2023 Chevrolet Colorado Trail Boss: Adding a No-Frills Off-Road Option
Chevrolet has now shown us this 2023 model of the Colorado. Riding on a heavily modified and updated version of the old pickup’s frame, this 2023 version says goodbye to multiple cab/bed configurations in favor of a simplified approach of the crew cab being the only variant offered.
NEED TO KNOW
- The Trail Boss is new for 2023 and sits between the Z71 and ZR2 in off-road capability, offering a factory 2-inch lift and wider stance at a lower price than the Z71.
- The standard Turbo Plus engine (310 hp, 390 lb-ft) is included in Trail Boss pricing, whereas it is an upgrade cost on the base WT trim.
- The writer noted the Trail Boss handled everything on the manufacturer’s off-road demo course easily and wants to test one on home proving grounds in East Texas.
- With cloth seats and a simplified interior, the Trail Boss is positioned as a capable but no-frills off-road tool rather than an everyday luxury truck.
Trims range from the base work truck, or WT, trim to the Everyman LT, up to the near luxurious Z71. Off-road fans rejoice with an improved version of the ZR2 with its segment-exclusive DSSV spool-valve dampers that are essentially F1 tech in an off-road pickup. New for 2023 is a Trail Boss model that copies the playbook of the larger Silverado, adding a 2-inch lift versus a standard Z71 off road model. Trail Boss also gets a wider track giving it a more sure-fitted approach. Trail Boss has the best approach, departure, and break over angles as well as the most ground clearance of the model line (outside of the ZR2).
All models will receive some variant of the same 2.7 liter turbocharged 4-cylinder engine that is also used in the larger Silverado. No more V6 option for this platform, though it is not really needed with the 2.7 offering up to 310 horsepower and 430 lb-ft of torque. Max tow ratings top out at 7,700, a competitive number for the segment.
Updated styling outside, 3.1 inches of increased wheelbase, and a much improved modern interior round out the big reasons to shop the 2023 Chevrolet Colorado. This Trail Boss version is a no-frills off-road pickup. With cloth seats and a work truck like interior, this Trail Boss can go get dirty on the trail and then clean up easily when you get home. The Colorado also offers a segment-leading 11.3-inch color touchscreen infotainment system paired with a standard 8-inch or optional 11-inch digital gauge cluster.
All seats were comfortable and supportive with the back seat having enough room for my 5’10” frame to fit nicely behind my normal driving position. The rear seat does fold up with the use of a lever revealing underwear storage while not giving rear passengers a thinly padded and uncomfortable seating surface. I was actually surprised at how cushioned the rear seat was for a pickup.
The tailgate wars have made their way down to the midsize segment. The Colorado makes its tailgate stand apart from the rest with an industry-first in-tailgate storage solution. Hidden under a flap inside the tailgate, this storage cubbie is large enough for essential tools, jumper cables, or a tailgate cooler thanks to its drain plug.
Modern amenities abound in the Colorado making it and the GMC Canyons market disrupters yet again. We are already seeing Toyota readying their first all-new Tacoma in almost 2 decades while Ford readies their next Ranger. Nissan just updated their Frontier and the Jeep Gladiator was all new just 3 short years ago.
2023 Chevrolet Colorado Trail Boss Specs:
#GTGarageTalk #ChevyColorado #2023Colorado #ChevroletColorado #ColoradoZ71 #Chevrolet #ChevroletColorado #ChevroletColoradoZ71 #PickupTruck #FamilyVehicle #FuelEconomy #FamilyCar #AppleCarPlay #AndroidAuto #NewCar #CarReview #TXAutowriters #ChicagoAutoShow #CAS2023
2023 Chevrolet Colorado Trail Boss
PROS
- 2-inch factory lift and wider track improve approach/departure angles and ground clearance over the Z71 without requiring aftermarket modifications
- Goodyear Wrangler Territory MT tires are serious off-road rubber that matched the off-road course obstacles without difficulty
- Industry-first in-tailgate storage with drain plug carries over from the Z71 — still a standout feature at the Trail Boss price point
- Rear seat comfort and cushioning impressed the writer for a no-frills off-road model
CONS
- Cloth interior and work-truck-like finishes sacrifice comfort versus the Z71 — Trail Boss trades luxury for off-road function
- Single-zone climate control only — no dual-zone available at this trim level