Chevy has finally revealed the first details for its all-new 2023 Colorado, and the news is big, especially if you’re a fan of going off-road. With a new engine, fully redesigned chassis, and major updates inside and out, the 2023 Colorado is definitely something special. The Silverado is getting some nice updates for next year too, but we don’t have all the details on them just yet. Still, it’s safe to say the options you will find next year at your favorite Chevy truck dealer are going to be quite different from what’s there right now.
We’re going to take a look at what the all-new Chevy Colorado will have to offer and see just how impressive the update for this midsize truck really is. While it’s getting all kinds of upgrades, there’s no denying that Chevy is really leaning into the Colorado’s growing reputation as an off-road beast. With off-road options available at all levels and the incredible ZR2 trim taking its trail performance to the next level, I think this is a truck we’ll see out in the wilds even more often than we already do.
2023 Chevy Colorado – Full Redesign
First and foremost, this isn’t just your run-of-the-mill yearly update for the Colorado; it’s the start of a new generation and a full redesign that improves this midsize truck in just about every conceivable way. The exterior has been redesigned with new proportions and overall style that not only looks great but delivers some worthwhile upgrades. Distinct front-ends on the various trims help them stand out from each other, but the overall look of the new Colorado is one of tremendous strength and power.
The interior has also received major updates with a more-refined overall style and direction for its design. A new, larger infotainment display is front and center, and the rest of the interior has been designed around that to make it feel incredibly functional and comfortable. This redesign includes a new chassis with a 3.1-inch longer wheelbase than the 2022 Colorado with its crew cab and short box––but we’ll get more into this new chassis a bit further down.
2023 Chevy Colorado – New and Improved Engine
One of the best parts of the all-new Colorado is its engine––it now has just one engine available, which is more powerful than what was offered, keeping things simple while still delivering impressive power. This engine is the 2.7L turbocharged I-4 that’s already proven incredibly popular and capable in the full-size Silverado 1500. Best of all, even though there’s only one engine available, it’s tuned differently across the Colorado’s trims, so you can still get more power if you need it.
The standard engine, found on the WT and LT trims, is a 2.7L Turbo that delivers 237 hp and 259 lb-ft of torque. Moving up to the Z71 and Trail Boss trims, you get a 2.7L Turbo Plus that puts out 310 hp and 390 lb-ft of torque for much-improved performance; this engine is available on the lower trims too. The remarkable ZR2 off-road trim comes with a 2.7L Turbo High-Output that delivers 310 hp and 430 lb-ft of torque for incredible overall power and capability. No matter which engine you get, it comes paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission that’s been refined for smooth shifting and downshifts, with impressive low-speed performance for off-road driving.
2023 Chevy Colorado – Chassis Options
A moment ago, I mentioned the redesigned chassis of the all-new Colorado, but it goes beyond that longer wheelbase. This new chassis has been engineered and designed with three different configurations available, giving you options so you can get exactly what you need in your truck. Chevy also shortened the front overhang on the new Colorado to give it a more aggressive stance and improve its approach angle. Depending on the trim you choose, you’ll get a chassis setup that impacts your angles and ground clearance since three trims have factory lift options.
2023 Colorado WT & LT
- Standard Chassis
- 7.9-inch Clearance
2023 Colorado Z71
- Standard Chassis
- 8.9-inch Clearance
- 29.1-degree Approach Angle
- 22.3-degree Departure Angle
- 19.5-degree Break-Over Angle
2023 Colorado Trail Boss
- 2-inch Factory Lift
- 9.5-inch Clearance
- 30.5-degree Approach Angle
- 22.4-degree Departure Angle
- 21.0-degree Break-Over Angle
2023 Colorado ZR2
- 3-inch Factory Lift
- 10.7-inch Clearance
- 38.3-degree Approach Angle
- 25.1-degree Departure Angle
- 24.6-degree Break-Over Angle
As you can see, the differences can be quite substantial, which showcases just how well Chevy has considered everything people need from the Colorado. The focus on off-road performance with this new generation is impossible to ignore and comes through in everything Chevy has done.
2023 Chevy Colorado – Improved Off-Road Performance
Beyond the impressive chassis design and the off-road capability it brings, many other aspects of the 2023 Colorado are intended to boost trail performance. There are five available drive modes, including an Off-Road mode, a Terrain mode for low-speed rock crawling, and a Baja mode for high-speed desert navigation. An Off-Road Performance Display helps you monitor your off-road performance in real-time, with different settings for varying conditions. Set it to Overlanding to see your altitude and GPS navigation, Terrain to show your pitch, roll, and tire pressure, or Baja to show g-forces and wheel slip.
There are numerous off-road accessories available for the 2023 Colorado, including an Off-Road Assist Step, Flexible Off-Road Splash Guards, and Off-Road Lights. You can also get Reconfigurable Bed Rails and a Tailgate Audio system to help you get the most from your adventures. Plus, Chevy will continue to offer the impressive ZR2 off-road trim, which includes a newly designed high-clearance front fascia, modified front and rear bumpers to boost clearance angles, and 17-inch wheels wrapped in 33-inch mud-terrain tires. An all-new Desert Boss package for the ZR2 includes beadlock-capable wheels, a roof-mounted light bar, and unique Desert Boss decals and emblems.
2023 Chevy Colorado – Enhanced Technology
With new vehicles these days, impressive tech features have become some of the most important things they offer. The all-new Colorado delivers this front and center, starting with its 11.3-inch infotainment display and 8-inch digital color instrument display, both of which are standard on every model and customizable. Chevy’s Hitch Guidance technology will also be standard on every Colorado, which makes it easier to connect to a trailer for towing.
The all-new Colorado has more camera angles than ever before and more than any competitor in its class. You can get up to 10 different camera angles viewable on the Colorado’s display to help you when maneuvering through parking lots or out on the trail. In fact, there’s even a segment-first available underbody camera for the Z71 and ZR2 trims, which provides you with a view of the area under your truck to help you ensure you can clear whatever you’re crawling over. Perhaps best of all, the Chevy Safety Assist package is standard on every 2023 Colorado and includes Forward Collision Alert, Automatic Emergency Braking, Front Pedestrian Braking, and more.
2023 Chevy Silverado – What We Know So Far
While I’d love to provide you with just as much information about the upcoming 2023 Silverado, unfortunately, Chevy hasn’t released very much about it just yet. The Silverado won’t be getting an all-new model, so updates will be fewer than we’re seeing with the Colorado, but there will be some upgrades. Chevy has announced there will be a ZR2 Bison package for the Silverado, which adds even more impressive off-road features and options, with accessories from American Expedition Vehicles (AEV) to take your trail experience to the next level. The 2022 Colorado has a ZR2 Bison package that includes front winch provisions and rear recovery points, five hot-stamped boron steel skid plates to protect the underside, and AEV front and rear bumpers. I expect similar features on the upcoming Silverado ZR2 Bison, but we will just have to wait and see.
