GM Reveals 2023 Chevrolet Colorado
 

The All-New 2023 Chevrolet Colorado Takes Midsize Trucks to the Next Level
General Motors

July 28, 2022

• Enhanced performance with three off-road models — including the first-ever Trail Boss and an even more capable ZR2 — built on three specific chassis setups
• Four distinct interior trims, featuring a standard class-leading 11.3-inch-diagonal color infotainment1 touchscreen
• A 2.7L turbo engine, proven in the Silverado, offers three available output variants scaled for Colorado
• More cargo bed functionality than previous model years with all-new features, including first-in-segment available tailgate storage system, a mid-position tailgate and available 110V power outlet

DETROIT – 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.

All-NEW DESIGN

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.

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.


ENCHANCED PERFORMANCE

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:

• Standard: WT, LT and Z71 trims
• 2-inch Factory-Lifted, Ultra-Wide Stance: Trail Boss
• High-Performance 3-inch Factory-Installed Lift & Wide Stance: ZR2

“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.

SELECTABLE DRIVE MODES

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:

• Normal: A balanced mode for everyday on-road driving
• Tow/Haul: Transmission shift points, throttle response and additional calibrations optimized for trailering and hauling
• Off-Road: Specific tractive and other dynamic performance features designed for general off-pavement driving
• Terrain: Designed for low-speed rock crawling, with specific throttle control, brake performance and other calibrations, with three settings
• Baja: Developed for high-speed desert running, with specific throttle control, transmission shifting and other body/drivetrain control calibrations.

Enhanced Driver Awareness Technologies

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.

New and Enhanced Technologies

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:

• Customizable and configurable screens with higher resolution than previous models
• Segment-first available Google Built-In2 for accessing maps, music, vehicle functions and more
• All-new Off-Road Performance Display: an available app that helps drivers monitor their real-time off-road performance with different readouts for Overlanding (altitude and GPS guidance), Terrain (pitch, roll and tire pressure) and Baja (g-force, wheel slip indicator and transfer case status) driving situations
• More camera views than any competitor in its class, with up to 10 camera views2 accessible on the infotainment screen — including a segment-first available underbody camera on Z71 and ZR2.

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.

Coming in Early 2023

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.

https://www.chevrolet.com/upcoming-v.../2023-colorado


Consumer site live

Not bad overall. No 10 speed auto is confusing. Why bother keeping the problematic 8 speed around?

The Trail Boss should have been on 33 all terrains, with skid plates and sliders.

I don’t get the aluminum skids on the ZR2.

Crew cab only with 5'2" bed, obviously the highest selling option but I'm wondering if the lack of an extended cab and the loss of the 6'2" bed option, in either, will alienate a notable amount of potential buyers.

The single drivetrain but in different levels of output is a unique touch. Simplifies manufacturing and cuts build time, I'm sure.

Welp my Envoy's for sale if anyone wants her.

I think they nailed the styling. Hope it sells well. Z71 is the best looking outside of the ZR2 in my opinion.

I have a 2018 Z71 with a lift and 33 K02s. I might trade it in on a Trail Boss, depending on what the lift is. I hope it’s not just a spacer kit.

Yeah, it's not what I expected. I assumed we'd see the 10 speed go into everything that's a sports car or a truck. That said...

"Second generation" 8 speed it says. I like the 8 speed a lot...when it's not having TC issues or the occasional hard shift early on.

If those are fixed...then I'm perfectly happy.

The 8 speed in my Colorado has been flawless thus far.

Good stuff on the consumer site here: https://www.chevrolet.com/upcoming-v.../2023-colorado

Some good B-roll video here:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OdWut_6AWeE

I had to get mine flushed at around 50,000 miles. It was shuddering and clunking.

What year?

The styling is dead on for the most part. Love it. Huge interior updates sorely needed to remain competitive. I think they've accomplished that. The powertrain belongs in this truck (yes i'd rather have a V8 but it's not happening).

I'm also concerned about the 8spd. Mine had some minor shutter very early but it seems to be resolved after the TSB fluid change I had to specifically ask the dealer to do under warranty. It's probably ok, but now the longevity piece will always be in the back of my mind.

I do see cost cutting as expected. Rear windows appear to be exactly the same. Roof antenna, give us the shark fin already to lower the profile, and rear window (I wonder if it's power sliding now?) are also identical.

It's a good effort. I don't know if it's a great effort.

2018 Z71

I seem to recall hearing the 8 speed issues had been resolved in new trucks past a certain date, don't remember when though.

2wd only on WT and LT

Wheel lug pattern shared with Silverado, very interesting

Remember when we discussed that unusual hood config with the "cutout" in the middle? Looks like that is exclusive for the ZR2 Desert Boss trim

Colors I saw: white, silver, red-bright, red-maroon, tan, dark green, blue BUT the consumer site shows only 1 red and a Nitro Yellow which would be top choice for me.

Overall I love the styling, but the lack of a long bed upsets me a little bit. a Z71 with the Nitro Yellow may be in my future though if Ranger doesn't offer a cclb

That's true as they started using a different fluid. The same being "retrofitted" with the TSB on older models.

After a certain point on the 2019 model builds, they resolved most of the shudder issues on the 2nd gen. At this point, it's not nearly as bad as it was before that. GM is touting this 8 speed as a 2nd generation and "new" is multiple places, so lets just all hope this is a better version all around.

Well my thoughts: I've been patiently but excitedly awaiting this reveal for a long time.
I do agree with the comment above that it's a good effort, but perhaps short of great. Its easily the best mid-size truck in my opinion, for a number of reasons. I guess we'll see what the next gen Ranger has up it's sleeve when it's fully revealed, but so far outside of the Raptor I'm not sure it offers what Colorado does.

But I'm not blown away, which I was hoping I would be and I think it's due to the styling.

Exterior: Overall, I'm not sure if it's my cup of tea. I need to see more. See what other wheel and trim options there are on the Z71. Z71 and Trail Boss trims look the best to me. Side and rear looks fine. Front just seems a bit messy.

Interior: Pretty nice. Way better than my 2nd gen. Great tech available. Not as upscale looking as Silverado, but it's close.

Engine: Loving this. 390 torque in most models sounds awesome. I'd love it even more if they offered the full 430 as some sort of a performance package upgrade.

I'd love to know if the interior offers a bit more room. With the stretched wheelbase, you'd think they should have been able to add a bit more space in there.

Now...bring on the 2023 GMC Canyon reveal. It's the one I've been waiting for the most. Hoping to like it's exterior styling more.

Don't believe this is accurate. W/T and LT photos show a 4WD selector.


Unless you mean 2WD is available only on W/T and LT.

I thought we'd see a High Country as well this time around. Easy way to pocket more cash for GM. Maybe they're saving those interior upgrades for the Denali.

The latter is what I meant, poor wording. Shows why WT and LT get the lower-powered engine standard, and probably have to upgrade to the mid-powered one when selecting 4wd.

Also, do I see a manual rear window still? a little disappointing if so...

http://i.imgur.com/phoQMGR.jpg


https://i.imgur.com/1i9OrAV.jpg

We've come a loooong way.

Not sure i’m crazy about the black plastic bumper on the Trail Boss. It reminds me of a work truck element and not a more premium trim it’s sure to be priced.

The seats have got to be a LOT more comfortable.

Trail Boss in the Colorado lineup is more like the Custom Trail Boss for Silverado. It's basically just an off-road capable W/T. Take a look at the interiors.



According it GM it will be marketed as an affordable off-road entry.

Agree 100%. I think the trailboss might be the best looking trim (to me) minus that big gaping black on the front. A Z71 with aftermarket wheels/tires might be where it's at.

I'm hearing the bolt pattern is the same as Silverado, which should hopefully open up a huge range of aftermarket wheels which is awesome. Hopefully same hub/bore size too.

Wonder if you can "add" Trail Boss to an LT or Z71 to get those upgrades. GM would be dumb not to do it.

Oh, interesting, I didn't' realize that. I'll be interested to see the pricing. Hell, it would look fine on a black vehicle without the contrast.

This is really cool actually.

Isn’t that what the Z71 was supposed to be? They should have made the Z71 the version with the factory lift and wider track.

If they're following Silverado's lead the Trail Boss would be what gets the factory 2 inch lift.


Z71 does have a 1 inch lift over the W/T and LT.

It looks like halogens are still in use here as well except for Z71/ZR2 if I read that properly. It always annoyed me I "had" to buy expensive LED bulbs for my truck. The headlights especially left a lot to be desired otherwise.

Yep looks like it. I'm hoping there's a lighting package available on LT. I have no need for 4WD with Z71 but I do want the LED lighting.

I hear you, but in 2023, anything other than WT should be LED. Like I said, I see where they chose to cut costs here and there. I don't see any mention of power sliding rear window either which is a common complaint all over the forums as well.

The spinny model showcasing the color options on the consumer site KMPrenger linked clearly shows a manual latch for the rear window :bonk:

https://www.chevrolet.com/upcoming-v.../2023-colorado

I can't believe it. It's completely worthless. I don't ever think about opening it until i'm already driving, and if I do, I often want to close it without stopping. Oh well. It's a minor quibble. I just had hoped they were listening.

That entire rear window assembly looks carryover from the current model so I'm not surprised.

Hope this is true:

"Base WT (Work Trucks) and LT models will have 237 hp and 259 lb-ft of torque. A Plus version of this same engine with 310 hp and 390 lb-ft of torque will be standard in Z71 and Trail Boss models while available in the WT and LT trims. The enthusiast-oriented off-road ZR2 model returns and has 310 hp and 430 lb-ft of torque from a high-output version of the turbo-4, which will be available as an option on all trims with a confusing caveat: WT and LT buyers will have to option up to the Turbo Plus and then from there the High-Output engine when ordering their trucks."

I guess it's just the tune varying outputs. Global B is going to make it hard on the aftermarket so I guess buy the tune you want up front?

that definitely aligns with the engine chart on the media site (https://media.chevrolet.com/media/us...olorado.html):
it states that the high output engine has max towing of 7700lb, but despite not stating that it is available for Z71 and below in the Availability column, states that ZR2 can only tow 6600.

I wonder if it requires 4WD for WT and LT

That doesn’t make sense to me. I either get a lesser interior or lesser performance. Their thought process really needs to get adjusted. They get it like 90% right every time but always miss on the last 10%.