Chevy redesigned the Colorado for the 2023 model year with some new features while getting rid of some old ones. You’ll find changes to the exterior, interior, and even under the hood. However, consumers are anticipating the five drive modes the midsize truck now comes with will help traverse just about any terrain you can think of maneuvering on. 

What’s changed with the truck’s redesign, and what are the new driving modes you can select for your next adventure with the 2023 Chevy Colorado?

What’s new with the 2023 model year of the Chevy Colorado?

GM scaled down the Chevrolet Colorado when it comes to engine options. Instead of several choices, you get a single one: a 2.7-liter turbocharged four-cylinder unit. The engine manages to produce 237 hp with 259 lb-ft of torque with its baseline configuration but can be tuned two different ways for more output.

One of its most unique features is its truck bed. While you usually use it for hauling items, the new bed on the 2023 Colorado can act essentially as a cooler because the storage area is watertight and can be drained when liquid gets into it. Otherwise, it’s wide enough to haul a lot of equipment, such as motorcycles or an ATV. 

Regarding technology, the Colorado now comes with an 11.3-inch diagonal infotainment touchscreen. You’ll get an off-road performance display that will allow you to monitor how the truck handles your off-road performance, like pitch, roll, tire pressure, GPS guidance, g-force, and transfer case status, to name just a few.

The redesign also adds more trailering features. You can get Hitch Guidance for hooking onto a trailer and a trailering app to optimize towing on the pickup. 

Many drivers are interested in the five driving modes the midsize truck comes with. Here’s what you can expect with the 2023 Chevy Colorado.

1. Normal

According to Chevrolet‘s website, the Normal mode on the 2023 Colorado is the default setting for everyday driving. You use this on standard road surfaces, either paved, compacted dirt, or gravel paths. It works excellent traveling to and from work and your average shopping trip, where you won’t need any specialized driving dynamics to get around. 

2. Tow/Haul

Anytime you need to tow or haul items in the 2023 Chevy Colorado, you can switch the transmission/gear selector to Tow/Haul mode. It changes shift points with the transmission, offers additional calibrations optimized specifically for trailering, and gives the proper throttle response needed to power through the task. This driving mode is used when you’re hauling items for work or towing a camper trailer reasonably far from home. 

3. Off-Road

While the Normal mode is great for regular pavement, the Off-Road mode is suitable for going off the beaten path. You can travel over rough rocky terrain, mud, light sandy areas, loose gravel, or anywhere the surface is far from smooth. 

Rough terrain enthusiasts use this abundantly on weekend ventures into forested areas or off-grid grounds. It’s also suitable for plowing through deep snow in the wintertime.

4. Terrain

When driving with the Terrain mode selected on the 2023 Chevy Colorado, you will have the same basic experience you get with the Off-Road version. The main difference is that you can travel up steep hills, crawl over large rocky obstacles, or traverse heavily rutted paths, like what you get with the Silverado. This mode can apply the brakes when needed to allow for better climbing control in certain areas. 

5. Baja

The Baja mode is best when there’s plenty of sand around. Driving on it can get tricky using normal modes because they don’t offer the power necessary to plow through the shifting terrain. Baja works by offering throttle control and specific transmission shifting points to allow you to traverse desert areas with no problems. It also provides stability and traction control to maneuver around hills of sand without finding yourself going off track. 

The 2023 Chevy Colorado offers plenty of sweet features for truck enthusiasts, no matter if they use it for work tasks or just to have a weekend of fun. With its five driving modes, this midsize truck will travel any terrain you want and won’t disappoint.