The Right Spec: 2023 Chevrolet Colorado

Matthew Guy
by Matthew Guy

It’s been more than a minute since we have delved into the world’s build & price configurators, an activity which surely litters the search history of every gearhead reading this site. Since our last installment, there has been no shortage of new vehicle introductions, including a few trucks which predictably tweak your author’s interest


Midsize pickup trucks were arguably on the verge of extinction – or at least on the engendered species list. Even just a decade ago, we witnessed Ford take the Ranger out behind the bar, while GM was content to let its Colorado/Canyon twins wither on the vine. No longer. After a comprehensive overhaul in the middle of the last decade, GM is recommitting to the segment with a comprehensive revamp both inside and out.


Chevy plucked the 2.7L Turbo engine from their Silverado full-sizer for duty in the Colorado, a move which rips a page from the book of Old Detroit in which automakers would routinely stuff big engines into small(er) vehicles. That mill is available in three states of tune, all the way up to 310 horsepower and 430 lb-ft of torque. We don’t need to tell you which one we fancy. For ’23, all Colorado pickups are built with a crew cab and short box, making that decision easy.

And you’re damn right I’ve chosen what looks like the spiritual successor to Marty McFly’s truck as my preferred trim of the ’23 Colorado – price notwithstanding. Festooned with addenda such as what we old guys call nerf bars plus a jacked-up ride height and knobby tires, Chevy seems intent on putting a knee in the groin of aftermarket suppliers across the nation. And, gadgetphile that I am, the concept of a protected underbody camera to scan the earth for off-road obstacles and errant loose change is too good to pass up.


Of course, alert readers will note that while the Colorado makes do with a trio of engine outputs, GMC chose to endow every single Canyon pickup with the highest horsepower tune. In that light, those who simply seek a sensibly sized truck with ample grunt should check out a GMC showroom. The rest of us – McFly fans and all – are more likely to head for the bowtie store.


[Images: Chevrolet]


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Matthew Guy
Matthew Guy

Matthew buys, sells, fixes, & races cars. As a human index of auto & auction knowledge, he is fond of making money and offering loud opinions.

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  • Norman Stansfield Norman Stansfield on Oct 04, 2022

    Why are leaf springs still a thing on this truck?

  • Kosmo Kosmo on Oct 05, 2022

    Short bed? That's it?! Ranger becomes the only option if you want an actual truck bed?!

    • See 1 previous
    • Lou_BC Lou_BC on Oct 05, 2022

      Chevy and Toyota were the only one's to offer a 6 ft. box in a crewcab. It looks like Toyota will be only hold out. In the ZR2 you needed to get an extended cab to get a 6ft box. In 2023 the extended cab is gone.



  • ToolGuy This thing here is interesting.For example, I can select "Historical" and "EV stock" and "Cars" and "USA" and see how many BEVs and PHEVs were on U.S. roads from 2010 to 2023."EV stock share" is also interesting. Or perhaps you prefer "EV sales share".If you are in the U.S., whatever you do, do not select "World" in the 'Region' dropdown. It might blow your small insular mind. 😉
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  • Jeff Look at the the 65 and 66 Pontiacs some of the most beautiful and well made Pontiacs. 66 Olds Toronado and 67 Cadillac Eldorado were beautiful as well. Mercury had some really nice looking cars during the 60s as well. The 69 thru 72 Grand Prix were nice along with the first generation of Monte Carlo 70 thru 72. Midsize GM cars were nice as well.The 69s were still good but the cheapening started in 68. Even the 70s GMs were good but fit and finish took a dive especially the interiors with more plastics and more shared interiors.
  • Proud2BUnion I typically recommend that no matter what make or model you purchase used, just assure that is HAS a prior salvage/rebuilt title. Best "Bang for your buck"!
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