Mid-size trucks have typically played second fiddle to their larger and more capable counterparts, but that’s no longer the case as automakers are getting serious about the once neglected segment. That’s readily apparent after taking a look at the 2023 Chevrolet Colorado, which is built around the idea of more. Nearly a decade has passed since Chevrolet introduced the second-generation Colorado at the 2013 Los Angeles Auto Show. Since then, trucks have embraced a rugged aesthetic and the model follows suit as soft curves have been replaced by sharp lines and a more muscular design.
The 2023 Colorado incorporates some
Silverado DNA, but it’s not overwhelming and this allows both trucks to have
their own unique identity. Speaking of which, Chevy’s mid-sizer has slender
headlights and a distinctive grille with a single bar that flows into the front
fascia. Moving further back, designers gave the truck a bulging hood and
Silverado-esque fenders. They’re joined by a more traditional beltline as well
as a modern rear end with a corner step bumper. The Colorado is outfitted with
a 5’ 2” bed that features eight cargo tie-downs, two motorcycle/bicycle tire
grooves, and an assortment of pockets for holding 2x6s and 2x8s to allow for
multi-level storage. Other highlights include an available 110-volt outlet and
a tailgate that stops midway down to aid in transporting longer items such as
sheets of plywood or OSB.
The tailgate also houses one of the
Colorado’s more interesting features. We’re talking about an integrated storage
compartment, which resides on the inside of the tailgate’s lower half. To
access it, owners simply put the tailgate down and push some releases to reveal
a secure, watertight compartment that measures 1,143 mm wide and 101 mm deep. Besides holding tools and equipment like tow straps, it
can also function as a cooler. While the Colorado looks good, variety is no
longer the spice of life as the 2023 model will be offered exclusively in a
crew cab configuration with a short bed. That’s disappointing as the outgoing
model offered an extended cab long box as well as crew cab variants with short
and long beds.
Chevrolet interiors have come a long way
in the past decade and the 2023 Colorado is a beneficiary of the company’s
focus on “elevated” design. While fans should keep their expectations in check,
the model is decidedly tech-forward as it comes standard with an 8-inch digital
instrument cluster and an 11.3-inch infotainment system with available Google
integration. Buyers will also find a new off-road performance display, which is
essentially an infotainment app that provides real-time vehicle information.
There are an assortment of settings including a Terrain readout that provides
pitch, roll, and tire pressure information. Drivers can also opt for a Baja
display, which shows g-force, transfer case status, and a wheel slip indicator.
Putting the screens aside, buyers will
find a modern dashboard with circular air vents that recall those found on the
Camaro and Blazer EV. They’re joined by a new center console, which features a
friction hinge that enables the lid to stay open at any angle. In terms of
equipment, the entry-level WT is pretty basic but it features remote keyless
entry, a six-speaker audio system, and rear under-seat storage. Higher-end
variants go from there and the Z71 features cloth/leatherette seats with red
contrast stitching. The ZR2 goes the extra mile with heated front seats and
eight-way power adjustment on the driver’s side. An assortment of options will
be available including a wireless smartphone charger and a dual-zone climate
control system. Buyers can also get a sunroof for the first time in a Colorado.
Under the hood, there’s a new turbocharged
2.7-liter four-cylinder that is shared with the larger Silverado. Three
different versions of the engine will be available, and the entry-level unit
produces 237 hp and 351 Nm of torque. Both
numbers are a sizable improvement over the old 2.5-liter four-cylinder, which
cranked out 200 hp and 258 Nm. The mid-level
engine comes standard on the Trail Boss and Z71, while also being available on
the WT and LT as an option. It packs 310 hp and 528 Nm of torque, which doesn’t sound like a huge improvement as it only has
2 hp more than the old 3.6-liter V6. However, the torque figure
has grown a substantial 156 Nm and it puts competitors to shame.
Lastly, the Colorado ZR2 comes with a high-output version of the turbocharged
2.7-liter four-cylinder. It develops 310 hp and 582 Nm of torque, which is remarkable when you consider the 5.0-liter V8 in
the Ford F-150 only has 555 Nm. Regardless of which version is
selected, all three engines are paired to a second-generation eight-speed
automatic transmission. It promises smoother shifting and quicker downshifts.
Chevrolet was tight-lipped about fuel
economy during a media briefing yesterday, but the engine runs on regular
gasoline and enables the larger Silverado to return 19 mpg city, 22 mpg
highway, and 20 mpg combined. Sadly, the company seemed to cast doubt on the
return of the diesel engine as officials described the turbocharged
four-cylinder as the “perfect blend” of all three previous engines. The 2023
Chevrolet Colorado rides on a new platform that features a wheelbase spanning 3,338 mm for an increase of 79 mm. Unfortunately,
this doesn’t translate into a more spacious cabin as front seat legroom only
climbs 0.2 inches (5 mm) while rear seat legroom surprisingly falls 28 mm. Chevy didn’t say much about the architecture, but it shares some of
the best items with the outgoing pickup including part of the frame. However,
officials contend it’s all-new and is made with different tooling.
Chevrolet focused on increasing off-road
capability for this generation and the new Trail Boss variant features a 51 mm lift kit, four-wheel drive, and a wider track than the WT, LT, and Z71.
They’re joined by a limited-slip differential and 18-inch aluminum wheels
wrapped in 32-inch all-terrain tires. This gives the truck 241 mm of ground clearance as well as approach, departure, and breakover angles of
30.5, 22.4, and 21 degrees. Buyers looking for something more extreme can
upgrade to the Colorado ZR2. It features a 76 mm lift, Multimatic DSSV
dampers, 33-inch tires, and 272 mm of ground clearance. The
off-roader also has unique bumpers, which help to give the model approach,
departure, and breakover angles of 38.3, 25.1, and 24.6 degrees. Those numbers
largely trail the Jeep Gladiator Rubicon, but they’re pretty impressive for a
mid-size pickup.
Speaking of off-roading, the Colorado
offers up to 10 different camera views including the segment’s first underbody
camera. It enables drivers to see obstacles underneath them, so they can easily
avoid them or line their tires up on them. Depending on the trim, buyers will
find up to five different drive modes known as Normal, Tow/Haul, Off-Road,
Terrain, and Baja. The first three are self-explanatory, but Terrain mode is
designed for low-speed rock crawling. Baja mode is effectively the opposite as
it’s for “high-speed desert running.”
When it comes to capability, it’s
impossible to ignore towing. Models equipped with the entry-level engine can
tow up to 1,588 kg, while mid- and high-output variants can tow up
to 3,493 kg. The latter number is 318 kg more than the
outgoing Colorado V6 and bests the Nissan Frontier by a wide margin. On the
topic of towing, Hitch Guidance now comes standard and it provides a camera
view with a guideline to help drivers connect to a trailer, boat, or camper.
Furthermore, Hitch View and a Trailering app are new additions for 2023.
While customers won’t find Super Cruise on
the Colorado, even the entry-level WT comes equipped with Automatic Emergency
Braking, Forward Collision Alert, and Front Pedestrian Braking. They’re joined
by IntelliBeam headlights, Lane Keep Assist, and Lane Departure Warning.
Shoppers can order more advanced safety and convenience features including
Adaptive Cruise Control, Blind Zone Steering Assist, Rear Cross Traffic
Braking, and Rear Pedestrian Alert. The Chevrolet Colorado will be built in
Wentzville, Missouri and arrive at dealerships in the first half of 2023.
Additional details will be announced closer to launch, but it’s clear the redesigned
truck is a big leap forward
