For 2023 the Chevrolet Colorado mid-size pickup truck is all-new from the ground up and offers a more distinct set of trim grades. There are the basics WT and LT. At the top, the mega off-road ZR2. In the sweet spot middle is the luxurious and off-road capable Z71.
Likely to be one of the most popular trims, the 2023 Chevrolet Colorado Z71 offers an elevated level of styling, feature content inside and out in addition to standard four-wheel drive an off-road tuned suspension that takes the capability up a notch from the ground floor.
There’s no question the new 2023 Colorado looks good. It’s more squared off, more muscular and quite honestly more refined in its style. Of all the trim grades, the Z71 adds sophistication with touches like larger 18-inch alloy wheels with optional 20-inch wheels, body color door handles and elevated finishes on the grille, fascia and bumpers. LED lighting is standard all around.
To its off-road capabilities and cred there are wider fender flares added to frame out its standard 18-inch wheels and all terrain tires. Suspension features off-road tuned springs and shocks and it gets an increased ground clearance of 8.9-inches, 1-inch more than that of the WT and LT trims.
Inside is where you will experience a true upgrade with generous levels of red-accent stitched soft trims in jet black on the dash, center console and door panels. Seating surfaces feature a perforated leatherette. A redesigned center console features an available wireless phone-charging pad for the first time a sunroof is an available option.
Center stage is of course the big news, the standard 11.3-inch-diagonal color infotainment touchscreen 8-inch-diagonal instrument display. The 11.3-inch-diagonal infotainment screen offers integrated Google services and features to help you with trailer hookup and towing.
Powering the Z71 is the more powerful version of the now standard 2.7-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine from the Silverado. With the 2.8-liter Duramax diesel and 3.6-liter V6 engine gone, the new four-cylinder offers a good compromise of power and efficiency with 310 horsepower and 390 pound-feet of torque.
The engine which features a 30% stronger crankshaft as part of a fully forged lower end as well as a stiffer cylinder block has variable cam timing and cylinder deactivation among its fuel saving tech. It comes mated exclusively to an 8-speed automatic transmission.
As such, the Z71 has one of the highest towing ratings in class, now at 7,700 pounds. Payload comes in at 1587 pounds.
The 2023 Chevrolet Colorado Z71 like all other trim grades is only available in a crew-cab configuration and a 5-foot cargo box with a single wheelbase of 131.4-inches which puts it virtually identical in footprint to the 2022 model.
To be built in Wentzville, Missouri the 2023 Chevrolet Colorado Z71 will be coming to dealerships early in 2023. More information on pricing and final specs to be coming along closer to that time.
