The 2023 Chevrolet Colorado aims to shake up the midsize truck segment for its latest generation. Sporting an evolutionary design, the new pickup looks more streamlined and in certain trims, more upscale. You see cues taken from the larger Silverado but with specific changes for the smaller Colorado. Depending on the trim you get, the truck also features a unique front fascia to further distinguish them. Take the headlights, for example, they get the same style but with horizontally mounted main projectors. The taillights also take on the same pattern that first appeared on the large Chevy trucks.
2023 Chevrolet Colorado: Performance Improvements Across the Board
For 2023, the Colorado gets only one engine option, the 2.7-liter turbo-four. However, it comes in three different states of the tune. The base version makes 237 hp and 259 lb-ft of torque while the Plus bumps that up to 310 hp and 390 lb-ft. High-Output variants make the same horsepower as the plus but torque climbs farther to 430 lb-ft. When properly equipped, the base version can tow up to 3,500 pounds while the Plus and High-Output pull up to 7,700 pounds. Engine enhancements include a 30 percent stiffer crankshaft, a more rigid cylinder block casting, a fully forged bottom end, and higher strength materials used in diesel engines. A second-generation eight-speed automatic is the only transmission option.
Each Colorado trim gets unique suspension setups. The WT, LT, and Z71 get the standard tune with 7.9 inches of ground clearance on the former two and 8.9 inches on the latter. Moving up to the Trail Boss adds a 3.0-inch wider track and a 2.0-inch factory lift. ZR2 models remain the most capable with a 3.0-inch lift and Multimatic DSSV dampers. The new chassis also gives the 2023 Colorado a 3.1-inch longer wheelbase and shortened overhangs. This improves the truck’s stance and approach angle.
The 2023 Colorado gets up to five drive modes depending on the version you get. In addition to Normal, Tow/Haul, and Off-Road modes, the truck now gets Terrain and Baja modes. The former is designed specifically for low-speed rock crawling while the latter is for the opposite, high-speed desert running. Each one gets specific throttle, powertrain, and brake calibration.
A Plethora of New Tech Features
Every 2023 Colorado gets a host of new tech features. These include an 11.3-inch main touchscreen, built-in Google interface, and an off-road performance display for real-time readouts. The latter includes 10 camera views including an available underbody one for the Z71 and ZR2. Every model also gets the Chevy Safety Assist suite as standard. This includes forward collision warning, front automatic emergency braking, front pedestrian detection, lane-keeping, and automatic high beams. You can add blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, steering assist, rear automatic emergency braking, rear pedestrian detection, and adaptive cruise control on all trims.
Production of the 2023 Chevrolet Colorado starts in the first half of 2023 at General Motors’ Wentzville, Missouri facility. Expect Chevrolet to announce pricing closer to the truck’s on-sale date in early 2023.
Source: Chevrolet
