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Recently, the Chevrolet Colorado experienced a glow-up that you need to see. It got a new exterior style and revamped interior to put it back on the map. However, not every 2023 Chevy Colorado update is seen as an improvement. Three things could be dealbreakers. 

2023 Chevy Colorado: What’s new? 

The 2023 Chevy Colorado parked near foliage
2023 Chevy Colorado | Allison Barfield, MotorBiscuit

The 2023 Chevy Colorado sports a fresh redesign to kick off its third generation. It has a modern, confident exterior style with an upgraded interior to blend comfort, refinement, and work truck durability. 

It has a new 2.7-liter turbocharged engine with three different output levels. It was forged with proven materials to increase its durability and performance. Also, the engine is paired with the second-generation eight-speed automatic transmission for a smoother and faster performance. 

New tech brings an advanced feel as it helps make driving feel safer and more convenient. Plus, the Colorado ZR2 model is the most capable off-roading model ever, with modes for Baja, Terrain, Off-Road, Normal, and Tow/Haul. 

Now let’s see what’s frustrating drivers! 

1. The 2023 Colorado doesn’t have a long bed 

The 2023 Chevy Colorado off-roading in dirt
2023 Chevy Colorado | Chevrolet

The 2023 Chevy Colorado may feel limited as a work truck because it doesn’t have an extended bed available. It’s only available with a four-door crew cab and a short five-foot bed. But the Toyota Tacoma and Nissan Frontier both have six-foot beds available. 

Obviously, longer beds have more cargo capacity, but the Colorado does have an available lockbox built into the tailgate. It has enough space for a few tools. 

The 2023 Colorado can carry a payload of up to 1,684 lbs. The 2022 model can carry up to 1,435 lbs, so it has more muscle despite having less space to work with. The Frontier can carry a payload of up to 1,360 lbs. Also, the Colorado can tow up to 7,700 lbs. 

2. The Colorado dropped its diesel engine 

The 2021 Colorado had a turbocharged 2.8-liter four-cylinder diesel engine with 181 hp and 369 lb-ft of torque. It was discontinued in 2022, and fans still miss it. 

However, the 2023 Chevy Colorado has a standard 2.7-liter inline-four engine with 237 hp and 259 lb-ft of torque. It cranks out 310 hp and 391 lb-ft of torque with higher trim levels. Also, it provides 310 hp and 430 lb-ft of torque on the top-spec ZR2 trim. 

That’s more torque than the diesel engine provides. The new engine was enhanced with more rigid cylinder block casting, a 30% stiffer crankshaft, a fully forged rear end, and components from the diesel engine to make it more reliable. 

3. The 2023 Colorado needs more physical controls 

The 2023 Chevy Colorado interior and dash
2023 Chevy Colorado interior | Chevrolet

Every 2023 Chevy Colorado model comes with a standard 11.3-inch infotainment screen. It has vibrant, attractive graphics and works pretty quickly. But there is a lack of physical controls that takes some getting used to. 

For example, to adjust the automatic headlights, you have to use the touchscreen. Camera views and off-roading modes are also accessed through the touchscreen. This can add a second or two to accessing certain settings. 

But on a positive note, the climate control system and safety features have physical controls. Also, the system is powered by Google with excellent voice recognition software. It’s intuitive and easy to master. 

Stay tuned as the Chevy Colorado hits the streets. We’re still waiting for its official safety ratings and more reliability information to come out.