The all-new 2023 Chevy Colorado is officially here! We take it for a first drive on and off-road. How does the new turbocharged four-cylinder perform in the new midsize truck? What is it like to drive off-road? Is the 2023 Colorado now the benchmark that all other manufacturers must meet? Toyota Tacoma, Ford Ranger, and others – are you listening? Let’s dig in!
The new 2.7L turbocharged four-cylinder is very powerful. In its medium “turbo plus” configuration – it delivers the goods with brisk acceleration. Chevrolet says they updated the 8-speed automatic transmission, but it is still not the best transmission in the business. If you floor the accelerator while moving, it takes the transmission a noticeable amount of time to downshift once or twice. It’s not a bad transmission, but the 10-speed autos that you can find in the Ford Ranger, Ford F-150, and Toyota Tundra feel smoother and quicker.
We will be driving the new Colorado truck a lot more soon, and we will provide many more real-world tests: 0-60 mph empty and with a trailer, 1/4-mile drag race, Ike Gauntlet™ world’s toughest towing test, and fuel economy loops. You will learn much more about Colorado’s new powertrain very soon.
The new Chevy Colorado is the new benchmark in the midsize pickup truck segment. Toyota Tacoma, Ford Ranger, and all others must take notice. The 2023 Colorado brings good value, technology, and features – even with their entry-level Colorado WT (Work Truck). The 2WD version of the base truck starts at $30,695 after you include destination charges.
I drove the Colorado WT, LT, Trail Boss, and Z71. This first drive event did not include the new Colorado ZR2. I found the best and most fun on-road ride in the Z71. This is currently the most optioned new Colorado pickup. The one I drove had a sticker price of just over $48,000.
The best all-around first impression goes to the new Colorado Trail Boss. The wider stance of the Trail Boss, the suspension tuning, and the Goodyear Territory MT tires combine for a very comfortable off-road ride and it works very well on-road as well.
Check out this Colorado Z71 versus Trail Boss off-road first drive comparison.
