2023 Chevrolet Colorado goes all out with turbo power, high tech features

The Chevrolet Colorado mid-size car is all set for the 2023 model year. Big changes are expected in terms of power, technology and off-road prowess.

Chevy says it wants to focus on higher design, improved performance and new and important technology.

The new 2023 Chevrolet Colorado pickup will continue to compete with the Toyota Tacoma, GMC Canyon, Nissan Frontier, and Ford Ranger.

Chevrolet’s new midsize car has a 3.1-inch longer wheelbase than the current Crew Cab model, a shorter front axle that improves its ability to climb hills or over obstacles.

The 2023 lineup includes Workcar, LT, Z71, ZR2 and Trail Boss trim levels.

There are three hanging heights. The Colorado works car, LT and Z71 trims ride at a standard height. The Colorado Trailblazer comes with a 2-inch lift and the Colorado ZR2 comes with a 3-inch lift.

The off-road focused ZR2 is the new Desert Boss level with 33-inch diameter mud tires, special off-road shocks, locking differentials, unique styling and other dirt-friendly items.

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Base workcar and LT versions come standard with a turbocharged 2.7-liter four-cylinder (called Turbo in these trims) with 237 horsepower (hp) and 259 pound-feet (pound-feet) of torque. Despite the higher output, the same engine is offered in the full-size Chevrolet Silverado. Those base trims can tow 3,500 pounds.

The upgraded ZR1 and Trail Boss are delivering 310 hp and 390 lb-ft with the Turbo Plus version.

Top-end Colorado ZR2 models feature a “Turbo High Output” engine that delivers 310 hp and 430 lb-ft of torque. It and the top end have a towing rating of 7,000 pounds.

Two- and four-wheel drive versions are offered, all with an eight-speed automatic transmission.

The 2023 Colorado has five selectable drive modes, including Model, Normal, Tow/Tow, Off-Road, Terrain, and Baja. The last three are used for dirt, gravel, sand or stone.

Inside, a new 11.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system features standard and special functions and configurable screens for trailering and off-road driving. Google controls built-in maps and music.

The new off-road performance display shows altitude and GPS along with pitch (lean forward or backward), roll (lean from side to side) and tire pressure. Baja mode displays g-force, wheel slip indicator and four-wheel drive status.

The Chevy Colorado has up to 10 camera views, including under the body, and one pointed on the dock and trailer to help drivers connect and diverge. The tow app that helps them is a database but also accessible through a smartphone.

Production of the 2023 Chevrolet Colorado won’t begin until next year, with pricing to come later. The current Colorado starts at $25,500.