The first spy photos of the next-generation Chevrolet Colorado pickup (and GMC Canyon) have been taken, and the early look is promising. Although Chevrolet has been heavy-handed with the camouflage, obscuring many of the finer design lines of the truck, the overall shape appears to be squared-off and generally more muscular than the doughy outgoing truck.
The vinyl camo can’t hide some broad
blisters over the wheel arches that make the pickup look broader in the
shoulders. Although this early look makes the visual changes look meaningful,
under the skin, Chevrolet is reportedly going for continuity.
That’s because reports suggest that the
new pickup will stay on the same (though updated) platform as the outgoing
model, which was introduced in 2015. GM Authority reports that along with the
new exterior (and a presumably new interior), the Colorado will get to use the
Sierra’s 2.7-liter inline-four. It makes 310 hp and 348 lb-ft of torque in that
application.
Better tech is also expected inside as the
truck will likely move onto GM’s Global B electric architecture. The so-called
“Vehicle Intelligence Platform” allows for over-the-air updates and GM’s latest
infotainment technologies. Production of American-market trucks is expected to
continue to take place in Wentzville, Missouri, while international market
versions are expected to be built in Brazil.
The 2023 Colorado is expected to be
unveiled next year about six months after the updated Ford Ranger, which will
likely remain its biggest competition. Whether any Colorado buyers opt for the
more lifestyle-focused Hyundai Santa Cruz remains to be seen, though if these
trucks grow in size at all, it may provide the smaller South Korean truck with
a niche in the market.
