General Motors debuted the all-new third-generation 2023 Chevy Colorado last July, pulling the sheets on new exterior styling, an overhauled cabin, a new powertrain, and an updated model line. Notably, the next-gen 2023 Chevy Colorado does not offer the Chevy Multi-Flex tailgate feature, instead offering the new StowFlex tailgate. Now, GM Authority has uncovered the reason why the new Colorado offers StowFlex rather than Multi-Flex.
In an interview with GM Authority Executive Editor Alex Luft, GM Chief Engineer Nick Katcherian addressed why the all-new 2023 Chevy Colorado did not offer the Multi-Flex tailgate feature.
“It’s all about the space we’d have to package this [Multi-Flex tailgate] into,” Katcherian told GM Authority. “It would just be a really hard package to execute where you would not get the full benefit out of it compared to a full size truck.”
Multi-Flex tailgate on the Chevy Silverado 1500
For those readers who may be unaware, the Chevy Multi-Flex tailgate is the Bow Tie brand’s variant of the GMC MultiPro tailgate, and is available on the Chevy Silverado 1500 light-duty pickup and Chevy Silverado HD heavy-duty pickup. The Multi-Flex tailgate offers six different configurations for added usability and practicality, including a primary gate access (just like a traditional tailgate), plus a primary gate load stop, a foldable inner gate, a full-width step, an inner gate load stop, and an inner gate work surface.
Meanwhile, the 2023 Chevy Colorado’s StowFlex tailgate feature is offered as a built-in storage solution capable of carrying a wide variety of items. The storage compartment is 45 inches wide and 4 inches deep, and includes a lockable lid. The compartment is also watertight and incudes a drain, which makes it a great option for tailgating, and even includes a pair of cupholders.
2023 GMC Canyon with StowFlex tailgate
Tagged with RPO code BPC, the StowFlex Tailgate is available across the 2023 Chevy Colorado trim level lineup, with 2023 Chevy Colorado ZR2 models offering the feature as standard. Check out an exclusive GM Authority video for a rundown on the great tailgate upgrades on offer from the 2023 Chevy Colorado.
As for the specs, the 2023 Chevy Colorado features two engine options, including the turbocharged 2.7L I4 L2R gasoline engine, rated at 237 horsepower and 259 pound-feet of torque, and the turbocharged 2.7L I4 L3B gasoline engine, which is produces either 310 horsepower and 390 pound-feet of torque, or 310 horsepower and 430 pound-feet of torque, depending on the configuration.
Under the body, the third-gen 2023 Chevy Colorado rides on an updated variant of the GMT 31XX platform, while production takes place at the GM Wentzville plant in Missouri.
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Comments
On Silverado I would take the stowflex gate, and also ask for the flip up load stop from the muliflex, the locking mechanism from the stow can be moved to the side end of the gate as a mechanical push or pull. From there just a standard dampened tailgate with corner bumper steps is perfection. Add power up-down if youre feeling frisky.
GM really is killing the truck bed and gate innovation. Silverado bed width and tie downs from ’19 forward are amazing. Be nice if they would have widened the bed interior for this new Colorado too… Granted most people don’t use their bed much beyond what a sedan’s truck could have otherwise done. Lol there are people afraid to scratch their $600 spray in bed liner, what!?
Why the delay still in shipping these (z71)? I’ve called 5 dealers and they say they still are all just sitting there in a lot.
Just another GM new vehicle launch.
lol no. The EPA was holding it up certifying the fuel mileage. If you read this blog then it was common enough knowledge. Good try with the BS though, you should be a politician.
They are shipping. There was a back log from waiting on the EPA. Now I am sure the trucking and staffing shortages are causing the problem. Patient, these times are a little different than the norm…
My question is: Are they going to be worth the wait?
I don’t know of anybody that has one and all I’ve seen are just pictures.
The prices have sky rocketed and the value of my trade-in has declined.
HTey have done a good job of scarcity driving prices up!
Give me the stow flex in the full size. With the multi flex being powered (an idiotic move that numerous people are having electrical problems with) I will take a regular manual gate over any powered gate. That area sees a ton or water and dirt then takes a bunch of abuse (ever seen what gets in the gap between the trail gate and bed when hauling debris and yard waste? An electric up or down gate won’t last, sensors fail. If they made the multi flex in a manual version I would probably take it, but gates saying they are open and not, gates not opening, gates opening by them selves, hard pass. At least with the stow flex I have a great spot for my hitch, tie downs, tow straps and other dirty items to stay stored…
The Multi-flex tailgate is not powered, it’s manual.
It’s powered release not raised (hence the issues of it reading open or opening on its own) and there is no manual latch, so that doesn’t sound like a manual tailgate to me and instead being powered…
All GM tailgates on FS trucks are power release and have been for a long time, not just the multiflex or the truly power down/up versions. I have sold literally hundreds of these and have not seen any of the problems you describe.
Why would you want a ice chest type cooler in a tailgate? When the ice melts you can listen to the water moving around and the bottles or cans hitting the sides?
imo that’s a stupid excuse. the multiflex would be great on the colorado / canyon as well. just because it’s a midsize doesn’t mean it’s still not a tall vehicle, especially the offroad trims.
I was able to drive the GMC AT4X . Played with the tailgate. Its great!
So probably done with the Colorado, GM must be fighting hard for a mile on their mpg. 16 Z71 4×4 Duramax lower front air deflector off front 2” leveling kit zero problems other than emissions Gee government again and their fighting for 1 mpg that will get me 2/3rds the mileage I get now.144k original breaks 29 winter mpgs 30/33 summer.
So to the point 62 like a lot of people could lose a few but get around a lot of the new 40 guys. Trucks getting taller and folks who use the bed for more than groceries at the tailgate anything to help the bed carry group in and out would be appreciated.
So Silverado here I come, thinking double cab standard bed. Tons more interior room enormously bigger bed 2k more towing capacity and the same engine that will either make or break the the top level Colorados.
So pick it apart with comments. Was a import guy till my dad retired from GM skilled labor force and really switched to show him that I respected his efforts and I’m at my same place of employment starting 44 years in June.
Full disclosure I’m not an automotive engineer but I can’t see why we can’t have both in one package. The bottom portion of the multi flex can have a small Sowflex section and then have the best of both worlds.
2023 colorado order # CMQMJB
I would take the stowflex over the multiflex on the Silverado. The multiflex is all show and no go.
My Z71 has been done with production since very beginning of March. Now in 4300 status for past 6 weeks. So are these just sitting in their production lots?
My Denali is in the same status. Too many delays. In the meantime, new vehicle prices go up and your trade in value goes down. Sad but true
tail gate, hell, last picture looks to be a trail boss in burgundy color…. its not red.