As GM Authority has reported for roughly the last two years, General Motors is hard at work on new, third-generation Chevy Colorado. Now, we’re going over everything we know thus far about the all-new, 2023 Chevy Colorado prior to its expected reveal later this year.
The overhauled 2023 Chevy Colorado will introduce a few changes to the model lineup. The current Colorado is offered in WT (Work Truck), LT, Z71, and ZR2 trim levels, while the Colorado Trail Boss is offered as a package upgrade on the LT and Z71 trims. However, we expect the 2023 Chevy Colorado lineup to include the existing WT, LT and ZR2 trims, while adding RST and Trail Boss models.
The new Colorado could also gain a luxurious LTZ or High Country trim level, although the amount of funds needed to buy such such a vehicle would creep into the territory of a well-equipped, mid-tier Chevy Silverado. Additionally, we expect the new Colorado to cancel the Z71 trim, instead turning it into a package on LT and RST trims, plus the aforementioned LTZ / High Country range-topper.
The exterior of the 2023 Chevy Colorado will be all-new, with more modern styling that follows the modern Chevy design language a lot more closely than the current truck. Meanwhile, we also foresee a more aggressive and imposing stance, as previewed in the latest spy shots.
The front end will be more upright, with a set of more traditional headlights bookending the reshaped grille. The overall design will bear a resemblance to the refreshed 2022 Chevy Silverado, while still delivering a distinct design language. The Colorado WT will feature incandescent lighting, whereas LT models and above will feature a more upscale lighting configuration. Speaking of lights, the 2023 Colorado will have a more traditional lighting configuration similar to the Silverado, rather than a dual lighting setup seen in the likes of the Chevy Blazer. The 2023 Chevy Colorado will also offer the Multi-Flex multi-position tailgate to the Colorado lineup – a first for the nameplate.
While the bones supporting the cab structure will likely remain unchanged, the sheetmetal will be new. Speaking of cabs, cab options are a bit of a mystery at of this writing. The only 2023 Colorado configuration we’ve seen GM test is the Crew Cab, Short Box. Given huge levels of demand for Crew Cabs, we’re have to wonder whether an Extended Cab will even be offered this time around.
The current Chevrolet Colorado was introduced in the U.S. for the 2015 model year, and the cabin has often been a point of criticism. Luckily, the overhauled 2023 Chevy Colorado will have an all-new cabin, following in the footsteps of the refreshed 2022 Chevy Silverado 1500, as previewed in out exclusive spy photos. The cabin will be redone with new seats, new switchgear, a new shifter, push-button start, a new center stack with a new infotainment system and more. These changes will give the truck’s interior a more modern appearance as compared to the current model, which traces its roots to 2011 with the launch of the international-market S10/Colorado model.
Digging deeper on the infotainment system, the unit in the 2023 Chevy Colorado will run Google Automotive, with embedded connections via OnStar 4G LTE offering things like traffic and weather information, point of interest search, and other nav features. The SiriusXM TrafficLink system currently in place will no longer be used.
The 2023 Chevy Colorado will also offer additional camera views thanks to more cameras around the vehicle.
Under the hood, the 2023 Chevy Colorado will equip the turbocharged 2.7L I4 L3B gasoline engine as standard. The mill may be offered in both a “regular output” tune, as well as a “higher output” tune for top trims like the ZR2 and the potential LTZ / High Country we mentioned earlier. Exact output numbers are still forthcoming, although the L3B is rated at 310 horsepower and 430 pound-feet of torque in the refreshed 2022 Chevy Silverado 1500.
Diesel power will not be offered. However, the turbo whistle will be rather prominent. Ironically, the boosted gasoline four-pot will deliver more horsepower and more torque than the current 2.8L LWN turbo-diesel Duramax
The four-cylinder will connect to the GM 10-speed automatic transmission as standard across the board, although it is possible GM may equip lower trims with the much-maligned GM 8-speed automatic. Rear-wheel drive will be standard, while four-wheel drive will be optional. ZR2 models will equip four-wheel drive as standard, as well as e-lockers front and rear, while the 2023 Chevy Colorado Trail Boss will get a locking rear axle.
Under the skin, the overhauled 2023 Chevy Colorado will ride on an upgraded version of the GMT31XX platform underpinning the current model. The new platform is known internally within GM as as 31XX-2.
Additionally, the 2023 Chevy Colorado will adopt the GM Global B electrical architecture, which will enable it to offer a raft of high-end active safety features and the latest driver assists, including the GM Super Cruise semi-autonomous drive system. The Global B architecture will also enable over-the-air (OTA) updates for additional features, software updates and fixes down the line.
The suspension will likely be similar to that of the current model, albeit somewhat improved. The mounting of the DSSV dampers in the 2023 Colorado ZR2 will be “flipped.” More specifically, the next-gen 2023 Chevy Colorado will have the dampers mounted outside of the frame, rather than inside the frame as is the case for the current Colorado ZR2. The change will result in a new suspension geometry that provides more capability and a wider, more assertive stance. This wider stance has been spotted in prototype models, giving it more of a “bulldog” demeanor, rather than the “chihuahua on steroids” stance of the current model.
As for the rollers, the overhauled 2023 Chevy Colorado will mount everything from 17-inch wheels to 20-inch wheels. The off-road-ready ZR2 will likely roll on 17-inch wheels wrapped in 33-inch Goodyear Wrangler Territory MT tires.
The next-generation Chevy Colorado will launch late in 2022 for the 2023 model year. From what we know, COVID-19 and the ongoing global microchip shortage has yet to affect the launch of the new pickup.
With regard to pricing, the next-gen 2023 Chevy Colorado will adopt a similar structure as the current model, albeit with more clearly priced options – for example, the Trail Boss is expected to be added as a trim, while Z71 will be split into a package. As for the fully loaded, potential new luxury models (LTZ or High Country), expect pricing around that of the ZR2 model.
Production of the 2023 Chevy Colorado will take place at the GM Wentzville facility in Missouri for North America and the Middle East, while the GM Sao Jose Dos Campos facility in Brazil will build units – in slightly different guise and branded as S10 – for South America.
With regard to the midsize mainstream pickup segment, the 2023 Chevy Colorado will face some stiff competition, including the all-new Nissan Frontier, as well as the upcoming all-new Ford Ranger, the latter of which will soon be revealed for North America. The new Ranger Raptor is also expected to make its introduction for North America as the ultimate offroader from FoMoCo.
| MODEL | YTD 21 / YTD 20 | YTD 21 | YTD 20 | YTD 21 SHARE | YTD 20 SHARE |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| TOYOTA TACOMA | +5.74% | 252,520 | 238,806 | 42% | 41% |
| FORD RANGER | -6.63% | 94,755 | 101,486 | 16% | 18% |
| JEEP GLADIATOR | +15.69% | 89,712 | 77,542 | 15% | 13% |
| CHEVROLET COLORADO | -24.14% | 73,008 | 96,238 | 12% | 17% |
| NISSAN FRONTIER | +64.73% | 60,693 | 36,845 | 10% | 6% |
| GMC CANYON | -4.23% | 24,125 | 25,190 | 4% | 4% |
| TOTAL | +3.25% | 594,813 | 576,107 |
For now, the Toyota Tacoma is the clear sales leader in the segment, as has been the case for the past decade, if not more. It’s worth noting that the sales figures you see above were distorted by production disruptions and shortages during the 2021 calendar year as a result of the coronavirus pandemic. As a result, Chevy Colorado sales suffered.
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Moving opposite to market trends.
With four model years recommended for purchase.
This example is a former NCRS award winner.
Many automakers oppose right-to-repair laws citing cybersecurity concerns.
Breaking out the spec sheets for a comparison.
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I can’t wait until this new Colorado/Canyon comes out, I still wish GM would go with the tried and true 4.3 liter V6!!!! It still produce 285 strong horsepower at the brakes💪🏾💪🏾💪🏾💪🏾
The 4.3 in general needed more love. It needed a bit hotter cam, better transmissions, better flowing heads. It was designed purely as a bulletproof cheap motor that was not to compete with the 5.3, which was also overall keeper mild to not compete with the 6.2. It’s an awesome motor.
I'm really digging the size and stance of this truck. Hopefully they don't mess it up by making it weird in some way.
Will the Colorado and Canyon get Homelink this time around?
I agree about the Homelink. It should be standard on every truck.
When will you be able to place a order
2024
I've been a GM LOYALIST MY WHOLE LIFE, though I own a lifted Ford F150 FX4. It's got huge aftermarket bucks spent and gets huge compliments. The Tacoma I've said for like 10yrs now owns this market, the ladies love it. 4 females in my family want one because it looks tough, masculine and well built. GMs duo looks weak, feminine in design and both woman and men don't like it much. I've been yelling at GM to please build a strong aggressive truck to destroy the Tacoma. Give it cool colors with cool names, give it aftermarket options to fully customize it, give us a strong turbo motor, give us big wheels and tires, an aggressive hood with scoop.
The Taco is like a bad habit.
Down on power, bad transmission, cheap interior, one of the most horrid seating position.
As for styling it is not any more or less tough looking. That is subjective at best.
Tacos sell because they are reliable enough buyers never look around. Tbe GM trucks drive better, ride better have more power. The ZR2 smokes the TRD Pro. GM actually did a full suspension with a wider track Toyota different off set wheels.
GM is the only one in class with 4 piston brakes.
They swapped 4 piston brakes for 2 piston sliders with larger rotors around 2020.
Which women??? All the women in my life laugh at the taco! Course in the Midwest, real men drive work trucks, and the taco doesn’t work hard.
I have a 2019 V6 SR5 Tacoma. It has so many shortcomings. The transmission is always confused about when to shift. The motor has lousy low end torque. Drum brakes in the rear, seriously? The engine hood is freaking heavy, I can barely lift it up and I can bench 180. I have always change my own oil and I am 68 and this vehicle is the worst and way too complicated. Thank goodness it’s only a once a year task.
Waiting for that 2023 Chevy Colorado. !
I loved my 2019 Canyon and only traded it on a Sierra so I could tow a travel trailer.
You clearly have ZERO clue what you are talking about and NOBODY thinks the Tacoma looks "tough and masculine"... it is the worst looking truck in the market. People only buy Toyotas for reliability and nothing else.
Will the 2023 Colorado be available in a 2 door model?
Will they please build comfortable seats please,not like my 22 Traverse Premier.
As a driver of a 2015 4WD, V-6, CCSB Z-71, all I can say is please give it dual zone climate control and a better programmed tranny! Some people hate the seats in the current gen, but I have not had any issues, even on longer trips. Gas mileage has been great for a gas V-6 4WD. (Averaged +21 mpg over the past 48,000 miles)
On Toyota what about Tacoma frame rot as I doubt they will remedy that!
Too bad the Diesel is no more and hopefully they offer the 2 door still!
How can you not include the Honda Ridgeline as a competitor?
It isn't a real truck...