It has to be hard to live in the shadow of the Chevy Silverado, especially when you’re following in the deep tire tread of the Chevy S-10 pickup truck, but the Chevy Colorado manages to hold its own in the wide world of trucks. Though it’s not the most powerful option in Chevy’s lineup, it is a truck that’s easy to love. For those looking at a Chevy Colorado for sale, let us ease your mind about purchasing a midsize truck with reasons why drivers appreciate their Colorados.
Some pickup drivers give the Colorado flak because it’s not a big and brawny truck like the Silverado HD, but just because something isn’t heavy-duty doesn’t mean it has no duty at all. The Colorado excels in many important areas, making it one of the most coveted medium trucks in the country. If towing and stowing massive loads is part of your list of needs, the Colorado is simply not the truck for you, but if you are interested in a vehicle that’s equal parts fun and function, maybe it’s time to check in with the all-new 2023 Chevy Colorado to discover the many things that drivers love about this midsize truck.
A Brief Introduction to the 2023 Chevy Colorado
Since its 2004 debut, the Chevy Colorado has had something of an identity issue. Drivers were familiar with the S-10 pickup, which was considered a compact truck, and the Colorado offered a dizzying array of suspensions, engines, features, and options during the first generation. In true Chevy fashion, drivers were able to more or less construct their ideal production truck. Over the years, the Colorado has received several makeovers and refreshes, but many feel that the 2023 updates genuinely reflect the Colorado’s true identity as a truck that can be sporty, off-road ready, or a little bit of both.
Each and every 2023 Colorado is equipped with a 2.7L engine, which can be confusing at first glance. While the engine size remains the same, each trim has a specifically-tuned version of this engine. The WT and LT trims include a standard Turbo engine, which provides 237 horsepower and 259 lb-ft of torque. The Z71 and Trail Boss trims come with a Turbo Plus version, which offers a cool 310 horsepower and 390 lb-ft of torque. If you’re looking for the most possible power, look to the ZR2 trim with its Turbo High-Output version of the 2.7L engine. Capable of towing up to 7,700 pounds, this engine supplies 310 horsepower and 430 lb-ft of torque.
For Those Who Take the Long Way
Chevy has taken the Colorado boldly off the road and into uncharted terrain for 2023. This year marks the introduction of the Trail Boss trim to the Colorado lineup, while the beloved ZR2 model has been refreshed to provide even more off-road prowess.
In addition to a more powerful engine than the base trims, the Trail Boss includes a wider chassis with a factory-lifted suspension to allow for more clearance. The new Trail Boss also offers four selectable drive modes. Off-Road Mode is for grass, mud, snow, and grit, while Terrain mode is best for steep climbs. Tow/Haul optimizes the Colorado’s ability to pull larger loads, and Normal is for your daily commute.
The ZR2 adds the most powerful engine, as well as an additional drive mode. Baja mode is ideal for driving over sandy terrain, providing advanced traction and stability on shifty surfaces. With a three-inch suspension lift, exclusive Multimatic DSSV dampers, and driver-selectable e-locking front and rear differentials, this is one of the most off-road-ready Colorados produced. Those who want a little more can check out the ZR2 Desert Boss Special Edition, which adds a bed-mounted sport bar and front-mounted safari bar, along with underbody cameras, off-road light bar, auxiliary power box, and 17-inch beadlock-capable wheels.
A new Off-Road Performance Display is also part of the offerings on each of these trims, providing real-time readings via altimeter, g-force meter, and a 3D pitch and roll view. For drivers who aren’t interested in remaining on paved roads all of the time, the Chevy Colorado offers several options to keep you ready to roll anywhere.
Truly Helpful Features
Regardless of which trim you select, the 2023 Chevy Colorado comes equipped with a fairly impressive array of standard features. For example, the Chevy Safety Assist suite of driver assistance technology is on board each and every 2023 Colorado. That means each driver can enjoy the peace of mind that comes with standard Forward Collision Alert, Automatic Emergency Braking, Front Pedestrian Braking with Bicyclist Detection and Following Distance Indicator, as well as Lane Keep Assist with Lane Departure Warning and an HD Rear Vision Camera.
Each Colorado also includes a standard 11.3-inch LED display with Google Built-In. An eight-inch Driver Information Center is also standard, though the ZR2 includes an 11-inch version. Furthermore, while the 2023 Colorado is equipped with state-of-the-art technology, the Chevy infotainment system remains one of the most user-friendly options on the market today.
Of course, in true Chevy tradition, drivers have the opportunity to add and adjust features to meet their needs. Multiple convenience packages are offered at nearly every trim, adding “what a great idea”-type features. One example is the StowFlex Tailgate, which provides a built-in, lockable storage compartment within the tailgate itself. Equipped with a drain, this is the perfect place to stash wet and muddy adventure equipment, or the space can moonlight as a cooler. Safety features like Adaptive Cruise Control and Blind Zone Steering Assist can also be optioned in for most trims. You may also be interested in the class-leading 17 available tie-downs and ten available camera views. From the measurement tool built into the tailgate to the well-located USB outlets and cup holders, it appears the new Colorado is just as prepared for the day as you are.
Get Ready to Love the Chevy Colorado
The 2023 Colorado is ideal for drivers who are interested in off-roading, performance, adventure, getting jobs done, and driving a truck. It may not be suitable for those who need to haul 30,000-pound loads, are looking for a corner-office-level luxury vehicle, or want something big. At the end of the day, a midsize truck simply isn’t the right size for some drivers, and that’s ok. Not everyone needs a big truck and not everyone wants a midsize one.
What the Colorado brings to the table is a certain peppy nimbleness that bigger trucks can’t physically manage. A midsize truck has seemingly endless potential. Offroaders can opt for the new Trail Boss, updated ZR2, or long-time favorite Z71 trim to help them manage varying levels of terrifying terrain. Those who are looking for a not-too-big, not-too-little truck that isn’t going to dilly-dally when getting things done can also trust the WT and LT trims to help them out. Just like its bigger siblings, the Colorado is offered with an amazing array of options to help drivers find the ultimate sweet spot when building their new truck. While a midsize truck may not be for everyone, the Chevy Colorado offers something that every driver of a midsize truck can love and then some.
