Chevrolet has today unveiled the completely redesigned third-generation mid-size Colorado pickup which will arrive in showrooms in early 2023. It features an entirely new look inside and out, new powertrains, and a wider array trim grades for the off-road enthusiast.
The key styling theme is straighter lines and boxier shaping that along with more muscular forms in its fenders and rear cargo box has I think a much tougher presentation than before. It now looks a lot more in tune with the styling and look of the Silverado family of trucks.
To be offered in a single wheelbase with crew-cab and 5-foot cargo box configuration only for 2023, the wheelbase gains 3-inches – now at 131.4. Length increases only an inch however over the previous crew cab and 5-foot box. The big shift is an increase in weight of 700-800 pounds depending on the trim grade, topping out at a hefty 5,300 pounds for the ZR2.
You will be able to get the 2023 Chevrolet Colorado in a wider lineup of trims starting with the base model Work Truck or WT. There will be the mid-grade LT, Z71, ZR2 and new for this year is a unique Trail Boss model and a higher-level ZR2 Desert Boss flagship.
Wheels sizes range from 17 to 20-inches with up to 33-inch-diameter all-terrain tires. Notable is that the wheel bolt pattern is now shared with Chevrolet full-size trucks allowing it to share a wider range of aftermarket wheel sizes and options.
The cargo box gets a major re-think, offering more flexibility and versatility. Available is a built-in water tight tailgate storage box 45-inches wide and 4-inches deep. There are also two cup holders and a measurement ruler molded in.
The tailgate can be hung midway open to allow longer materials and can support up to 500 pounds doing so. Beyond that there are lots of tie-downs, stake pockets and indentations for 2x lumber to create multiple levels for your materials and gear.
An all-new interior ups the game with a modern design yet with retro Chevrolet design touches such as the round vents. The shifter on the center console is moved to the right, allowing better access to mode controls and electronic parking brake.
The big news is a standard 11.3-inch-diagonal color infotainment touchscreen – even on the base WT. Both it and the 8-inch digital instrument cluster are fully customizable. Depending on the trim grade and optioned packaging more technologies than ever will be available.
On the big screen, available is Google Built-In for mapping, streaming music and more. Off-road versions get a monitor for real-time off-road metrics such as altitude and GPS guidance, a terrain monitor, and performance measurements like g-force, wheel slip and more.
Available are up to 10 camera views including a segment-first under-body camera on Z71 and ZR2. The camera capabilities also enable a suite of trailer towing helpers like hitch guidance and view.
Four grades of interior will feature higher quality materials throughout with a variety of seating surfaces from cloth to leather. Upper trim grades will get stitched soft trims wrapping sections of the doors and center console. Striking Accent colors will be found on top grades as well.
Under the 2023 Colorado are three distinct frame and suspension grades. The standard height chassis and suspension will underpin the WT, LT and Z71 trims. Stepping up to the Trail Boss gets you a 2-inch lift and a wider track. The top-dog ZR2 gets a 3-inch suspension lift and all of the higher-end suspension with Multimatic DSSV dampers we’ve come to expect from the model.
Three new variations of Chevrolet’s 2.7-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine will be available starting with a base tune of 236 horsepower and 259 pound-feet of torque in the WT and LT trims.
The next step up is the Turbo Plus which comes standard on Z71 & Trail Boss. It pumps out 310 horsepower and 390 pound-feet of torque and can tow up to 7,700 pounds. For those asking the question, the engine and its higher tow rating can be optioned on the W/T and LT trims.
Topping the power trip is the “High-Output” version that comes exclusively in the ZR2, which has the same 310 horsepower but has a deeper well of torque of 430 pound-feet. Though it does have more torque, the tow rating drops to 6,000 pounds due to its increased curb weight and off-road suspension.
All three variants of the 2.7-liter turbo come with an 8-speed automatic transmission and feature variable cylinder management, meaning it can run on two-cylinders to save fuel when extra power isn’t needed. And in case you were wondering, the 2.8-liter DuraMax diesel and 3.6-liter V6 are now history.
The 2023 Chevrolet Colorado begins production in early 2023 in Wentzville, Missouri. Pricing and final specifications will come closer to that time.
