All New 2023 Chevrolet Colorado Gets New Turbo Power, More Trim Options

Instead of the trio of engine choices in the current Colorado, the new truck will have a single engine available in three states of tune. That engine is the 2.7-liter turbocharged four-cylinder borrowed from the Silverado. Chevrolet choose the single engine strategy as it gets nearly the same fuel economy as the current four-cylinder, has more power than current V6, and more torque than the current diesel. Obviously, this glosses over some of the capabilities of the current engines, like the diesel’s unbeatable real world fuel economy.

The amount of power the 2.7-liter Turbo makes depends on trim level. In the WT and LT, it produces 237 hp and 259 lb-ft. of torque. It can also tow upwards of 3,500 lbs. The 2.7-liter Turbo Plus makes 310 hp and 390 lb-ft. of torque with the ability to tow a maximum of 7,700 lbs. This engine is standard in the Z71 and Trail Boss models, and can be optioned in the WT and LT.

The top engine is referred to as the 2.7L Turbo High-Output and makes the same 310 hp as the 2.7-liter TurboPlus, but an increased 430 lb-ft. of torque. It too can tow up to 7,700 lbs. of weight. This engine is exclusive to the ZR2 trim.

As is the case with nearly every modern vehicle, there are driver selectable drive modes. Up to five modes are available, depending on the trim level and drivetrain. There is Normal, Tow/Haul, Off-Road, Terrain, and Baja. The first three modes are rather self-explanatory. The fourth mode, Terrain, refers to low-speed off-roading, like crawling. The final mode, Baja, is meant for high-speed off-roading across loose surfaces, like desert sand.

Regardless of which engine, trim, or drive mode is selected, power is sent to either the rear or all four wheels through an 8-speed automatic transmission. This unit has been upgraded to provide more responsive, better calibrated shifting than the current Colorado’s automatic.

The 2023 Chevrolet Colorado utilizes a new chassis measuring 3.1-inches longer than the current crew cab / short bed truck. Overall length runs between 212.7 inches and 213.0 inches.

Three basic versions of the suspension are available starting with the standard set-up found on the WT, LT and Z71 trims. The Trail Boss gets a 2-inch lift in ride height as well as an extra wide stance courtesy of a roughly 3.5 inch wider front and rear track. The ZR2 also receives the wider stance, but an extra bit of ride height thanks to a 3-inch lift. That puts ground clearance for the ZR2 at 10.7-inches. Standard models still have a decent 7.9 inches of clearance while the Z71 has 8.9 inches and the Trail Boss 9.5 inches.

Tires range from 255 mm wide up to 285 mm and can be fitted on wheels from 17 inches up to 20 inches in diameter. Of course, which tires and wheels are available depends on the trim level of the truck. Much is the same when it comes to differentials as most trucks have open differentials, but the Trail Boss has a limited slip rear diff and the ZR2 has locking differentials front and rear.

In case the driver wants to see what’s happening outside of the truck, the new Colorado can be equipped with up to 10, yes 10, external cameras. There is even an underbody camera on the Z71 and ZR2 trim levels.

The Colorado will come equipped with all the latest safety technology. Standard items include automatic emergency braking, lane keep assist with lane departure warning, high-beam assist, and more.

If the 2023 Colorado ZR2 is too tame, Chevrolet has a solution; the first-ever ZR2 Desert Boss package. Starting with the ZR2 trim level, it adds 17-inch beadlock-capable wheels, an off-road-ready bumper and front fascia, a sports bar with sail panel, a roof-mounted light bar, the underbody camera, and of course some “Desert Boss” decals and black emblems.

Production of the 2023 Chevrolet Colorado will start in the first half of 2023, with deliveries occurring sometime after that. Pricing will be announced closer to the on sale date.