2023 CHEVROLET COLORADO TRAIL BOSS: NO LONGER A PACKAGE, BUT A TRIM LEVEL

The 2023 Chevrolet Colorado is here. This time around, The Bowtie Brand went ahead and made the highly capable Trail Boss its very own trim level. Formerly, the Trail Boss was an add-on package for your 4X4 LT or Z71 model in 2022, which only added a rather large list of accessories to your vehicle. For this new generation, Chevrolet differentiated the 2023 Colorado Trail Boss with its own distinct chassis among other enhancements. Let’s take a closer look…

2023 Chevrolet Colorado Chassis & Off-Road Engineering

The 2023 Colorado is equipped with a new chassis however the Trail Boss stands in its own category featuring a standard 2-inch lift (compared to just one inch a generation prior). The 2023 Chevrolet Colorado Trail Boss also comes standard with 18-inch wheels wrapped in 32-inch all terrain tires. Overall ground clearance sits at 9.5 inches and the Trail Boss has better approach and departure angles of 30.5 and 22.4 degrees respectfully as well as a break-over angle of 21 degrees. The rear axle features a G80 differential. The rubber of choice is a set of P265/65R18 Goodyear All-Terrain tires.

The wheelbase for all trims sits at 131.4 inches however the Trail Boss carries a wider stance compared to other trims. Track width for the Trail Boss comes in at 66.2 inches, only 0.2 inches fewer than the ZR2. A multitude of cameras and a total of five different drive modes further enhance the Trail Boss’s ability off-road and around town.

Compared to the outgoing Chevrolet Colorado ZR2, this new Colorado Trail Boss features superior approach and departure angles, as well as a larger track width and ground clearance. But does not come with the locking front differential, and features a slightly more acute breakover angle. The new Trail Boss is also lighter than the outgoing Colorado ZR2 short box crew cab, can tow more, and can haul more.

A More Powerful Engine

All 2023 Chevy Colorado’s use the same base engine but offer three levels of output through select trims. Standard for the Trail Boss is the 2.7L Turbo Plus engine that produces 310 horsepower (same as the ZR2) and 390 lb-ft of torque. A second generation eight-speed transmission is standard on all trim levels. As stated before, this 2.7L L3B four cylinder turbo engine will come in three different calibrations on the Colorado, which is likely to streamline manufacturing complexity, while delivering more power that the customer can feel under their right foot.

Minimal Frills Interior

The 2023 Chevrolet Colorado Trail Boss delivers on the off-road essentials. It has a wider track and higher ground clearance than the Colorado with the Z71 package, but keeps the extra gizmos and gadgets on the shelf, at least for now. The interior appears to be shared with the base Colorado WT work truck trim level, which has an 8-inch diagonal infotainment screen and digital instrument panel. But the contrasted stitch work, larger 11.3-inch infotainment screen, sunroof, and underbody camera system are reserved for higher trims. However, it does feature the tactical stowable tailgate.

Pricing information is expected to be released closer to production which is expected to begin in the first half of 2023.