GM debuted the latest third-generation 2023 Chevy Colorado back in July, pulling the wrapper on a revised exterior, an overhauled interior, a new powertrain, and an updated model line. As before, the 2023 Chevy Colorado once again offers multiple trim levels equipped with off-road-oriented equipment, including the first-ever Chevy Colorado Trail Boss, which was previously offered as a package upgrade for the LT and Z71 trim levels, but is now a standalone trim. The question is – how does the 2023 Chevy Colorado Trail Boss compare to the 2023 Chevy Colorado?
2023 Chevy Colorado Z71 left, 2023 Chevy Colorado Trail Boss right
To answer that question, GM Authority Executive Editor Alex Luft is taking a quick walk around both pickups in the following exclusive video, going over the most notable exterior differences, starting with the front fascia. As Luft points out, the styling differences are quite noticeable up front, with the 2023 Chevy Colorado Z71 incorporating a piano black grille surround and body-colored lower fascia section, and the 2023 Chevy Colorado Trail Boss incorporating a matte black finish for the grille surround and lower fascia.
The two pickups also incorporate different lighting setups, with the new Colorado Z71 equipped with LED headlights and an LED accent strip, plus fog lights, and the new Colorado Trail Boss equipped with halogen incandescent lights and no fog lights.
2023 Chevy Colorado Z71 left, 2023 Chevy Colorado Trail Boss right
The stance between these two pickups is also a significant point of departure, with the 2023 Chevy Colorado Trail Boss running a 2-inch suspension lift, giving it a significant height advantage over the 2023 Chevy Colorado Z71. In complement to its greater height, the Trail Boss is also considerably wider, running wider running gear and wider fenders to boot.
There’s several other interesting tidbits to point out here, so hit play to watch the full video:
As a reminder, the 2023 Chevy Colorado is motivated by the turbocharged 2.7L I4 L3B gasoline engine, which is available in multiple states of tune depending on the trim level selected. Under the skin, you’ll find the updated GM 31XX-2 platform, while production takes place at the GM Wentzville plant in Missouri.
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Comments
TB is for the dedicated mall crawlers.
Of the WT, LT, Z71 and Trail Boss, the TB was my favorite during this drive event.
TB is a money maker. A lower cost truck with the ability to be easily modified by owners is key to this segment.
Since engines are hands off much anymore lifts and tires are the go to for mods. This is the perfect starting point for many projects.
The Trail Boss is a good price point. But I’d go for a ZR2 any day. Z71 isn’t worth it honestly.
Love the TB, but I can’t get past the amount of black plastic on the front end. Any way to change this aftermarket? Been looking, but no satisfactory solution yet.
Going strictly by the view of the front shown in the pictures, the Z71 looks better with the painted bumper area. Beauty is in the eye of the beholder.
GM is really pooping the party by not having these things on dealer lots after the press event. Why create all this media buzz and then nothing. They should have followed up this press event with Super Bowl commercials while the trucks were arriving at dealerships. I sure would like to know when the average joe could go test drive one.
Been trawling the different Youtube channels reviews on the new Colorado. Some of them panned the Trail Boss interior as having too much cheap hard plastic, but others knew it was based on the WT and accepted the interior appointments while praising its capabilities for a good price. Personally speaking I would go for the LT with 4×4 option, as I wouldn’t want to spend too much for a midsize truck.
And that’s what I do not understand. Reviewers think that every single thing with four wheels and a motor is supposed to be luxurious. It doesn’t make any sense. Anyone who has owned a truck that use it for outdoorsy activities and/or for work don’t need stitched leather or soft touch plastics lining the top of the dash and doors. LED light bulbs also aren’t a necessity for off roading. Cry babies who haven’t comprehended the concept between Chevrolet and GMC yet. Not that Canyon owners want leather they’ll have to clean either as even the new Denali looks ready for the toughest trials.
The reality is GM just has a bunch of haters. They’re scared that GM just won the market. Lol
Will these Colorados (and Canyons) ever find their way onto dealer lots without having been ordered by a customer in advance? I’ve seen some people talk about how orders will be accepted beginning on April 10, I believe. Does that mean they are only building to order (sorta like Ford has done with the Maverick pickup)?
I am a serious potential buyer. But I will not put down a deposit and place an order for a $45-50,000 machine sight unseen.
I know I should just call a dealer. But lots of you guys seem pretty knowledgeable about GM products and strategy. Thanks.
Go talk to a dealer. Tell them you’re interested but want to see one before ordering. Ask if they will call you when a customer order is delivered. Then go look before it gets picked up by the customer. Don’t expect to drive one though.
If you like it, order one. When it comes in it’s exactly what you want. Test drive it then and if it doesn’t meet your expectations, back out of it for a full refund.
Otherwise expect to wait a while before there are options on the lot for test driving and purchases.
I did put a deposit down and ordered one since I can walk away with my deposit if I don’ want it for some reason.
I ordered my 2023 Colorado in Feb. it was built the third week of Feb. It has a VIN# assigned to it but it still is sitting at the assembly plant. They say it is quality control hold but nothing else. But other dealers in my state are receiving trucks. GM is shooting themselves in the foot again. It would be nice if GM would tell my dealer something. I’d like to have my truck. Anyone else got the same problem?