The mid-size pickup phase presently has essentially the most dated autos available on the market. The newest Frontier is a very good truck, however is generally a restyle of the outgoing truck that has been round for a really very long time. The Gladiator is the one different competitor within the mid-size truck class on the North American market, however is extra of a way of life car than an all-around conventional pickup.
But, that’s about to alter this yr with the 2023 Chevy Colorado hitting sellers quickly, and next-gen Tacoma and Ranger reveals anticipated earlier than yr’s finish.
I spent a while on-road within the 2023 Chevrolet Colorado Work Truck (WT), LT, Z71, and Trail Boss fashions. And I went off-road within the Z71 and Trail Boss. I additionally crawled across the 2023 Colorado ZR2 (however didn’t drive it, but).
There is lots to love about these all-new mid-size Chevy pickups, however in addition they miss the mark in some key areas.
2023 Chevrolet Colorado Review
Let’s dive straight into the 2023 Chevy Colorado fashions, beginning with my general impressions. Then, I’ll work my manner up by the lineup, particularly the stuff you gained’t discover on a spec sheet.
First off, the 2023 Colorado is definitely an all-new next-generation truck. Besides a couple of sections of the body and the carry-over 8-speed computerized transmission — and nonetheless, no guide choice — the truck is really all-new.
For 2023, the Chevy Colorado solely is available in a crew cab, just about the identical dimension cab because the outgoing mannequin. It has a 5-foot, 2-inch mattress. The general truck width basically stays the identical because the outgoing mannequin, however the entrance axle strikes 3.1 inches ahead, and the entrance wheel wells get bigger throughout all 2023 fashions.
The WT and LT trims have a one-speed switch case, with both 2WD or AWD system. All different Colorado fashions carry a two-speed switch case commonplace, offering 2WD, AWD, 4WD High, and 4WD Low driving choices.
Each of those, together with driving modes (if geared up), are managed by a rotary dial with a center button, discovered subsequent to the gear selector on the middle console. Chevy expects 90% of Colorado’s bought to have 4WD.
2023 Colorado Engine Options
Chevy solely gives one engine on the 2023 Colorado, a 2.7L I-4 VVT Turbo. The automaker first launched this motor on the 2019 Silverado. More than 300,000 of those engines have hit the highway since manufacturing began in 2018.
The model fitted within the newest Colorado is 99% equivalent to the Silverado’s, which means it’s a confirmed performer, and most aftermarket mods will work on each vehicles.
This engine additionally boasts extra horsepower than the outgoing V6, and extra torque than the outgoing diesel, a major win right here. The I-4 additionally weighs in 80 kilos lower than the earlier V6.
One of the large keys to this small motor’s energy is its cooling. An electrical water pump — versus a conventional belt-driven pump — retains issues cool always, even when the truck comes again to idle from an enormous effort.
It additionally makes cab and engine heating quick, which is able to are available significantly useful in chilly climates.
My solely actual gripe concerning the new Colorado’s engine is the sound. It places out loads of energy for on- and off-road adventures, but it surely doesn’t sound nice. Chevy tuned it to “sound more like a truck,” which even consists of energetic sound tuning by the audio system within the cab.
But I’m not a fan. And to prime it off, the engine has a whine that kinda drives me nuts. After speaking to the lead engine engineer on the venture, I came upon that whine comes from the engine’s steadiness gears.
3 Versions of two.7L I-4 Turbo
The four-cylinder is available in three configurations within the Colorado.
The base engine is named the two.7L Turbo (L2R), comes commonplace on the WT and LT, places out 237 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque, and may tow as much as 3,500 kilos. Chevy expects the bottom engine to solely represent 10-20% of Colorado gross sales.
The middle-tier engine is the two.7L Turbo+ (L3B), which places out 310 horsepower and 391 pound-feet of torque, and may tow as much as 7,700 kilos. It is accessible on all however the ZR2.
And the top-spec engine is only a tune on that center engine. It’s referred to as the two.7L Turbo High-Output (L3B). It has the identical horsepower and towing, however bumps torque to a formidable 430 pound-feet. The High-Output engine comes commonplace on the ZR2, and as an choice on all different Colorado fashions.
Plus, its tune places out extra torque than some other gas-powered mid-sized truck, by lots. Only the Gladiator diesel gives extra torque, and it’s not sufficient extra to note.
If you purchase the Colorado with the mid-spec Turbo+, it’s precisely the identical because the top-tier engine, minus the tune. The supplier can add this high-output calibration later — even years later — because it simply requires a pc flash. This tune will not be obtainable on the bottom engine, as some elements are totally different, and it may possibly’t deal with the additional energy reliably.
Noticeably absent on the 2023 Colorado is a hybrid choice. I’d have beloved to see a plug-in hybrid (PHEV) on this truck, as it’s a nice dimension truck to run errands round city in full EV mode, after which journey off the overwhelmed path on weekends.
Wheels & Tires
One replace for the 2023 Colorado is the bolt sample on the wheels. The sample now mirrors that of the Silverado, opening up a bunch of OEM and aftermarket wheel choices for Colorado house owners.
Don’t fear, I requested the Chevrolet engineers concerning the smallest wheel and largest tire doable for this truck with out modification. Generally, extra sidewall and a bigger tire present extra off-road functionality.
The reply they gave was a 17-inch wheel — which comes on the ZR2 — with 31.7-inch tires on the Z71, or 33-inch tires on Trail Boss. No phrase but on ZR2, but it surely comes with 33s and there was a suggestion that one thing bigger would match with out modification.
The full-size spare below the truck mattress has been raised 2 inches over the outgoing truck, providing higher clearance and departure angle on the rear of the truck.
We know this spare location will match a 33-inch tire — as comes on the ZR2 — however rumor is that an excellent larger tire would possibly match.
2023 Colorado Bed & Tailgate Updates
Chevy lowered the bedsides of the truck only a bit, making it simpler to succeed in over the aspect to entry gear.
The actual improve story, although, is the tailgate, which has higher aerodynamics, is dampened, and has a mid-catch and non-obligatory storage hatch.
The odd-shaped lip on the highest of the tailgate appears to be like prefer it would possibly hinder aerodynamics, however actuality proves fairly the alternative — Chevy added it solely for the aero advantages and gas economic system.
Finally, the StowFlex gear storage inside the tailgate choice is fairly slick. It comes commonplace on the ZR2, however is an choice on all different fashions.
Inside the 2023 Colorado
While I’m not a fan of the engine sound, the cabin on the brand new Colorado is fairly quiet for a pickup. And there have been no squeaks or rattles in any of the fashions I drove. It appears these vehicles are put collectively fairly properly.
The new inside general seems like a pleasant place to be. It is fairly good for the value level of the car throughout the board.
On the draw back, do be aware that the WT and Trail Boss have very cheap-looking, and feeling, rubber and plastic in every single place — the worst being the steering wheel, which you contact each time you drive the truck.
Across all fashions, the one contact level that irritated me was the door pull on the within. It is tough plastic and simply feels low cost. A disgrace, because it’s what you contact each time you shut the door.
The driver’s seat has good adjustability and feels fairly snug. But the passenger seat on all fashions requires guide adjustment for ahead/again and tilt. There isn’t any lumbar, base angle, or peak adjustment obtainable.
While the WT has no telescoping steering wheel, the opposite fashions do, however they don’t telescope sufficient to get in an ergonomic driving place for taller folks — like me at 6’3″ with lengthy arms.
As with many fashionable autos, the sprint and hood really feel very tall, even for a tall-torsoed individual like myself. The visibility remains to be good, however you simply don’t get the massive glass greenhouse that you simply use to have in autos. For that, blame security and aerodynamics/gas economic system.
Tech
A brilliant, stunning, and responsive 11.3-inch central touchscreen comes commonplace throughout all 2023 Colorado vehicles, together with an 8-inch shade instrument show — all digital sprint, no analog gauges.
You’ll discover participating, cool graphic pages on the large infotainment display screen for every driving mode. Depending on the truck mannequin, these modes embrace Normal, Tow/Haul, Off-road, Terrain, and Baja.
Baja mode comes on the Colorado ZR2 and helps dial in all methods for managed high-speed unfastened circumstances driving.
Terrain mode is mainly one-pedal driving for slow-speed rock crawling and works in 4WD solely. You should have Hill Descent Control off or the truck gained’t mean you can enter Terrain mode. This was annoying, and one thing the engineers learn about, so anticipate an over-the-air software program replace quickly.
Hill descent management works as much as 8 mph, and you’ll alter it with the throttle pedal at 1 mph increments. Usually, you must use the toggle on the steering wheel for this, which nonetheless works with the system as properly.
This is a fairly slick system that labored very easily in my testing. The solely half that I didn’t like was that you must go a couple of pages deep within the infotainment system to toggle Hill Descent Control on or off, versus a tough button for it.
The massive central show additionally exhibits off the (as much as) 10 digicam views on supply within the new Colorado. This consists of an obtainable underbody digicam on the Z71 and ZR2.
The digicam system is fairly excessive res, very configurable on your wants, and I got here away impressed.
More Fun Facts You Need to Know
The steering is a bit heavier than the outgoing Colorado. I discovered this to be factor, and helps with the phantasm of a top quality steering really feel — it’s all fly-by-wire today. The brakes are progressive and enough and the throttle response is superb.
Of course, the newest security suite, Chevy Safety Assist 2, is commonplace throughout 2023 Colorado fashions.
The 2023 Chevy Colorado additionally gives best-in-class towing, at 7,700 kilos, which ties with the Gladiator.
Inside the glove field and proprietor’s guide is a discover stating that the 2023 Colorado, throughout all fashions, “should not be used to carry a slide-in camper.”
When I requested the representatives at Chevy about this, they stated it was a authorized factor, as no particular campers had been licensed for the car, but it surely was one thing they had been engaged on.
I used to be additionally assured that by including a truck camper — so long as remaining below the GVWR — the manufacturing unit guarantee on the truck will stay absolutely intact.
2023 Colorado Models
Now, let’s dive into the precise professionals and cons you’ll wish to learn about every of the 2023 Chevy Colorado fashions.
I received a little bit of time with every of the fashions launching this yr: WT, LT, Z71, Trail Boss, and ZR2.
Sadly, I wasn’t in a position to drive the ZR2 but, however was in a position to drive all others on-road. I additionally spent a while on some reasonable dust roads within the Z71 and Trail Boss.
2023 Colorado Work Truck (WT)
Pros
- I really like the metal wheel look.
- Cloth seats are snug sufficient and may work properly for all kinds of individuals’s styles and sizes.
- The driver’s seat is energy adjustable and adjusts sufficient to get snug even for lengthy journeys.
- The massive brilliant display screen is spectacular for a base-model truck and is the usual display screen throughout the vary.
- Even with the bottom motor, it comfortably cruises over 70 mph on the freeway.
Cons
- Less than 8 inches of floor clearance.
- No telescoping steering wheel.
- Bit of a harsh journey.
- Seems to have sufficient energy to get the job completed, however undoubtedly struggles till the RPMs construct.
- The engine sounds prefer it’s working arduous just about anytime you’ve got over 20% throttle utilized.
- Transmission shifts are comparatively abrupt by fashionable transmission requirements.
- Touch factors are rubber and plastic, and really feel low cost — as you’d anticipate in a base mannequin work truck.
- Less sound deadening within the engine means extra cabin noise.
- The stereo is ok, however the sound it produces is fairly skinny.
2023 Colorado LT
Pros
- Nice leather-based really feel on the steering wheel.
- Silver sprint/vent/steering wheel accents are a top quality look.
- The higher-performance motor is a noticeable improve.
- Cool all home windows down piano key on the middle stack, however no all-up button wherever.
Cons
- Hard plastic within the palm at 9 & 3 on the steering wheel isn’t properly thought out.
- Less than 8″ of floor clearance.
2023 Colorado Trail Boss
Pros
- Way higher off-road — apart from ZR2 — due to further monitor width, suspension tuning, and 2-inch raise.
- 9.5 inches of floor clearance.
- Wider fenders to deal with 3-inch wider stance and maintain the rock chips within the paint to a minimal.
- Different springs and shocks than different fashions, providing a way more snug journey over tough terrain — however little doubt not so good as ZR2.
Cons
- Has Work Truck inside, and no choice to improve presently — an upgraded inside is rumored to be coming for the Trail Boss.
- The black plastic entrance grille and trim look low cost to me, not rugged like I’m positive was supposed.
- No fog lights.
- The halogen headlights are not so good as the LEDs on Z71 and ZR2.
2023 Colorado Z71
Pros
- Perforated seats and pink accents feel and appear good.
- Better suspension on highway than Work Truck and LT.
- LED lighting appears to be like and performs properly.
- The painted entrance trim appears to be like significantly upscale from black plastic on Work Truck and Trail Boss.
Cons
- 3-inch narrower trackwidth than Trail Boss hinders efficiency off-road.
- Flat-sounding Bose stereo.
- The excessive price ticket compared to off-road functionality/consolation.
2023 Colorado ZR2
Pros
- Impressive beginning worth at $46,800.
- Will in all probability accommodate larger tires than the already spectacular 33-inch tires — mounted on 17-inch wheels — that come on it.
- Off-road simple buttons are commonplace, with E-lockers entrance and rear.
- An spectacular 10.7 inches of floor clearance.
- Rock sliders for physique safety commonplace.
- DSSV dampers needs to be superb on and off-road, because the last-gen had been.
- Aluminum skid plates for underbody safety with out tons of weight.
- Baja Driving mode will possible be a ton of enjoyable within the desert.
Cons
- No good engine notes to take pleasure in whereas flogging it off-road at pace.
- DSSV dampers don’t supply essentially the most journey consolation in arduous technical rock crawl conditions.
2023 Chevy Colorado: Final Thoughts
I don’t love the engine be aware of the brand new four-cylinder engine, however I do respect the torque and spectacular gas economic system — I noticed 22 mpg within the Z71 I drove.
The inside is an enormous step up from the earlier technology, however might nonetheless use some upgrades in ergonomics and touchpoints. The screens are spectacular for a mid-size pickup, and work properly, however do require too many screens for some capabilities.
The backseats supply good headroom, okay legroom, and a cushty again seat cushion angle. The entrance passenger seat would profit from extra adjustability.
If I had been shopping for one among these vehicles at launch, I’d in all probability maintain out for the ZR2. If that was out of my finances, I’d be hard-pressed to decide.
The inside and entrance grille of the Trail Boss simply feels low cost to me, however the truck has noticeably higher on- and off-road manners than the remainder of the lineup. The Z71 appears to be like and feels good, however simply isn’t pretty much as good off-road.
I actually hope Chevy and AEV crew up once more and provides us a Bison version, because the final technology is without doubt one of the finest off-road-capable vehicles with a manufacturing unit guarantee I’ve ever pushed.
With 2023 Colorado pricing beginning at simply over $30,000 and vehicles hitting supplier tons this summer season, I’m going to foretell that it sees preliminary gross sales success.
Big query marks stay about its opponents, with a lot of next-gen vehicles being revealed later this yr, so solely time will inform how Colorado stacks up towards its actual competitors.