The all-new Chevrolet Colorado midsize truck

GM brought its new Chevrolet Colorado line of midsize trucks up a rung in the marketplace. According to the bowtie brand, the new Colorado will offer customers greater capability, customization and, above all else, performance.

Chevrolet says the new Colorado features an exterior redesign, improved get-up-and-go and enhanced driver-assistance technologies. For 2023 it will be offered in various configurations and trim levels, including the Colorado Work Truck (WT), LT, Z71, ZR2 and Trail Boss. They will be offered in three chassis configurations designed for a customer’s needs. If you need it to work, the WT has gotcha. The Trail Boss will be your choice if you are a Mud Rat.

The Chevrolet Colorado: a new choice of power

The new Colorado will feature an engine already proven in the full-size Chevy Silverado. The 2.7-liter turbocharged inline 4-cylinder engine now offers 18 percent more horsepower and 36 percent more torque than the engine it will replace. By the numbers, the engine lineup is as follows:

• 2.7-liter Turbocharged I-4                     237 hp             259 lb-ft          3,500 lbs towing
• 2.7-liter Turbo Plus I-4                          310 hp             390 lb-ft          7,700 lbs towing
• 2.7-liter Turbo High Output I-4 310 hp             430 lb-ft          7,700 lbs towing

And for those keeping track, the high-power versions of the 2.7-liter Turbo make more horsepower and torque than the 3.6-liter V6 and 2.8-liter turbodiesel engines. A smoother shifting 8-speed automatic transmission is mated to the Colorado’s 2.7-liter engines.

Chassis stances

The chassis on the new Chevrolet Colorado is available in three different styles: They come in WT, LT and Z71 sizes. The Trail Boss features an ultra-wide 2-inch factory lift. The ZR2 comes with a high-performance 3-inch lift with a broader stance.

Colorado’s chief vehicle engineer, Nicholas Katcherian, says it’s a “lifestyle-enabler,” that has been improved in many different ways. Among them are increased bed functionality and performance enhancements that can help take their owners further than before.

A new chassis underpins the 2023 Colorado with a wheelbase that is 3.1 inches longer than the outgoing model. The truck’s approach angle has been improved thanks to a new, shortened front overhang. The Trail Boss includes a 2-inch lift, while the ZR2 includes a 3-inch lift and Multimatic DSSV shocks.

Multiple drive modes on the Chevrolet Colorado.

With the Colorado’s new off-roading and trailering abilities, it needs the support of selectable drive modes. Don’t worry, Chevy’s got you with five of them. These include the following:

• Normal Mode: Described as a balanced mode for everyday driving.
• Tow/Haul Mode: Trailering and towing throttle response and shift points have been optimized.
• Off-Road: Specific traction and performance features for off-pavement driving.
• Terrain: For slow-speed rock crawling with enhanced throttle, brake and other calibrations already dialed in.
• Baja: For high-speed desert running, with throttle, shifting and drivetrain control calibrations.

Inside Updates

The interior of the new Colorado features a new 11.3-inch diagonal infotainment display screen as a gateway to the technologies built into this new Chevy. They feature customizable higher resolution screens, Google Built-in for maps, music and vehicle functions and an off-road performance display.

There are more camera views on the new Colorado than any competitor. These work in conjunction with GM’s Hitch Guidance, Hitch View and Chevy’s new for 2023 Trailering App.

These exciting new features will be at dealerships soon. Watch Napleton News for more information as it becomes available.