What's New
Chevy’s mid-size Colorado truck is reborn for 2023, from a reconfigurable bed to new trim levels. The interior has also been radically redesigned, with twin 11-inch screens in some models and upgraded safety tech. The range now encompasses five trims, two versions of the same engine, and a choice of drivetrains.
Choosing Your Chevrolet Colorado
If you’re willing to accept a two-wheel drive, the Colorado range starts at $33,995 (all prices include destination) for a WT. Adding AWD to WT and LT models costs $3,300, while an uprated engine increases the cost by around $2,000. Other models are available exclusively with AWD and the more powerful engine, while a flagship ZR2 will set you back $48,295. Unlike many rival trucks, there’s only one combination of cab and bed offered – Crew Cab Short Box.
Engine Choices
Every Colorado is fitted with a 2.7-liter turbocharged gas engine, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission, and is available in two states of tune. The more affordable version generates 237 horsepower and 260 lb-ft of torque. Alternatively, you could choose a tweaked version producing 310 hp and 430 lb-ft in ZR2 guise – other models make do with a slightly lower output of 391 lb-ft.
Fuel economy figures are not published for the Colorado.
Engine Type | Horsepower | Torque |
2.7 turbo | 237 hp | 260 lb-ft |
2.7 turbo | 310 hp | 391 lb-ft (LT/WT/Trail Boss/Z71) 430 lb-ft (ZR2) |
Passenger and Cargo Capacity
Cargo capacity for the five-seater Colorado stands at 41.9 cu ft, with the cargo box measuring 61 inches in length.
Safety Features
Trucks have often lagged behind passenger vehicles for safety, but the all-new Colorado breaks with tradition. Even base WT models come with seven airbags, automatic emergency braking with pedestrian and cyclist detection, lane keep assist and departure warnings, forward collision alert, and a following distance indicator. Indeed, there are no significant improvements in safety kits on higher trims, though features like active steering and parking assistance have to be added as options even on premium models.
Connectivity
While some trucks make do with two speakers and a paltry infotainment setup, even the cheapest Colorado packs six speakers and satellite radio. Also standard on every model is an eight-inch color driver information center, plus a stunning 11.3-inch LED display with Google and wireless smartphone mirroring. Indeed, so good is this standard setup that even ZR2 models only manage to improve on it by incorporating a larger 11-inch driver information center.
2023 Chevrolet Colorado WT – MSRP from $33,995
Riding on 17-inch steel wheels, WT models benefit from automatic headlamps and high beams, power-adjustable outside mirrors, and privacy glass. Power locks access a cabin with Evotex-clad front bucket seats, power windows, climate control, and wireless phone mirroring.
For just $545, the Convenience Package II offers eight-way power adjustment for the driver’s seat and an assisted tailgate with integral storage and a keyed cylinder lock. The latter feature also stars in the $950 Technology pack, alongside adaptive cruise control, HD surround vision, and a rear pedestrian alert.
2023 Chevrolet Colorado LT – MSRP from $36,395
There are many subtle differences on LT models – cloth seating, rear air vents, and USB ports – but also bigger improvements. This is the first Colorado with keyless entry and start, a front center console, a remote locking tailgate, and aluminum wheels.
The Technology pack is a carryover, while LT models offer three Convenience packages. The first offers ten features for $1,270 including cruise control, dual-zone climate, and the assisted tailgate with storage. The $2,450 Convenience Package II adds eight-way power and heating to the driver’s seat alongside remote start and wireless device charging, while III costs $3,075 but does include LED exterior lighting and a heated steering wheel.
2023 Chevrolet Colorado Trail Boss – MSRP from $38,495
Riding on bigger 18-inch wheels with all-terrain tires, AWD-only Trail Boss Colorados offer active noise cancellation, improved cabin lighting, and a reprise of the Evotex seating found on WT models. However, they also lose keyless entry and start.
Alongside the Technology package, the $545 Trail Boss Convenience Package II mirrors the WT version of this pack. A better purchase would be the $505 Safety Package, which offers side blind-zone alerts with active steering alongside rear park assist, rear cross-traffic alerts, and braking.
2023 Chevrolet Colorado Z71 – MSRP from $41,395
The first Colorado with cruise control (rather surprisingly), Z71 models also feature signature LED running lights with matching headlights, tail lamps, and animated turn signals. A manually sliding rear window with a defogger joins heated outside mirrors and gloss aluminum wheels.
The Safety and Technology packs remain similarly priced, with the $1,625 Convenience Package II combining wireless charging and eight-way power for the driver’s seat with remote start and dual-zone climate.
2023 Chevrolet Colorado ZR2 – MSRP from $48,295
The flagship Colorado model gains many prosaic upgrades, like a spray-on bedliner and flexible tailgate. It also receives an 11-inch driver information center, eight-way power adjustment for the heated driver’s seat, dual-zone climate, remote engine start, and an auto-dimming inside mirror.
Alongside the Safety and Technology packages, deep-pocketed ZR2 buyers can spend $9,295 on the Desert Boss Special Edition. This package includes a 40-inch light bar, an underbody camera, extensive decals, and an off-road front bumper.
Compare Colorado Trims Side-By-Side
While higher trims are more generously equipped, the comprehensive safety and infotainment kit fitted to base WT models mean they no longer feel like the poor relation in the range. They’re also comparatively good value, making them our pick of the Colorado lineup.