Chevrolet's mid-size pickup offers upgraded engine capabilities and three off-road models

Chevrolet has launched the all-new 2023 Colorado offering drivers ideal performance, capability, and customization, plus a refreshed exterior and interior design.

Designers and engineers focused on three key categories to update the 2023 Colorado. This includes an updated design, performance, and technology. Each updated category is built around a single wheelbase and cab configuration.

The 2023 Colorado lineup includes Work Truck (WT), LT, Z71, ZR2, and Trail Boss models. The lineup features three distinctive chassis stances. Together, they compose a range of choices tailored to the ways drivers use their trucks for work and recreational activities, including off-roading

A new design

Along with new exterior styling and proportions, the 2023 Colorado introduces an all-new interior. Across the 2023 Colorado lineup, there are now four interior trims choices.

The  11.3-inch-diagonal colour infotainment touchscreen is the centrepiece of the cabin and is accompanied by a segment-first standard eight-inch-diagonal fully digital colour display, both of which are customizable.

The 2023 Colorado has many on- and off-road accessories available. To allow drivers to build up truck, the amount of off-road accessories has more than doubled from previous model years.

The 2023 Chevrolet Colorado's 2.7L turbo engine

A 2.7L turbo engine, used in the full-size Chevrolet Silverado, is new for the Colorado and powers all five models with three distinct output variants, all exceeding the output of previous Colorado models.

The engine has received several updates to help optimize performance and refinement, including a more rigid cylinder block casting and a 30 percent stiffer crankshaft, which complement a fully forged bottom end as well as materials used in diesel engines.

This advanced engine delivers more horsepower and torque than the previous three engines offered. The new base 2.7L turbo engine offers 18 percent more horsepower and 36 percent more torque than the previous generation of Chevrolet's Colorado base engine. In addition, the higher-output versions of the 2.7L engine lineup 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.

Updated performance of the 2023 Colorado

The 2023 Colorado lineup has three distinct chassis setups, including:

• Standard: WT, LT, and Z71 trims
• Two-inch factory-lifted, wide stance: Trail Boss
• High-performance three-inch factory-installed lift and wide stance: ZR2

Nicholas Katcherian, vehicle chief engineer at Chevrolet, says that Chevrolet made the 2023 Colorado to support outdoor and off-road lifestyles with updated truck bed functionality and performance updates.

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.

The Trail Boss model features a two-inch lifted suspension and wide chassis that produces more ground clearance and a three-inch wider front track than WT and LT for off-road driving capability. The ZR2 model features a three-inch lifted suspension and upgraded Multimatic DSSV dampers.

The increased clearances enable drivers to tackle more challenging terrain. With the increased approach angle, the 2023 Colorado can climb more vertical terrain than before, without suspension or bodywork interference.

Selectable drive modes on the 2023 Colorado

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. 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 Assist package includes forward collision alert, automatic emergency braking, front pedestrian braking, lane keep assist with a lane departure warning, following distance indicator, and IntelliBeam automatic high-beam assist.

Available features for all models include blind zone steering assist, rear cross traffic braking, adaptive cruise control, HD surround vision, and rear pedestrian alert.

New and updated technologies

Colorado's 11.3-inch-diagonal infotainment screen is the gateway to new technologies designed to make the driving experience more enjoyable – especially when trailering or driving off-road. Highlights include:

• Customizable and configurable screens with higher resolution than previous models.
• Segment-first available Google built-in for a personalized and seamless way to enhance your in-vehicle experience. With Google Assistant, Google Maps, and Google Play you get access to hands-free communications, live traffic updates, can download 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 views are 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 technologies used on the Silverado. Hitch Guidance is standard, while Hitch View and Chevrolet's Trailering app 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 the 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.

Production for the 2023 Chevrolet Colorado begins in the first half of 2023 at General Motors' Wentzville, Missouri, assembly facility.