2023 Chevy Colorado: Everything We Know & Expect

by Jonathan Lopez
— Apr 30, 2022

Model Line

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.

Exterior

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.

Interior

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.

Powertrain

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.

Platform, Chassis, Suspension

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.

Wheels And Tires

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.

Launch

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.

Pricing

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

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.

Competitive Landscape

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.

Sales Numbers - Midsize Mainstream Pickup Trucks - 2021 - USA

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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2023 Chevy Colorado Photos