2023 Chevrolet Colorado ZR2 – When Chevrolet introduced the Colorado ZR2 in 2017, it was a major step forward for midsize off-road performance vehicles. This vehicle was a game-changer in the market. The truck had a sturdy midsize chassis that had been upgraded with a class-leading suspension, front and rear lockers, optional factory rock rails, and the capability to switch off the computerized nannies for the cleanest driving experience possible. The first-generation Chevrolet Colorado ZR2 had a mediocre cabin and technology, a rather lengthy front overhang, restricted suspension travel, and undersized tires, which were the primary criticisms leveled against it. In 2023, Chevrolet will release a new pickup truck that addresses each and every one of these issues. This truck will have the style, the posture, and the goods to back it all up. Although the portfolio currently includes the WT, LT, Z71, and Trail Boss, we are going to concentrate on the ZR2 model since it is geared more toward enthusiasts.
2023 Chevrolet Colorado ZR2 Review
Chassis
The new Colorado ZR2 is only available in one configuration, which is the crew cab with a bed that is 5 feet 2 inches long and has a bed length of 5 feet 2 inches. It sits on a mainly new chassis, although certain select parts of the previous frame have been carried over. The stance is improved as a result of the front overhang being reduced as a result of a 3.1-inch increase in the length of the wheelbase, the majority of which was accomplished by shifting the front axle forward 2.95 inches. In comparison to the standard Colorado WT, the ZR2 has a raise of three inches, which enables it to use off-road tires of 33 inches in diameter (P285/70R17). Colorado will now share the Silverado’s bolt pattern going forward, which will make it possible to install a far wider variety of wheels on the midsize truck. The ZR2 is identical to the existing truck in that it comes equipped with front and rear lockers that may be selected by the driver.
Suspension
The 2023 Chevrolet Corvette ZR2 continues Chevy’s cooperation with Multimatic by using the latest generation of that company’s outstanding speed-sensitive spool-valve dampers. Front and rear travel have also been enhanced due to this upgrade. Because of the adoption of ZR2-specific knuckles, upper control arms, and cast-iron lower control arms, the track width of the ZR2 has been extended by three inches. This change was made to improve the vehicle’s level of stability. For improved handling, the rear shocks have been moved outside of the frame rails, a feature that is exclusive to the ZR2 among Colorado’s several trim levels. The rear suspension continues to make use of the reliable leaf-spring mechanism.
Powertrain
The existing 2.5-liter four-cylinder and 3.6-liter six-cylinder engines, in addition to the 2.8-liter diesel, have been discontinued in favor of a series of GM’s superb 2.7-liter turbocharged four-cylinder gas engines. This change was made in order to reduce emissions and improve fuel economy. There will be three output levels, with the ZR2 benefitting from the high-output version and making a good showing with 310 horsepower and 430 lb-ft of torque (on ordinary gasoline). This figure should relieve the anguish and grief of diesel lovers. There will be three output levels. The new high-output 2.7-liter engine has a cylinder block casting that is more robust, a crankshaft that is 30 percent stronger, and a completely forged bottom end. These improvements were made so that the engine could produce the desired amount of power. The intercooler has a modest profile behind the front bumper where it is located. The 2.7-liter engine is paired with an eight-speed automatic gearbox in its second generation. This transmission has been improved to give smoother and faster shifting, with an emphasis on precise off-road power distribution for technical driving. Despite having an ever-so-slightly taller first gear, the new ZR2 has a crawl ratio of 42:1 thanks to the same 2.72 transfer case ratio as the current ZR2, a 4.56 first gear of the transmission, and a 3.42 final drive ratio. This is despite the fact that the new ZR2 has a slightly taller first gear than the current truck (4.56 vs. 4.61).
The 2.7-liter engine is paired with an eight-speed automatic gearbox in its second generation. This transmission has been improved to give smoother and faster shifting, with an emphasis on precise off-road power distribution for technical driving. The new ZR2 has a crawl ratio of 42:1, which is essentially the same as the current truck despite having an ever-so-slightly taller first gear. This is based on the assumption that the ZR2 will use the same 2.72 transfer case ratio (information for the ’23 wasn’t available at the time this article was written). The 4.56 first gear of the transmission and the 3.42 final drive ratio give the new ZR2 its crawl ratio (4.56 vs. 4.61).
2023 Chevrolet Colorado ZR2 Concept
Exterior
The Chevrolet Colorado is a very attractive pickup truck because it has athletic proportions and a body that gives the impression that it has been drawn taut over underlying muscles. The ZR2 ups the ante with a distinctive and futuristically styled grille that features the Flow Tie emblem, LED illumination, more girthy fender flares, factory rock rails, and a hood that is exclusive to the ZR2. The ZR2 has a far more commanding appearance than its stature would suggest thanks to modifications like a reduced overhang, raised suspension, wider tires, and an increased track width. It makes us think of our favorite vehicle to play with in the sandbox when we were kids, only now we want to take this one to the adult-sized sandbox and have some fun in it. Additionally, Chevy prioritized the pickup component of the new Colorado. The bed comes with up to nine extra flexible tie-downs and has enough for up to eight regular fixed tie-downs in addition to the new storage cubby that is located within the tailgate of the vehicle. It is possible to establish tri-level storage thanks to the presence of four stake pockets that are located on top of the bed in addition to six 2×6 pockets and four 2×8 pockets that are stamped into the bed. A spray-in bedliner is included as standard equipment on the ZR2.
Interior
The inside of Colorado seems to have been designed using the Camaro and Silverado as sources of inspiration. As a result, Colorado finally has an interior that is appropriate for this decade, complete with the necessary large displays and straightforward arrangement. The dashboard has large vents that are spherical and located outboard, and it is wrapped and stitched. In addition to this, the center console, the lid, and the door panels all include soft-touch materials and stitching, and front-seat passengers who are taller will enjoy the cushioned knee rest that is located on the side of the center console.
Technology
Chevy has used all of the most recent technological advancements in the design of the new Colorado pickup truck. The high-definition primary screen, which is 11.3 inches and can be customized, is the first thing you will notice. Accompanying it is an 8-inch instrument cluster that can be customized and is totally digital. Over-the-air software upgrades are now supported by Colorado, and Google Built-In is used for a variety of purposes, including navigation, audio playback, and access to other car features. CarPlay and Android Auto will also be integrated in a seamless manner into the overall experience of driving. A new off-road performance display that can monitor GPS information such as altitude, as well as pitch, roll, tire pressure, g-forces, wheel slip, and transfer case condition, has been added to the ZR2.
This display is one of the technologies that have been bestowed upon the ZR2. Up to ten distinct camera perspectives, including an industry-first view from an underbody camera, are available on the Chevy ZR2 supercar. Through the use of a knob located in the center console of Colorado, as is the case with the majority of modern automobile manufacturers, Chevrolet has made an effort to reduce the level of complexity found in the powertrain. The ZR2 comes standard with each and every one of these features, including the following:
- Normal is a setting that provides a balanced foundation for daily driving.
- Towing and Hauling – Shift Points are Optimized for Both Towing and Hauling
- Off-Road is your standard all-purpose mode for driving on terrain other than paved roads.
- Think rock crawling and other low-speed, technically challenging driving when you hear the word terrain.
- Baja is the go-fast mode that allows the driver to test the boundaries of the chassis.
And yes, much like the existing truck, the electronic babysitters can be placed on time-out so that competent drivers may do their best impression of Chad Hall while driving across the desert.
Capability
When considering out-of-the-box capabilities, almost every significant off-road empirical metric has shown significant improvement. The track width has been increased to 66.3 inches from 65.9 inches, the ground clearance has been increased to 10.7 inches from 10 inches, and the approach, departure, and breakover angles have been increased from 30/23.5/23.5 to 38.3/25.1/24.6. The towing capacity of the 2023 Chevrolet ZR2 is increased by an additional 1,000 pounds when compared to the model it replaces, bringing the total to 6,000 pounds. However, the payload has decreased somewhat, falling from 1,250 pounds to 1,151 pounds.
Desert Boss
In the ultimate “But wait! There’s more!” moment, Chevrolet also revealed the limited-edition Desert Boss package, which was modeled after the state of Colorado’s very successful desert racing program. The Desert Boss comes with additional features such as 17-inch bead-lock-capable wheels, a new front push bar with LED driving lights, a bed-mounted sports bar with sail panel, a roof-mounted LED light bar, and distinctive “Desert Boss” badging. All of these features are standard on the Desert Boss. We cannot wait to get behind the wheel of the new Chevrolet Colorado ZR2 and tear through some whoops and rocks off-road with it. Chevrolet came out swinging with this vehicle. If the experience of driving the vehicle is anything like the specifications and features list, Chevy could well have the next midsize hit on their hands, as well as a new standard in trailblazers for everyone else to try to match.