The midsize truck section goes by way of a little bit of a renaissance proper now, pushed partly by the surge in recognition of all issues off-road. Simply as its rivals have carried out, GM is capitalizing on this 4×4 fever with the all-new 2023 Chevrolet Colorado, utterly redesigned for its third era. The redesign and first-ever Colorado Path Boss clearly cater to the four-wheelin’ crowd, with three out of 5 Colorado trims optimized for going off-road.

However in 2023, the Colorado is nonetheless clinging to its roots as a piece automobile, the ethos underlying all good vehicles. Pickups had been historically workhorses in the beginning, household autos second. At present’s vehicles have added “style merchandise” to the tally, and the order of these three priorities varies wildly from truck to truck. That a lot is apparent from their recognition throughout the U.S., the place full-size pickups are perennial best-sellers. And but, midsizers just like the Colorado now maintain the baton within the fashionable truck relay race. The all-new Colorado is the truckiest of vehicles from Chevrolet – the epitome of a piece automobile, with a splash of play. Certainly, the 2023 Colorado is all of the truck most drivers will ever want.

Full Disclaimer: Chevy invited me to San Diego to drive the all-new Colorado round Torrey Pines and the Cuyamaca Mountains. The corporate flew me out to California, gave me a room at a golf resort, and even fed me avocado toast. How Californian. The climate was much less Cali — unseasonably chilly, windy and grey. However that simply added to the enjoyable of taking the Path Boss off-road.

2023 Chevrolet Colorado: New Truck, Outdated(ish) Engine

Our drive took us by way of floor roads, highways, sinewy mountain roads and, lastly, off-road alongside a path in Anza-Borrego Desert State Park. The exams befell over two days, and had been grouped so we may get wheel time in all Colorado trims — apart from the ZR2; that automobile’s debut is scheduled for later this yr. For this engagement, we sampled 4 varieties: Colorado WT, Colorado LT, Colorado Path Boss and Colorado Z71.

The very first thing you discover in regards to the new Colorado is clearly the brand new exterior, however the largest adjustments are below the hood and within the chassis. The Colorado will solely be out there as a crew cab, short-bed mannequin, the field measuring 5 toes two inches lengthy. The brand new truck’s wheelbase is 3.1 inches longer than the outgoing mannequin, and sure trims will function a taller, wider stance.

The Colorado will not be out there with the three.6-liter V6, nor the two.6-liter turbodiesel four-cylinder. The brand new truck will solely include one engine, albeit in three variants: A 2.7-liter turbo inline-four, a model of which has been out there within the full-size Chevy Silverado since 2019, paired to an eight-speed computerized transmission. The variant of this engine that debuts within the 2023 Colorado will probably be carried over to the Silverado for 2024, that means Colorado homeowners will get full-size energy in a midsize chassis.

Advertisement

That makes for a sensible pairing, however it additionally signifies that the brand new truck’s 2.7-liter is much less careworn. Chevy powertrain engineer Kevin Luchansky informed our group of journalists this particular engine has gained a status for sturdiness, and dropping it into the smaller Colorado’s engine bay will solely add to its stellar monitor document. That’s to not say the engine has been declawed and detuned to match the smaller truck. Quite the opposite.

In response to Chevy, this engine takes the very best attributes of the outgoing V6 and turbodiesel and blends them collectively. The two.7-liter turbo exceeds the efficiency of each earlier engines, with extra horsepower than the V6 and extra torque than the diesel. The catch is, your truck’s whole output is dependent upon which variant of this engine you select:

• 2.7-liter Turbo: 237 HP, 259 lb-ft of torque
• 2.7-liter Turbo Plus: 310 HP, 390 lb-ft of torque
• – 2.7-liter Turbo Excessive-Output: 310 HP, 430 lb-ft of torque

Certainly, the output figures are spectacular, however Chevy gained’t but present gas effectivity numbers, that are pending official verification from the EPA. Till these numbers are launched, we gained’t know simply how environment friendly (or not) the brand new four-cylinder really is. And that’s a giant asterisk looming over the Colorado’s ultimate specs. After two days of driving, the journalists on the press occasion I attended had been averaging round 15 mpg; when pressed, Chevy representatives stated these numbers had been skewed down by time spent off-road.

The bottom 2.7-liter Turbo engine is commonplace within the Colorado WT and Colorado LT, whereas the two.7-liter Turbo Plus is commonplace within the Colorado Z71 and Path Boss. The two.7-liter Turbo Excessive-Output will probably be commonplace solely on the Colorado ZR2, whereas the Turbo Plus engine is accessible as an possibility on all different trims — sure, together with the base-model WT.

There are two caveats to remember. The Colorado ZR2 may have the very best commonplace energy and torque figures, however it’ll solely be rated to tow 6,000 kilos, whereas different trims with the two.7-liter Turbo Plus can tow as much as 7,700 kilos. That’s not an enormous shock, contemplating the ZR2’s suspension is optimized for off-roading, not towing.

Advertisement

The place issues can get a bit complicated is within the tuning. Chevy will provide Colorado homeowners the chance to improve a 2.7-liter Turbo Plus engine to full Excessive-Output spec with an after-sale reflash. So, for instance, a base-model Colorado WT may be optioned with a 2.7-liter Turbo Plus engine and upgraded to Excessive Output spec, during which case it’ll make ZR2 energy and tow considerably greater than the ZR2. It’s a little bit of a jumble, however the level is, ZR2 energy is accessible to anybody who desires it.

The second caveat is that the base-spec 2.7-liter Turbo engine can’t be tuned to supply Excessive Output energy. It’s lacking sure parts, together with piston-cooling oil jets that assist the engine handle its thermal masses. Chevy engineers say these high-horsepower upgrades are lacking on the bottom engine on the idea that homeowners wouldn’t be serious about upgrading in a while. Furthermore, the bottom engine favors effectivity over all else, so any efficiency components would have been superfluous.

The brand new Colorado’s “previous” engine is just previous in one of the simplest ways: as a identified amount, and a confirmed powerplant. It has a stiffer crankshaft than the earlier 2.7 within the Silverado, and a totally cast bottom-end borrowed from the outgoing diesel engine. One of many neater methods up the Colorado’s sleeve is a brand new electrical water pump, operated by way of software program and due to this fact not reliant on engine velocity. Even at low RPM, the water pump’s brushless motor can function at max capability for elevated cooling.

Advertisement

Mainly, Chevy has refined this engine to a degree the place you ponder whether the Colorado’s subsequent evolution will probably be electrification. On that entrance, Chevy representatives had nothing to say.

2023 Chevrolet Colorado WT

That brings us to the Colorado WT drive, which befell on highways and floor roads between La Jolla and Del Mar. As its identify implies, the brand new Colorado Work Truck makes no pretense to efficiency. It’s a bone-stock base mannequin with corresponding dynamics. The two.7-liter Turbo engine within the WT gained’t shock you, for higher or worse. That’s not likely stunning given the 73-horse, 131 lb-ft drawback over the following engine up the vary, however the distinction was extra pronounced than I anticipated.

I hoped, maybe foolishly, that the Colorado WT could possibly be a less expensive different to the LT, however it’s not. Not when configured with the bottom engine, at the very least. The stripper-spec truck is a wonderfully serviceable fleet automobile, and I assume that’s precisely what nearly all of commonplace WTs will probably be. If that’s the case, the WT is a snug place to spend a piece day, and even fleet drivers will benefit from the exterior and inside adjustments of the brand new ‘23 Colorado.

The cabin is well-equipped for a fleet automobile, for the reason that new infotainment system and bigger screens are commonplace throughout all Colorado fashions. Meaning the bottom WT may have the identical infotainment as an upscale Z71, a pleasant favor for folk who will drive these vehicles professionally. Actually, the Colorado WT isn’t any frills however not austere. It’s primary — no extra, no much less. If a blank-canvas Colorado is what you’re after, a WT with the two.7-liter Turbo Plus will not be a foul begin.

The 2023 Colorado WT will begin at $32,190 (together with $1,495 vacation spot) with 2WD and base Turbo engine. The out there choices hike up the truck’s value quick. Absolutely the base mannequin will do what you ask of it, however the efficiency will not be spectacular. The environment friendly engine takes some prodding to climb a grade or pull a go. The braking efficiency is on par with the engine. The brakes chew sooner than anticipated, however are linear after that first snap. The WT is predictable. It’s a device that may fade into the background on the job.

The Colorado WT I drove got here with fairly just a few choices, together with security options and a beefy 3.42 rear axle with auto locking differential and 4WD. That WT’s sticker value got here out to over $35,000.

2023 Chevrolet Colorado LT

Advertisement

I spent most of my time driving the LT; it was the primary mannequin I drove, and it could have skewed my notion of the others, as a result of I got here away fairly impressed. The 2023 Colorado LT I drove had the elective 2.7-liter Turbo Plus and 4WD, in addition to a beneficiant variety of choices from Chevy – together with a roughly $3,000 consolation bundle.

The bottom value of the Colorado LT is $34,900, in line with the window sticker, and I’d say the Colorado LT with the elective 2.7-liter Turbo Plus is an efficient worth for drivers who don’t desire a base-model however don’t need to spend on a ton of choices.

The usual gear on the LT is spectacular. I’d say skip the elective facilities, go straight for the Turbo Plus and revel in. Add the towing bundle in case you usually pull a trailer and also you’re set. Driving the LT with the two.7-liter Turbo Plus was a pleasure. The eight-speed auto shifts typically, but unobtrusively when mated to the extra highly effective engine. Alongside floor roads and on the freeway, the LT excelled at each activity. Each merge, each shot forward, each elevation change was seamless. I can see why Chevy did away with the 2 additional cylinders of the V6. The center variant of the two.7 envies no V6. Acceleration is snappy, and ditto deceleration. The brakes appear higher matched to the added HP and torque of the center engine variant.

Advertisement

Even below all the flowery extras that Chevy threw on this LT — high-definition cameras, bigger diameter wheels, piano black grille — the truck’s inside and exterior would have been sufficient. The truck’s design supervisor, Sam Zhao, stated the group paid shut consideration to the outside look, getting rid of the rounded and dated (in case you ask me) design of the prior Colorado.

A lot of the trims have the same general look, however every has one thing distinctive – small touches that get extra intricate as you climb greater within the lineup. However even the WT and, actually, the LT share the Colorado’s athletic look. The brand new truck appears meaner, extra targeted, concentrating on the trail immediately forward. Zhao defined that styling the hood a sure approach by including creases was meant to focus the motive force’s consideration on the street, guiding their imaginative and prescient down the truck’s entrance finish.

Advertisement

Visibility is great. The truck rides greater than it seems at first blush, however getting out and in is far simpler than in a full-size truck. You don’t must hop as much as get in. Properly, I don’t must hop up: even for me, ingress is extra like a skip, and I’m shorter than common. However after messing with the facility seat’s settings, outwards visibility within the cabin was improbable, partly because of some trims eliminating the seize deal with on the A-pillar.

Total, the Colorado LT acquitted itself effectively on the street and on the freeway round San Diego. There was no likelihood to go offroad within the WT or LT, however the latter had 4WD nonetheless. Each fashions had been an excellent preview for the next day, when a luxe Z71 could be our experience to the paths, and a Path Boss would see us by way of the grime.

2023 Chevrolet Colorado Z71

Let me start by saying full-size vehicles have been clawing their approach as much as luxurious automotive ranges for years. That by no means struck me because the case when it got here to midsizers, till I drove the Colorado Z71. Chevy categorizes the WT and LT because the road-going trims of the Colorado, and the Z71, Path Boss and ZR2 because the off-road trims. However the consolation and refinement of the Z71 would simply idiot you into considering this truck has no enterprise on the path.

That refinement begins with a 2.7-liter Turbo Plus engine as commonplace, and touches principally each nook of the Colorado’s inside and exterior. Match, end, supplies, all of it’s leaps and bounds forward of earlier Colorados, to not point out the present crop of Ford Ranger and Toyota Tacomas.

It should be, given the Colorado Z71’s beginning value of $41,395 together with vacation spot. The Z71 that Chevy handed me had an eye fixed watering $49,225 sticker value. I imply, come on. That’s Silverado cash. Or it was, I suppose. The factor is, the Colorado not sits second-chair in its row. It’s not a bargain-priced pickup whose proprietor appears ahead to upgrading to a full-sizer. For my part, except you want an extended mattress or larger towing capability, the 2023 Colorado is a viable different to a Silverado. The one quibble I’ve is that even the Colorado Z71 continues to be not as effectively put-together because the full-size Silverado. The door panels felt flimsy in locations, the plastic on the armrests feeling tacked on.

Nonetheless, many (most) folks gained’t be towing greater than 7,700 kilos, anyway. The Colorado is a Silverado you possibly can reside with – with out adjusting your driving fashion, with out sweating the parking spot.

Each mile pushed within the Z71 – from Torrey Pines, previous Julian, then onwards to Borrego – was nice. The mountain roads had been no problem for the smaller, light-footed Colorado. There was zero physique roll by way of the twists and turns. The chassis felt settled as we swept proper and left. The Colorado was comfortably in its lane with sufficient room to breathe. I can’t say the identical in regards to the full-sizers that drove previous.

Advertisement

Once we lastly made it to the path at Anza-Borrego, I used to be frightened the Z71 could be much less adept. It was nice on the street, however what in regards to the grime? You see, the Z71 lacks the upper floor clearance and wider monitor of the Path Boss and ZR2. It was additionally clear as quickly as we entered the grime that Chevy takes a distinct strategy than, say, Toyota, whose Tacoma absorbs the shocks and bumps of the path. Name the Colorado’s suspension firmer, I suppose. Not harsh. Simply agency.

Even so, the Colorado Z71 didn’t wrestle on the off-road course. Not that the course was very technical, however it was undoubtedly one thing that most individuals would suppose twice about tackling in a crossover or 2WD truck.

Participating the Z71’s drive modes (we used Terrain for probably the most half) was a breeze; similar for the rotary knob controlling 2WD, 4 Hello and 4 Lo. One factor that by no means fails to amaze me is how a lot functionality fashionable off-roaders have now, proper out of the gate. It’s straightforward to take without any consideration that fashionable autos can get most individuals by way of powerful terrain simply. In 2023, the path has been tamed and the game made accessible. It’s a good looking factor that so many drivers can benefit from the off-road, thanks to those vehicles, the Colorado Z71 included.

2023 Chevrolet Colorado Path Boss

That brings us to the Colorado Path Boss, which trades the Z71’s refined character for off-road functionality. Conceptually, the LT and Z71 are sort of associated; the previous builds on the latter. And that’s sort of the identical cope with the WT and Path Boss.

You’ll be able to consider the Path Boss as a base-model off-roader to the ZR2’s top-tier ‘wheeler. Though it’s fairly pricy beginning at $37,000, it comes with the two.7-liter Turbo Plus engine commonplace. I’m keen to check the Path Boss with a tune, by the way in which, and that may at all times be an possibility for Path Boss patrons.

So, it has the proper engine and the right off-road stance, a Colorado that’s many of the approach to a ZR2 for individuals who don’t want the top-dog truck’s excessive capabilities. The Path Boss will not be a place to begin or gateway drug that you simply’ll be upgrading. It trades the posh of the Z71 for well-rounded off-road functionality.

The Colorado Path Boss has a 66.2-inch entrance monitor, for starters — wider than the Z71’s 62.6 and a hair narrower than the ZR2’s 66.3 inches. The Path Boss additionally has 9.5 inches of floor clearance, courtesy of a 2-inch manufacturing facility carry. That compares favorably to the clearances of the Z71 at 8.9 and ZR2 at 10.7 inches. Lastly, the Path Boss has an strategy angle of 30.5 levels, departure angle of twenty-two.4 levels and break-over angle of 21 levels. Once more, that’s greater than the Z71 however lower than the ZR2 in each metric. It really is the center floor.

That wider monitor and higher clearance boosted my confidence on the off-road course. I’ll have even jolted my passengers, rudely, as a result of I felt no must decelerate by way of deep ruts and unfastened washes within the Path Boss. The one factor I missed from the Z71 when piloting the Path Boss was the underbody digital camera system, and perhaps the friendlier maneuverability of the Z71 on the street. The Path Boss will not be as cozy or refined as its pavement-oriented stablemate on the street. There’s extra street noise by way of the firewall, and the supplies are barely much less nice to the touch. It’s not horrible, and I feel the Path Boss could be simpler to wipe down after a day within the grime, however it’s not as properly completed because the Z71.

2023 Chevrolet Colorado Conclusion

Total, the theme of the 2023 Chevy Colorado appears to be alternative. There are extra choices right here, and but, on the similar time, there are much less. There’s just one configuration: crew cab/brief mattress. There’s just one engine – albeit with three variants. There are two “road-going” trims, Colorado WT and LT. Lastly, there are three “off-roader” trims: Colorado Z71, Path Boss and ZR2.

The bottom costs vary between $30,000 and $40,000 (save for the ZR2, whose pricing has not but been introduced). And the vehicles have extra in widespread than not. Mainly, the alternatives inherent within the new Colorado help you fine-tune how a lot energy, luxurious, and functionality you need. Certainly, in comparison with its full-size sibling, the midsize 2023 Colorado is a testomony to the previous maxim: much less is extra.

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement