The 2023 Chevy Colorado is this first model year of the all-new mid-size pickup’s third-generation. This next-gen truck introduces revised exterior styling, a completely overhauled interior, and a new powertrain. Now, GM Authority is breaking down Chevy Colorado towing capacities.
To begin, we’re going to review powertrain options. With the introduction of a new generation, the 2023 Chevy Colorado will receive one engine base across the lineup, but in three states of tune. The turbocharged 2.7L I4 L2R engine develops 237 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque, and it’s standard on the Work Truck and LT trims. Originally introduced in the 2019 Chevy Silverado and 2019 GMC Sierra, the turbocharged 2.7L I4 L3B gasoline engine in 2.7L Turbo Plus tune is be rated at 310 horsepower and 390 pound-feet of torque, and it’s standard for Z71 and Trail Boss, optional for WT and LT. Meanwhile, the High-Output version of the L3B develops 310 horsepower and 430 pound-feet of torque, which is the standard engine for the Colorado ZR2.
As for the transmission, GM has decided to offer a revised eight-speed automatic transmission, and here’s why the Colorado’s engineers decided to use it instead of the GM 10-speed automatic. All trim levels, regardless of drivetrain configuration, will use a 3.42 axle ratio.
With that, here are 2023 Chevy Colorado towing capacities:
2023 Chevy Colorado Towing Capacities
| Model | Drivetrain | Turbo 2.7L I4 L2R | Turbo Plus 2.7L I4 L3B | Turbo High-Output 2.7L I4 L3B | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Axle Ratio | Max Trailer Weight (lbs / kg) | Axle Ratio | Max Trailer Weight (lbs / kg) | Axle Ratio | Max Trailer Weight (lbs / kg) | ||
| Colorado Work Truck | 2WD | 3.42 | 3,500 / 1,588 | 3.42 | 7,700 / 3,4931 | - | - |
| Colorado Work Truck | 4WD | 3.42 | 3,500 / 1,588 | 3.42 | 7,700 / 3,4931 | - | - |
| Colorado LT | 2WD | 3.42 | 3,500 / 1,588 | 3.42 | 7,700 / 3,4931 | - | - |
| Colorado LT | 4WD | 3.42 | 3,500 / 1,588 | 3.42 | 7,700 / 3,4931 | - | - |
| Colorado Trail Boss | 4WD | - | - | 3.42 | 7,700 / 3,4931 | - | - |
| Colorado Z71 | 4WD | - | - | 3.42 | 7,700 / 3,4931 | - | - |
| Colorado ZR2 | 4WD | - | - | - | - | 3.42 | 6,000 / 2,722 |
Looking over the numbers, we see that the maximum weight a 2023 Colorado can tow is 7,700 pound. It’s worth noting that this requires the optional Trailering Package (RPO code Z82) and Limited-Slip Differential (G80).
When compared to the outgoing 2022 Chevy Colorado towing capacity, we find that both models have equal towing capabilities when properly equipped. However, the outgoing Colorado needed to be equipped with the optional 2.8L I4 LWN turbo-diesel Duramax engine to achieve that rating, which is now out of production.
As a reminder, production of the 2023 Chevy Colorado will commence on January 25th, 2023 at the GM Wentzville plant in Missouri. The Colorado will ride on an updated version of the same GMT 31XX platform used by the previous generation. Known internally within GM as 31XX-2, the updated architecture will be shared with the Colorado’s corporate platform-mate, the 2023 GMC Canyon.
Official pricing details will follow closer to the start of production.
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Comments
Is there a long bed on any trim??
Finally a rear axle ratio other than 4:10. The engine and transmission won’t have to spin as fast, prolonging the life of both.
the sucky part is if you plan to use your trailboss off road lift it, the 3.42 gears will make larger tires a problem. hopefully the 4:10 is still optional. Turbos used to like RPM, so that seems counterintuitive to back track on the gearing.
So for the Z71 with the turbo plus L3B engine, it can tow the same amount of trailer weight as the LWN which has 129 less HP and 20ft lbs less torque and better mileage. All this hoopla about this great new I4 turbo GAS engine that they use in the Silverado and now available for the twins doesn’t impress me at all. I think GM made a big mistake only going with one engine option just to simplify their builds.
GM’s G80 is a locking rear differential and not a limited slip differential as mentioned in the towing capacity chart.
biggest question though is why do they not have driver input? Nothing hurts an offroading day worse than a limited slip set up over and actual locking differential that you can lock before going. The g80 may actually lock the axles together a bit better than the clutch type limited slip things, but it still requires enough traction loss to engage it.
To me the lo-po engine is good for a single place utv or snowmobile towing on 2% or less grades.
I would like to know if there will be any way to positively know if the engine software upgrade was actually done by the dealership or do we just trust them.