2023 Chevrolet Colorado: Toughened Up and Ready for Battle

The midsize truck segment has become extremely competitive. It’s a real battle out there as brands try to duke it out for your money. It’s become a place in the automotive market where you need to have rugged good looks, comfort, tech and serious off-road credentials in order to survive. It seems that every year the competition moves it up a notch or two. There are several high-profile redesigns launching this year from stalwarts Ford and Toyota, but GM is up first with its all-new Colorado and mechanical twin GMC Canyon.

The Colorado first launched back in 2004 as a replacement for the popular S-10. That first generation Colorado was nothing special and faded away in 2012. Many of its longtime competitors suffered the same fate as midsize pickups just weren’t selling at that time, leaving the Toyota Tacoma and Nissan Frontier as the only two vehicles left in the segment. GM continued to sell a Colorado to emerging markets in Southeast Asia and South America as well as Australia. In the meantime, Toyota was growing its sales of its outdated Tacoma in America with virtually no rivals. GM wanted to rectify this and returned to the midsize market in 2015 with a highly updated version of the one they sold overseas and A GMC twin to go along with it. The two GM trucks were an immediate success, breathing fresh air to a segment that was dying on a vine. After GM re-entered the midsize pickup market, many others followed, turning the segment upside down and transforming it to where we are today. America likes a good battle and Chevrolet is back in the trenches to fend off a major pushback from Toyota, Ford and others. Can the new Colorado return to form as the top midsizer?

Exterior Design: Muscular redesign helps Colorado look off-road ready

The last generation was launched in 2015 with a soft, rounded and friendly look. The new 2023 version is more beefed up, chiseled and has pushed out fenders to complete a more menacing look. The hood is more sculpted and the thin headlight design is accompanied by the Signature Chevy bar grille. The tailgate has the name “Chevrolet” embossed across it and more stylish taillights are included. Rear bumpers contain a built in side step to help access the bed and this is available across the line. The Colorado actually now resembles the larger Chevrolet Silverado more than ever before.

All five trim levels wear a slightly different front fascia, creating a unique look for whatever trim you choose. All Colorado’s come available with a crew cab body style and a 5-foot bed. No other body styles or bed lengths will be offered at this time.

The previous version of the Colorado was an excellent truck but started to get lost in a crowd of newer, more aggressively designed trucks. Make no mistake, the old version was attractive but wasn’t as “cool” as the seriously outdated Tacoma, nor was it as robust as the Jeep Gladiator or as new as the Nissan Frontier. GM went back to the drawing board and figured buyers wanted a truck that was more rugged, with the appearance of being able to go off-road. Mission accomplished, as the new Colorado looks like it’s ready to conquer the muddiest trails or journey through the desert (especially in ZR2 trim). Chevy gave us a more stylish truck that meets the trends of today. On top of looking tougher, this new Chevy midsized pickup also finds a way to look both younger and more athletic than ever before.

Interior: Modern, comfortable, attractive surroundings

At one point, midsize pickup trucks used to have the cheapest and most basic interiors. Those days are long behind us as trucks in this category have quality interiors that are well thought out. In fact, buyers come to expect comfortable, technology laden interiors with hints of masculine design traits thrown in. Once inside, the new Colorado’s interior is a major step forward from the previous versions simple, dated appearance. The truck looks much more upscale and modern thanks to a large 11.3-inch infotainment screen that is standard across the range including in the Work Truck trim. This is accompanied by a fully digital 8.0-inch gauge cluster (ZR2 gets an 11.0-inch cluster). Many functions and information can be found buried inside the infotainment system and learning how to use it takes practice. Despite that, the graphics are really nice, the system is quick and responsive. Chevy also didn’t abandon actual buttons all together, as nice sized climate controls are easily within reach below the touchscreen. The front seats are comfortable and the steering wheel feels nice to the touch. However, hard plastics can be found throughout the interior. I know that this is a midsize pickup but when paying around $55,000 for the Z71, I would expect some of this hard plastic to be replaced by softer more premium materials.

Rear space in the Colorado can be a little tight

Manufacturers are always finding innovative ways to utilize the most potential out of pickup trucks. This could include new storage compartments or new features that can make living with a truck easier. In the new Colorado, Chevy has found its creative side. A new lockable storage compartment built into the tailgate called the StowFlex Tailgate is available. I think this is one of the most interesting new features in the Colorado as you can stow away tools and valuables. It also has a drain so it can act as a cooler, making it perfect for camping or tailgating. Another neat idea that Chevrolet has included is a tape measurement tool that is integrated into the tailgate. Lastly 8 tie downs come standard and the gently folding tailgate has the ability to lock mid-position for carrying longer items and can support 500 lbs.

The Colorado comes with a whopping 10 available camera views, including one for towing as well as an underbody camera to help you navigate rocky terrain. Like most modern vehicles, the Colorado has a slew of active safety features that are listed as standard equipment. Forward collision with emergency braking, front pedestrian braking, lane keeping assist, distance indicator and intelligent auto high beams complete the list. This is very impressive because as recently as 5 years ago, none of these features would have even been available in a midsize pickup.

How it drives: Significantly improved in all areas over the old version

The new Colorado comes available with one engine, a gas powered turbocharged 2.7-liter 4-cylinder unit. However, three power outputs can be chosen as this engine has been enhanced and tuned to fit the many different personalities that Chevy is offering with this product. The base WT trim and LT get 237 HP and 259 lb-ft of torque. The trail boss and Z71 get the upgraded engine that has been tuned to produce a fine 310 HP and 391 lb-ft of torque. Lastly, the ZR2 receives the High-Output turbocharged engine that also has 310 HP but has more torque, rated at 430 lb-ft. Towing is significantly improved as the Colorado can tow up to 7700 pounds (top two engine choices only).

Flared fenders create a more menacing appearance

My tester was a well-equipped Z71. Acceleration is quick and the vehicle felt well planted on the road. The transmission shifts quickly, always finding the proper gear. On the road the new Colorado has a smooth ride. It still drives like a truck, but in a much more mature way. As expected bumps and highway expansion joints were swallowed up with ease. Body roll is present but the Colorado can be pushed harder around turns more than ever before. In terms of driving dynamics, I’d say that this vehicle is much improved in all aspects when compared to the previous generation. In many ways its smoother road manners has it feel more like a rugged crossover as comfort has been prioritized. Its rigid chassis helps prevent it from becoming too soft. As of this writing, the Colorado and its mechanical twin GMC Canyon are two of the best driving body on frame midsize pickups on the market.

Colorado comes with solid rear axle and leaf-springs; spare tire is higher off the ground for better clearance

I didn’t take it off-road, but I am told it is very capable when the pavement hits the dirt. A shorter front overhang and a spare tire that is lifted higher off the ground improve approach and departure angles (this was a previous issue with the old one). Improved suspension setup with better articulation and new off-road oriented tires also help make this Colorado a better vehicle on the trails. A terrain mode is available to help traverse steep hills or rock crawling.

Final Thoughts: Best in class at least for now

The new Colorado has hit the market swinging for the top. Chevy has found a sweet spot with this truck that manages to please both the overlanding types as well as those who want a comfortable daily driver. If you’re looking for a midsize truck that is handsomely designed, powerful, enjoyable to drive and is extremely capable off-road then the new Colorado is for you. For now, this pickup is best in class and the overall vehicle outmatches the competition. This segment has created a real rivalry between the different brands and we know that an all-new Toyota Tacoma and Ford Ranger are just around the corner. I feel that Chevrolet has done enough to fend off these rivals and hold its own in the marketplace once they do arrive. GM has done their homework and the new Colorado is battle tested and ready for action.

Pricing and Specifications:

2.7-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder - 237 HP; 259 lb-ft torque (WT, LT)

2.7 -liter Turbo Plus 4-cylinder - 310 HP; 391 lb-ft torque (Trail Boss, Z71)

2.7-liter High-Output Turbo 4-cylinder - 310 HP; 430 lb-ft torque (ZR2)

Canada:

WT (Work Truck) - $37,222

LT - $44,022

Trail Boss - $46,522

Z71 - $50,022

ZR2 - $58,922

US:

WT - $29,200

LT - $31,600

Trail Boss - $37,000

Z71 - $39,900

ZR2 - $46,800

Main Competitors:

Ford Ranger, GMC Canyon (mechanically related), Honda Ridgeline, Jeep Gladiator, Nissan Frontier, Toyota Tacoma

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