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Before the third-gen Chevrolet Colorado was introduced, the second-gen had been around for seven years. But now, the 2023 Colorado truck is here. And it marks quite a few changes for GM’s midsize truck. No longer is the V6 engine or the Duramax diesel engine, but overall, it seems like the new Chevy Colorado is a winner. 

Is there a new Chevy Colorado?

For 2023, the Colorado truck is all new. And that means that there are a number of changes to this midsize truck. It boasts a new design and a 2.7-liter inline-four that can produce up to 310 horsepower. Now, not every version of this pickup will have that power, but it is nice to see. 

It’s clear that GM is aiming at rivals like the Toyota Tacoma with this new truck. And if you did not like the Chevy Colorado of the past, it might be worth revisiting this model. Here are three reasons why that is. 

The 2023 Colorado has a potent engine

The new Colorado now comes with a 2.7-liter engine. Depending on the trim level, you will see different power outputs from it. The base power output is 237 hp and 259 pound-foot of torque. That is significantly more than the base engine of the Tacoma. 

2023 Chevy Colorado WT Work Truck, what are the best features of the Colorado?
2023 Chevy Colorado WT | Chevrolet

If you want more power and torque, you can opt for the Colorado Z71. This upgrades the engine to make 310 hp and 390 lb-ft of torque. But, power increases do not end there. The top trim of this midsize truck manages to produce 310 hp and 430 lb-ft of torque. And that is the same amount of power that can be found in the Silverado 1500. 

Now, that might seem like a lot of power for a small engine. But, according to The Drive, GM has borrowed some diesel technology to increase overall reliability. The claim now is that it could be the most durable engine that GM has ever put out. 

This midsize truck can tow

In terms of towing capacity, the 2023 Colorado can handle up to 7,700 lbs. That is more than other pickup trucks of this size that are currently on the market. Unfortunately, if you do opt for the off-road-focused Colorado ZR2, that capacity does drop to 6,000 lbs. 

Truck Bed 2023 Colorado
Truck Bed 2023 Colorado | Chevrolet

Towing capacity should be equally as impressive. But if you need serious numbers, it might be best to look at a full-size truck.

The ZR2 package is better than ever

The Chevy Colorado ZR2 is a truck focused on 4×4 and off-road performance. It boasts 10.7 inches of ground clearance, large tires, and attractive lightning. The ZR2 trim is not for everyone, but if you want an off-road truck, it should be able to handle some rough situations. 

2023 Chevy Colorado ZR2 Tearing Up a Sandy Trail
2023 Chevy Colorado ZR2 Tearing Up a Sandy Trail | Chevrolet

Of course, that does come at a cost. The MSRP is over $45k, which is a hefty price tag for a truck of this size. But I have to imagine that for the right consumer, the ZR2 Colorado will likely be something on their radar.

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