Once again, medium-sized vehicles are becoming a large-scale industry. The Scrappy Colorado, which for years was the Silverado’s little brother, has undergone a significant makeover. That includes an updated design, swanky inside, and an engine that is reasonably stolen from the Silverado.

The Colorado ZR2’s primary drawbacks in its first generation had a flop cabin and outdated technology, and poor suspension. With the 2023 Chevy pickup, Chevy has fixed all those problems. The format has been somewhat streamlined by Chevy’s engineers for the brand-new model that is finally here. For Colorado to advance, engineers and designers centralized on three crucial areas. Improved performance, technological advancements, and upgraded design. Let’s examine the 2023 Chevrolet Colorado ZR2 in more detail to discover its best qualities.

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The ZR2 Powerful Engine With Hardcore Off-Roading Features

2022 Chevrolet Colorado zr2
Chevrolet

All 2023 Colorado’s will have the 2.7-liter turbocharged four that first appeared in the Silverado in 2019. They tune up the ZR2 engine by increasing torque up to 430 lb-ft. And thanks to the extra torque, the ZR2 can tow up to 7,700 lbs. of weight, which is remarkably impressive. Chevy mated all engines to an improved eight-speed automatic transmission. Chevy adjusted the transmission for downshifting and increased performance.

The ZR2, which is the most extreme off-road model, now features a 36-degree approach angle. Compared to the current ZR2, that is a six-degree improvement. Additionally, the ZR2 has premium exclusive Multimatic DSSV dampers installed. Colorado’s normal 7.9-inch ground clearance applies to suspension and off-road performance. The Z71 has a higher ground clearance of 8.9 inches. While ZR2 goes even further, to 10.7 inches, the new Trail Boss climbs to 9.5 inches. As a result, ZR2 will be among the top midsize trucks for off-roading in 2023.

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The New ZR2 Interior Features With Selectable Drive Modes

2023 chevrolet colorado zr2
Via Chevrolet

In the previous ten years, Chevrolet’s interiors have advanced significantly, and the 2023 Colorado benefits from the brand’s emphasis on “elevated” design. The ZR2 has a particular interior with special materials and badging. Inside, a new 11.3-inch touchscreen infotainment display with adjustable panels is standard. Additionally, offered is the Off-road Performance Screen. Which provides users with up-to-date statistics when operating the Colorado off-road. The system offers gauges for multiple data factors, including altitudes, GPS navigation, pitch, G-forces, and wheel slip.

Along with these, a brand-new center console, a dual-zone temperature control system with rear AC vents, and a panoramic sunroof will be standard in the ZR2 model. Chevy also included heated front seats as standard equipment in ZR2. Colorado now uses Google Built-In to access maps and other vehicle functions. Additionally, the driving experience will be smoothly integrated with CarPlay and Android Auto. While an extra-large wireless phone charging pad is also available.

There are various drive modes that the driver can choose from, just like almost every new contemporary automobile. Depending on the model level and drivetrain, there are up to five modes available. Normal, Tow, Off-road, Terrain, and Baja. The first three modes need no introduction. While the fourth mode, Terrain, is for minimal speed crawling. They designed the Baja mode for off-roading at high speeds for rough terrain.

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2023 Chevy Colorado ZR2 Desert Boss Package And Tailgate Features

2022 chevrolet colorado zr2
Via Chevrolet

The ZR2 Desert Boss option set is what we’re most curious about. Chevrolet offers the first-ever ZR2 Desert Boss package if the 2023 Colorado ZR2 is too subdued. Beginning with the ZR2 trim level, it includes aluminum skid plates and a large U-shaped bull bar. Aside from the underbody camera and the “Desert Boss” decals and black insignia. They also included 17-inch beadlock capable wheels, a sports bar with a sail panel, a roof-mounted light bar, and some additional sail decals.

Another intriguing aspect of Colorado is located at the tailgate. The ZR2 has further advanced in tailgate innovation warfare. It is an integrated storage space located inside the lower part of the tailgate. Well, Chevrolet will not use the six-way multi-flex tailgate from Silverado. But the ZR2 will have built-in tailgate storage, available with a 110-volt power outlet. When the tailgate is down, there is a lockable tool storage box that is 45 inches wide and 4 inches deep. For tailgate events, it can serve as a cooler in addition to housing tools and equipment like tow straps. Cool!!

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The New ZR2 Features Improved Safety And Enhanced Technologies

Three versions of the 2023 Chevrolet Colorado on sand
Source: Chevrolet

More importantly, the new vehicle features a full array of active safety technologies that weren’t available in the older design. Chevy will outfit The new Colorado ZR2 with the most advanced safety gear. A surround-view camera, blind-spot assistance, rear cross-traffic assistance, adaptive cruise control, and autonomous emergency braking with pedestrian recognition are among some standard safety features.

We can outfit the new Colorado with up to 10 exterior cameras. Just in case, the driver wishes to see what’s going on around the vehicle. Also, the Z71 and ZR2 trim levels include an under-body camera. These cameras will help drivers to watch out for chassis or puncture a tire while off-roading. Popular with truck owners who haul a lot, Chevy included a Hitch View as part of Chevy’s Trailering App. This feature is accessible from the in-car infotainment app or a smartphone.