Colorado

Make
Chevrolet
Segment
Sports Car
  • 2023 Chevrolet Colorado adds new Trail Boss and vastly improved ZR2 off-road trim
  • 2.7-liter turbo four-cylinder sourced from Cadillac CT4-V with up to 310 hp/430 lb-ft of torque
  • 7,700-lb maximum towing capacity

Now that's how to do a reveal! Chevrolet teased that a new truck was on its way, then revealed it a month later. No leaks, no endless speculation, just excitement.

The 2023 Chevrolet Colorado arrives sporting massive updates to the exterior, interior, and under the hood.

The headline is a new 2.7-liter turbocharged four-cylinder paired to an eight-speed automatic gearbox that replaces the outgoing 2.5-liter four-cylinder, 3.6-liter V6, and 2.8-liter Duramax diesel engines. This is the same engine that's available in the larger Silverado and also powers the Cadillac CT4-V, but is offered in three different states of tune.

Chevy will offer five trim levels: Work Truck (WT), LT, Z71, ZR2, and Trail Boss (new for Colorado). The WT and LT produce 237 horsepower and 259 lb-ft with a 3,500-pound max trailering capacity.

Z71 and Trail Boss (or optionally on WT and LT) derivatives get 310 hp and 390 lb-ft with a 7,700 towing capacity, while the ZR2 gets a high-output tune with 430 lb-ft. Chevy now matches Nissan's best-in-class power claims.

Chevy says the 2023 Colorado includes a re-engineered chassis with one of three setups meant for on-road or off-road duty.

The WT, LT, and Z71 trims get a standard setup, the Trail Boss includes a wider stance with a two-inch lift kit, and the ZR2 offers maximum off-road capability with a high-performance three-inch lift and upgraded Multimatic DSSV dampers. All Colorado models ride on a 3.1-inch-longer wheelbase than the current crew cab, short box model, with a shorter front overhang for a better approach angle. Chevy says ground clearance ranges from 7.9 inches on the WT and LT trims to 10.7 inches on the ZR2.

For true off-road enthusiasts, the ZR2 is available with a Desert Boss package, which adds 17-inch beadlock-capable wheels, special bumpers, a sports bar with sail panel, roof-mounted light bar, underbody camera, and decals.

The truck comes with up to five selectable drive modes (depending on trim): Normal, Tow/Haul, Off-Road, Terrain, and Baja. Each controls the throttle and transmission for different driving situations.

The bed of the truck is more useful than ever thanks to a segment-first tailgate storage system, which offers hidden, water-tight storage in the tailgate. The lockable area measures 45 inches wide and four inches deep with a drain so that you can fill it with ice for a party.

Other tailgate innovations include two built-in cupholders, a molded measuring tool, and a mid-way position. In the bed, Chevy equipped up to 17 tie-down points, pockets for tri-level storage, motorcycle tire grooves in the front, 110-volt power outlet, and remote locking. A spray-in bedliner is also available.

Inside, the Colorado's cheap interior has been thrown away in favor of a premium, high-tech cabin. There's a new 11.3-inch infotainment screen (an eight-inch screen is standard) powered by Android Automotive, similar to the unit found in the larger Silverado 1500.

The screen can show up to 10 camera views (more than any competitor), including an underbody camera for the Z71 and ZR2. Off-road lovers will get good use out of the Off-Road Performance Display, which can show altitude, GPS guidance, pitch, roll, tire pressure, G-force, wheel slip indicator, and transfer case status. These cameras can help with towing too, with Hitch Guidance now standard for 2023.

2023 Colorado production begins in the first half of 2023 at General Motors' Wentzville, Missouri factory. Pricing and other details will be revealed closer to production.