The 2023 Chevy Colorado will introduce a new third generation for the nameplate, debuting a complete model overhaul consisting of a redesign and a re-engineering. Now, we’re giving you a very first look at the 2023 Chevy Colorado interior with the following exclusive spy photos.
This particular prototype appears to be the ZR2 model, judging by the tester’s exterior, including the aggressive and lifted stance and running gear. Even so, the general configuration and layout of the interior should be roughly the same for the ZR2 as for other models / trim levels within the 2023 Colorado range. With that out of the way, let’s dig right in.
There’s a significant amount of camouflage covering the the 2023 Chevy Colorado interior, but what we do see is a large, horizontally-oriented center stack display mounted in an upright fashion. The next-gen Colorado’s new center stack display appears to have a design that’s either the same or very similar to that of the 13.4-inch display offered on the refreshed 2022 Chevy Silverado 1500, which is part of the overhauled interior featured on 2022 Silverado 1500 LT trim levels and above.
The only other visible element beyond the screen itself is what seems to be a circular volume knob with a chrome outline to the let of the display.
13.4-inch center stack display on refreshed 2022 Silverado 1500
When it debuts, the 2023 Chevy Colorado will feature a long list of updates and changes as compared to the outgoing (and current) second-generation model. While the underlying GMT 31XX platform will remain the same, including the frame and cab structure, just about everything else will be overhauled. In addition to a new interior, the 2023 Colorado will also adopt the GM Global B electrical architecture, also known as Vehicle Intelligence Platform (VIP) that will enable over-the-air software updates to key vehicle components, along with the proper integration of next-generation features like Super Cruise and Ultra Cruise semi-autonomous driving assistance systems.
The exterior will also be completely redesigned. Under the hood, the 2023 Chevy Colorado will offer only one powerplant, namely the turbocharged 2.7L I4 L3B gasoline engine. The atmospheric 2.5L I4 LCV gasoline engine, atmospheric 3.6L V6 LGZ gasoline engine, and 2.8L I4 LWN turbodiesel Duramax offered on the current truck will not return for the 2023 model year.
When equipped in the refreshed 2022 Chevy Silverado 1500 and 2022 GMC Sierra 1500, the L3B is rated at 310 horsepower and an uprated 430 pound-feet of torque. Power and torque ratings for the 2023 Chevy Colorado are currently unclear, but we do expect GM’s 10-speed automatic to handle cog swaps.
A few weeks ago, we captured a whole convoy of 2023 Chevy Colorado and 2023 GMC Canyon prototypes undergoing testing. The trucks’ acceleration gave us a chance to hear the L3B spooling up. The sound is dominated by turbo whistle, marking the first time that the Colorado will feature a turbocharged gasoline engine.
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Comments
Right direction for sure.
I think they should have a full model range: WT, LT, RST, LTZ, HC, ZR2. Z71 should go back to being a package offered on those models.
If they don’t have the 2.7 HO standard, they should at least have the 2.7 310hp 438lbft and offer the HO available on LT and up, and standard on the top luxury trim and standard on ZR2.
Yes to the whole range comment. However, it will be either LTZ or HC, not both – since there isn’t as much pricing range on the midsizers as there is on the full-sizers. Also agree that Z71 should become a package. I would also note that Trail Boss ought to become a trim level as well.
The output of the L3B in these will depend on emissions and how they factor them into the CAFE rating for the automaker as a whole.
Here is the trouble.
The mid size trucks cost about as much as a full size truck to build but there are limits to what people will pay.
Once you get over $40k sales drop off fast. The ZR is priced well as it is still a decent price below the Bison. The Denali often are discounted already. I paid SLT price for mine.
To add more models they would be layered over each other if you add too many.
WT, LT1, LTZ, Trail Boss as the Z71 with ala cart options from a ZR2, ZR2 and Bison.
The Trail Boss could be as basic as a standard ZR but optioned with the added skid plates and other options just no fancy shocks and wide axles,
Making money is tight on these trucks and you have a narrow gap to fit them in. Too expensive people too often just go full size.
I wanted mid size and I still sat in the show room looking at a full size SLT with more options for only a couple grand more. It even had the 22” wheels.
There’s usually around a $10K price gap between a mid-sizer and full-sizer of equivalent spec. That isn’t remotely “about as much.” And right now I’m betting there’s going to be at least a $15K price gap between a 2023 Colorado ZR2 and a 2022 Silverado ZR2.
Outside this last year there has traditionally been 10-15k off 1/2 tons but you would see half that or less on a mid size. So real money paid, is very similar.
I paid 36k for my 50.8k 2018 Silverado LT Z71. Brand new.
The volume of the full size in non chop shortage times give the full size a much larger discount than you will ever get on a mid size.
I paid right at $39K for my Canyon Denali just a couple hundred more over the SLT the dealer had. GM had money off the Denali for that month and it brought it to SLT numbers. Note the Denali was $45,500.
But also in the show room was there was an extra cab SLT with all the options including cooled seats, sunroof and 22” wheels. It was a $56,000 truck offered at $42,000.
It was tempting but I really wanted the smaller truck.
Not all buyers are dedicated to the small truck and once the price gets to a point the bail yo full size.
Why does the Tacoma out sell the Colorado? Some is blind loyalty but much has to do with GM losing buyers to their full size as Toyota really does not have that issue. If anything they lose Tundra buyers to Tacoma.
Why are they making the Maverick? It is based on a cheap CUV platform and it is more profitable. Automakers would love to see buyers swap out the Ranger for the Maverick.. It used to be the S10 and old Ranger used to use parts from RWD sedans that shared the cost.
The Mid size trucks are a complex segment. There is money to be made but not easy money like the full size.
As for the Maverick it is not the old S10 by any stretch. It is not that much cheaper than. LT Colorado once you get options. Few will buy gutted trucks.
The question is after the first year or so will the buyers remain or do as they did on the Ridgeline and evaporate.
The history for FWD trucks has never been long lived. It is amazing the Ridgeline is still built at the volume they are seeing.
I paid $39K for my ZR2 Colorado. Yeah… nothing remotely even close to that deal in full-size trucks at the time. $15K discount? Only on trucks literally no one else wanted.
I paid $16k off for my 2019 Sierra AT4.
I won’t buy unless there is such a discount. Truck manufacturers have jacked up the prices intentionally as it’s their new premium
“The mid size trucks cost about as much as a full size truck to build but there are limits to what people will pay.”
No, they don’t.
See the next gen coming. It will have more room to finger print and cost more to replace.
Todd if you are on the forums few are willing to go over $40K. Even those trucks stickered there are discounted to $39K to sell like my Denali.
I love my truck but I would never pay $45k-50K for it.
Alex, I actually had that point about LTZ or HC in parentheses and deleted it. You’re 100%
And yes, forgot about TrailBoss and agree with you there too.
Needs a bigger screen!
See the next gen coming. It will have more room to finger print and cost more to replace.
No…no it does not. It’s just like the screen in the 2022 Silverado, which is perfect in my opinion. Also, I really love how GM is going with the horizontal orientation instead of vertical like everyone else. Horizontal just makes more sense. Have you seen the new Ranger interior on the global truck and it’s vertical screen? Might just be me, but I think it looks terrible.
It may not look good to you, but if you’re running the navigation it makes a lot more sense to show the road in that layout.
Yep, and an SUV version too!
This potentially can be a 2024 or 2025 model considering what’s going on with the Silverado
As of October 2021, we heard that these haven’t been delayed just yet:
https://gmauthority.com/blog/2021/10/2023-chevy-colorado-gmc-canyon-not-yet-delayed-by-chip-shortage/
However, the situation is so fluid, that a 2024 model year could be in the cards. That said, there have been changes at the plant that would enable production of the next-gens to start sooner rather than later.
My feeling based on the work done in December and already reducing the number of options and colors this spring will be the change.
They are showing a lot of these trucks already too. It is no accident.
No diesel, no chevy zr2 for me!
Seems clear to me the take rate was too low to justify redesigning the 2.8L diesel. That was an ancient design even when brought to the US market. It makes less torque than the new 2.7L turbo gas engine and the fuel economy gap is likely narrower than compared to the 3.6L gas. It would have been amazing to get the 3.0L Duramax but I suspect that engine is too long to fit in the Colorado.
That is kind of shameful, a brand new truck and you get only 1 engine choice across the entire line of trim levels. A refined 2.8 Liter Diesel along with the 2.7 Liter would have gave the consumer a little something more to work with, especially if gm is expecting the consumer to pay a Premium Price for a Denali Trim Canyon along with a LTZ Colorado but yet their Tow Ratings will not increase along with those Trim levels due to a standard 4 banger. gm’s All-Electric Mandate cut-off is between 2033 and 2035 a more powerful engine choice to compliment the ladder trim levels still makes sense for the time being in my opinion. I guess at this point, when it comes to a Denali or LTZ Midsized Truck, your paying more for Trim Appearances along with Suspension and Tech Upgrades rather than increased Horsepower in order to tie it all together, in due time, we’ll see how this works out.
Except your gas engine would have had… more power, more torque, a lower price, no DEF fluid requirement, no potential issues with emissions systems down the line, and diesel actually costs more throughout much of the US than gas… yeah it would have sold basically nothing. It was clearly not worth the cost for GM.
Half the mid-size segment only has a single engine choice. Ranger, Frontier, soon Colorado, probably the next-gen Tacoma too (rumored 2.4L turbo).
I know there was a loyal buyer base for the 2.8L Diesel but it was already small and with the 2.7L turbo gas arriving it would have shrunk significantly. There’s not a business case for an engine that would have likely moved sub 10% (if not less) of units.
The cost of development and meeting emissions have driven cost so high choices are being cut in most models.
The Diesels are getting so expensive it is crazy,
My hope is two different power ratings with the Turbo 4.
Wish Chevy would drop a compact truck like the Ford Maverick. I’m still driving a 2004 Colorado I5 ZQ8 and it’s definitely showing its age.
Looks like the camo wrap is different on the front of this one. Maybe more of the headlights are revealed but maybe they’re not, I can’t really tell. I see the sunroof is open a little bit too.
Wood trim? Yeesh. Feels like I’m right in the target window of a lot of vehicles GM is marketing to, but they have been missing the boat for a while now.
Seems like every design is opposite of what my personal taste likes.
Lets hope these trucks take the next step..leadership continues to half in and arrive late to the party on everything. Frustrating.
Thanks Alex, great job!
The front 1/3 of the frame is undergoing some substantial changes. Much stronger, much heavier.
Let’s hope they fix the junk audio system that is in my 2016 what garbage
The only thing the Bose needed was a sub that should have been standard. It was only available as a dealer installed option.
McIntosh is better then Bose by a mile. So is sennheiser
Also much more expensive. There are limits on what they can spend putting items in before people pass on buying at that price.
The Bose with the Kicker dealer sub is as good as most radios. Is it as good as what is in a Escalade no but you are not paying $100K either.
Do any cars use sennheiser? I’m trying to think of a manufacture that uses them I’m sure it would sound amazing. Isn’t McIntosh in an exclusive deal with keep now?
I can’t edit what I said but it should say Jeep.
Totally agree on the sound system.I have a 2015 z71 with the Bose system that went for a crap after warranty was up now all its good for is a door stop.
The Pioneer sound system in my 2010 Equinox LTZ sounds awesome to this day never had a problem with it…they should just use that one. As far as buying this Colorado new NO I would not I would wait at least two years have all the bugs worked out then look at one to buy… That is if used Silverado isn’t a better deal that’s why these trucks the Colorado, Canyon, Tacoma, Frontier, old Dakota to they are niche vehicles you can’t really fit all that much in the bed, only one engine option now, what I think would help is a sister SUV based on the 31XX platform an SUV not CUV… then they can share the profits and bring back the real S10 Blazer style truck. Just my thoughts 💭.
Have a 2016 Crew Z71 V6. Bought it brand new in Nov 15 and waited 6 months as it was a ordered for me .
The tuck has been great . Patiently waiting for the 2.7T and the 10 speed in 23-24
As soon as they are introduced and i get to drive one, I will place my order.
Here in Canada used car prices are through the roof , so will get a good price for my 2016 as it literally is like new .
37,000km, under coated every year since new
I m planning to replace my truck with a Z71, 2.7T, 4WD short box optioned the same as what i have
The 2.7 and 10 spd should have more power and better mileage than my current 3.6
i like the current interior of my truck but will appreciate the updates with PB start, and better audio
i hope they keep the controls and knobs ( size and rubberized finish ) user-friendly like they are today
I m excited for the truck and would never consider a full size truck as they are just too large for my use , hard to park , harder to get in and out etc etc .
I had my first compact trucks in the 80s , and had 3 S-10s , an 82, 84 and 86. i bough all of these new
The last 2 were 4WD , 5 spd , with Tahoe Interior .
A young family and a company car . made the small tuck no longer necessary
These were great compact trucks , so when GM re-introduced the Colarado in 2015 , i made the decision to get a small pickup again.
They are perfect for my use
Same – 2016 crew Z71 V6. Only thing I’ve had fail is the stationary portion of the slider window latch just fell off. I epoxy it back on every year or two.
moi je ne veux plus de moteur turbo
Wonder what this does to the Bison. I know AEV liked the diesel.
Does it look like they removed the floor shifter? Please tell me they did that and switched to the shifter stalk like I saw in the drawings of the group study, that’d be ideal. If any vehicle needed to clear up space and move the shifter off the console and somewhere else it’s these trucks. Between all the room they’d open up and the keep people from hitting them with their knees it would he much appreciated and allow for a phone to fit on a wireless charger. Shoot, even buttons would be better, you just touch it 3 times a drive so nothing more is needed, just add manual mode with a place to select a gear and that’s all that’s needed, so take it off the Yukon or Terrain if need be, just lose the floor shifter!
If they change it they will do buttons. Column shifts will not be used here.
I’d be good with buttons but would prefer a stalk on the column ideally (similar to what Mercedes or Tesla does), that would really get it out of the way and keep it intuitive as a column was standard fare for so many generations. I agree the actual column shifters aren’t coming (though it would be awesome if they did), but a stalk I can see as a possibility or buttons (they showed a shifter stalk in drawings with the Silverado, presumably for the next gen).
Any rumors on a release date? Just bought out my ’19 lease while I wait on these trucks to be released. But that Bronco is looking tempting… Would also love to see some optional “pay extra” tune updates like the GM vehicles of the 2000s had. When I order a new Z, I’d love the option for a GMPP bump tune. Especially with the new 4-cylinder.
May be this spring,
Prices are unreal. I paid $30k for a Colorado crew cab work truck 5 years ago. If you need all the whizbangs then your going to pay.
I hate to say it but don’t hesitate on the Bronco if you sense that gm can’t deliver in a timely matter based on what your looking for.
What would have made great sense for these trucks is to use the platform for a Traverse/GMC equivalent and Blazer/GMC equivalent sized 3 and 2 row. Back when the Colorado/Canyon first came back to the US. Replacing the the Traverse and giving GM a head start on a off-road like 2 row Blazer/GMC equivalent. Ford is reaping rewards from the Bronco. Chevy/GMC would have been ahead of the game if they would have done that.
You are going to wait well past Jan of 23 for a Bronco with 2.7, tow, and hard top.