The 2023 Chevy Colorado is poised to introduce an all-new third generation for the pickup truck nameplate, and with it, a next-generation Colorado ZR2 off-roader model as well. As regular readers will know, GM Authority has spied the new 2023 Chevy Colorado ZR2 testing on several occasions, including one prototype that was seen benchmarking alongside a right-hand drive Ford Ranger Raptor. Now, however, this latest batch of spy shots provide us with our best look yet.
Outside, the 2023 Chevy Colorado ZR2 will boast an all-new design, which is obscured by the heavy camouflage on this particular prototype. Nevertheless, we can still see elements of the new look peeking out through the cracks. For example, up front we see production lighting bits with horizontal headlights and LED lighting signatures. Also notable is the visible front skid plate.
In the corners, we see the Colorado ZR2 once again riding on massive tires. The Goodyear Wrangler Territory MT rubber has the same specs as we’ve seen on previous prototype models, measuring in at 33 inches (285/70R17) as compared to the 31-inch tires sized (265/65R17) of the current model. The tires wrap a familiar six-spoke design, also seen previously on prototype models.
Also of note are the serious-looking dual-level rocker protection, which could serve as high-clearance step rails as well. The jacked-up suspension includes Multimatic DSSV shocks tucked behind the big rear tires, with the shocks obscured by black paint that covers the bold blue-and-gold finish underneath.
Further updates for the new generation will include a completely overhauled interior, while under the hood, the 2023 Chevy Colorado ZR2 will feature the turbocharged 2.7L I4 L3B gasoline engine, also found in the Chevy Silverado 1500 where it produces 310 horsepower and uprated at 420 pound-feet of torque for the latest 2022-model-year refresh. The four-banger will pair with the GM 10-speed automatic transmission, while the atmospheric 2.5L I4 LCV, atmospheric 3.6L V6 LGZ, and 2.8L I4 LWN turbodiesel Duramax are not expected to return for the 2023 model year.
Under the skin, the 2023 Colorado ZR2 will ride on the 31XX-2 platform, an updated version of GM’s current GMT-31XX midsize body-on-frame architecture. The new truck will also adopt the Global B electrical architecture and offer the latest digital features.
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Comments
Do we have any idea on a debut date? New York? It has to be sooner than later if it’s a 23 model.
I gave up waiting and committed to a 2022 ZR2 but from what I heard from my dealer the unveiling should be soon but you won’t get one in your driveway till at least mid 2023.
Doesn’t seem like anyone cares about auto show debuts anymore. Just hold a presser on a ranch somewhere. Does need to happen this quarter. I think there’ll be more following the Canyon teaser.
Proportions look good. Ford Ranger outselling Colorado is outright embarrassing, given Colorado’s time in the space.
These trucks can’t come soon enough. Tacoma still crushing it in sales.
They need to benchmark Tacoma and bring up the quality, reliability and reputation equal to or better than that of Toyota Tacoma.
The sales discrepancy is becuase there has been no stock of Colorado’s or Canyon’s on ground for MONTHS. And Ford has had piles of Rangers hanging around for just this situation, when no one can find a Taco, or GM they’ll go to the Ford.
Why would you bench mark the Toyota? Just because it’s number one in sales? The truck it self is far behind the GM twins in most every category and reliability isn’t much is any better. The only reason it sells so well is the name and history which it doesn’t live up to. No doubt have one to compare against and get some ideas off of but it isn’t anywhere near a class leading truck so don’t benchmark it…
Even with dated text you are correct. The GM Twins are the best midsize truck in the market.
In your opinion they are better. People prefer Toyota and in overwhelming numbers. Sales numbers do not lie.
Let me guess , You drive a Toyota
The Taco is not as good as you claim, they are always broken out where I go off roading.
literally the most common vehicle broken on the trail the Tacoma
and its Time is of THE essence but you have already displayed your ignorance
Sales numbers must mean they are the best??? really. the Camaro is the BEST driving car in that class hands down!!(2016 motor trend car of the year) it is the worst seller though, just for instance and has been for awhile but is always the unanimous winner in most driving comparisons. Not a Camaro guy but this was the first example of the best car not being the best seller I could think of. Since 2016 most car magazines have found the Camaro the best to drive, it just has not translated into sales numbers for Chevy
The market disagrees with you and the Tacoma sales volume is proof that the Tacoma is the benchmark and leader.
Sorry jonny, you can make all the excuses you want. Ford is beating Chevy in this category. Chevy needs to do better.
Using your logic Time
McDonalds would be the best Burger????
they have the largest marketshare by far largest volume most selling burger on the planet………
Need I say more?
I will anyway. Coke best soda? Fender best guitar?? these are by far the sales leaders in their respective industries but that does not make them the best. That is why there are so many other choices in those industries. Sales volume simply means you lead the market in sales, it does not prove any thing other than that…(maybe it is simply the cheapest)
OH. PC out sells Mac but wow that one it isn’t even close MACS are WAY BETTER THAN PC’s!!!!!
Democrats out voted the Republicans and boy was that a mistake……
Exactly. EVERY magazine comparison has had the twins on top ever since the 2nd gens came out, even 6 years later.
Honestly, the truck to benchmark is the Ridgeline- for interior space, ride, quality, bed width, payload… tow capacity will be totally sufficient with the L3B.
I miss the time when every new GM vehicle was leaked before the launch. GM really solved some problems inside…
GM has also gotten a lot better at not showing off vehicles a year in advance of their debut. Stinks for enthusiast, but definitely the smart business decision.
Who wants an very old Taco model, like 15 years. Tacos are underpowered and overpriced. Sure, it’s a good vehicle, but an old model!
The 4 banger ZR2 will got blown out by the Ford Ranger Raptor with its 3.0 V6 at 400hp and 420 ft lbs. Suck it up GM and put a real engine in the Rado!
I’m buying the Ford!
I keep seeing posts about the next-gen Colorado/Canyon, but nobody is giving any indication of WHEN they will debut. Out with it, fellas!
I have been a GM person for my whole life, I switched from Cadillac to Chevy Colorado in my old age, love the 2020 Colorado but would have liked the push button start, I need to order a new vehicle and I will NEVER buy a 4 cylinder no matter how great the specs are, so either gladiator or raptor here I come
Why the disdain for a 4 cylinder? I get the initial reaction to it but I currently drive a 2.7 v6 Ecoboost in a f150 and it does great. The same displacement as the Chevy 4 cylinder.. and each is a great engine it it’s own right.
I personally think the 2.7 turbo inline 4 is going to be a perfect fit for the Colorado.
You’ll get better mpg than the current Colorado and it will be faster than any current mid size truck in existence except for the 3.0 in the upcoming Ford raptor.
Plus it sounds better than a V6.
There isn’t a whole lot to dislike.
Anything less than 6 cylinders is for women and liberals.
So if the 4 cylinder performs better than the 6, you’re going to stay with the 6? Follow the science.
Big fan of your frail masculinity. I agree too, anything with four cylinders is exclusively for people with less testosterone than I. I have so much manliness with my 6-cylinder trucks.
C’mon dude, join us in 2022 where engine technology means more than cylinder counts.
If GM would up the 4 banger to about 400 hp like the RRaptor, I’d buy it, I really like my 2018 V6 Colo now. But, Chevy just won’t have the power the Ford will have. Like Brandon says, “ Come-on Man”!
If GM puts the same 4 banger in the Colorado that goes in the Silverado, it should have 310 hp, and 430 torque
Has there been ANY indication of an SUV body on top of this chassis? GM has been missing a proper off-roader for yea…DECADES!
There has been an Austral-asia SUV for years. Sold under Colorado7 and Trailblazer names. Here in America, we have a Trailblazer, too. It’s… not the same thing.
I didn’t even think about looking at the Holdens! We miss out on so much!
I don’t understand Ford using a 3.0
In every configuration I have seen a 3.0 has been a disappointment.
I wonder if bore and stroke has been changed compared to Fords 3.0 of the past?
One thing that really bothers me about the inline 2.7 is the 3 position sliding camshaft
It just sounds like a major failure point.
I know I know there haven’t been any issues so far but think about it.
Seems spooky
That sliding camshafts replaces that ominous collapsing lifter tech for cylinder deactivation. I don’t think it’s any more than cam phasers- and those are pretty well figured out.
In what vehicles is the 3.0 disappointing? In the Interceptor it’s faster than a Hemi Charger around a track.
In days gone by Ford used the 3.0 litre in the Ranger and there Van the Aerostar and in both cases they were extremely under powered. I had 4 Rangers a 2.3 , 3.0 and 2 of there 4.0L
My 2.3 didn’t last and the 2.3 turbo was a joke as it didn’t last ether.
Back in the 80s……
Back then GMs 2.8 then later punched out to 3.1. Those were amazing V6s
Look, the Ranger Raptor will have 400hp and 410 torque. Why would I want a 4 banger ZR2 with only
310hp? Daaa! Ford wins! Or don’t you understand
400 hp vs 310?