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

2022-07-28


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  • 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 colour 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

OSHAWA, Ont. (Thursday, July 28, 2022)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 useful technology. Each category weaves into a streamlined lineup built around a single wheelbase and 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 help 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 colour infotainment1 touchscreen is the centerpiece of the cabin and is accompanied by a segment-first standard 8-inch-diagonal fully digital colour 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 centre stack screen.”

Leaning into the current generation success, the 2023 Colorado has a significant number of on- and off-road accessories available. To allow customers to build their rugged 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. 

2.7L Turbo Variants – GM estimated

Output Variant

Horsepower

Torque (lb.-ft.)

Max Trailering4

Availability

2.7L Turbo

237

259

3,500 lbs.

Standard: WT & LT

2.7L Turbo Plus

310

390

7,700 lbs.

Standard: Z71 & Trail Boss

Available: WT & LT

2.7L Turbo High-Output

310

430

7,700 lbs.

Standard: ZR2 (with a max trailering of 6,000 lbs)

The engine receives several enhancements to help optimize performance and refinement, including 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 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 2.7L turbo, 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.

Enhanced Performance
The 2023 Colorado lineup arrives re-engineered with three distinct chassis setups to support everyday tasks and off-road adventures:

  • Standard: WT, LT and Z71 trims
  • 2-inch Factory-Lifted, 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 features a high-performance 3-inch lifted suspension and upgraded Multimatic DSSV dampers.

2023 Colorado Dimensions

 

2023 WT & LT

2023 Z71

2023 Trail Boss

2023 ZR2

Wheelbase:

131.4 in.

131.4 in.

131.4 in.

131.4 in.

Length:

213 in.

213 in.

213.2 in.

212.7 in.

Maximum Height:

78.8 in.

79.6 in.

79.9 in.

81.9 in.

Track (front):

62.8 in.

62.6 in.

66.2 in.

66.3 in.

Off-road Approach Angle:

N/A

29.1 deg.

30.5 deg.

38.3 deg.

Off-road Departure Off-road Angle:

N/A

22.3 deg.

22.4 deg.

25.1 deg.

Break-over Angle:

N/A

19.5 deg.

21 deg.

24.6 deg.

Ground Clearance:

7.9 in.

8.9 in.

9.5 in.

10.7 in.

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 Chevrolet 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 a personalized and seamless way to enhance your in-vehicle experience. With Google Assistant3, Google Maps and Google Play you get access to hands-free communications, live traffic updates, can download your favourite apps 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
  • 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 Chevrolet’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.

1Functionality varies by model. Full functionality requires compatible Bluetooth® and smartphone, and USB connectivity for some devices.
2Safety or driver-assistance features are no substitute for the driver’s responsibility to operate the vehicle in a safe manner. The driver should remain attentive to traffic, surroundings and road conditions at all times. Visibility, weather and road conditions may affect feature performance. Read the vehicle Owner’s Manual for more important feature limitations and information.
3Google built-in: Google built-in services are subject to limitations and availability may vary by vehicle, infotainment system and location. Connected Services plan with data required for full functionality. Certain Google actions and functionality may require account linking. User terms and privacy statements apply. Google, Google Play, and Google Maps are trademarks of Google LLC.
4Google Assistant: Google Assistant and some related features are not available in all languages or countries. See g.co/assistant/carlanguages for updates to language and country availability. Requires internet connection.
5Before you buy a vehicle or use it for trailering, carefully review the Trailering section of the Owner’s Manual. The weight of passengers, cargo and options or accessories may reduce the amount you can tow.
6Device data connection required. Available on select Apple and Android devices. Some features require connected vehicle services trial or active plan and working electrical system. Service availability, features and functionality vary by model and/or vehicle configuration. Terms apply. See onstar.com for details and limitations.

2023 CHEVROLET COLORADO PRELIMINARY SPECIFICATIONS

ENGINE

Type:

2.7L I-4 Turbo DOHC VVT DI with Active Fuel Management and Stop/Start

Bore & Stroke (in. / mm):

3.63 x 4.01 / 92.25 x 102

Block Material:

Cast aluminum

Cylinder Head Material:

Cast aluminum

Valvetrain:

Dual-overhead camshafts, four-valves per cylinder, tripower valvetrain with continuously variable valve timing, variable valve lift and Active Fuel Management

Fuel Delivery:

Direct high-pressure fuel injection with Active Fuel Management

Horsepower (hp / kW @ rpm):

Base: 237 / 177 @ 5600 (GM est.) – standard

Mid & High: 310 / 231 @ 5600 (GM est.) – available

Torque (lb-ft / Nm @ rpm):

Base: 259 / 352 @ 5600 (GM est.) – standard

Mid: 390 / 530 @ 3000 (GM est.) – available

High: 430 / 569 @ 3000 (GM est.) – available

 

TRANSMISSION & AXLE

Type:

Hydra-Matic 8L90 eight-speed automatic

Gear Ratios (:1)

 

     First:

4.56

     Second:

2.97

     Third:

2.08

     Fourth:

1.69

     Fifth:

1.27

     Sixth:

1.00

     Seventh:

0.85

     Eighth:

0.65

     Reverse:

4.56

Final Drive Ratio:

3.42

 

CHASSIS & SUSPENSION

Front Suspension:

2WD and 4WD: independent coil-over-shock; twin-tube shocks; Multimatic DSSV dampers on ZR2

Rear Suspension:

Solid axle with semi-elliptic two-stage multi-leaf springs; twin-tube shocks; Multimatic DSSV dampers on ZR2

Rear axle:

Open differential (std. WT and LT)

G80 limited-slip differential (std. Trail Boss & Z71)

Power-locking front and rear differentials (std. ZR2)

Steering Type:

Electric power-assisted rack-and-pinion

Brake Type:

Power-assisted four-wheel discs with Duralife™ long-life brake rotors; standard ABS; hill descent control available (std. Trail Boss, Z71 & ZR2)

Brake Rotor Size (in / mm):

13.4 / 340 (front)
13.3 / 337 (rear)

Wheel Size:

17 x 8-in. steel (std. WT)

17 x 8-in. aluminum (std. LT)

17 x 8-in. aluminum (std. ZR2)

18 x 8.5-in. aluminum (std. Trail Boss & Z71)

Tire Size:

P255/65R17 all-season (WT & LT)

LT285/70R17 mud/terrain (ZR2)

P265/65R18 all-terrain (Trail Boss & Z71)

 

EXTERIOR DIMENSIONS

Wheelbase (in. / mm):

131.4 / 3337

Overall Length (in. / mm):

213 / 5411 – WT & LT & Z71

213.2 / 5416 – Trail Boss

212.7 / 5402 – ZR2

Overall Width (in. / mm):

84.4 / 2144 – WT & LT

84.4 / 2144 – Trail Boss & Z71

84.4 / 2144 – ZR2

Overall Height (in. / mm):

78.8 / 2001 – WT, LT

79.6 / 2021 – Z71

79.9 / 2029 – Trail Boss

 81.9 / 2078 – ZR2

Track – front (in. / mm):

62.8 / 1594 – WT, LT

62.6 / 1590 – Z71

66.2 / 1679 – Trail Boss

66.3 / 1684 – ZR2

Track – rear (in. / mm):

62.6 / 1590 – Z71

62.8 / 1594 – WT, LT

66.1 / 1679 – Trail Boss

66.3 / 1684 – ZR2

Ground Clearance (in. / mm):

7.9 / 200 – WT, LT

8.9 / 227 – Z71

9.5 / 242 – Trail Boss

10.7 / 272 – ZR2

Off- road Approach Angle (deg.):

29.1 – Z71

30.5 – Trail Boss

38.3 – ZR2

Off-road Departure Angle (deg.):

22.3 – Z71

22.4 – Trail Boss

25.1 – ZR2

Off-road Break-Over Angle (deg.):

19.5 – Z71

21 – Trail Boss

24.6 – ZR2

 

INTERIOR DIMENSIONS                 

Headroom (in. / mm):

40.3 / 1023 (front)

38.3 / 972 (rear)

Legroom (in. / mm):

45.2 /1147 (front)

34.7 / 881 (rear)

Shoulder Room (in. / mm):

57.4 /1390 (front)

56.1 / 1426 (rear)

Hip Room (in. / mm):

54.7 / 1390 (front)

53.1 / 1348 (rear)

 

FUEL TANK CAPACITY (approx.)                   

21.3 gal. / 80.6 liters

 

CURB WEIGHT, CAPACITIES & TRAILERING

Curb Weight (lb. / kg):

4716 / 2139 – WT & LT

4971 / 2255 – Trail Boss & Z71

5298 / 2403 – ZR2

GVWR (lb. / kg)1:

6250 / 2835 – WT & LT

6250 / 2835 – Trail Boss & Z71

6200 / 2812 – ZR2

Max Payload (lb. / kg)2:

1684 / 764 – WT & LT

1587 / 720 – Trail Boss & Z71

1151 / 522 – ZR2

Max Trailering (lb. / kg)3:

7700 / 3493 – WT & LT (available)

7700 / 3493 – Trail Boss & Z71

6000 / 2722 – ZR2

1When properly equipped; includes weight of vehicle, passengers, cargo and equipment.
2For comparison purposes only. See the owner's manual and the label on the vehicle door jamb for the carrying capacity of a specific vehicle.
3Before you buy a vehicle or use it for trailering, carefully review the Trailering section of the Owner’s Manual. The weight of passengers, cargo and options or accessories may reduce the amount you can tow.

Colorado Standard Features 1-Pager

Elevated Design
From every angle, the all-new Chevrolet Colorado has new, athletic, go-anywhere proportions.

Distinct interiors offered:

  • WT and Trail Boss: Cabin provides a rugged aesthetic that is ready for work and play
  • LT: The interior features bright silver accents, soft-wrapped trim and a premium wrapped steering wheel
  • Z71: A sportier ambiance. Jet Black and red accents convey the motif with trim-unique cloth/leatherette seating surfaces

Chevrolet will offer all trims exclusively in a Crew Cab/short box body style. Specific design cues and elements further distinguish the trims and include:

  • A more level profile in the body lines and trim
  • New athletic hood profile, high grille and slim headlamps that contribute to the strong appearance. The new hood profile offers greater forward visibility for the driver and front passenger
  • LED lighting on Z71 and ZR2
  • 17-inch wheels on WT and LT
  • 18-inch wheels on Z71 and Trail Boss (includes 32-inch-diameter all-terrain tires on Trail Boss)
  • Wheel bolt patterns shared with Chevrolet Silverado to enable sharing of Chevrolet’s range of accessory wheels.

Additional highlights include:

  • All-new center console with the shifter moved to the right-hand side for easier, more intuitive access to the drive mode selector, new segment-first electronic parking brake, front USB ports1 (data and charge-only) and front storage
  • A new friction hinge on the console lid ensures the lid will stay open at any angle
  • Convenient front row and rear row cross-car cupholders
  • Extra-large wireless phone-charging2 pad
  • Available dual-zone climate control and rear-seat air conditioning vents
  • Exclusive red or yellow seat belts available for Z71 and ZR2.
  • Colorado-first available sunroof on 4WD LT, Z71 and ZR2

Class-Leading Bed and Tailgate Functionality
Standard on the ZR2, and available on other models, the system is the segment’s first built-in tailgate storage solution, offering secure and watertight storage. When the tailgate is down, the lockable lid opens to a 45-inch-wide (1,143 mm) and 4-inch-deep (101 mm) compartment with a drain. The tailgate also offers two cupholders and a measuring tool molded into the surface.

  • Eight standard fixed tie-downs and room for up to nine additional accessory flexible tie-downs, combining for a class-leading 17 available tie-downs
  • Four stake pockets on the top of the bed, along with six 2 x 6-inch in-bed pockets and four 2 x 8-inch in-bed pockets
  • Ability to create tri-level storage with the bed pockets
  • The tailgate can be positioned midway between fully closed and open, enabling storage of longer items and supports up to 500 lbs. (226 kg)
  • Two motorcycle/bicycle tire grooves in the front bed wall
  • Available 110-volt power outlet
  • Available remote tailgate locking/unlocking
  • Available spray-on bedliner

Exciting new accessories options include:

  • Off Road Assist Step
  • Flexible Off Road Splash Guards
  • Off-Road Lights
  • Reconfigurable Bed Rails
  • Cargo Lamps
  • Tailgate Audio
  • Black Badging

1Not compatible with all devices.
2The system wirelessly charges one compatible mobile device. Some phones have built-in wireless charging technology and others require a special adapter/back cover. For a list of GM wireless charging-compatible mobile devices, see my.chevrolet.com/learnAbout/wireless-charging. If your device is not on this list, please consult your carrier.

2023 Colorado ZR2 and ZR2 Desert Boss 1-Pager

The Colorado ZR2 brought off-road performance to the midsize pickup segment and has proven its off-road prowess time and time again, with Chad Hall racing as just one proof point. Since 2017, Hall has finished every race with the Colorado ZR2 while also helping to validate Colorado performance enhancements featured on the all-new 2023 Colorado ZR2. It is the ultimate off-road truck and is fully capable for those that are new to off-roading or a pro like Chad Hall.

Standard ZR2 Equipment:

  • Unique Artemis interior colour with Strike-colored accents and ZR2 badging, as well as unique rotary control trim. Additional standard content includes heated front seats, eight-way power driver’s seat and more.
  • Spray-on bedliner
  • Newly designed, high-clearance front fascia, including cut-out corners and the Chevrolet “Flow Tie”
  • LED lighting
  • Modified front and rear bumpers for better approach and departure angles and off-road obstacle clearance
  • 17-inch wheels with 33-inch-diameter mud/terrain tires
  • Segment-exclusive Multimatic DSSV dampers
  • Special cast-iron control arms
  • Selectable front and rear electronic locking differentials
  • Modified rear axle with a 3.42 ratio
  • Aluminum skid plate to protect the radiator and engine oil pan and a transfer case shield
  • Rocker panel protection

The first-ever, special-edition ZR2 Desert Boss package, inspired by the Colorado’s successful desert-racing legacy, takes the max-performance model’s design even further, with a host of racing-inspired design and capability features, including:

  • 17-inch beadlock-capable wheels
  • Off-road bumper and front fascia
  • Sports bar with Sail Panel
  • Roof-mounted light bar
  • Underbody camera1
  • Unique “Desert Boss” decals and black emblems.

ZR2’s Enhanced Multimatic Dampers
The Colorado ZR2 blends capability and on-road comfort with racing-derived Multimatic spool-valve dampers. They feature an enhanced design for the 2023 Colorado, for a greater balance of on-road driving comfort and robust performance for extended off-road driving adventures. The unique spool-valve design, compared to conventional shim-type dampers, offers increased tuning variability, which translates into more precise damping performance and a greater feeling of control on and off the road.

Exciting new accessory options for ZR2 include:

  • Grille Light Bar
  • Removable Assist Step
  • Off-Road Bumper Lights
  • Interior Switch Plate

1Safety or driver-assistance features are no substitute for the driver’s responsibility to operate the vehicle in a safe manner.

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ABOUT CHEVROLET
Founded in 1911 in Detroit, Chevrolet is now one of the world's largest car brands, available in 80 countries with more than 3.2 million cars and trucks sold in 2020. Chevrolet models include electric and fuel-efficient vehicles that feature engaging performance, design that makes the heartbeat, passive and active safety features and easy-to-use technology, all at a value. More information on Chevrolet models can be found at www.chevrolet.ca

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GIFs

Underbody Camera

 

Pack Shot

 

ZR2

 

Z71

 

Tailgate

 

Trailboss

Contacts

Michelle Burnham

Senior Manager, Chevrolet Canada Communications

905-431-1172