Chevrolet on Wednesday unveiled a new version of its Colorado midsize pickup with a slimmed-down model lineup.
The 2023 Colorado is expected to go on sale in the first half of 2023. Development prioritized features owners want and added new ones like the ability to receive over-the-air updates, the engineer said. Chief Nick Katcherian.
The Colorado’s wheelbase increases by 3.1 inches, but overall length increases only slightly, and not at all for the ZR2 off-road model.
Engineers developed the new Colorado architecture to prioritize the most popular features while dropping others.
The 2023 Colorado will only offer one bed length and one cabin size, a four-door crew cab with a 5-foot-2 bed. The old Colorado, which went on sale as a 2015 model, also offered a 6-foot-2 bed and a smaller extended-cab model with a cramped rear seat and rear-hinged “suicide” doors.
Chevrolet will announce pricing and fuel economy closer to the start of sales.
2023 Chevrolet Colorado trim levels
WT (work truck)
trail boss
LT
Z71
ZR2
So long, diesel, V6 and long bed
GM also simplified the powertrain lineup, ditching the four-cylinder diesel and gasoline V6.
The Colorado now offers three versions of the 2.7L turbocharged four-cylinder gasoline engine that also powers the full-size Chevrolet Silverado pickup. Depending on boost pressure and other characteristics, these engines produce:
- 237 hp and 259 lb-ft of torque
- 310 hp and 390 lb-ft
- 310 hp and 430 lb-ft
Even the base engine produces more power than the base 2022 Colorado four-cylinder, which generates 200 hp and 191 lb-ft. The high-output turbo produces the same power and more torque as the 2022 Colorado 3.6L V6. An eight-speed automatic transmission will be standard.
Neither a hybrid nor electric version of the new Colorado is likely. GM chose to jump over hybrids and straight to electric vehicles for future vehicles, and the new Colorado platform was designed for internal combustion engines, not Ultium batteries and electric motors from GM.
Improved handling
Engineers moved the front wheels 3 inches forward from the ’22 Colorado, a change that should reduce turning radius and generally improve handling. It also contributes to a unique snub-nose look that will bring out the Colorado’s profile and aid in off-road driving, especially climbing and descending steep grades.
All Colorado models will be available with either rear- or four-wheel-drive, except the 4-wheel-drive-only ZR2, which also gets a 3-inch lift, new bumpers, skid plates and fenders. other off-road accessories.
The ZR2 also receives sophisticated Multimatic shock absorbers mounted on the outside of the pickup frame rails. Other models will have shocks in the most common position inside the frame.
A one-pedal drive function will allow the driver to navigate obstacles without having to use both the accelerator and brake pedals.
Adaptive cruise control will be available, but – unlike some rivals – the Colorado won’t offer low-speed electronic brake, engine and transmission control to simplify tricky off-road conditions for novices.
The pickup’s approach, departure and breakover angles – key measures of off-road capability – all improve.
Better towing, connectivity
The 2023 Colorado’s 7,700-pound maximum towing capacity and 1,164-pound payload are both higher than the current model.
The Colorado will have up to 10 camera views, including underbody and rear cameras to help with off-road driving and connecting trailers.
Despite its longer wheelbase, the Colorado’s cabin hasn’t grown noticeably, engineers say. Passenger space is unlikely to change
The interior will feature an 11.3-inch touchscreen and GM’s latest infotainment system, including integrated Google searches for navigation, music and more. Climate controls feature easy-to-use dials and buttons. A power sunroof is available for the first time.
A new center console offers an oversized wireless charger and an easier-to-use drive mode selector.
The bed has eight fixed ties, slots for up to nine accessory ties, four peg holders, and pockets to hold boards and support two-tier storage.
A unique new feature in the tailgate – standard on ZR2, optional on other models – provides a 45-inch-wide, 4-inch-deep storage compartment for tool cables, etc. The compartment, on the inward-facing side of the tailgate, is available when the tailgate is open. The tailgate can be opened to an angle of approximately 45 degrees for long loads.
GM builds the Colorado in Wentzville, Missouri, alongside the GMC Canyon midsize pickup. A new version of the Canyon using the same architecture as the Colorado will debut shortly.
2023 Chevrolet Colorado at a Glance
Base price: TBD
Crew Cab Midsize Pickup with Rear-Wheel Drive or Four-Wheel Drive
On sale first half of 2023
Engine: 2.7L four-cylinder turbo
Estimated power: Base 668 hp and 259 lb-ft of torque; Middle 310 and 390; high efficiency 310 and 430
Gearbox: 8-speed automatic
EPA Fuel Economy Estimate: TBD. Ordinary gasoline.
EPA Estimated Annual Fuel Cost: TBD
Wheelbase: 131.4 inches
Length: 212.7-213.2 inches
Width: 84.4 inches (including mirrors)
Height: 78.8-81.9 inches
Towing capacity: 7,700 pounds
Maximum Payload: 1,684 lbs.
Curb weight: 4,716 to 5,298 pounds
Assembled in Wentzville, Missouri