Mercedes Lilienthal July 12, 2023 Chevrolet
After nearly nine years on the market, the midsize Chevrolet Colorado pickup gets a revamp—and it’s a major one. The 2023 Colorado lineup boasts an exterior redesign, a more powerful engine, new technology, and significant updates throughout its new crew cab/short box body style. We took Chevy’s new Colorado Z71 and the first-ever Colorado Trail Boss out for a day of soggy, cold on- and off-road testing near La Jolla, California, to see if they’re setting the bar high for other manufacturers.
The all-new 2023 Colorado features five models: the WT (Work Truck) and LT for on-road use, and three off-roaders, the affordable Trail Boss, the fully loaded Z71, and their flagship ZR2. The Colorados include three different chassis: the standard chassis for WT, LT, and Z71 trim levels, a two-inch factory-lifted, ultra-wide stance for the Trail Boss, and a high-performance three-inch OEM lift kit and a wide stance for the ZR2.
The new third-gen Chevy Colorado offers an enhanced 2.7-liter four-cylinder engine that powers the lineup with three turbo-output variants. It’s the same engine already proven in the fullsize Silverado; all three available outputs surpass the current Colorado’s horsepower and torque to make the refined pickup powerful for its size and responsive to throttle changes.
Additionally, four different interior trim levels are offered. They include more camera angles than class competitors, with up to 10 camera views via its infotainment screen. This includes a segment-first available underbody camera, found only on Z71 and ZR2 models—especially helpful when navigating through rocky or washed-out terrain.
From any angle, the Colorado Z71 and Trail Boss boast an athletic, masculine appearance. An angular front grille and body lines, slim headlights with LED lighting, and 18-inch wheels (including 32-inch all-terrains on the Trail Boss) exude a much-needed style update and strong personality.
“The 2023 Colorado Z71 and Trail Boss are fresh alternatives to the midsize truck lineup, which include the Toyota Tacoma, Nissan Frontier, and Ford Ranger.”
At first glance, the interior is refined, simple, and fairly intuitive to use—except when you want to turn on the headlights, those features are buried in the infotainment system somewhere. There are four new interior trim choices, we tested the fully loaded Z71 and the more affordable Trail Boss.
A standard 11.3-inch infotainment screen is the focal point of the center stack. It’s accented by a segment-first standard 8-inch all-digital instrument display. Knobs, pushbuttons, and airplane-style switches round out the center (the Z71 includes more buttons and features than the simplified Trail Boss). Hard plastic is prevalent throughout the entire cabin. Thick, rough fabric adorns center dash section, too. How well will that clean up after a dusty day on the trail?
The new interior moved the shifter to the right-hand side for easier access to the drive mode selector. An electronic parking brake is also featured, a first for this segment. Front USB ports (data and charge-only) and front storage round out the center stack’s lower portion. Our Z71’s USB plastic trim panel was loose as I charged my smartphone, it jiggled in place as I used one of its outlets.
Overall, the interior cabin is spacious and well-designed. There is plenty of room for front seat occupants though the rear legroom felt cramped for taller adults. However, no matter where you sit, updated seats keep you comfortable.
“The 2023 Colorado lineup boasts an exterior redesign, a more powerful engine, new technology, and significant updates throughout its new crew cab/short box body style.”
Despite its short 62-inch bed, there is increased functionality over previous model years. Standard on the ZR2 and available on the Z71 and Trail Boss, an available tailgate storage area offers secure and watertight storage. In the down position, the tailgate’s lockable lid opens a concealed 45-inch wide and 4-inch deep compartment that includes a drain hole. It’s the perfect place to stash small essentials. The tailgate also offers two cupholders and a molded measuring stick that’s formed into the plastic.
Though we didn’t carry cargo during our testing time, we learned the Colorado has eight standard fixed tie-downs. Up to nine additional accessory tie-downs can be combined with them for 17 total available tie-down points. The tailgate can support up to 500 lbs. and can be positioned halfway, enabling longer items to be stowed.
An available 110V outlet can also be incorporated into the bed to power an off-road fridge or other necessities. Available remote tailgate locking and unlocking can make loading and unloading cargo easier, too. Both Trail Boss and Z71 pickups have a maximum payload capacity of 1,587 pounds but be careful of the rear bumper—the high-gloss piano black finish won’t stay picture-perfect for long if you plan to take it off-road.
The third-gen Chevy Colorado offers an enhanced 2.7-liter turbo engine with three turbo output options. All three exceed the outgoing model and previous three engines. The Turbo, Turbo Plus, and Turbo High-Output are mated to specific models, with the Turbo Plus paired as the standard option with our Z71 and Trail Boss testers.
The Turbo Plus powerplant generates an impressive 310 horsepower and 390 lb. ft. of torque and is mated to a smooth-shifting eight-speed automatic transmission. Chevy stated the new powerplant includes a more rigid cylinder block casting and a 30% stiffer crankshaft. Those enhancements accompany a forged bottom end and durable materials typically used in their diesel engines to deliver added reliability.
Depending on the model, up to five drive modes are offered, tailored for specific driving conditions. These include an off-road setting, increasing traction and other dynamic performance features for added off-pavement capability. A terrain mode is designed for low-speed rock crawling. It includes three settings that calibrate the throttle, braking, and other specifics. A tow/haul option changes transmission shift points and throttle responses to optimize cargo-hauling duties when towing up to 7,700 pounds (the ZR2 can tow up to 6,000 pounds).
“Both Trail Boss and Z71 were chomping at the bit for harder challenges than the trail we drove.”
Both Colorado Trail Boss and Z71 were chomping at the bit for harder challenges than the trail we drove. Armed with high- and low-range capability, hill descent control, underbody camera (available on the Z71 and ZR2), and off-road and terrain modes, even the least “off-roady” of the off-roading trio, the Z71, was surefooted and could have handled more.
The Colorado Z71 and Trail Boss have a 131.4-inch wheelbase, but that’s where the similarities end. The Trail Boss is 0.2 inches longer (213.2 inches), 0.3 inches taller at maximum height, and has greater ground clearance; the Z71 has 8.9 inches of ground clearance whereas the Trail Boss steps it up to 9.5 inches.
The Chevy Colorado Trail Boss also has greater approach, departure, and break-over angles, which was evident when clearing obstacles with zero scraping. The Trail Boss features an approach angle of 30.5 degrees, a departure angle of 22.4 degrees, and 21 degrees of break-over angle. The Z71 comes in just shy with an approach angle of 29.1 degrees, a departure angle of 22.3 degrees, and 19.5 degrees of break-over angle.
The 2023 Colorado Z71 and Trail Boss are fresh alternatives to the midsize truck lineup, which includes the Toyota Tacoma, Nissan Frontier, and Ford Ranger. The Z71’s pricing starts at $39,900 with our Nitro Yellow Metallic tester topping out at $49,660, including $8,265 of available packages and a $1,495 destination charge. The Trail Boss begins at $37,000 while our demo was $42,115, including $1,495 destination. As the midsize truck segment gains popularity, we’re confident Chevy will do well with the Colorado’s redesign.
Editor’s Note: A version of this article appeared in TREAD July/August 2023 Order Here.
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