General Motors just introduced the all-new third-generation Chevy Colorado for the 2023 model year, revealing new exterior styling, an overhauled cabin and a new powertrain as well. While impressive, we think the Chevy Colorado lineup could benefit with the addition of one specific trim level, namely a new Colorado RST variant.
At present, the 2023 Chevy Colorado lineup includes WT (Work Truck), LT, Z71, ZR2, and the new-for-2023 Trail Boss. The Chevy Colorado Trail Boss was previously offered as a package upgrade for LT and Z71 trim levels.
Critically, the lineup is missing a sportier Colorado RST (Rally Sport Truck) trim level. For readers who may be unaware, most of Chevy’s lineup already offers either a sportier RST / RS trim level or package. This includes the Chevy Trax, Chevy Trailblazer, Chevy Equinox, Chevy Blazer, Chevy Traverse, and Chevy Malibu, all of which offer RS trims, while the Chevy Camaro offers an RS package. Meanwhile, Chevy’s utility models offer RST trim levels, including the Chevy Silverado, Chevy Tahoe, and Chevy Suburban.
Of course, there are a few exceptions. The Chevy Corvette, for example, doesn’t offer an RS trim or package, and neither does the Chevy Bolt EV, Chevy Bolt EUV, or Chevy Express.
Regardless, the third-gen pickup seems like the right candidate for a new Colorado RST trim. GM could base it on the LT trim, but incorporate the some of Z71’s content and features, making for a fun new variant. Possible content could include the turbocharged 2.7L I4 L3B engine as standard (either the Turbo Plus or High Output variant), 18-inch wheels, and some of the Z71 comfort features as well, such as available leather upholstery.
2020 Chevy Colorado RST
Interestingly, GM briefly offered an RST package for the Chevy Colorado several years ago. Offered as the RST Special Edition upgrade for the LT trim level, the package included a black Chevy-lettered front fascia treatment, black bodyside moldings, and 20-inch Low Gloss Black-painted aluminum wheels fitted with 255/55R20 all-season tires. The package also included black badging.
As a reminder, the 2023 Chevy Colorado is motivated by either the turbocharged 2.7L I4 L2R gasoline engine or the turbocharged 2.7L I4 L3B gasoline engine, while under the skin, the truck rides on an updated version of the GMT 31XX platform. Production takes place at the GM Wentzville plant in Missouri.
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Comments
Could be cool if the high riding chassis and crewcab-only body weren’t our only reality. The high riding chassis originated with the 2015 model year, along with heavyweight cab styles, both of which negate any real sport truck possibility. Nice dream though.
Yes. Enough with the Baja 1000 look, aready. An RST with a lower ride height and a ZQ8 type Sport suspension would be welcome.
when is GM going to stock the 200 accessories for the new Chevrolet Colorado’s, such as splash guards, aeroskin hood protector’s , crew cab in channel door window weather deflectors and 3-D stamped Chevrolet Tail Gate Lettering in black. please let me know thanks
Also My new Chevrolet Colorado is coming the end of April 2023.
Calm down champ, they have until the end of the month to stock those. Or, the order them so they don’t have to sit on the inventory and have it shipped to your dealer in a day or two. Maybe ask your dealer about ordering that stuff rather than a group of rando’s on the internet?
Hate to burst your bubble CS, but gm dosn’t communicate to its dealers either.
All that is just trim stuff. A “Sport” package should at least have a rear anti-sway bar.
I truly believe that a 10 speed transmission should be used instead of an improved 8 speed transmission. I have zero confidence in the 8 speed transmission.
Any idea what brand of running boards GM uses in the photo above on the Colorado/Canyon?
Pretty sure they will do bison instead … would be cool
What would be really nice is if they could begin shipping these to dealers. Extensive reports of stock building up at the factory but not actually moving to dealers. Then let’s talk about ideal trims all day long.
I currently have a 2019 RST Colorado and would love to replace it with an updated version. Seems like they are real focused on the off road even though most people never take them off road !!
its pretty pointless to add an rst trim now when its been watered down to nothing but one of gm’s multiple already existing appearance packages. if you want a sportier looking truck just buy a elevation canyon. at least the 2.7 H-O is standard
Colorado RST EV, anytime now !
There should be a ZQ8 version.
Colorado EV and Montana EV need to happen.
It’s crazy how big trucks have gotten. I walked passed an old Chevy S10, and I could actually look down into the bed from the sidewalk.
No crew cab, long bed, but overall shorter than most current trucks in the road.
Agree! An RST would be nice, even if it was just a nice appearance package. I liked the former Colorado RST, which used the black 20″ wheels from the Canyon Denali. It looks good. They could easily do something similar with the new generation. GM…make it happen!