The 2023 Chevy Colorado introduces a brand-new third generation for the midsize pickup, once again offering up the ZR2 off-roader. This time around, the Colorado ZR2 is available with the new-for-2023 Desert Boss Package, which ups the ante with even more rough-stuff goodness. Now, we’re checking the first live photos of the 2023 Chevy Colorado ZR2 Desert Boss in Glacier Blue paint.
Captured at the recent Woodward Dream Cruise in Michigan, this 2023 Chevy Colorado ZR2 looks tough thanks to a long list of impressive equipment, all of which complements the updated styling introduced with the latest third-generation overhaul. This particular model also shows off the restyled front fascia only available via the Colorado ZR2 Desert Boss package, including the large bash bar that stretches across the front grille.
Further standout equipment for 2023 Chevy Colorado ZR2 includes burly underbody protection, while ZR2 badging a Chevy Flow Tie badge adorn the central grille bar. Up top is a prominent hood bulge finished in black.
Moving to the corners, we see a set of beadlock-capable wheels wrapped in Goodyear Wrangler tires. Between the tires is a set of rocker protection bars, while a Desert Boss decal on the rear fenders is complemented by a hash decal up front.
Further details include a sports bar and sail panel, a roof-mounted light bar, and additional ZR2 badging. The Colorado ZR2 Desert Boss package also throws in an underbody camera system with 10 camera views, while the truck rides on Multimatic DSSV dampers matched with ZR2-specific chassis upgrades.
As for the power, motivation is sourced from the turbocharged 2.7L I4 L3B gasoline engine running the top 2.7 Turbo High-Output tune. Peak output is rated at 310 horsepower and 430 pound-feet of torque, all of which is directed to the wheels through the updated GM 8-speed automatic transmission.
Production of the 2023 Chevy Colorado starts next year, and will take place at the GM Wentzville plant in Missouri.
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Comments
What I find funny is this was roped off at Woodward yet just up the road you could sit in two different 2023 Canyons.
But it’s blue!
My question is can this fit in a normal 7ft garage if you don’t get the desert Runner package. I could see the light bar being possibly to tall. I’m looking at the ZR2 or the AT4x.
I saw the height dimensions at one point though can’t relocate. I do remember it was very similar in height to the full-size trucks. An AT4 Sierra has a couple inches to spare for me so you should be safe.
The first gen Colorado featured alot of failed cylinder head valve seats that plagued many owners. The second gen Colorado had issues with the transmission.My own 2006 Colorado sits in the driveway with frame and body rust found in very creative areas that only GM can find in their manufacturing processes. And the interior plastic is 10 steps below the quality found in a Monogram or MPC model car kit. So I do wonder what manner of issue will crop up on this new generation truck.
Meanwhile, GM has nothing to counter what is offered with the Ford Maverick……
You’re complaining about a 16 year old truck that has a couple small rust spots that apparently you’ve been searching for? Show me a similar era competitors model with less rust!
Then you mention the plastics from 2006 yet suggest a Maverick May be in your future because Chevy doesn’t have a competitor? You better start setting your expectations low if you’re considering a Maverick.
They were legitimate points.
Most vehicles in a salt winter environment will be rusted by 15 years no matter the make.
The transmission issues has been resolved. As for the plastics they are being eliminated as the new truck look to have fixed this,
Now we will get complaints on size and complaints on price. Yet if you want a better truck it is going to cost more.
I agree the Maverick interior is pretty sparse. Covering the dash in cheap cloth is not a fix.
You must of owned a maverick to make that assumption right?
Personal observations go a long way. Driven and ridden in one enough to observe the low quality.
Also when you charge so little for a vehicle the money has to come out of something. With the average price of a vehicle at $46K, $20K does not buy much.
No. I have no interest in such a small truck. But, I have seen the inside of one and there are plenty of plastics to be found. Really not surprising when you consider the price point that it starts at. Additionally, if you’ve read any reviews of the Maverick, you’ll see they talk about the plastics that are present.
I don’t know where you are from ,Mike but those chevy trucks have nothing in common with this New Colorado , Only the name ! This generation Colorado was introduced in 2015 and I own one and I have not hade a bit of problems ,But than ,I am from Texas and All we deal with old county gravel roads, bumps, Oh and cow sh!t!
I totally understand your frustration with GM! I used to be a GM loyalist, and just got sick and tired of the crap GM was putting out! Ordered my Ford Ranger in Feb, got it last month and been loving my 22 Ranger since, absolutely no regrets!
The only thing I can see is missing mud flaps. Without them it’s paint chips and cleaning out the rear bumper that collects mud.
Not a fan of the dessert running package. Just a waste of money that can go towards other accessories like a bed cover, mud flaps, cargo lights, etc.
I like running for dessert, especially a nice cheesecake!
GM how about the 3.0 Duramax with the 10-speed Auto as an option? I don’t need multiple cameras underneath the rig looking at pretty rocks that I drive over. I’m looking for something that can tow a decent load and get good mileage when I’m not Towing.
With the high cost of build and regulations only the full size trucks run a volume with Diesel that make back the money.
Also with the torque there is no need for 2 more gears. You need more when the power is made in a narrow torque ban.
Why do the full size trucks come with 10 speeds then? I’m not buying that.
55 more foot pounds of torque is a deal-breaker? I’m not buying that either….
The fullsize only come with the 10 speed with the V8 or diesel not Turbo 4. 10 speeds on larged engines make much more sense than on smaller engines.
Joe,
I did not ask for the 10-speed automatic transmission to be mated with the four cylinder turbo. My request was for the 3 l 6 cylinder Duramax with the 10-speed transmission that comes in the full size trucks in the new Colorado…
It probably doesn’t fit. I don’t understand why anyone wants a diesel unless you do a lot of heavy hauling. They require so much more maintenance, its just not worth it. The mpg is not any better than a smaller gas turbo with almost as much torque.
To get the highest torque inline four cylinder 2.7 L turbo, you have to buy the highest trim level package which I’m not interested in. I’m not spending 60 plus thousand dollars on an over glorified want to be Baja racer. Give me a mid-range trim level package with the inline 6 diesel and the 10-speed automatic.
This does not make sense! My 22 Ranger has a 10 speed auto, the same one that goes in the F150. So why can’t GM put a 10 speed in the Colorado? That 10 speed in the Ranger is absolutely phenomenal!
You should look at the Ranger! I squeezed 27mpg out of a 20 Ranger FX4 10 speed auto. That 4 cylinder in the Ranger is an absolute blast to drive. If you keep your foot out of the turbo, it returns very nice fuel mileage, and the 10 speed is always spot on and silky smooth. Most the time you don’t know it shifts unless you watch the gear counter to see what gear it is in
Best midsize truck – period !!
Chevy leaning hard into the bro-dozer look. Margins must be sky high on these.
GM…..if your listening…..please have these at the Houston Auto Show in January
Very nice looking truck. Automatically off my list without an optional V8.
What list? There is no mid-size truck with a V8 from the manufacturer. There was never a chance of this being on a list when the requirement is “V8”. I’d LOVE this thing to have a V8 in it, but I never dreamt it was going to happen. I thought the ZR2 might get an optional turbo V6. That said, the 2.7 with 430 lb torque should be pretty great.