The All-New 2024 Chevy Colorado Midsize Truck Review

2024 Chevy Colorado If it were possible to use the Easy-Bake Oven to cook the perfect midsize pickup, we hope the recipe will include the following ingredients: the fun factor from the Jeep Gladiator, The rides and bed storage bins from the Honda Ridgeline, the annoying good looks of the Toyota Tacoma, and the price. the beginning of the friendly Ford Ranger. A pinch of garlic salt is okay too.

The new Chevy Colorado 2023 strives to be just that. This all-new third-generation pickup, which goes into production in the first half of next year, strives for all the best materials, starting with a turbocharged four-cylinder engine that has as much horsepower as a V-6 in Nissan’s new car Border.

The Chevrolet Colorado 2023 grows in size with a completely new and wider exterior design and a much-improved interior.

Chevy has added a Trail Boss trim level for the Colorado 2023, but the mid-size pickup previously offered by the V-6 and Duramax diesel engine gets the boot, being replaced by a turbocharged 2.7-liter Silverado 1500 inline-four with outputs varying from 231 to 310 horsepower with 430 pound-feet of torque.

Chevy says its third-generation Colorado will begin production in the first half of 2023 at GM’s Wentzville, Missouri, assembly plant, where the Colorado and GMC Canyon are currently built.

2024 Chevy Colorado Review

Originally debuting for the 2019 model year, the Chevy Colorado ZR2 Bison takes the Chevy Colorado ZR2 off-road to a new level of off-road capability, featuring numerous upgrades thanks to a collaboration with aftermarket manufacturer American Expedition Vehicles (AEV).

Now, the upcoming 2024 Chevy Colorado ZR2 Bison has been spotted being tested on public roads.

Despite being covered in thick camouflage, this 2024 Chevy Colorado ZR2 Bison prototype still gives us some interesting information to analyze, starting with the wheels. Around the corners, we see what appears to be a set of Beadlock-enabled rollers, which are finished in black and wrapped in Goodyear Wrangler rubber.

Notably, two different wheel designs are on display between the two different prototype models seen. The tires are likely 35 inches, similar to the Ford Bronco Sasquatch.

Also notable is the impressive ride height, which is certainly in line with the Colorado ZR2 Bison’s demeanor and off-road capabilities. Further updates will include revisions to the unique front and rear bumpers, which provide better clearance for the pickup, plus stronger skid plates to match.

There is also a wider stance, with additional fender flares under the vinyl camouflage. Also, check the rocker guards on the wings.

Behind, we see this 2024 Chevy Colorado ZR2 Bison prototype equipped with a bedside spare wheel mount, which is mounted up front near the cabin. Finally, one of the prototypes was seen towing a trailer, which is especially important considering the ZR2 is the least capable model in the Colorado lineup in terms of trailer weight, according to previous GM Authority coverage.

GM has just unveiled its latest third-generation Chevy Colorado for the 2023 model year, featuring a new exterior, overhauled interior, and a new powertrain lineup as well. Under the hood, third-generation Colorado is powered by GM’s 2.7L I4 L3B turbocharged petrol engine, which is available in three tuning conditions depending on the trim level selected.

The Chevy Colorado ZR2 runs the top-of-the-line 2.7L Turbo High-Output setup as standard, with output rated at 310 horsepower and 430 pound-feet of torque.

Under the skin, the third-generation Chevy Colorado uses an updated version of the GMT 31XX platform dubbed the 31XX-2. Production will begin early next year at GM’s Wentzville plant in Missouri.

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2024 Chevy Colorado Specs

We expect the 2023 Chevrolet Colorado to receive a complete overhaul (redesign and reengineering), introducing the third generation of the Colorado nameplate.

Assembly site GM Wentzville Plant, Missouri, USA
Front Engine Layout, Longitudinal
2.7L L3B I4″ Turbo Engine
Automatic 10 Speed Contagion
Rear Wheel Drive or Four Wheel Drive
Availability United States, Canada
The predecessor of the 2022 Chevrolet Colorado
Successor to 2024 Chevrolet Colorado

2024 Chevy Colorado Redesign

The redesigned GMC Canyon midsize pickup will diverge from its platform counterpart, the Chevrolet Colorado, to more closely resemble another nameplate under the GMC brand.

The two retooled midsize pickups are expected to go on sale next year as the 2024 model. The windshields on both trucks appear more slanted and the overall dimensions appear larger, with an emphasis on aerodynamic improvements.

The updated mid-size pickup truck looks to have a revised look and an upgraded interior.

A new teaser video shows an updated version of the 2023 Chevrolet mid-size pickup truck, Colorado, crossing the desert ahead of its official debut on July 28.

GM’s two smaller trucks, Colorado and the closely related GMC Canyon are being redesigned for the 2023 model year, and the company describes the trucks as “all new.”

We think that means both will have new bodies and improved interiors, although we think the truck’s foundation will remain largely the same.

A new version of the Chevy Colorado pickup is coming in 2023.
The teaser shows the ZR2 model, which has lots of add-ons for off-roading.
The new truck will debut on July 28, and a similar GMC Canyon AT4X is also coming.

In the teaser, we can see that the front of Colorado looks different, as well as the taillights.

The version featured is the off-road-oriented ZR2, which has thick all-terrain tires, a light bar at the rear of the cab, and what Chevy calls the “Safari Bar” at the front. Like the current ZR2, the new model will likely have suspension upgrades including different shocks and a higher ride height.

Chevy GMC’s brother Canyon will also be adding an off-road model called the AT4X which should be on par with the ZR2; the model has also been teased and appears to have a different body than the current truck.

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2024 Chevy Colorado Spied

The next-generation Chevrolet Colorado cracked the cover in a series of new spy photos this week, giving us a glimpse of what to expect when GM’s compact trucks are replaced in 2023 or 2024.

Thanks to still extensive camouflage, this prototype doesn’t provide much information about the new Colorado styling, but in its profile, it looks like the up-and-down rear cabin lines may be a thing of the past.

We wouldn’t be surprised to see the new Colorado adopt a more angular and square look that’s more akin to its big brother, the half-ton Silverado. The Silverado is also expected to donate what may be the only new Colorado powertrain.

Taking cues from Ford, Chevy is expected to offer a next-generation Colorado with just a turbocharged four-cylinder engine – the company’s new 2.7T for that matter.

The massive, 310-horsepower four-pot could easily overtake the 3.6L V6 currently available in GM twins and a 270-hp Ranger one-up to boot.

This will mark the end of the V6 and diesel options offered in GM’s midsize trucks, and follows the company’s slow and silent effort to eliminate lower-margin models.

We say “truck” because, well, whatever happens with the Chevy will most likely translate to GMC. Canyon will be scheduled to be replaced at the same time, and will likely continue as a re-skin of Chevy’s offering.

We can’t say exactly when Chevrolet will start selling next-generation Colorado, but with the prototype in fairly complete condition, we hope it won’t be long. Rumors suggest it could hit the market in 2023 as a 2024 model.

2024 Chevy Colorado Interior

The redesigned interior is another big improvement over the previous pickup. Every Colorado comes with a large 11.3-inch infotainment screen with Android Auto connectivity and wireless Apple CarPlay.

It’s the biggest screen in the smaller truck segment — at least until the upcoming 2023 Ranger goes on sale later this year with a 12.1-inch screen available.

The gearshift now favors the passenger side of the cabin, and the cupholders are located just below and in front of the center console instead of being tucked across the gear selector.

A new gauge cluster and steering wheel complete the updated design. Dual-zone climate control with rear seat climate is also available.

Chevy will even sell red or yellow seat belts for the Z71 or ZR2 models if you need that extra interior touch. A sunroof is also part of the available equipment.

The new Colorado also gets an Off-Road Performance Display. This app provides information about vehicle tire pressure, pitch, roll, g-force, GPS, and altitude depending on the driving mode.

While Colorado will not have a Sport mode, its Tow/Haul, Off-Road, Terrain, and Baja options are adapted for situations where certain throttle and shift control is required.

Among the camera views — there are up to 10 of them — Hitch Guidance Colorado software, now standard, is there to help you set up obstacles on your first try. The additional Hitch View takes the camera one step further, with an enlarged view.

2024 Chevy Colorado Engine/Powertrain

We expect the 2023 Chevrolet Colorado to offer only one engine option – the GM 2.7L L3B turbocharged four-cylinder engine with TriPower technology.

In the Silverado 1500, the engine produces 310 horsepower (231 kW) @ 5600 RPM and 348 pound-feet (471 Nm) @ 1500 rpm of torque. A 10-speed automatic transmission will be the only power option.

Accordingly, the Colorado 2023 is expected to discontinue the Duramax turbo-diesel engine option and the six-cylinder engine option. For comparison, a second-generation Colorado is offered with three engine options:

Engine	Transmission	Horsepower @ RPM	Torque @ RPM	Rear Axle
2.5L I-4 LCV gasoline	6-speed automatic MYB	200 @ 6300	191 @ 4400	4.10
3.6L V-6 LGZ gasoline	8-speed automatic M5T	308 @ 6800	275 @ 4000	3.42
2.8L I-4 LWN diesel	6-speed automatic MYB	181 @ 3400	369 @ 2000	3.42

Next Chevy Colorado Platforms

The third-generation Chevrolet Colorado will use an updated version of the same GMT 31XX platform used by the second-generation model.

The updated architecture will be known as 31XX-2 internally at GM. It will be shared with GMC Canyon 2023 and later.

Before November 2018, GM plans to develop a new platform called the 32XX for third-generation Colorado (and Canyon).

That architecture will also support GM’s proposed Jeep Wrangler fighter. However, the competitor Wrangler was canceled as part of GM’s ongoing restructuring and cost optimization efforts.

New Chevy Colorado Refresh

Expected Changes, Updates, and New Features
Here are the changes we expect for Colorado 2023:

Completely new exterior
Totally new interior
Highly revised platform (though not all new)
New powertrain lineup
New active safety features, including Adaptive Cruise Control, Blind Zone Alert, etc.
Check out the full 2023 Chevrolet Colorado change log (coming soon).

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New Chevy Colorado 2024

The old Colorado and GMC Canyon were once two of only three midsize pickups to offer a diesel powertrain, but not anymore.

The Colorado 2023 will be powered exclusively by a Chevy 2.7-liter turbocharged inline-four engine bolted to an updated eight-speed automatic transmission. Power varies between trim levels.

Base WT and LT trims come standard with 237 horsepower and 259 pound-feet of torque. The maximum towing capacity of this powertrain is 3500 pounds.

The mid-level Z71 and new Trail Boss trim for 2023 come with 310 horsepower and 390 pound-feet of torque with a maximum towing of 7700 pounds. It’s the highest in its segment. This powertrain is also available for WT and LT levels.

Lastly, the big-daddy ZR2 has the same horsepower as the Z71 and Trail Boss, but with 430 pound-feet of torque at 3000 rpm. That’s 121 horsepower and a 61-pound-foot increase over the outgoing diesel engine.

Chevy says any trim can be upgraded to a high-output engine through their Limited Production Option (LPO) preorder offer.

The 2.7-liter fuel economy rating hasn’t been published by the EPA yet, but Chevy told us it’s roughly the same as the last-generation EPA’s 19-city and 25-highway 2.5-liter pickup truck ratings.

The 2.7-liter turbocharged engine is equipped with stop/start technology and active cylinder management which reduces combustion to just two cylinders when necessary to save fuel.

2024 Chevy Colorado Trim

Previously offered as a package for the LT and Z71 models, the Trail Boss now has its own trim levels. It uses the same wide front as the ZR2 model, but with a smaller 2.0-inch factory lift for 9.4-inch ground clearance and 32-inch Goodyear Territory AT tires wrapped around 18-inch wheels.

The Z71 uses the same wheel and tire setup, but with a more premium interior than the Trail Boss’ rugged cabin. Stepping up to the ZR2 model, things got even more serious.

The Colorado ZR2 comes packed full of 10.7 inches of ground clearance, the biggest tires, and the most LED lighting.

Standard equipment includes Chevy’s Flow Tie front badges, spray-on bed liner, 17-inch wheels with 33-inch midfield tires, front and rear electronic locking differentials, 3.42 rear axle, and extra body armor underneath to prevent the inevitable.

It gets Multimatic Dynamic Suspension Spool Valve (DSSV) dampers in gold and blue as well. This time, the rear dampers are mounted outside the frame, not inside, which Chevy says is necessary for the new truck’s size and architecture.

Desert Boss, specifically the boss of the off-road desert, adds even more off-road flamboyance to the ZR2 as an extra gear pack.

It adds 17-inch Beadlock-enabled wheels, a custom bash-bar front bumper, a roof-mounted light bar, an underbody camera, and a sticker that shows everyone who the Desert Boss really is. It is not yet clear what happens when the two bosses meet in the wild. Maybe they finished lunch.

The standard for the ZR2, and available on other models, is a new tailgate storage system that provides 45 inches by 4.0 inches of lockable space for storing your favorite tools, drinks, or rock collection.

This tailgate can also lock itself in the center position, similar to what the Ford Maverick compact pickup does, to help load flat items (up to 500 pounds) like sheets of wood or drywall onto the bed.

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2024 Chevy Colorado Models

We expect the Colorado 2023 to be offered the following trim levels:

Work Truck
LT
Z71 Package
RST
Prime
ZR2

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2024 Chevy Colorado ZR2

Chevy has streamlined much of its configuration for the Colorado 2023 based on the popularity of the previous generation truck, offering this new unit exclusively as a four-door crew cab with a shorter five-foot-two-inch box.

From the basic Work Truck (WT) trim to the dust-removing ZR2 off-roader, Chevy has chosen to offer what most people want, even if it means giving some people more than they need by opting for a short cab and a long bed.

Proportionally, the new Colorado is 2.3 inches wider than the previous pickup. The new Colorado also uses a longer 3.1-inch wheelbase across all trims, and shorter front overhangs to help increase the angle of approach.

The new ZR2’s 38.3-degree approach is more of an improvement over the last truck’s 31.8-degree angle; it’s also better than the Tacoma TRD Pro’s current 35.0-degree approach.

In this segment, the Gladiators won this metric with an approach angle of 43.6 degrees.

Colorado wheels now sport the full-size 6.0 x 5.5-inch Silverado 1500 bolt pattern, which opens up aluminum wheel options in 1999.

With larger hubs, bigger brakes. The four-wheel discs in the Colorado 2023 are now an inch larger at the front and almost an inch larger at the sturdy rear axle.

It grows 200 to 300 pounds heavier in a 4WD configuration, but the biggest improvement is for the ZR2 model.

The last Crew-cab ZR2 we tested had a 3.6-liter V-6 that soon disappeared and weighed 4749 pounds, but the new ZR2 goes up in trouser size to 5298 pounds, the biggest increase we’ve noticed from the given specs.

2024 Chevy Colorado Engine

Colorado and Canyon currently offer three engine options: 2.5-liter inline-four, 3.6-liter V-6, or 2.8-liter turbodiesel inline-four.

We suspect that the base four-cylinder might be downgraded, and GM could add the turbocharged 2.7-liter inline-four Silverado as an option. Rear-wheel drive and four-wheel drive will remain on the menu.

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Chevy Colorado Production

The Chevy Colorado 2023 will continue to be assembled at the GM Wentzville plant in Missouri by GM USA. GM’s Sao Jose Dos Campos plant in Brazil will produce vehicles for the South American market.

2024 Chevy Colorado Release Date

We expect the Chevy Colorado 2023 to launch in the second half of the calendar year 2022. Debuts in the first half of the calendar year 2022 are likely.

Stay tuned to learn more about Colorado and Canyon 2023, as the Chevy will debut July 28, and GMC will follow soon.

2024 Chevy Colorado Price

Pricing should be announced later this year, and before that, we hope to get behind the wheel of one. It will continue to be built by the folks at GM’s Wentzville, Missouri, assembly plant, with production starting sometime in the first half of 2023.