Chevrolet’s new third-generation, mid-size 2023 Colorado pickup truck doubles down on capability with features and design tweaks cribbed from the full-size Silverado. Available solely as a crew cab with a short bed, the 2023 Colorado receives a host of modern off-road enhancements on the Z71 and ZR2 trims and a new Trail Boss model. A ZR2-only Desert Boss package ups the ante with 17-inch beadlock-capable wheels, an off-road bumper, light bar and more.
The entire lineup, including lower-spec Work Truck [WT] and LT models, now totals five distinct packages. The Colorado ditches the outgoing generation’s turbo-diesel four-cylinder and gasoline V6 engines in favor of a shared turbocharged 2.7-liter inline-four [also borrowed from Silverado] that pumps out 310 horsepower and 430 pound-feet of torque in top spec.
The stylistic and powertrain revisions, as well as updated infotainment and driver’s aids, should help Colorado keep up with stiff competition from other compact body-on-frame trucks like Toyota’s Tacoma, Ford’s Ranger, and Jeep’s Gladiator, as well as unibodies from the Honda Ridgeline and to a lesser extent, the Hyundai Santa Cruz and Ford Maverick.
2023 Chevrolet Colorado: One Engine, Three Tunes
Climbing from WT to LT, Z71, Trail Boss or a maxed-out ZR2 comes with significant power gains along the way, despite all five trims sharing the same 2.7 liters of displacement. The engine produces 237 horsepower and 259 pound-feet of torque for standard WT and LT trucks, while the “2.7L Turbo Plus” in the Z71 and Trail Boss cranks out an impressive 310 horsepower and 390 pound-feet of torque. Finally, the top-spec ZR2’s “2.7L Turbo High-Output” earns the same horsepower rating but bumps torque up to a hearty 430 pound-feet. The varying power levels do, however, result in towing capacities of 3,500 pounds for WT and LT or 7,700 pounds for the higher-output tunes.
All trims share an eight-speed automatic transmission; Chevy says the turbo-four cylinder’s broad torque characteristics mesh perfectly with the updated 8-speed and make adopting the 10-speed unit in the Silverado unnecessary. Four-wheel drive is available across the lineup, but standard on Z71, Trail Boss and ZR2. As a side note, Chevrolet says that although absent, the diesel is “not dead,” and it is always re-evaluating the marketplace.
Chevrolet calls the chassis all new but tells us it “utilizes some elements of the existing frame.” Regardless, the new chassis setup stretches the Colorado’s wheelbase by 3.1 inches versus the outgoing second generation. To compensate, Chevrolet shortened the front overhang to improve the trucks’ overall approach angle.
Three different suspension setups further differentiate the model designations. Chevrolet decided to stick with leaf springs for the solid rear axle rather than switching to coil springs, but the Trail Boss receives a two-inch factory lift. In addition, a 3.4-inch wider track—compared to WT, LT, and Z71 trucks—is achieved with new control arm and steering knuckle designs. ZR2 features a three-inch lift and the same wider stance, plus a set of the Multimatic DSSV dampers that proved seriously impressive on the Silverado ZR2. On ZR2 only, the dampers are moved outside the frame rails for better control, with no loss of articulation, according to Chevrolet.
Interior & Tech Enhancements
Atop the attractive redesigned dash, an 11.3-inch touchscreen employs Chevrolet’s intuitive Google Built-In infotainment system across all trims. The gear shifter scoots right compared to the older Colorado, allowing for a new drive mode dial on the center console with selections for Normal, Tow/Haul, Off-Road, Terrain, and the ever-popular Baja designation. A configurable gauge cluster pairs with off-road-specific display options on the main screen.
Chevy’s suite of driver assistance technology includes de rigeuer standards like lane departure warning, forward collision alert, adaptive cruise control and rear cross-traffic alerts. Still, GM’s industry-leading Super Cruise semi-autonomous system, now available on the full-size Silverado High Country, is not yet scheduled to appear on any Colorado model. However, ten available camera views contribute to a new trailering app, with new Hitch Guidance and Hitch View angles plus a nifty underbody shot on the Z71 and ZR2.
ZR2 and ZR2 Trail Boss Lead Off-Road
Colorado’s popular ZR2 Bison spec exits stage left, and instead, the three off-road models cap off with a new Desert Boss package available on the ZR2. Where lower-spec WT and LT trucks use open differentials, the Trail Boss and Z71 get a limited-slip rear diff and the ZR2, of course, employs electronic front and rear lockers.
Trail Boss models come standard with 32-inch all-terrain tires that step up to 33-inch mud-terrains on the ZR2, which, paired with the three-inch lift, produces a maximum of 10.7 inches of ground clearance [versus 7.9 inches for WT and LT]. The ZR2’s approach angle improves to 38.3 degrees, with 25.1 degrees of departure and a breakover angle rated at 24.6 degrees.
In the modern era, even the most hardcore off-road vehicles deploy plenty of techy driver support, and Colorado proves no different. Hill descent control appears on Trail Boss and Z71, while a g-force meter, wheel slip gauge and displays for pitch, roll and GPS all fit into the mix. The ZR2-specific Desert Boss package includes 17-inch beadlock wheels, a revised bumper and front fascia, a factory light bar and a sports bar with a sail panel.
Other fun details across the Colorado lineup include a watertight in-tailgate storage system [equipped with a drain, though no mention of insulation so far], tire grooves in the front bed wall for motorcycle or bike tires, and option boxes to tick for splash guards, off-road lights, tailgate audio and a 110-volt power outlet.
Chevrolet promises to release further information and pricing for third-generation 2023 Colorado nearer to the start of production in the first half of 2023.