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We’re Driving The 2023 Chevy Colorado – What Do You Want To Know?

GM debuted the third-generation 2023 Chevy Colorado this last July, unveiling new styling, an overhauled cabin space, a new powertrain, and an updated model line to boot. Now, GM Authority has been given an opportunity to drive the 2023 Chevy Colorado for ourselves, which leads us to ask – what do you want to know, dear reader?

The front fascia of the all-new third-gen 2023 Chevy Colorado.

In terms of design, the 2023 Chevy Colorado incorporates a bold new fascia highlighted by thinner headlamps, a new grille, a new bumper, boxier fenders, and sharper, more technical lines. The trim level lineup includes WT, LT, Z71, ZR2, and the new Trail Boss. The Trail Boss was previously available as a package upgrade for the LT and Z71 trim levels. LED lighting is available for ZR2 and Z71 models, with wheel sizing up to 20 inches in diameter. A new built-in storage system offers enhanced practicality, and is equipped as standard for ZR2, and offered as optional for the rest of the lineup.

As for the new cabin, the standard spec throws in an 11.3-inch diagonal color infotainment screen and 8-inch diagonal digital color instrument display, both of which are customizable. The 2023 Chevy Colorado also incorporates a variety of safety tech items via the standard Chevy Safety Assist package, such as Automatic Emergency Braking, Lane Keep Assist with Lane Departure Warning, Forward Collision Alert, and IntelliBeam automatic high-beam assist, among others.

The powertrain spec is centered around the turbocharged 2.7L I4 L3B gasoline engine, which is available in multiple power levels. The “base” tune, dubbed 2.7L Turbo and tagged with its own RPO code, puts down 237 horsepower and 259 pound-feet of torque, while the mid-range 2.7L Turbo Plus puts down 310 horsepower and 390 pound-feet of torque. The range-topping 2.7L Turbo High-Output tune puts down 310 horsepower and 430 pound-feet of torque. All three engine options connect to the second-generation GM 8-speed automatic transmission as standard.

The 2023 Chevy Colorado rides on the updated 31XX-2 platform. Production 2023 Chevy Colorado got underway at the GM Wentzville plant in Missouri late last month.

While we will soon have a chance to drive the third-generation 2024 Chevy Colorado, driving impressions will be embargoed until February 17th,  so we’re still a few days away from giving you the full rundown on the experience behind the wheel. For now, though, we encourage readers to post their most-pressing questions in the comments section, which we’ll answer as soon as we’re able. And remember to subscribe to GM Authority for more Chevy Colorado news, Chevy news, and around-the-clock GM news coverage.

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Jonathan is an automotive journalist based out of Southern California. He loves anything and everything on four wheels.

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Comments

  1. What is the steering feedback like? Is it similar to the 2nd generation?

    Reply
    1. It seems obvious some people drop by here just to dump on stuff. Why else would anyone down vote your question?

      Reply
      1. Why doesn’t GM Offer this Awesome Truck in Oz. The Silverado over here is great and making in inroads. However the smaller truck like the Colorado will fill a gap against the Toyota Hilux, Ranger, Nissan Navara, Triton and Amarock. Sales to loyal GM (Holden) fans would prove it to be a good strategy.

        Reply
    2. 1. Power and acceleration at the light and at highway speeds on-ramp etc?
      2. Seating position. High or is it low like Tacoma?
      3. How does it handle on turns.
      4. Ride, seat comfort and suspension. Is it bouncy like the Ranger? How much wheel hop if any?
      5. Noise at highway speeds?
      6. Braking.
      7. How intuitive are the interior and dash controls?
      8. Engine noise and harshness? shifting?
      9. Estimated or observed fuel economy. What does the dash menu say the average is?
      10. Quality inside and out. Overall fit and finish. Is it a Tacoma beater?

      Reply
  2. Would I lose much stepping into a 2023 Colorado versus my 2021Silverado 1500 LT Trail Boss? I think I want to make the change but I really like my Silverado.

    Reply
  3. Nothing !

    Reply
  4. 0-60 time,
    Observed mpg on trip reader @72mph for 25 miles
    Overall mpg,
    Observed squat with 500 lbs in the back,
    How quiet is it when a car pulls up and their blasting the subwoofers.

    Reply
    1. What’s the gas mileage

      Reply
  5. What engine output will you be testing?

    Reply
    1. there is only one engine option, the 2.7l turbo designed for the silverado, this truck will have power to spare. Up to 310 hp and 430 lb ft of torque

      Reply
      1. That 2.7 comes with 3 different tunes from the factory. I also believe the transmissions may have some differences as well; even though its an 8 speed transmission.

        Reply
        1. The base engine will use the smaller 8L45 thats currently used with the V6.

          Reply
          1. It’s been verified it’s the 8l90, not the 8l45

            Reply
      2. And the numbers you quoted are for the high output tune.

        Reply
    2. I again wonder what the motivation is for people to down vote a reasonable question. Paid schills for the other side maybe?

      Reply
  6. How comfortable will it be to have four 6′ tall adults in the truck, can I toss a 100lbs dog in with the two in the back and not significantly compromising passenger or driver comfort?

    Reply
  7. Could you tow a camaro or vette on a trailer in one of these?

    What’s acceleration feel like in various engine options

    How does the ride comfort vary through various trims

    Reply
    1. I towed a 6Gen Camaro on a U-Haul trailer with my 2nd Gen Canyon CCSB V6. It was more than capable. The new one should be even better.

      Bill

      Reply
  8. Does the “2nd-generation” 8-speed still not fill it’s clutches and hesitate to shift like the old one?

    Reply
  9. Can you fit 2 car seats in the back seat and still have enough room for a 6’ driver/front passenger?

    Reply
  10. How does the 2.7 compare to a Silverado with the 5.3 in relation to power delivery and nvh?

    Does the Colorado feel like a compromise to a Silverado or is it a better alternative if you don’t quite need the size of a Silverado?

    Reply
  11. I would like to know the turning radius. The turning radius on the 2nd Gen is 3 to 3 1/3 ft small than the 1st Gen. Hopefully the 3rd Gen is about the same or better.

    Bill

    Reply
  12. do they need premium or regular gas?
    and what would be the mpg on every trim level?

    Reply
    1. Regular 87 Octane gas – I have the Chevy and GMC Owners Manuals

      Bill

      Reply
  13. How about the sound of the powertrain – does it have an econocar 4 cylinder sound, or were they able to muffle the sound enough to make you think it might be a 6?

    Reply
    1. My six sounds like a 4 now.

      Reply
  14. How does the interior space feel in comparison to the outgoing model. Yes, the metrics show smaller, but does it feel smaller?

    Average size male, wife, 2 kids and 60lbs gsp dog. How will they fit?

    Reply
  15. Do the skid plates protect the catalytic converter from theft? It’s a new world out there.

    Reply
  16. If your going to be looking the trail boss or z71 I’m curious on what shocks they’ll be using and maybe a suspension picture but mostly wondering about the 0-60 time

    Reply
  17. There’s an option for a steel drive shaft. What’s the advantage versus the stock shaft and why not just make them all steel?

    Reply
    1. Steel is stronger for off road.

      Aluminum is lighter for more MPG.

      Most buyers do not need the steel but want the MPG.

      You could get a steel shaft for the ZR2 in the second gen if you wanted it.

      Reply
    2. I have the same question. Curious to know if there is any mpg changes as the person responding to your question asked. And also want to know how big of a difference this makes.

      Reply
  18. Does the 4×4 system have a neutral setting for four down towing?

    Reply
    1. Per the owners manual which is available, the neutral setting is available on the two speed transfer case. The one speed transfer case available on lower trims does not have that option.

      Bill

      Reply
  19. Does the trail boss interior feel overtly cheap? I know it is based on the WT, but hell it’s $40k.

    Reply
  20. Are there plans to make an extended cab with a 6ft bed for the coming model year or do I need to turn to another brand to get that layout?

    Reply
    1. They stated awhile ago that the crew cab 5 ft box was going to be the only configuration.

      Reply
      1. if there were possibly other configurations, even introduced later, we would have already seen prototypes on the roads.

        Reply
      2. AFAIK, and I have been researching this, it has not been unequivocally stated that this gen of pickup will never get different cab or bed lengths, just that they only had plans right now to build the crew cab with 5ft bed, leaving it vague and open to guessing about whether there were unannounced future plans to do so.

        Reply
        1. Current demand for the CCSB body style plus the full size vans exceeds what can be produced at the production facility. Unless that drastically changes, there won’t be additional body styles.

          Reply
  21. 0-60 time
    Observed mpg on trip reader @72mph for 25 miles
    Overall mpg

    If you think dropping the diesel for this in relation to MPG was the right call

    Reply
  22. Why can’t we buy a Trail Boss that has all the upgraded goodies of the Z71? Seems like GM failed to recognize their market again, just like with the Silverado Trail Boss. I would’ve bought a High Country loaded Trail Boss with navigation, memory seats, etc and still get the black bumper and grille. Looks like the Colorado Trail Boss is less equipped than the Z71. Come on! I want leather seats, power rear window, etc in a Colorado Trail Boss. This would be for my kid. No way I’m going to buy him a ZR2 because the shocks alone are 10 times more expensive than the ones on the Trail Boss. He’s going to have to take care of this truck when he’s in college, and after when he’s starting his family and life.

    Reply
  23. Gmc canyon Will they be giving more color options soon the radiant red tint, coat is a much nicer color than the volcanic red tint coat also, the chrome trim around the windows they did away with it. Do they have plans to bring it back and the wheel well black plastic do they have plans to make it the same color as the vehicle? I truly have been waiting years for this vehicle, and those are some of the things that are preventing me from buying it I have put an order in for it but I don’t know if I’m gonna go through especially with the color that radiant red tint coat is such a beautiful color. I’m surprised they changed it to the volcanic red tent coat, not even on the same level even if they offered the nice white pearl instead of the summit white. One last thing I’m surprised they didn’t do the research with the height of this vehicle. It may not fit in most garages

    Reply
    1. I believe the height includes the antenna now. On previous model they didn’t count the antenna into overall height.

      Reply
  24. Why there is only the Artemis color option for the ZR2/ Zr2 desert boss. Also if they will be releasing more color options in the future. I feel like for a fully loaded out zr2 desert boss I should be able to have more than one option for a 63k+ truck

    Reply
  25. How is power delivery with the 4 cylinder and 8 speed? How comfortable is the ride? How about seat comfort? Step-in height? Real-world fuel economy? Bed usefulness with regard to its tiny size? Thank you.

    Reply
  26. Are the seats more comfortable than the 2nd gen?

    Reply
  27. What the MPG as the numbers haven’t been released?

    Reply
  28. Ese motor 4 cilindros tiene buen desempeño al.compararlo con el 6 cilindros de la generación actual.

    Reply
  29. Testing the tow limit uphill with Colorado 2023 z71 with 430 ft -pound engine output.

    Reply
  30. How does the 2.7L motor compare to the current 3.6 V6 in terms of power and drivability?

    Reply
  31. In regard to the seats, the previous versions sit too low and felt like you were riding on a rock. Have the seats been raised up a little bit and more cushion in them?

    Reply
  32. When is long wheelbase starting production? Will long wheelbase still be available on Z71 and ZR2 configurations?

    Reply
  33. Totally understanding the Kaizen quality practices and procedures. Wentzville has had quality issues in the past. The AT4X and ZR2 units have a 68K price tag. Hopefully, GM did their due diligence with this latest platform. Afterall Toyota is the high mark with their Tacoma. We shall see.

    Reply
    1. The only thing that the Tacoma is a “high mark” of are sales. The actual truck is not all that attractive.

      Reply
  34. ZR2 off road performance. Articulation, traction, lockers, drive modes, underbody cameras, underbody protection, etc.
    Frame and drivetrain components.

    Reply
  35. How does the center console affect your knee? Is it padded at contact point? I’m 6′ 3″ and have found that a lot of SUVs these days hit me right in an uncomfortable spot on the outside of my knee.

    Reply
  36. Will the box size stay the same as a 2022 for fitting a tonneau cover/

    Reply
  37. Is there a physical headlight control knob in higher level trims? Yesterday, someone posted a review of YouTube of the WT trim, and the reviewer noted that the headlight controls are in the infotainment screen.

    Reply
    1. Set the lights on auto per the onscreen display and you never have to adjust. And if it rains, the lights are automatically engaged. Why do you need a physical switch?

      Reply
  38. I would like to know the mpg for the z71 and zr2, please.

    Reply
  39. When can I order the zr2.

    Reply
  40. Gas mileage for each trim !!!!

    Reply
  41. Why, oh why do they not have a physical switch for lights? Can you get the names of the engineer who said that would be a good idea?

    Is GM light weighting a thing of past with the push to EVs? These things weight a ton. Well, 2.5 tons.

    Reply
  42. What is each powertrain’s 2WD and 4WD MPG?

    What is each powertrain’s 0-60 time?

    Why are we forced into a black interior? They are miserably hot in summer and show every spec of dust.

    Do the rear seats fold out of the way?

    Does the rear cabin have an unobstructed floor?

    What is the turning radius?

    How high is the passenger cabin sill off the ground?

    How high is the driver/front passenger seat off the ground?

    How accessible is the engine oil drain and engine oil filter for us “DIY’ers”

    How many one foot cubes can be stored in the back passenger area w the rear seats stowed?

    How many one foot cubes can be stored in the cargo bed ( flush w top of bed rails and tailgate)?

    Distance between wheel-wells?

    Demonstrate/show/rate how an owner would carry/tie down 20 pieces of 2” x4” wood.

    Demonstrate/show/rate how an owner would carry/tie down 5 each 4’ x 8’ sheets of Sheetrock or 3/4” plywood.

    Measure and report road/wind noise at city and legal highway speeds.

    Measure and report acoustic volume (db) and acoustic accuracy of the base and Bose sound systems

    If you report any type of skid pad turning “g” force capability, also report body lean angle at max “g” so we get some idea just how “hairy” it is to drive at the limit.

    Report the speed when oversteer makes it impossible to make the desired turn.

    Reply
  43. The second Gen driver position was too car-like.
    Not as low and bad as Tacoma but almost. Very uncomfortable for me.
    Did they make it more more like Silverado?

    Reply
  44. What are the EPA gas mileage ratings for the three different engine variations?

    Reply
  45. I am most interested in your rating of the interior ergonomics, especially driver seat comfort…I am 6′ tall, 210 lbs…really like everything I read about this new truck but will purchase full size GMC Sierra again if the seat comfort, etc is not right.

    Reply
  46. Why has it gained so much weight compared to the previous generation. Some trims are 600 to 700lbs heavier.

    Reply
  47. Does the black grille on the LT Colorado have a smooth or rough finish?

    Reply
  48. Does it seem like the tailgate dimensions are the same as the older models? Would it be possible to swap a new 2023 tailgate onto a 2016?

    Reply
  49. I’m going to tow my 3600# bass boat thru the hills of Tennessee. What is acceleration like with this load? Is there an option for a larger fuel tank/

    Reply
  50. I’ll be interested in hearing how you think the transmission performed under stress.

    Reply
  51. Does the Trail Boss have necessary wiring harness to add fog lights? Are the facias in the location that the fog lights would usually occupy removable, or is the whole front end trim one piece?

    Reply
  52. Has the new 8-speed transmission fixed the shift problems common with the previous gen transmission?

    Reply
  53. When will the ZR2 model production start?

    Reply
  54. How long is the turbo warranty for?

    Reply
  55. How is backseat spacing in regards to infant and child car seats?

    Reply
  56. Why is it so ugly? Why is the grille so tall when this is supposed to be a “small” or “midsize” truck? It’s only got a 4 cyl. motor so they don’t need all that room in the engine compartment. Why not lower the nose for better aerodynamics, nicer esthetics and improved driver visibility? Major design fail, GM. 🙈

    Reply
  57. Okay…
    For it to fit in my garage I need to know mirror tip to mirror tip how wide it is. The Silverado needs to have retractable mirrors or I can’t get it into my garage! So… How wide is it (Compared to my 2001 ZR2)… And do any of the trim levels come with power retractable mirrors?

    Reply
  58. Will luggage or a bag of potting soil fit in that tiny bed?

    Reply
  59. * 0-60 time for high output engine

    * available payload with an average-sized adult driver/passenger and average child-sized rear seat passengers (preferably ZR2)

    *overall cabin fit, finish, and comfort

    Reply
  60. the last one had A LOT Of very cheap materials, especially the center console and doors…any better?

    Reply
  61. Is the Heads Up display available on the Z71 model ?

    Reply
  62. Yes, when can I order my colorado? Out of the 5 Chevrolet dealerships in my area, not one dealership seems to have any allocations to start my build sheet. I’ve been trying the dealerships since late January and none have been able to help. Is Chevrolet only giving small allocations to dealerships, and in turn those dealerships are building their own vehicles for a higher price turnaround? I don’t know, maybe 2023 isn’t my year.

    Reply
  63. Will the Chevy be getting a heads up display option like the gmc canyon? It looks like there is a mounting point for it behind the display on the dash so hoping it maybe comes when you choose the Bose system or some other option.

    Reply
  64. I want to know how it tows. Tows up steep grades and up on ramps.

    Reply
  65. What are the msrp for diesel colorado(s) for 2024?

    Reply
    1. Vehicle price + swap of your choice. Around $100,000 USD since it won’t exist here.

      Reply
  66. Does it have blind zone warning?

    Reply
  67. How does entry /exit compare to previous models?

    Reply
  68. How is the ride quality?

    I’ve considered the 1/4 ton in the past, but the Canyon Denali rental I had once essentially put an end to that thought. The worst ride quality of any truck I’ve been in for about 15 years.

    Basically drove like a truck, felt like a truck, and on top of it, the seats were old-school truck-like. The Silverado by comparison is leaps and bounds a better ride and overall comfort.

    Reply
  69. I received a 2022 GMC Canyon Delani in December 2022, the interior door panels did not match, the driver seat and passenger seats did not match and the seats where very uncomfortable, I sold it back to the dealer for a $7000.00 lost, I will never purchase a new vehicle from this Missouri plant again, and because GM never jump all over my issues and back their product up I’m not sure I will ever go back to this brand since their quality is questionable and it cost me a bunch of money to get out of a new product that they advertised as a quality brand(Denali) total false advertising.

    Reply
  70. Decibels of road noise/sound in the cabin at 45, 60, and 80 mph (i.e. how good is cabin insulation).

    Reply
  71. Watch out for the 8 speed transmission it will go between 60 and 70 thousand miles just out of warranty

    Reply
  72. Really just curious of MPGs, trans behavior, and interior material quality. I’m thinking the HUD is GMC exclusive but I don’t remember if that was ever mentioned?

    Reply
  73. This site is bogus, they take the negative feedback off, typical GM, their afraid of their reputation

    Reply
  74. Just more news on the AEV trim!

    Reply
  75. Does GM offer Heads Up Display on the New Chevy Colorado Z71?

    Reply
  76. Transmission transmission transmission transmission transmission transmission transmission transmission!!!! Is it fixed?????

    Reply
  77. I don’t care Mine is ordered loaded with almost every option plus the engine tune. Just shy of $47000.00 If it is half as good as my 2016 I will be happy as a dog with a bone. I never had any issues with my Chevy trucks from my 92 s10 , 2003 zr2 mentioned 16 z71. I am a truck legend member and will be diehard until death . Toyota , Nissan , Honda can suck it .

    Reply
  78. what is the MPG on the sticker? and then observed?

    Reply
  79. Any chance you can tell us what the vehicle emissions control information label says for the group name. Aftermarket minds want to know!

    Reply
    1. You can find the label under the hood, and the Group name will be something like PGMXT02.7162, but I cant confirm.

      Reply
  80. Does the 2023 colorado have a 12 volt socket?

    Reply
  81. Will there be a midnight edition some time soon?

    Reply

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