2023 Chevrolet Colorado Comes in 3 Off-Road Flavors
Competes with: Ford Ranger, GMC Canyon, Honda Ridgeline, Hyundai Santa Cruz, Jeep Gladiator, Nissan Frontier, Toyota Tacoma
Looks like: A baby Silverado 1500
Powertrains: Rear- or four-wheel drive; eight-speed automatic transmission; turbocharged 2.7-liter four-cylinder engine producing either 237 horsepower and 259 pounds-feet of torque (WT, LT), 310 hp and 390 pounds-feet (Z71, Trail Boss; optional on WT and LT), or 310 hp and 430 pounds-feet (ZR2)
Hits dealerships: Early 2023
Chevrolet’s mid-size Colorado pickup truck is fully redesigned for the 2023 model year, and while some of that redesign comes in the form of additions like more horsepower, off-road trims and interior technology, the brand has also subtracted from the pickup. Gone (for now, at least) are the gas V-6, 2.5-liter four-cylinder and diesel engine options, as are cab and bed choices. Regardless of trim level, the 2023 Colorado is only available as a four-door crew cab with a short (62-inch) box.
Related: 2022 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 ZR2: Towing With an Off-Roader
Whether those changes are simple responses to consumer interest or a response to pandemic-related production hurdles — some combination of the two is likely — the Colorado is no longer one of the oldest designs in a crowded class of pickups and looks like it will be in a better position to compete.
Exterior
On the outside, the new Colorado is beefier and blockier, with a more imposing stance and a sculpted hood that makes it look more aggressive. According to Chevrolet, the new Colorado’s wheelbase is 3.1 inches longer than the current-gen Colorado. The front overhang also is shorter.
Three off-road or off-road-adjacent trims are available: the Z71 and hardcore ZR2 return, and there’s a new Trail Boss (similar to the full-size Silverado 1500 version) that sits in the middle. The Trail Boss and ZR2 have wider stances than the standard Colorado, and each are lifted — 2 inches for the Trail Boss and 3.1 inches for the ZR2. The ZR2 also retains its bumper cutouts for improved approach and departure angles.
Interior
When it comes to the interior, the 2023 Colorado makes lots of key features standard. That starts with the 11.3-inch touchscreen display with a Google operating system and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity. Also standard is an 8-inch digital instrument panel.
The interior features four distinct upholstery choices depending on trim level and has a fairly basic layout overall. Chevrolet engineers say interior space is “very close” to the current-gen Colorado.
Under the Hood
Buyers won’t have a choice other than a gas-powered, turbocharged 2.7-liter four-cylinder engine under the hood of their new Colorado, but there are three versions thereof. The base unit produces 237 horsepower and 259 pounds-feet of torque. Upgraded components boost figures to 310 hp and 390 pounds-feet, which buyers will find standard in the Z71 and Trail Boss and optional on the WT and LT. ZR2 buyers get a high-output version that also makes 310 hp but, due to various tweaks, makes 430 pounds-feet. Regardless of engine, the only transmission option is an eight-speed automatic. The Z71, Trail Boss and ZR2 come standard with four-wheel drive; it’s optional on WT and LT models.
Along with more power, the ZR2 returns with Multimatic adjustable dampers and other enhancements for the most hardcore off-roading experience a Colorado can offer straight from the factory. An optional Desert Boss Package for the ZR2 adds additional features, including an underbody camera, roof-mounted light bar, beadlock-capable wheels, and an off-road bumper and fascia.
Fuel economy numbers are not yet available. The 2022 Silverado 1500 with the highest-output 2.7-liter four-cylinder and RWD is rated at a maximum of 19/22/20 mpg city/highway/combined. We’ll have to wait and see how it performs in a smaller package.
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Improved Tech
To help with off-roading, the Colorado has up to 10 different camera views available, including an underbody camera for the Z71 and ZR2. Other enhancements include a new app-based Off-Road Performance Display that provides additional data when off-roading, including altitude, pitch and roll, G-force and more.
Chevy’s Hitch Guidance feature is now standard on the Colorado, and a hitch camera and trailering app are new. According to Chevrolet, the maximum trailer rating for the Colorado is 7,700 pounds (3,500 for WT and LT models with the base engine).
Standard safety tech includes forward collision detection with automatic emergency braking and pedestrian detection, lane departure warning and lane keep assist and automatic high beams. Adaptive cruise control, blind spot warning and more are optional.
Pricing and Release Date
Pricing will be announced closer to the 2023 Colorado’s on-sale date, which should be sometime in early 2023 after production begins.
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