Chevrolet has officially unwrapped the 2023 Colorado mid-size truck, including a new powertrain and the first-ever Trail Boss trim.
All 2023 models will receive new styling, a new engine and a handsome interior overhaul. In total, there will be five trims available: Work Truck (WT), LT, Z71, ZR2 and the aforementioned Trail Boss. The ZR2 can be outfitted with a special edition Desert Boss package.
Leading is a new 2.7-liter turbocharged inline-four, which has previously seen action in the Silverado. The current-gen’s V6 and diesel options are getting axed; however, this new four-banger will be served up in three variations to fill any broken hearts. The Turbo, standard on the WT and LT trims, is looking at an estimated 237 horsepower and 259 lb-ft of torque, good for 3,500 lbs of trailering.
The middle ground Turbo Plus, standard on the Z71 and Trail Boss (available on the WT and LT), will see a substantial boost up to 310 horses and 390 lb-ft of torque, now trailering up to 7,700 lbs. And stepping up to the Turbo High-Output, standard on the ZR2, means similar ponies and trailering, but a little extra oomph in torque, now 430 lb-ft. All options are paired up to a second-generation eight-speed automatic transmission, said to provide smoother shifting and quicker downshifts.
One look at it and it’s easy to see the evolution made from the current-gen model. The 23’ Colorado’s body lines are sharper, with a self-described “more athletic hood profile” said to increase forward visibility. This is a good time to note that the new Colorado is only available as a four-door crew cab no matter which trim is selected, and short bed configuration is how they’ll all come. Still a healthy proportion, the short bed measures in at approximately 5-feet.
Another change made at the Colorado’s core is the chassis, a new design which accounts for the 3.1-inch longer wheelbase (compared to the current crew cab/short box variation), now stretched to 131.4-inches. This chassis also provides a shortened front overhang, improving the truck’s approach angle. In total, the 2023 Colorado is approximately 213-inches long– pretty close to the outgoing crew cab/short bed model.
There are three chassis setups available depending on trim. The “Standard” is made for the WT, LT and Z71 trims, set for 7.9-inches of ground clearance and 8.9-inches on the Z71. The Trail Boss gets beefed up by a 2-inch factory-lifted “Ultra-Wide Stance” setup with a 9.5-inch ground clearance, and the ZR2, said to be the most capable of them all, will come with a 3-inch factory lift and wide stance, as well as Multimatic DSSV dampers, standing tall with a 10.7-inch ground clearance.
But perhaps it’s the interior that’s seen the biggest improvement. All models receive a more defined cabin, technologically led by an 11.3-inch infotainment display and an accompanying 8-inch digital instrument panel. The gear shifter has been moved to the right side and a segment-first electronic parking brake is standard. A Colorado-first sunroof will be available on the 4WD LT, Z71 and ZR2.
Before we wrap up, let’s talk about that ZR2 Desert Boss. Beyond the ZR2 enhancements, which include a three-inch factory lift and DSSV Multimatic dampers, this special edition Colorado will feature some additional off-road-ready accouterments. All four corners ride on 17-inch beadlock-capable wheels; the vehicle is spearheaded by an off-road bumper and fascia. A sports bar with sail panels is mounted in back, and a light bar sits up top. An underbody camera is now present, as is a unique set of Desert Boss decals and emblems.
There’s so much more to talk about the 2023 Chevrolet Colorado, but these are just some of its greatest hits. We’ll have plenty of facts, features and opinions soon on MotorWeek!
Keyword: All-New 2023 Chevrolet Colorado Debuts; First-ever Trail Boss