, highlighting its real-world usefulness.

The Chevrolet ZR2 is a higher off-road trim known for more aggressive off-road hardware than standard trims. In this segment, the speaker calls it the closest equivalent to the Canyon AT4X and praises how it rides even on pavement—something they say is rare for off-road-oriented trucks.

A “wider stance” refers to the truck sitting with a broader track width (often from wheel/tire choices or suspension geometry). The speaker links it to the Trail Boss package, implying it helps stability and off-road presence.

An appearance package is a dealer- or factory-offered bundle of cosmetic changes—like graphics, trim, and exterior styling—rather than a mechanical upgrade. Here, “Stars and Steel” is described as a confusing sticker/graphics package with stars on the hood.

“Decontented” means a model or special edition is intentionally stripped of certain features compared with a higher trim. The speaker uses it to describe a Stars and Steel Special Edition that has some tech features but lacks premium comfort items like ventilated/heated seats, a heated steering wheel, and memory seats.

The Jaguar Mark I is a classic British sports sedan from the early postwar era, known for its period styling and driving character. It’s the kind of car that gets discussed in automotive podcasts because it represents an important chapter in Jaguar’s history. In the podcast, it’s mentioned in the context of how it looks and how it drives, with the speaker saying it “hit the mark.”

The Toyota Tundra is a full-size pickup, and it’s mentioned here as one of the trucks the speaker has recently driven for comparison. The point is comparative feel—how different trucks ride and how their off-road-orientations translate to daily driving.

The Ford F-150 is a full-size pickup truck and one of the most widely recognized trucks in its class. It’s commonly discussed because it’s available in many configurations and is used for everything from daily driving to towing. In the podcast, it’s referenced as part of a comparison when talking about driving experiences with other trucks.

“Ranger” in this context refers to the Ford Ranger, a mid-size pickup truck. It’s being discussed alongside other trucks to compare how it drives and how it stacks up in the same category. The podcast specifically frames it as part of a comparison involving “Raptor” style variants.

Dune bashing is an off-road activity where drivers accelerate over sand dunes, often using momentum to climb and descend. It’s used here to justify why a more extreme off-road truck like the Ranger Raptor might make more sense than a daily-focused setup.

A mid-size pickup truck is a class of truck positioned between compact pickups and full-size trucks, typically offering a balance of bed size, towing capability, and everyday drivability. The host uses this category to frame the Canyon AT4 as a “perfect” fit compared with smaller or more extreme alternatives.

The Ford Maverick is a compact pickup known for being relatively affordable and (in hybrid form) efficient for a truck. In this segment, the host focuses on its towing limit (4,000 pounds) and how that changes what you can realistically haul compared with a full-size truck.

“Value aspect” here means the overall ownership trade-off: how the truck’s price and operating costs (especially fuel economy) compare to what you can realistically do with it. The host argues that when the Maverick got more expensive, the value equation versus alternatives like the Santa Cruz shifted.

Hybrid form refers to a powertrain that combines an internal-combustion engine with an electric motor and battery. The host credits the Maverick’s hybrid setup with “crazy fuel mileage,” tying it to commuting value rather than towing capability.

The Ford Lobo is a trim/variant name used for a street-focused truck setup that’s intended to still handle off-roadish use. It’s mentioned as an option if you want a truck that can do some rough-road capability without being purely a hardcore off-road machine. In the podcast, it’s brought up as a way to get “street truck” practicality with some off-road capability.

The Hyundai Santa Cruz is a compact pickup that’s compared here against the Ford Maverick. The host argues it doesn’t match the Maverick’s hybrid fuel-efficiency advantage, but it can be a nicer-feeling alternative inside with more power.

The Honda Ridgeline is a midsize/compact pickup alternative that’s described here as appealing to people who want lots of cargo space without needing a third row. The host frames it as a different kind of “family utility” choice rather than a towing-first truck.

The Toyota Tacoma is a midsize pickup the host groups with the Ford Ranger as a more traditional take on pickup driving dynamics. The point is that Tacoma/Ranger feel less “SUV-like” than the GM trucks being discussed.

The Ford F-150 is a full-size pickup used here as a comparison point for why the Ranger can feel “held back.” The host argues the F-150’s wide range of configurations, powertrains, and trims makes it more versatile than a smaller model.

The Chevrolet Silverado is a full-size pickup mentioned alongside the GMC Sierra. In this segment, it’s part of the discussion about how GM’s trucks feel like their own “package” rather than being just a cheaper alternative.

The GMC Sierra is a full-size pickup referenced as part of the broader GM lineup comparison. The host contrasts Sierra/Silverado’s positioning and refreshes with the idea that they don’t chase the exact same price point as their smaller rivals.

“Turbo 4” refers to a turbocharged four-cylinder engine. The host mentions driving GM trucks after they were refreshed in the “Turbo 4 era,” implying the newer powertrains changed how these vehicles feel briefly on the road.

A hybrid drivetrain is the set of components that lets a vehicle use both an internal-combustion engine and an electric motor(s) to move the car. In this segment, the host argues that the “clean slate” parts—specifically the hybrid system—are the ones causing the most trouble.

Powertrain is the vehicle’s propulsion system—typically including the engine (or engines), transmission, driveshaft(s), and the components that deliver torque to the wheels. Here, the host uses it to emphasize that the propulsion system is what’s “gotten them in a lot of trouble.”

Warranty work means repairs or replacements that the manufacturer pays for because the vehicle is still covered under its guarantee terms. The host’s point is that the scale of engine replacements under warranty suggests a systemic issue rather than isolated failures.

The Scion FR-S is a compact sports coupe known for being an enthusiast-focused, lightweight-feeling car. It’s mentioned in the podcast alongside the Toyota 86/Subaru BRZ family as a similar situation where the cars ended up sharing related engineering. The context suggests the speaker is talking about how these models are connected and why that matters.

Assembly problems refer to defects introduced during manufacturing—when parts are put together incorrectly or when contaminants/materials end up where they don’t belong. The host claims that materials were found inside the motors after assembly, which can cause severe internal damage and premature failures.

TRD Pro is Toyota’s performance/off-road trim line (TRD = Toyota Racing Development) aimed at buyers who want more off-road equipment from the factory. In this segment, the host notes you can buy a very expensive Tacoma in this TRD Pro form, yet it still doesn’t fully fix the underlying concerns.

Trail Hunter is a Toyota Tacoma variant/trim name positioned toward off-road use. The host mentions it as a newer option that adds more off-roading content, but they’re questioning whether it’s actually worth the money relative to the truck’s issues.

The Kia EV4 is Kia’s upcoming electric vehicle (EV) for 2026, and this episode focuses on its design and how it’s perceived in person versus photos. The host highlights specific styling cues—especially the front-end/hood shape and the rear “cliff notch back” look—to explain why it may grow on some buyers.

kWh (kilowatt-hours) is a measure of an EV battery’s energy capacity—how much electrical energy it can store. A larger kWh number generally supports more driving range, which is why the host emphasizes an ~80 kWh battery option for the Kia EV4.

125 kW is the maximum fast-charging power the host says the EV4 can reach. In EV terms, that’s not “ultra-fast” compared with cars that can pull 275–300 kW, so charging stops may take longer on road trips.

Charging power (measured in kW) describes how fast an EV can accept energy from a charger. The host notes the EV4 is limited to about 125 kW, and argues that real-world charging speed may matter less if most charging happens at home.

The Kia EV9 is a fully electric three-row SUV designed to offer space for more passengers while still delivering strong electric performance. It’s often discussed alongside other Kia EVs because buyers compare acceleration and overall capability. In the podcast, it’s mentioned together with the EV6, with reference to impressive performance numbers.

A 400-volt EV architecture is an electrical system design where the traction system operates around 400 volts. Compared with an 800-volt architecture, it typically uses lower-voltage components and can reduce cost, but may charge more slowly on high-power chargers.

EGMP stands for Hyundai/Kia’s Electric-Global Modular Platform, a shared EV architecture used across multiple models. The key idea here is that the platform can be configured for different battery/charging voltage levels, like 400-volt versus 800-volt systems.

An 800-volt EV architecture is designed to run the traction system at roughly double the voltage of common 400-volt setups. Higher voltage can enable higher charging power and faster charging, but it often requires more expensive high-voltage components.

The Chevrolet Bolt is a mainstream, budget-focused EV that was often recommended as an entry-level option. In this segment, the host contrasts it with a newer EV, saying they can now see themselves recommending the newer car instead of the Bolt.

The Nissan Leaf is a long-running, mass-market EV known for being relatively accessible and practical. Here, it’s mentioned as an alternative “option” to the EV being discussed, with the host noting some winter-related weirdness from their experience.