It’s no secret that the new generation of Chevy’s compact pickup is on the way. The next-generation Colorado has already been on the road, though still with a camouflage. Of course, we count on all kinds of novelties and there is no doubt that GM will once again offer a wide range of versions, including the new 2023 Chevy Colorado ZR2. Once again, this will be the most capable variant of the Colorado in terms of off-road performance and have no doubt it will be even better than the current model.
Of course, the new model will adopt all the novelties from the upcoming redesign, starting from the new styling, upgraded platform, new interior design etc. However, it will also continue with all those off-road upgrades, as well as with some novelties in this aspect, particularly in terms of suspension parts.
We expect the 2023 Chevy Colorado ZR2 release date will happen sometime in the second half of the year.
2023 Chevy Colorado ZR2 Redesign
As we’ve just mentioned, the 2023 Chevy Colorado ZR2 will get a full redesign, just like the rest of the Colorado lineup. Therefore, you may count on the same kinds of novelties, starting from the new platform. More precisely, it won’t be completely new, but rather an updated version of the current 31XX architecture, which will bring more refinement and some new technologies, particularly in terms of driver-assistance features.
Of course, we will also see a completely new styling. The test mule still wears a camouflage, but we presume the styling will have a lot in common with the current-generation Silverado. Furthermore, this particular version should come with lots of exclusive details that accentuate the model’s off-road performance. Those would be things like blacked grille and bumpers, unique wheels, tow hooks etc.
Besides the styling upgrades, the 2023 Colorado ZR2 would also come with significant mechanical upgrades, starting from the off-road suspension setup, standard four-wheel drive, two-speed transfer case, locking front and rear differentials, hill descent control, skid plates, off-road tires and many more.
Interior
On the inside, we don’t believe that the 2023 Chevy Colorado ZR2 could be significantly different compared to the rest of the lineup. Still, it will get a completely new layout and we expect to see a significant improvement compared to the outgoing model, which looks outdated in many ways. So, count on things like a more attractive dashboard look, finer materials, better build quality, better ergonomics, more tech features etc.
Just like the current model, the new ZR2 should also come in two of Colorado’s three typical layouts. Base versions will come with an Extended Cab and Long Box, while the Crew Cab model with Short Box will be available too. On the other hand, the stretched model with Crew Cab and Long Box won’t be offered in the ZR2 iteration.
2023 Chevy Colorado ZR2 Engine
Big changes are coming under the hood as well. The 2023 Chevy Colorado ZR2 won’t feature the good-old 3.6-liter anymore. Moreover, the new-generation Colorado won’t be available with a four-cylinder engine, nor the turbodiesel. All these engines will be replaced with just one unit. That would be a 2.7-liter turbo-four, which puts out 310 horsepower and a massive 348 pound-feet of torque.
Another big novelty will come in terms of transmission, as the new model will feature a new 10-speed unit. Of course, four-wheel drive will be standard.
2023 Chevy Colorado ZR2 Release Date and Price
We expect that the 2023 Chevy Colorado ZR2 will hit the market sometime in the second half of the year. The base price should go around 45.000 dollars, while models like Toyota Tacoma TRD Pro, Ford Ranger Raptor and Jeep Gladiator Rubicon should remain key competitors.