Chevrolet gave the 2023 Colorado a substantial redesign, and the new model boasts plenty of changes and upgrades on the outside and inside. One of those is an exciting package for the ZR2 trim. Here’s more about Chevy’s refreshed midsize truck and the 2023 Chevy Colorado ZR2 Desert Boss Package.

About the 2023 Chevy Colorado ZR2

The ZR2 is the Chevy Colorado’s top trim, so it costs more than the standard work truck model. Pricing details aren’t available as of this writing, but the 2023 Colorado ZR2 will have the most powerful engine configuration Chevrolet offers. It’s still a 2.7-liter turbo-four, but it harnesses 310 hp and 430 lb-ft of torque. That’s 73 hp and 171 lb-ft of torque more than the Colorado’s standard engine.

The potent engine allows the ZR2 to tow 7,700 pounds, more than double the standard version. In addition, the ZR2 is wider by a few inches, and it benefits from a few more inches of ground clearance. For example, the standard Colorado has 7.9 inches of ground clearance, while the ZR2 gets 10.7 inches. The ZR2 also boasts additional features such as a tailgate storage system in the bed.

Furthermore, the 2023 ZR2 also comes with a spray-on bed liner, Multimatic DSSV dampers, an aluminum skid plate, and other extras.

Chevrolet says that for the 2023 model year, it upgraded the Multimatic dampers, providing a better balance for off-road and on-pavement driving. Chevy also changed the bumpers so that the truck can more easily clear obstacles. 

Here’s what the 2023 Chevy Colorado ZR2 Desert Boss Package adds

The Desert Boss Package adds even more equipment and flair in honor of the Colorado’s desert racing legacy. On top of adding exclusive badging, Chevy gave the Colorado beadlock-capable 17-inch wheels and an underbody camera, both features useful for off-roading.

Chevrolet also gave the truck an off-road bumper and front fascia, a sports bar that comes with a sail panel, and a roof-mounted light bar. These features improve not only the truck’s looks but also its functionality. And because the Desert Boss Package doesn’t change the ZR2 drastically, it probably won’t cost too much extra.

An overview of the standard 2023 Chevy Colorado

For the 2023 redesign, Chevrolet made numerous changes to the Colorado overall, but the most important is probably to its powertrain options. The last generation of the midsize truck had three engine options of various shapes and sizes. But for the new Colorado, Chevy gave the truck one engine tuned three ways.

All Colorado models pack a 2.7-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, and the standard version makes 237 hp and 259 lb-ft of torque. Higher trims have the same engine but with significantly more power. According to Chevrolet, even in the standard configuration, the 2023 Colorado can tow up to 3,500 pounds.

Other changes involve the truck’s overall configuration. All Colorado models now offer a four-door crew cab configuration and a 5-foot-2-inch-long truck bed. In addition, the truck’s wheelbase is 3.1 inches longer than the 2022 model. And every 2023 Chevy Colorado comes with a generously sized 11.3-inch infotainment touchscreen.