General Motors unveiled the all-new third-generation Chevy Colorado pickup truck for the 2023 model year, ushering in updated styling, an overhauled cabin, and a new powertrain as well. Off-road enthusiasts eager to get their hands on the most-capable model in the lineup can opt for the 2023 Chevy Colorado ZR2 Desert Boss Special Edition, which offers even more dirty-duty-goodness than the standard 2023 Chevy Colorado ZR2. No, we’re taking a closer look at the new Chevy Colorado ZR2 Desert Boss with the following exclusive walk around video (available below).
Hosted by GM Authority Executive Editor Alex Luft, the video kicks off with an overview of the standard 2023 Chevy Colorado ZR2 equipment. As one might expect, the standard Colorado ZR2 features several components that enhance its off-road-readiness, such as a three-inch factory suspension lift, a wider stance, and segment-exclusive MultiMatic DSSV dampers. The Colorado ZR2 also features special cast-iron control arms, a 3.42 modified rear axle ratio, and selectable front and rear locking differentials.
Under the hood, all 2023 Chevy Colorado ZR2 models are equipped as standard with the turbocharged 2.7L I4 L3B gasoline engine, specifically the High Output variant, which is rated at 310 hp and 430 pound feet of torque. Output is sent to all four wheels by way of the second-generation GM eight-speed automatic transmission, which is much improved over its predecessor.
Customers who opt for the Colorado ZR2 Desert Boss package will gain access to a long list of unique equipment that enhances the pickup’s exterior styling, as well as its off-road prowess. Priced at $9,295, the new Colorado ZR2 Desert Boss package includes a new off-road front bumper fascia and Safari Bar (RPO code SD0), a front fender decal package (RPO code 5K5), a bed-mounted sports bar and ZR2 sail panel (RPO code SBY), a 40-inch off-road light bar (RPO code S3X), and black nameplates (RPO code RIK).
The Colorado ZR2 Desert Boss package also includes new 17-inch beadlock-capable wheels (RPO code SMY) and 33-inch Goodyear Wrangler Territory mud terrain tires (RPO code QAF). Off-road enthusiasts will also appreciate the underbody camera system (RPO code UXA) included with the package.
There’s a lot to pick through on the new 2023 Chevy Colorado ZR2 Desert Boss, so hit play on the video below for the full rundown:
Note that, according to our sources, the Colorado ZR2 Desert Boss will not return for the 2024 model year. In its place will be the upcoming 2024 Colorado ZR2 Bison.
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Comments
What we really need here is some commonsense. GM should really be thinking more about shipping these out as soon as popssible. I am leaning more towards the Ranger Raptor as being the better vehicle, and more likely what I will be buying. Maybe even the Maverick.
What we really need here is some popssibles.
I know many people are unhappy about the short bed only, due to the lack of hauling space. While watching this video, to me, the bed looks out of proportion. An extra 10-12 inches would make the truck look more proportionate. I wouldn’t buy one, as I drive a Silverado, and have done so since I graduated from an S10 in 1989. Still, I agree with the people who say they need a longer bed, although not for the same reasons
I can almost understand new upcoming Ranger. However, how can you compare the ugly Maverick to the new Colorado? Come on the Maverick Really? I can’t think of any vehicle car or truck that is less appealing to me. (Except “maybe” the old Nissan Cube) Ford should feel ashamed to call that thing a pickup truck. Just my opinion don’t be offended.
It is a great looking pickup (minus the cheap looking roll bar), but at $60,000, GM can keep it. As a person that enjoys modifying late model GM vehicles (mainly Camaros and Corvettes), I could modify a standard ZR2 for less than $10,000 (GM’s price) and bury this thing. To each their own.
Let’s see. Costs as much as my 6.2 L Trail Boss. Gets close to the same mileage. Rides worse. Sure, sign me up.
The trailboss doesn’t have all the options the ZR2 has. First the shocks are more expensive. 360 degree camera the trailboss doesn’t have. So you may get a bigger truck but not all the same options.
How do we know that the Colorado ZR2 “rides worse” than the Silverado TB? As of today, no one has driven a 2023 Colorado ZR2… yet.
I’m retired. As a hobby I work part time at a Chevy dealer, shuttling vehicles. You are correct, I have not driven a ZR2, but I have driven the Z71 and Trail Boss. Neither has the ride quality of a 1500.
Understood. The difference in ride between the Silverado 1500 and Colorado is certainly an interesting topic. I suspect that many would actually appreciate the more nimble and agile character of the Colorado vs. the more sloppy nature of the Silverado 1500. The midsizers do feel and ride very differently from the half-ton full-sizers.
I suspect that the Colorado ZR2 will feel even more sprightly and agile due to the DSSV dampers… but we’ll see soon 🙂
Instead of showing pictures GM should be more concerned about getting these truck shipped out to dealership rather than stacking them up in the lots.
GM is concerned about getting the trucks shipped.
GM Authority – an independent website – is concerned about getting information out about the vehicles, including photos and video.
Thanks for the comment!
Unfortunate how many commenters don’t understand that GM and GM Authority are two separate, unrelated entities.
And based on their comments, there are a lot of things they don’t understand.
I was tired of waiting for Colorado to get on the dealerships lots. Went and bought a Tacoma. At least I know what I have and it will last.
GM is missing the boat. As a business owner you can no longer buy a colorado with a gvwr of 6000 pounds and a 6 ft bed or a 1500 series that qualifies for section 179 depreciation. Bring back a crew cab 6 ft bed and preferably the mini max diesel. I had a couple 26 mpg city/highway mid 30’s hwy way better than the v6 or the $hitty New standard 4 banger. Making me look at other brands
Definitely nice but overpriced!
I would’ve bought a Colorado years ago if it had a column shifter instead of that console shifter garbage. Gonna run out my ’16 Silverado till she dies, hopefully Chevy trucks look better by then
5 years from now, not a single truck will have a column shifter. Looks like it’s high time for you to get with the times!
So $9300 for a bush bar, fake roll bar, light bar, 1 camera, bead locks and some stickers?? Ohhhh, I can’t wait. What a deal!
The really stupid thing is that there are people out there that will pay that….just as there are those that pay ADM.
As the saying goes, “More money than brains”