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Identifying the First-Gen Ford Mustang2023 Chevrolet Colorado Review
What do our experts think of the 2023 Chevrolet Colorado? We look at powertrain, interior options, trim levels, and more. Find out our thoughts here.What’s New for the 2023 Chevrolet Colorado?
2023 Chevrolet Colorado – netcarshow.com | Shop 2023 Chevrolet Colorado on Carsforsale.com
The 2023 Chevrolet Colorado saw some major changes all around the board for this model year. While the V6 and Duramax engine options are no longer available, the new 2.7L turbocharged inline four-cylinder engine and eight-speed automatic transmission are surprisingly capable.
There have been some major changes to the outside as well. It has a sleek, muscular look with a bulldog-like stance. It is only available in a crew cab configuration with a 5 ft. 2-inch bed.
The interior also went through some major design changes and features like an 11.3-inch touchscreen are now standard.
The Breakdown
Smooth ride on and off-road
Powerful base powertrain
Exterior changes are incredibly attractive
V6 and Duramax engine options are no longer available
Door lock and headlight controls are digital
New design changes make the Chevy Colorado a winning choice
2023 Chevrolet Specs
- 237 horsepower from base engine
- 259 lb-ft of torque from base engine
- 5 available trims
- 41.9 cu-ft of cargo capacity
- Towing capacity of 7,700 lbs
- Lane-Keeping assist
- 11.3-inch touchscreen display
- 5-year/60,000-mile powertrain warranty
2023 Chevrolet Colorado Powertrain
While some may lament the absence of engine options for the 2023 model year, many are finding that the 2.7L turbocharged inline four-cylinder engine and eight-speed automatic transmission are quite capable of producing ample power. This combination is standard across all trim levels of the Chevrolet Colorado.
The base engine puts out 237 horsepower and 259 lbs.-ft. of torque. This easily beats out the Toyota Tacoma with its 159-horsepower base engine. Step up to the Trail Boss or Z71 trim to get 310 horsepower and 390 lbs.-ft. of torque or go all out with the ZR2 trim that produces 310 horsepower and 430 lbs.-ft. of torque. Chevy did a great job at milking this engine for everything it has. Even the base model is better equipped than the Ford Ranger which says a lot.
Off-roading is a breeze with the Trail Boss and higher trims thanks to a generous ground clearance of 8.9 inches. The WT and LT models have 7.9 inches of ground clearance. The difference is that the WT and LT trims come with a standard suspension while the other trims offer a better off-roading experience with lifted and widened off-road suspension.
To be more specific, the standard suspension is an independent front suspension with a solid rear axle and leaf springs with an open rear differential. The Trail Boss and Z71 trims come with a limited-slip differential, and the ZR2 trim comes with power-locking front and rear differentials.
These suspension options provide an incredibly smooth ride both on and off the pavement. It is much less bouncy than some of the competition, and it makes driving it that much more fun! While it isn’t an adventure truck, it sure does act like one (and one can argue that it plays the part better than some of the competition).
Towing & Payload
The 2023 Chevrolet Colorado can tow up to 7,700 lbs. when properly equipped. If you opt for the WT or LT trims, you will get just 3,500 lbs. of towing capacity. When it comes to the maximum towing capacity, go with the Trail Boss or Z71 trims. The maximum towing capacity for the ZR2 trim is 6,000 lbs.
The Chevrolet Colorado provides more towing capacity than the Jeep Gladiator, Ford Ranger, Toyota Tacoma, and Nissan Frontier. For a mid-sized pickup, it can certainly put in the work!
2023 Chevrolet Colorado Fuel Economy & MPG
The 2023 Chevrolet Colorado has an EPA-rated fuel economy of 20 MPG city/25 MPG highway for RWD models. Models with 4WD earn 19 MPG city/23 MPG highway. If you step up to the ZR2 trim, you can expect to get 17 MPG city/19 MPG highway. This puts the Colorado nearly on par with the Toyota Tacoma, but worse than the Ford Ranger.
Interior, Comfort, & Cargo Space
Chevrolet did everyone a major favor by updating the interior of the 2023 Chevrolet Colorado. The four-door crew cab is now equipped with a new center console, a repositioned shifter, and more conveniently located cupholders. There’s also a new gauge cluster, steering wheel, and infotainment screen.
The choice of materials is about what you’d expect in a truck, but it is more thought out than just your “basic work truck” interior. The seats are supportive for longer trips, and passengers shouldn’t complain about the room in the rear seats. The new design means that there is about 1 inch less headroom, but we didn’t really notice it.
There’s plenty of storage in the 5 ft. 2-inch bed (44 cubic feet). If you opt for the ZR2 trim, there is a trunk box located in the tailgate for additional storage.
Entertainment & Technology
One of the best new features of the 2023 Chevrolet Colorado is the 11.3-inch infotainment display. This is standard for every trim. There are plenty of USB ports available, and there is now wireless phone-charging capability.
If you want to really bring this infotainment system to life, subscribe to Google Built-In. It can handle navigation, music, and other vehicle functions that can be controlled from your Google account. Android Auto and Apple CarPlay are standard.
Safety Features
While there is not any crash test data available at the time of this article, the redesigned Chevrolet Colorado is equipped with a myriad of safety features included in the Chevy Safety Assist package. This includes features such as forward collision warning, lane-keeping assist, automated emergency braking, and adaptive cruise control.
2023 Chevrolet Colorado Trims & Pricing
WT- $30,695 MSRP
The WT trim is the base model. It is a basic work truck available in RWD or 4WD. It is equipped with features like halogen headlights, 17-inch painted steel wheels, cloth upholstery, an 11.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system, an 8-inch instrument display, wireless phone charging, automatic headlights, lane-keeping assist, automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, and a 237-horsepower engine. A 310-horsepower engine with 390 lbs.-ft. of torque is optional.
LT – $33,095 MSRP
The LT trim adds to the WT with features like 17-inch alloy wheels, color bumpers and door handles, a locking tailgate, and a leather-wrapped steering wheel. It is available in RWD or 4WD with the same engine options as the WT. A Bose sound system, 18-inch alloy wheels, and a sunroof are all options.
Trail Boss – $38,495 MSRP
The Trail Boss trim is the off-road trim. It comes standard with a 310-horsepower engine and 4WD. It also adds 18-inch alloy wheels, 32-inch all-terrain tires, lifted and widened suspension, rear limited-slip differential, hill descent control, selectable drive modes, fender flares, and optional 20-inch wheels.
Z71 – $41,395 MSRP
The Z71 trim has everything the LT trim has plus a 310-horsepower engine, standard 4WD, rear limited-slip differential, hill descent control, selectable drive modes, lifted suspension with a normal width, 18-inch alloy wheels, tow hooks, LED lights, black and red cloth and leatherette interior, heated mirrors, a sliding rear window, and an optional under-car camera.
ZR2 – $48,295 MSRP
The top-of-the-line trim for the Chevrolet Colorado includes features such as a lifted and widened suspension, standard 4WD, a 310-horsepower engine with 430 lbs.-ft. of torque, Multimatic spool valve shocks, front and rear locking differentials, 17-inch alloy wheels, 33-inch mud-terrain tires, aluminum skid plates, steel rock rails, heated front seats with power-adjustable driver’s seat, dual-zone climate control, auto-dimming mirror, and a telescoping steering column.
There is a special Desert Boss package that adds beadlock-capable wheels, an off-road lightbar, and black badging.
Warranties
The 2023 Chevrolet Colorado comes with a 5-year/60,000-mile powertrain warranty and a 3-year/36,000-mile limited warranty. Complimentary maintenance is provided for the first visit.
What we think
2023 Chevrolet Colorado – chevrolet.com | Shop 2023 Chevrolet Colorado on Carsforsale.com
The Chevrolet Colorado needed refresh at the end of the 2022 model year, and we are impressed with the 2023 redesign. Not only did the exterior get some needed attention, but Chevy also covered the interior and under the hood. The new powertrain is a win even if the base engine seems a little rough.
Top-of-its-class towing for the Trail Boss and Z71 trims is also impressive – especially when you consider the lineup with which they have to contend. This all goes back to the powertrain. Chevy seemed to dial it in perfectly for each trim. We would have loved to have seen a V6 or Duramax diesel option again, but that’s just us being picky.
Overall, if you’re looking for a great mid-size truck with a fresh look and updated tech, then the 2023 Chevrolet Colorado is a certified win!
For new car incentives, check out our article here.
