What Is the 2023 Chevy Colorado ZR2 Desert Boss Package?
The 2023 Chevy Colorado is getting even more options than it had before. Instead of just the optional off-road powerhouse ZR2 trim level, now there’s an extra ZR2 Desert Boss package. Moreover, it’s a special edition version of the pickup truck, but is it worth the money? Max out your Colorado’s performance with the ZR2 Desert Boss package.
What comes with the Desert Boss package?
Exclusively available for the 2023 Chevy Colorado ZR2 off-road model, what is the Desert Boss package? According to Muscle Cars and Trucks, it takes the same ZR2 33-inch tires and wraps them around 17-inch Beadlock-capable wheels. Next, an off-road bumper with a brush guard accessory is upfront. On the other end of the pickup, you’ll find a sports bar, a roof-mounted light bar, an underbody camera, Desert Boss decals, and black emblems throughout.
In addition, the package uses the same engine as a standard ZR2; only it comes exclusively as the high output variant. Moreover, the Desert Boss’ turbocharged 2.7-liter four-cylinder produces 310 horsepower and 430 lb-ft of torque. Pricing is not available yet for the package, but we know it’ll cost more on top of the price of a ZR2. According to Car and Driver, a standard 2023 Chevy Colorado ZR2 is estimated to start at around $48,000. It’s likely safe to assume the ZR2 Desert Boss will exceed the $50,000 mark.
A standard 2023 Chevy Colorado ZR2 is off-road ready
If buying the Desert Boss package doesn’t seem off-road-ready enough for you, it’s worth noting the ZR2 is already well-equipped. First and most importantly, with everything you need to drive away from the beaten path. Every Colorado ZR2 has 33-inch Goodyear Wrangler Territory tires and a reworked suspension that moves the Multimatic DSSV dampers to an outboard location. In addition, approach, departure, and breakover angles each improve over other versions of the midsize truck.
| 2023 Chevy Colorado model | Ground Clearance (in.) | Approach Angle (deg.) | Departure | Breakover |
| WT/LT | 7.9 | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Z71 | 8.9 | 29.1 | 22.3 | 19.5 |
| Trail Boss | 9.5 | 30.5 | 22.4 | 21 |
| ZR2 (and Desert Boss) | 10.7 | 38.3 | 25.1 | 24.6 |
Is the Desert Boss package worth it?
It’s difficult to gauge the value of the package without the official price. If it’s only a few extra bucks, it will undoubtedly be worth it for those looking to maximize off-road performance. Furthermore, the 2023 Chevy Colorado ZR2 is already prepared for nature trails, so the Desert Boss package just makes it better. As a result, it will be one of the best off-road options in the midsize truck category for 2023.
Comparatively, the 2022 Toyota Tacoma TRD Off-Road starts at $35,340. Buying more accessories for off-roading with the TRD Premium Off-Road package costs $5,070. However, Toyota’s package includes many pieces of technology aside from the off-roading items. As a result, the Colorado’s Desert Boss package will likely cost less than the Toyota offering.
When will the 2023 Chevy Colorado be available?
According to Chevrolet, the production of its midsize truck will begin in early 2023. Moreover, we’re roughly six months away from buying one. The automaker also said it would reveal the price and more information closer to the production date. For now, we only know that the ZR2 Desert Boss package is a big step up from the standard off-road Colorado. Customers interested in a 2023 Chevy Colorado have an excellent option available if they plan to do some off-roading.
