By: AJ Huffines Master Certified Technical Editor THE AUTO CHANNEL

Editors Remarks: I think Chevy knocked it out of the park with this one. New agressive styling with a great foundation to back it up. Not to mention a 310 hp, 430 ft lbs of torque 2.7L Turbo High-Output special-edition ZR2 Desert Boss package. Who wouldn't want one? Give yourself a pat on the back and keep up the good work Chevy.

DETROIT, July 28, 2022 – Chevrolet today introduced the all-new 2023 Colorado offering customers greater performance, capability and customization, plus a refreshed exterior and interior design.

“The all-new Colorado is enhanced in every way,” said Scott Bell, global vice president of Chevrolet. “With its rugged and sporty styling, enhanced capability, new technology and customization options, it’s designed to do more for discerning customers and still offer them great value.”

Designers and engineers focused on three key categories to take the Colorado to the next level: elevated design, enhanced performance and new and useful technology. Each category weaves into a streamlined lineup built around a single wheelbase and single cab configuration to create a unified Colorado pickup family.

The 2023 Colorado lineup includes Work Truck (WT), LT, Z71, ZR2 and first-ever Trail Boss models. The lineup features three distinctive chassis stances to optimize each model’s capabilities. Together, they compose a more diverse range of choices tailored to the distinctive ways customers use their trucks for work and recreational activities, including off-roading.

Along with new exterior styling and proportions, the 2023 Colorado introduces an all-new interior that blends refinement and functionality with work-ready durability and comfort. Across the 2023 Colorado lineup, there are now four unique interior trims choices for customers.

The class-leading, standard 11.3-inch-diagonal color infotainment1 touchscreen is the centerpiece of the cabin and is accompanied by a segment-first standard 8-inch-diagonal fully digital color instrument display, both of which are customizable. The four distinct new interior options feature sporty round outboard vents, wrapped and stitched knee pads on the doors and center console for select models, and more adventurous contrast stitching on select models.

“We set out to design the Colorado as a tough, muscular and capable midsize truck, which we think especially came through in the wide ZR2 trim with the aggressive grille shield.” said Phil Zak, executive design director. “Across all trims, the exterior’s presence and attitude is reflected in the interior, which is designed around the large center stack screen.”

Leaning into the success from the current generation, the 2023 Colorado has a significant number of on- and off-road accessories available for any trim. In an effort to allow each customer to build their off-road dream truck, the off-road accessory portfolio has more than doubled from previous model years.

POWERFUL, NEW 2.7L TURBO ENGINE

A 2.7L Turbo engine, proven in the full-size Silverado, is new for Colorado and powers all five models with three distinct output variants that exceed the output of the current model.

2.7L Turbo Variants – GM estimated

Standard: Z71 & Trail Boss

Standard: ZR2 (Max trailering up to 6000lbs)

The engine receives several enhancements in the 2023 model year to help optimize performance and refinement. They include a more rigid cylinder block casting and a 30% stiffer crankshaft, which complement a fully forged bottom end as well as materials used in diesel engines to deliver the durability customers expect.

This single advanced engine delivers more horsepower and torque than the previous three engines offered. The new base 2.7L Turbo engine, for example, offers 18% more horsepower and 36% more torque than the current Colorado’s base engine. In addition, the higher-output versions of the 2.7L engine line up produce more horsepower and torque than the current model’s available 3.6L V-6 and 2.8L turbo-diesel engines. 

A second-generation eight-speed automatic transmission complements the new engine, with refinements designed to offer smoother shifting and quicker downshifts, for a feeling of greater comfort and power on demand. It also excels in low-speed mobility, particularly in off-road scenarios.

The 2023 Colorado lineup arrives re-engineered with three distinct chassis setups to support everyday tasks and off-road adventures, without sacrificing off-road capability, or on-road comfort:

“The new Colorado is a lifestyle enabler,” said Nicholas Katcherian, vehicle chief engineer. “Because outdoor activities are a big part of our Colorado customers’ lifestyles, we’ve made the truck even more capable to support them — from increased bed functionality to comprehensive performance enhancements that help take them farther.”

All models are built on a new chassis that gives the 2023 Colorado a 3.1-inch-longer wheelbase than the current Crew Cab/short box model. A shortened front overhang that contributes to a more aggressive stance also significantly improves the truck’s approach angle.

The Trail Boss features a 2-inch lifted suspension and wide chassis that produce more ground clearance and a 3-inch wider front track than WT and LT for enhanced off-road driving capability. ZR2 is the most capable of them all, with a high-performance 3-inch lifted suspension and upgraded Multimatic DSSV dampers.

The increased clearances enable customers to tackle more challenging terrain. With the increased approach angle, for example, the Colorado can climb more vertical terrain than before, without suspension or bodywork interference.

To support the new Colorado’s increased off-road and trailering capabilities, up to five selectable drive modes, depending on the model, are offered. Each is tailored for different driving conditions, and they are accessible using a knob located on the center console, to the left of the gear selector. The five drive modes include:

Colorado’s technologies also include an enhanced roster of safety and driver awareness features. The standard Chevy Safety Assist2 package includes Forward Collision Alert, Automatic Emergency Braking, Front Pedestrian Braking, Lane Keep Assist with Lane Departure Warning, Following Distance Indicator and IntelliBeam® automatic high-beam assist.

Available features for all models include Blind Zone Steering Assist2, Rear Cross Traffic Braking2, Adaptive Cruise Control2, HD Surround Vision and Rear Pedestrian Alert2.

Colorado’s new 11.3-inch-diagonal infotainment screen is the gateway to new and innovative technologies designed to make the driving experience more enjoyable and more intuitive — especially when trailering or driving off-road. Highlights include:

Colorado’s camera technologies are also integral in a suite of trailering technologies4 pioneered on the Silverado. Hitch Guidance2 is now standard, while Hitch View2 and Chevy’s Trailering App5 are new in 2023. Hitch Guidance features a guideline to help line up the trailer and hitch, and Hitch View provides a zoomed-in view of hitch to help with alignment with the coupler.

The Trailering App is designed to help drivers with all stages of trailering, from hitching to on-road assistance and even responding to potential hazards. The features are accessible from the built-in infotainment app or through a smartphone.

Production for the 2023 Chevrolet Colorado begins in the first half of 2023 at General Motors’ Wentzville, Missouri, assembly facility. Pricing and additional details will be released closer to the start of production.

Founded in 1911 in Detroit, Chevrolet is now one of the world's largest car brands, available in nearly 80 countries with nearly 2.7 million cars and trucks sold in 2021. Chevrolet models include electric and fuel-efficient vehicles that feature engaging performance, design that makes the heart beat, passive and active safety features and easy-to-use technology, all at a value. More information on Chevrolet models can be found at www.chevrolet.com.

1Functionality varies by model. Full functionality requires compatible Bluetooth® and smartphone, and USB connectivity for some devices.

2Safety or driver-assistance features are no substitute for the driver’s responsibility to operate the vehicle in a safe manner. The driver should remain attentive to traffic, surroundings and road conditions at all times. Visibility, weather and road conditions may affect feature performance. Read the vehicle Owner’s Manual for more important feature limitations and information.

3Google built-in services are subject to limitations and availability may vary by vehicle, infotainment system and location. Select plan service required. Certain Google actions and functionality may require account linking. User terms and privacy statements apply. Google, Google Play and Google Maps are trademarks of Google LLC.

4Before you buy a vehicle or use it for trailering, carefully review the Trailering section of the Owner’s Manual. The weight of passengers, cargo and options or accessories may reduce the amount you can tow.

5Available on select Apple and Android devices. Service availability, features and functionality vary by vehicle, device and the plan you are enrolled in. Terms apply. Device data connection required. See onstar.com for details and limitations.

From every angle, the all-new Chevy Colorado has new, athletic, go-anywhere proportions.

Chevy will offer all trims exclusively in a Crew Cab/short box body style, with more aggressive proportions and a wider, more confident stance. Specific design cues and elements further distinguish the trims and include:

CLASS-LEADING BED AND TAILGATE FUNCTIONALITY

Standard on the ZR2, and available on other models, the system is the segment’s first built-in tailgate storage solution, offering secure and watertight storage. When the tailgate is down, the lockable lid opens to a 45-inch-wide (1,143 mm) and 4-inch-deep (101 mm) compartment with a drain. The tailgate also offers two cupholders and a measuring tool molded into the surface.

Exciting new accessories options include:

1Not compatible with all devices.

2The system wirelessly charges one compatible mobile device. Some phones have built-in wireless charging technology and others require a special adapter/back cover. For a list of GM wireless charging-compatible mobile devices, see my.chevrolet.com/learnAbout/wireless-charging. If your device is not on this list, please consult your carrier.

The Colorado ZR2 brought ultimate off-road performance to the midsize pickup segment and has proven its off-road prowess time and time again, with Chad Hall racing as just one proof point. Since 2017, Hall has finished every race with the Colorado ZR2 while also helping to validate Colorado performance enhancements featured on the all-new 2023 Colorado ZR2. It is the ultimate off-road truck and is fully capable for those that are new to off-roading or a pro like Chad Hall.

The first-ever, special-edition ZR2 Desert Boss package, inspired by the Colorado’s successful desert-racing legacy, takes the max-performance model’s design even further, with a host of racing-inspired design and capability features, including:

ZR2’S ENHANCED MULTIMATIC DAMPERS

The Colorado ZR2 blends max capability and on-road comfort with racing-derived Multimatic spool-valve dampers. They feature an enhanced design for the 2023 Colorado, for a greater balance of on-road driving comfort and robust performance for extended off-road driving adventures. The unique spool-valve design, compared to conventional shim-type dampers, offers unlimited tuning variability, which translates into more precise damping performance and a greater feeling of control on and off the road.

Exciting new accessory options for ZR2 include: