Is the 2023 Chevrolet Colorado a Good Pickup Truck? 5 Pros and 3 Cons

A redesign can do wonders for a vehicle when it’s done right, and the newly reinvented 2023 Chevrolet Colorado stands as a textbook example of this. With more power, improved tech, better handling and new features, the new Colorado not only eclipses the outgoing model, it has leapfrogged its competitors to become the best mid-size pickup truck you can buy — at least for the time being.

Related: 2023 Chevrolet Colorado Review: New Style and Substance to Challenge the Tacoma

Five trim choices are available, ranging from the basic Work Truck (WT) worker bee to the range-topping ZR2 — but even the WT is nicely equipped and capable, with a decent ride and handling to match. There’s also a new Trail Boss trim available for the Colorado, and it’s ready for serious off-roading right out of the box. Fans of the diesel and V-6 engines will be sad to hear that both options are no longer on the menu, but in their place are two turbocharged four-cylinder engines with even the base unit getting a healthy increase in power.

Our own Aaron Bragman recently traveled to San Diego for the launch of the new Colorado, where he had an opportunity to spend time in four of the five trims. While Bragman was clearly impressed, he left feeling a few things still could be improved. Hit the link above for Bragman’s full expert review; for a look at the highs and lows, read on for five things we like about the 2023 Chevrolet Colorado and three things we don’t.

Things We Like

1. Decent Driver

Ride and handling are greatly improved over the outgoing Colorado and frankly better than primary competitors, including the aging Ford Ranger and ancient Toyota Tacoma. Steering feel is excellent, and the brakes are strong, with a firm pedal and easy modulation. The Colorado still bounces a bit over rough surfaces, but that’s not unexpected in a pickup.

2. Agreeably Equipped

Even base models come with impressive and easy-to-use tech, including a bright and easily navigated 11.3-inch touchscreen with Google Built-In, Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. Other standard features include keyless entry, remote start and a rearview camera with trailer hitch guidance, while upscale options not often found in the category include power seats, adaptive cruise control, and a wide assortment of safety warning and control systems.

3. Interior Measures Up

The interior is pretty basic, if sturdy, in the base WT trim and has a lot of hard plastics (as might be expected in a work truck). Things move upscale with LT and higher trims, with nicer materials and contrasting colors. Whichever trim you choose, you’ll find plenty of head and legroom up front, along with enough seat adjustments to help find a comfortable driving position.

4. Improved Powertrains

The base engine is a 237-horsepower, turbocharged 2.7-liter four-cylinder good for 259 pounds-feet of torque, delivering a 37-hp bump compared to the old Colorado’s standard engine. Available with lower trims and standard with upper variants is a 310-hp, turbo 2.7-liter four-cylinder with 390 pounds-feet of torque. Both engines are paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and either rear- or four-wheel drive. Chevrolet claims a 0-60 mph time of about seven seconds with the more potent powertrain.

5. Off-Road Fun

Increased off-road capability is part of the package, including the first ever Trail Boss trim offered on the Colorado. Based on the WT, the Trail Boss gets the same no-frills interior but adds standard 4WD, a 2-inch lift kit, the 310-hp engine, and either standard 18-inch or available 20-inch wheels with all-terrain tires. Other off-road goodies include a choice of drive modes, hill descent control and an available surround-view option package with up to 10 different camera views.

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Things We Don’t Like

1. Bean Counters at Work

In addition to a cabin lined in hard plastic, evidence of cost cutting abounds elsewhere in the base trim. The steering wheel tilts but does not telescope, as is now common in many inexpensive vehicles. There’s only one stalk on the steering column, kept busy by operating the turn signals, windshield wiper controls and high beams. There’s also no conventional light switch; instead, headlights are operated by using the center touchscreen.

2. Bad Vibes

As much as we like the newly available 310-hp, 2.7-liter turbo four-cylinder engine, one downside is its noticeable bit of roughness at idle. It’s enough to cause considerable vibration while sitting at a traffic light.

3. Reduced Room

Rear-seat passengers may not be as pleased with the redesign, which wasn’t all that generous in space before. Legroom is reduced in the back by an inch despite a 3.1-inch increase in wheelbase.

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