2023 Chevrolet Colorado Review: 

• 2023 Chevrolet Colorado: $29,200 – $46,800 
• Midsize Truck of the Year – J.D.Power 
• Pros: Smooth ride, stout off-roading capabilities, improved interior quality 
• Cons: The lack of physical buttons, no long bed option, tight rear seat 
• MotorBiscuit score: 8.6 out of 10 

We welcome the third-generation Chevrolet Colorado with open arms because it should win the most improved award. Seriously, it was completely redesigned for 2023 with a more confident look, extra power, and a lavish interior. 

The 2023 Colorado has modern tech and stout off-roading upgrades, including an available three-inch lift. New innovative storage solutions include a section of the tailgate that can be used as a cooler and a lockable storage bin. 

While the engine can be a bit loud, the interior is fairly quiet compared to rivals like the Nissan Frontier and Toyota Tacoma. Plus, it provides a smoother ride. However, it may feel limited as a work truck without an extended cab or long bed option. But keep in mind that it can tow up to 7,700 lbs. 

Which 2023 Chevy Colorado trim is best? 

• Chevy Colorado WT: $29,200 
• Chevy Colorado LT: $31,600 
• Chevy Colorado Trail Boss: $37,000 
• Chevy Colorado Z71: $39,900
• Chevy Colorado ZR2: $46,800 

While the standard WT trim starts with solid features like wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, an 8.0-inch digital guage cluster, and an 11.3-inch infotainment display, the LT model adds much more without a drastic price increase. 

The Colorado LT adds keyless entry, rear air vents, a front center console, an extra USB port, and a remote-locking tailgate. 

But for off-roading, the Trail Boss trim is a bargain with more engine power, 18-inch wheels wrapped in all-terrain tires, a 2.0-inch lift, an automatic locking rear differential, a two-speed transfer case, tow/haul mode, and hill descent control. 

How does the 2023 Chevy Colorado drive? 

The new Chevrolet Colorado has a new 2.7-liter turbocharged inline-four engine with three different output levels. The standard WT and LT trims get 237 hp and 259 lb-ft of torque. 

Upgrade to the Trail Boss or Z71 model for 310 hp and 391 HP. The top-spec ZR2 trim gets 310 hp and 430 lb-ft of torque. The engines are paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. 

The Colorado can accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in roughly 6.8 seconds. It has a smooth power delivery but holds the revs too long at times with otherwise seamless transmission shifts. That said, it has no trouble getting off the line. 

While the steering can be a little vague at lower speeds, it’s responsive with a nice weight. The brakes are smooth and easy to master without feeling too firm. They inspire confidence on and off the road. 

Body motions are well-controlled, and the truck corners well for an engaging performance on sharp, curvy roads. Also, it has a tight turning radius, making it easy to maneuver in tight areas in the woods or downtown city areas. 

Overall, it’s more relaxing to drive than the Nissan Frontier and Toyota Tacoma, with a sportier nature and more convenience. 

Can the 2023 Chevy Colorado go off-roading? 

Yes, the 2023 Chevy Colorado is well-equipped to tackle the wild. Our Z71 model conquered mountain trails through the forest around Asheville, North Carolina, without breaking a sweat. We took it on the same off-roading trails as the Toyota Tacoma and Nissan Frontier. 

It demonstrated the smoothest ride quality, was the easiest to maneuver in tight areas, and offered the most control. On steep inclines in slippery, muddy conditions, it was resistant to slip or slide. Plus, it packs plenty of torque for mud, ruts, and climbing. 

There are off-roading modes for Off-Road, Terrain, and Baja. The Off-Road and Terrain modes were the best fit for the mud, dirt, and gravel we regularly encounter. 

While the Z71 has nice features, such as a two-speed transfer case and automatic locking differential, the ZR2 takes things to the next level. It has a 3.0-inch lift, 17-inch wheels with mud-terrain tires, Multimatic DSSV dampers, front/rear differentials, and rock rails. 

We recommend adding the 360-degree camera display, underbody cameras, and skidplates to complete the package.

The ZR2 has a 10.7-inch ground clearance, a 38.3-degree approach angle (which is up from 30 degrees), a 25.1-degree departure angle, and a 24.6-degree break over angle. 

How comfortable is the 2023 Colorado? 

The 2023 Chevy Colorado is one of the more comfortable options available, with a smooth ride that glides over rough sections of the pavement. However, wind and road noise can be noticeable at highway speeds, and the engine emits an occasional drone. 

It’s quieter than the Frontier and Tacoma, though. Plus, the font seats are large and well-added for hours of comfort. There are plenty of adjustment controls for finding the perfect driving position. 

However, room in the front comes at the expense of rear seat space. At 5’1”, the rear felt slightly cramped, and my knees hit the back of the front seats. The rear seat has an upright angle but plenty of support for shorter trips. 

Bruce, the official MotorBiscuit pup, enjoyed the backseat. He was able to take a nap while on the highway, which is something he didn’t do in the Nissan Frontier. Also, the Toyota Tacoma was too small for him to move around comfortably. 

The rear vents are helpful during hot summer afternoons, but the ventilated seats could be stronger. The automatic climate control system is intelligent and effective. It rarely needs to be adjusted. 

Is the 2023 Chevy Colorado interior nice?

Yes, the 2023 Chevy Colorado is attractive and upscale with high-quality materials. The design is simple yet elegant, with soft-touch-covered surfaces and plush black upholstery. Pops of red and white accents, stitching, metal trim pieces, and textured plastics draw the eye. 

The layout is well-planned, with everything you need within reach. The sunroof and manual sliding rear window are a bit small but allow plenty of fresh air and natural light to enter the cabin. 

The large windshield, front windows, and side mirrors provide plenty of visibility, but the rear window is limited. The visibility is a huge relief after experiencing the massive blindspots in the Nissan Frontier. 

Plus, the doors open wide for easy access. The step-in height is slightly tall, but bulky items are easy to load. Installing child seats might feel tight. 

Does the 2023 Chevy Colorado have good tech? 

Yes, the tech in the 2023 Chevrolet Colorado is advanced and modern. The 11.3-inch infotainment screen has attractive graphics and works quickly. The system is powered by Google, with excellent voice recognition. 

Wireless Apple Carplay and Android Auto are standard and easy to connect if Google isn’t your preferred system. Plus, the wireless phone charging pad is in a convenient location in front of the gear shifter. 

The 8.0-inch digital guage cluster provides crucial driver information such as your driving mode, miles until empty, and navigation. Overall, the system is intuitive and easy to learn. There is a significant lack of physical controls, but the touchscreen is easy to master. 

Critics love to complain about how some features, like the headlight controls, are only available through the touchscreen. But to be honest, how often will you change the automatic headlight settings? 

The available seven-speaker Bose audio system is a nice perk, but it’s not a must-have. Also, you can spice up the interior with available ambient lighting. 

How much can the 2023 Chevy Colorado tow? 

When properly equipped, the 2023 Chevrolet Colorado can tow up to 7,700 lbs and carry a payload of up to 1,684 lbs. It matches the Gladiator’s towing capacity and pulls more than the Frontier and Tacoma. 

However, interior storage is a little lacking. The center console is adequate, and the glove box is tight. There aren’t a lot of trays and cubbies to take advantage of aside from the tray in front of the gear shifter that doubles as the wireless phone charging pad. 

The door and seat pockets are tight, and the built-in storage bin in the tailgate only has enough space for smaller tools. But the seats are easy to fold. There are bins under the rear seats for organization, so there isn’t a flat loading floor.

How safe is the 2023 Chevy Colorado? 

The 2023 Chevy Colorado hasn’t been officially rated by the Insurance Institute of Highway Safety (IIHS) or the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHSTA) yet. But it may have significant improvements over the outgoing model thanks to suspension upgrades. 

According to the IIHS, the 2022 Colorado is pretty safe. Improvements could be made to the side tests for front and rear passengers. Also, new headlights should provide a better rating. The seat belt reminders don’t have a quick enough initiation time either. 

The child seat anchors received a marginal rating because they’re hard to find, located too deep in the seats, and can be confused with other hardware. 

Standard safety features include: 

• Automatic emergency braking 
• Lane departure mitigation
• Automatic high-beam assist 

How reliable is the 2023 Chevy Colorado?

The 2023 Chevy Colorado has an above-average reliability rating. It earned a score of 85 out of 100 from J.D.Power. Scores between 70 and 80 are average, while anything between 81 and 90 is above average, and scores between 91 to 100 are best. 

You can expect the average Colorado model to last between 200,000 to 250,000 miles. Some models even surpass 300,000 miles. But the key to survival is regular care and proper maintenance. 

If you drive about 15,000 miles per year, then your truck could provide around 15 to 17 years of service on the road. 

It costs about $599 to maintain the Colorado annually. This is a bit cheaper than the average yearly maintenance cost of $650 for other new trucks. 

MotorBiscuit gives the 2023 Chevy Colorado a score of 8.6 out of 10

The experts at MotorBiscuit award the 2023 Chevrolet Colorado with a score of 8.6 out of 10. The new Colorado has come a long way by shattering its old reputation with a high-quality interior and comfortable ride. 

It has stout off-roading capabilities and abundant power with a refined ride and modern tech. However, it doesn’t have a long bed which could feel limiting. Interior storage could be improved, and the lack of physical controls could be frustrating. 

Overall, the Colorado provides solid value, and you don’t need to spring for the highest trim level to get work done. However, many features, like the available 360-degree camera, are limited to different packages. 

We’ve experienced what the Z71 model can do and hope to take the Colorado ZR2 for a spin to see how enhanced capabilities impact ride quality.