Mid-size vehicles have usually performed second fiddle to their bigger and extra succesful counterparts, however that’s now not the case as automakers are getting critical in regards to the as soon as uncared for section.

That’s readily obvious after looking on the 2023 Chevrolet Colorado, which is constructed across the concept of extra. Extra energy, extra functionality, extra innovation, and extra know-how.

A Bolder, Silverado-esque Design

Almost a decade has handed since Chevrolet launched the second-generation Colorado on the 2013 Los Angeles Auto Present. Since then, vehicles have embraced a rugged aesthetic and the mannequin follows swimsuit as gentle curves have been changed by sharp strains and a extra muscular design.

The 2023 Colorado incorporates some Silverado DNA, but it surely’s not overwhelming and this permits each vehicles to have their very own distinctive id. Talking of which, Chevy’s mid-sizer has slender headlights and a particular grille with a single bar that flows into the entrance fascia.

Transferring additional again, designers gave the truck a bulging hood and Silverado-esque fenders. They’re joined by a extra conventional beltline in addition to a contemporary rear finish with a nook step bumper.

Additionally Learn: 2023 Chevrolet Colorado ZR2 Packs 310 HP, A 3-Inch Carry And 33-Inch Tires

The Colorado is outfitted with a 5’ 2” mattress that options eight cargo tie-downs, two bike/bicycle tire grooves, and an assortment of pockets for holding 2x6s and 2x8s to permit for multi-level storage. Different highlights embrace an obtainable 110-volt outlet and a tailgate that stops halfway down to help in transporting longer gadgets corresponding to sheets of plywood or OSB.

The tailgate additionally homes one of many Colorado’s extra fascinating options. We’re speaking about an built-in storage compartment, which resides on the within of the tailgate’s decrease half. To entry it, house owners merely put the tailgate down and push some releases to disclose a safe, watertight compartment that measures 45 inches (1,143 mm) large and 4 inches (101 mm) deep. Apart from holding instruments and tools like tow straps, it could additionally operate as a cooler.

Whereas the Colorado seems good, selection is now not the spice of life because the 2023 mannequin can be supplied solely in a crew cab configuration with a brief mattress. That’s disappointing because the outgoing mannequin supplied an prolonged cab lengthy field in addition to crew cab variants with quick and lengthy beds.

A Fashionable And Comparatively Excessive-Tech Inside

Chevrolet interiors have come a great distance up to now decade and the 2023 Colorado is a beneficiary of the corporate’s deal with “elevated” design. Whereas followers ought to hold their expectations in examine, the mannequin is decidedly tech-forward because it comes commonplace with an 8-inch digital instrument cluster and an 11.3-inch infotainment system with obtainable Google integration.

Consumers can even discover a new off-road efficiency show, which is actually an infotainment app that gives real-time car data. There are an assortment of settings together with a Terrain readout that gives pitch, roll, and tire stress data. Drivers may go for a Baja show, which exhibits g-force, switch case standing, and a wheel slip indicator.

Placing the screens apart, patrons will discover a fashionable dashboard with round air vents that recall these discovered on the Camaro and Blazer EV. They’re joined by a brand new middle console, which encompasses a friction hinge that allows the lid to remain open at any angle.

By way of tools, the entry-level WT is fairly fundamental but it surely options distant keyless entry, a six-speaker audio system, and rear under-seat storage. Larger-end variants go from there and the Z71 options material/leatherette seats with purple distinction stitching. The ZR2 goes the additional mile with heated entrance seats and eight-way energy adjustment on the motive force’s aspect.

An assortment of choices can be obtainable together with a wi-fi smartphone charger and a dual-zone local weather management system. Consumers may get a sunroof for the primary time in a Colorado.

A New 2.7-Liter Turbo With Up To 310 HP

Below the hood, there’s a brand new turbocharged 2.7-liter four-cylinder that’s shared with the bigger Silverado.

Three completely different variations of the engine can be obtainable, and the entry-level unit produces 237 hp (177 kW / 240 PS) and 259 lb-ft (351 Nm) of torque. Each numbers are a large enchancment over the outdated 2.5-liter four-cylinder, which cranked out 200 hp (149 kW / 203 PS) and 191 lb-ft (258 Nm).

The mid-level engine comes commonplace on the Path Boss and Z71, whereas additionally being obtainable on the WT and LT as an choice. It packs 310 hp (231 kW / 314 PS) and 390 lb-ft (528 Nm) of torque, which doesn’t sound like an enormous enchancment because it solely has 2 hp (1 kW / 2 PS) greater than the outdated 3.6-liter V6. Nonetheless, the torque determine has grown a considerable 115 lb-ft (156 Nm) and it places rivals to disgrace.

Lastly, the Colorado ZR2 comes with a high-output model of the turbocharged 2.7-liter four-cylinder. It develops 310 hp (231 kW / 314 PS) and 430 lb-ft (582 Nm) of torque, which is outstanding when you think about the 5.0-liter V8 within the Ford F-150 solely has 410 lb-ft (555 Nm).

No matter which model is chosen, all three engines are paired to a second-generation eight-speed automated transmission. It guarantees smoother shifting and faster downshifts.

Chevrolet was tight-lipped about gasoline financial system throughout a media briefing yesterday, however the engine runs on common gasoline and allows the bigger Silverado to return 19 mpg metropolis, 22 mpg freeway, and 20 mpg mixed. Sadly, the corporate appeared to solid doubt on the return of the diesel engine as officers described the turbocharged four-cylinder because the “excellent mix” of all three earlier engines.

New Platform And Improved Functionality

The 2023 Chevrolet Colorado rides on a brand new platform that encompasses a wheelbase spanning 131.4 inches (3,338 mm) for a rise of three.1 inches (79 mm). Sadly, this doesn’t translate right into a extra spacious cabin as entrance seat legroom solely climbs 0.2 inches (5 mm) whereas rear seat legroom surprisingly falls 1.1 inches (28 mm).

Chevy didn’t say a lot in regards to the structure, but it surely shares a few of the greatest gadgets with the outgoing pickup together with a part of the body. Nonetheless, officers contend it’s all-new and is made with completely different tooling.

Chevrolet targeted on rising off-road functionality for this technology and the brand new Path Boss variant encompasses a 2 inch (51 mm) elevate equipment, four-wheel drive, and a wider monitor than the WT, LT, and Z71. They’re joined by a limited-slip differential and 18-inch aluminum wheels wrapped in 32-inch all-terrain tires. This offers the truck 9.5 inches (241 mm) of floor clearance in addition to method, departure, and breakover angles of 30.5, 22.4, and 21 levels.

Consumers on the lookout for one thing extra excessive can improve to the Colorado ZR2. It encompasses a 3 inch (76 mm) elevate, Multimatic DSSV dampers, 33-inch tires, and 10.7 inches (272 mm) of floor clearance. The off-roader additionally has distinctive bumpers, which assist to offer the mannequin method, departure, and breakover angles of 38.3, 25.1, and 24.6 levels. These numbers largely path the Jeep Gladiator Rubicon, however they’re fairly spectacular for a mid-size pickup.

Talking of off-roading, the Colorado presents as much as 10 completely different digicam views together with the section’s first underbody digicam. It allows drivers to see obstacles beneath them, to allow them to simply keep away from them or line their tires up on them.

Relying on the trim, patrons will discover as much as 5 completely different drive modes generally known as Regular, Tow/Haul, Off-Street, Terrain, and Baja. The primary three are self-explanatory, however Terrain mode is designed for low-speed rock crawling. Baja mode is successfully the other because it’s for “high-speed desert working.”

On the subject of functionality, it’s unattainable to disregard towing. Fashions geared up with the entry-level engine can tow as much as 3,500 lbs (1,588 kg), whereas mid- and high-output variants can tow as much as 7,700 lbs (3,493 kg). The latter quantity is 700 lbs (318 kg) greater than the outgoing Colorado V6 and bests the Nissan Frontier by a large margin.

On the subject of towing, Hitch Steering now comes commonplace and it gives a digicam view with a suggestion to assist drivers hook up with a trailer, boat, or camper. Moreover, Hitch View and a Trailering app are new additions for 2023.

Driver Help Tech Comes Normal, Arrives Early Subsequent Yr

Whereas clients received’t discover Tremendous Cruise on the Colorado, even the entry-level WT comes geared up with Computerized Emergency Braking, Ahead Collision Alert, and Entrance Pedestrian Braking. They’re joined by IntelliBeam headlights, Lane Hold Help, and Lane Departure Warning.

Consumers can order extra superior security and comfort options together with Adaptive Cruise Management, Blind Zone Steering Help, Rear Cross Visitors Braking, and Rear Pedestrian Alert.

The Chevrolet Colorado can be inbuilt Wentzville, Missouri and arrive at dealerships within the first half of 2023. Further particulars can be introduced nearer to launch, but it surely’s clear the redesigned truck is an enormous leap ahead.