2023 Chevrolet Colorado ZR2

The 2023 Chevrolet Colorado ZR2 is the top-end high-performance variant of the 2023 Colorado lineup. Priced at an MSRP of $48,000, the Colorado ZR2 comes with a redesigned exterior with increased dimensions and an upgraded interior. The pickup truck features a turbo 2.7L Inline 4 powertrain with 8-speed automatic transmission. The 2023 edition will only be available with a five foot short bed. The standard features of the ZR2 include 17-inch wheels, high performance five selectable drive modes and off-road performance display, lifted suspension and wider chassis, segment exclusive multimatic DSSV dampers, and an 11.3-inch diagonal center touchscreen, and an 11-inch diagonal digital driver information center.

The official announcement packages for the 2023 Chevrolet Colorado ZR2 are yet to be done, but we think that the brand will carry forward the previous generation’s list of optionals which had packages such as Colorado ZR2 Bison Edition Package priced at $5,750 (2022), ZR2 Dusk Special Edition Package priced at $3,215, Sports Appearance Package priced at $350, and ZR2 Midnight Edition Package priced at $3,215.

Colorado ZR2 Bison Edition Package includes:-

• AEV Front Bumper
• Fog lamps
• AEV rear bumper
• Wheel Moldings
• Front floor liners
• Rear floor liners
• AEV Embroidered Headrests
• Fuel tank skid plate
• Front skid plate
• Rear differential skid plate
• Transfer case skid plate
• 17" AEV Dark Graphite aluminum wheels, and 17" AEV spare wheel 

ZR2 Dusk Special Edition Package includes:-

• Gloss-Black aluminum wheels
• Off-road lights
• Off-road sport bar
• 17" x 8" Gloss-Black aluminum spare wheel 

Sports Appearance Package includes:-

• Door decal package
• Chevrolet Performance Interior Badge
• Power Pack
• Performance Air Intake System

ZR2 Midnight Special Package includes:-

• Black exterior color
• 17" x 8" Gloss-Black aluminum wheels
• Off-road lights
• Off-road sport bar
• 17" x 8" Gloss-Black aluminum spare wheel 

We Recommend

The Chevrolet Colorado ZR2 is the best trim to opt for in the entire lineup. Priced at an MSRP of $48,000, the pickup truck features 10.7-inches of massive ground clearance, 33-inch tires, and LED lights. The ZR2 also comes with outstanding off-road capabilities and an upscale cabin.

Release Date

The production of the 2023 Chevrolet Colorado ZR2 will start in January, 2023. It is expected to be available on dealerships by the mid of 2023.

The 2023 Chevrolet Colorado ZR2 comes with 2.7L Inline 4 powertrain that makes 310 horsepower and 430 lb.-ft of torque. The car comes with two drivetrain options (RWD and 4WD) but only with five foot short box configuration. The 8-speed automatic transmission is also standard with the truck. The lower variants (WT and LT) get the same engine but have an output of 237 horsepower and 259 lb.-ft of torque. Moreover, the Z71 and Trail Boss trims generate 301 horsepower with 390 lb.-ft of torque. The ZR2 offers a towing capacity of 6000 pounds, which is less than the Z71 and the Trail Boss. The data for the 0-60 MPH mark and quarter mile timing for the 2023 Colorado ZR2 is not yet available.

The 2023 Chevrolet Colorado ZR2 Crew Cab offers a better power delivery as compared to the Toyota Tacoma Limited, Ford Ranger LARIAT, and the GMC Canyon Denali. Similarly, the new ZR2 leads in terms of torque output. The 2022 edition of the pickup offered the quickest acceleration and surpassed the Tacoma, the Ranger, and the Canyon in terms of 0-60 MPH. The new model is expected to deliver the same numbers.

The 2023 Chevrolet Colorado ZR2 Crew Cab comes with an upgraded powertrain performance dynamics. The EPA has not yet claimed fuel economy numbers for the pickup trucks. The fuel economy of the 2022 Colorado ZR2 offered a fuel economy of 18 MPG in a city, 22 MPG on a highway and 20 MPG combined. Furthermore, other models came with a gas mileage of 18 MPG in a city, 25 MPG on a highway and 21 MPG combined. The range of travel for the 2023 edition is yet to be determined, but it is expected to improve from last year.

The gas mileage number for the 2023 Chevrolet Colorado ZR2 will be out soon. Amongst the rivals, The Ford Ranger LARIAT comes with the best fuel economy in a city and on the highway. The Tacoma Limited provides better efficiency in a city than the Canyon Denali. Moreover, the Tacoma Limited comes with the largest fuel tank, followed by the Colorado ZR2 and the Canyon Denali. For the same reason, it covers more range than others.

The 2023 Chevrolet Colorado ZR2 Crew Cab has upgraded its cabin design as well. The car comes with comfortable leather seats with a power adjustable features. The design is reminiscent of Chevy's Silverado 1500, with an impressive digital instrument panel and touchscreen display, as well as a simple layout for the climate controls on the center console and turbo-style air vents. Even though the previous Colorado version didn't offer the most space as compared to the other trucks in the market, the rear seats were usable if needed. However, in spite of its extra 3-inch wheelbase, the new Colorado features nearly the same headroom and legroom specs as its predecessor. The features include an optional sunroof, lockable storage box, new gauge cluster, etc.

The 2023 Chevrolet Colorado ZR2 Crew Cab offers more legroom as compared to the Toyota Tacoma Limited, Ford Ranger LARIAT and the GMC Canyon Denali. It also leads in terms of rear legroom than the Tacoma Limited and the Ranger LARIAT. The Colorado ZR2 provides a more comfortable and functional interior. The new edition is also more feature loaded which gives it an edge in this segment. Furthermore, the rivals come with a conventional layout which is not as appealing as the ZR2.

Some of the key interior features available with the 2023 Chevrolet Colorado ZR2 Crew Cab include:

• Power adjustable seats
• Remote keyless entry
• Tilt and telescopic steering column
• Leather upholstery
• Front bucket seats
• Dual zone automatic climate control

How intuitive is the 2023 Chevrolet Colorado ZR2 Crew Cab infotainment system?

The 2023 Chevrolet Colorado ZR2 Crew Cab comes with a standard 11.3 inch touchscreen display infotainment system with a 8-inch digital driver information center. The system is supported by Android Auto and Apple Carplay. The 2023 edition gets wireless phone charging and USB type-A and USB type-C ports are standard in the front row. The brand also provides Google Built In which is available on subscription. It incorporates features like navigation, music etc. The setup is responsive and easy to use. The car also features a premium audio system. 

Some of the most notable infotainment features available with the 2023 Chevrolet Colorado ZR2 Crew Cab include:

• Wireless charging
• Bluetooth Connectivity
• Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
• Navigation system
• 11.3 inch touchscreen display
• USB type C ports

This new 2023 Chevrolet Colorado ZR2 comes with bold exterior styling, including a massive grille that fills up the front fascia, flowing into the hefty front bumper, and connecting a pair of slim headlamps on either side of the hood. With its bi-LED headlights and daytime running lights, this vehicle has a more authoritative appearance. The bumpers also have sharper lines, giving it a tougher appearance. The crew cab is 213 inches long and comes with a 131.4 inches of wheelbase. The new edition has increased the wheelbase by 3.1 inches and has made the vehicle 2.3 inches broader.

The 2023 Chevrolet Colorado ZR2 is the longest of all and comes with an excellent ground clearance that is more than the Ford Ranger LARIAT and the GMC Canyon Denali. The ZR2 also features the largest wheelbase among the four rivals. The redesigned ZR2 looks more appealing with its robust-looking front face. Among the competitors, the GMC Canyon Denali is the only one worth comparing in terms of exterior, due to its larger profile.

Some standout exterior features include:

• 17-inch ultra silver metallic steel wheels.
• Daytime running lights
• LED headlights
• Black tailgate handle
• Cornerstep rear bumper
• LED tail lights

The 2023 Chevrolet Colorado ZR2 Crew Cab comes with a tough exterior body that resists impact effectively. This also includes a segment-first aluminum hood. The additional safety features with this edition such as automated emergency braking, lane keep assist, automatic high beams, and following distance indicators. Other standard safety features include a rearview camera, stability control, electronic traction control, tire-pressure monitoring, and a teen driver function. The ZR2 also gets an HD rearview camera and rear parking sensors. The 2023 Chevrolet Colorado ZR2 has not been crash tested yet by the IIHS or the NHTSA. However, the 2022 Colorado received an overall rating of four out of five stars from the NHTSA. 

Some of the major safety features available with the 2023 Chevrolet Colorado ZR2 Crew Cab include

• Cruise control
• Blind spot monitor
• Front pedestrian braking with bicyclist detection
• IntelliBeam auto high beam assist
• Lane keep assist with Lane departure warning
• Following distance indicator

2023 Chevrolet Colorado ZR2 Crew Cab vs 2023 Toyota Tacoma Limited Double Cab 

The 2023 Chevrolet Colorado ZR2 Crew Cab is more expensive than the Toyota Tacoma Limited Double Cab. The Inline 4 powertrain of the ZR2 delivers much better performance with greater power output and torque delivery. The ZR2 leads with a better interior and more intuitive infotainment system. On the other hand, the Toyota Tacoma might surpass its rival in terms of fuel economy. The Toyota Tacoma is also more affordable.

2023 Chevrolet Colorado ZR2 Crew Cab vs 2022 Ford Ranger LARIAT SuperCrew

The Ford Ranger LARIAT SuperCrew comes with a less expensive price tag as compared to the Chevrolet Colorado ZR2 Crew Cab. The Ranger LARIAT stands competitive in terms of its looks and handling capabilities. Whereas, the Colorado ZR2 makes more power and generates more torque output than the rival. It provides best-in-class front legroom and an attractive interior.

2023 Chevrolet Colorado ZR2 Crew Cab vs 2022 GMC Canyon Denali Crew Cab

Both, the Chevrolet Colorado ZR2 and the GMC Canyon Denali, are offered at similar prices. The Colorado ZR2 offers more power with its turbo Inline 4 powertrain as compared to the GMC’s V6. Similarly, the ZR2 has much better torque delivery and offers swift handling capabilities. The ZR2 also offers more front legroom than the rival. However, the Canyon Denali leads with better rear legroom.

The 2023 Chevrolet Colorado ZR2 is a high performance crew cab with a number of convenience features to offer. The large infotainment screen with the premium sound system leaves no stone unturned in an aspect of entertainment. The restyled exterior looks appealing and also ensures safety with rigid aluminum and steel parts. The powerful Inline 4 engine options deliver the utmost performance to the users. Furthermore, the Colorado ZR2 provides nimble ride and handling capabilities. The fuel economy of the crew cab is also expected to be better than the previous edition. The most preferable choice in the line up remains the ZR2 trim. One can opt for an additional package to configure the cab as per the need.