What’s the Difference? Chevy’s 2023 Colorado Z71 vs. Trail Boss vs. ZR2
Off-road factory vehicles are more popular than ever. Manufacturers provide new models, trims, special editions, and off-road packages every year that frequently sell out in a flash. The brand-new 2023 Chevrolet Colorado midsize truck is a continuation of this trend. The Chevy Z71 off-road package was an option when the new Colorado model debuted for the 2015 model year. The fast ZR2 variant was introduced to the range in 2017. Chevrolet has now expanded its portfolio for 2023 to include both the new Colorado Trail Boss and the ZR2 Desert Boss. With these upgrades, Colorado's off-road variations exceed its conventional trims by a factor of two. The 2023 Colorado Z71, Trail Boss, and other vehicles are different from one other in a number of ways.
2.7-Liter I-4 Turbo Engine and Eight-Speed Transmission
The only engine available for the brand-new 2023 Chevrolet Colorado will be a 2.7-liter I-4 turbocharger. However, there will be three distinct engine output options available for the Colorado lineup. GM estimates that the intermediate 2.7-liter Turbo Plus engine, which will be available in the Colorado Z71 and Trail Boss, will deliver 310 horsepower and 390 lb-ft of torque. The 2.7-liter Turbo High-Output with an estimated 310 horsepower and 430 lb-ft of torque is available to customers who upgrade to the ZR2. The new second-generation eight-speed automatic gearbox that is best adapted to handle the engine's significant torque will be standard on every 2023 Colorado.
Improved Suspension Systems
The suspension system is one of the key distinctions between the 2023 Colorado Z71, Trail Boss, and ZR2. The Colorado Z71, which is at the low end of the spectrum, has the same basic suspension height and width as the WT and LT variants. The 2023 Colorado gains a suspension that is 2 inches higher and 3.5 inches wider than the Trail Boss. The Colorado ZR2, which is designed for desert driving, receives an even more aggressive suspension with a 3-inch lift and 3.5-inch wider tracks than base vehicles. The Z71 has a ground clearance of 8.9 inches, the Trail Boss 9.5 inches, and the ZR2 leads because of the various suspension heights.
Both the Z71 and Trail Boss are shipped with standard twin-tube off-road-tuned shocks on the damping front. The incredible Multimatic DSSV dampers are back on the ZR2, and they've been improved with bigger shafts, new seals, and new calibration. Rancho-branded dampers, which have typically been included with Chevy off-road kits, don't now appear to be available for Z71 and Trail Boss.
Bigger Tires and Better Wheels
There is no situation where the adage "bigger is better" is more applicable than when it comes to the tires of an off-road truck. While the ZR2 will have 17x8-inch wheels, the Z71 and Trail Boss will also get 18x8.5-inch aluminum wheels as standard equipment. 17x8-inch Beadlock-compatible wheels are standard equipment on ZR2 Desert Boss variants. Z71 and Trail Boss have all-terrain tires measuring 265/65R18 (31.6 x 10.4 inches) while ZR2 has mud-terrain tires measuring 285/70R17 (32.7 x 11.2 inches). The standard tire size for WT and LT versions, in comparison, is 255/65R17, or roughly 31.1 by 10.0 inches.
Traction Aides and Electronics
In 2023, terrain modes will rule the day, and the new Colorado will provide up to five distinct modes, depending on the model. There will be four driving modes available for the Colorado Z71 and Trail Boss models: Normal, Tow/Haul, Off-Road, and Terrain. Baja is the fifth terrain mode added by ZR2. In addition to them, the ZR2 will provide a different drive mode in addition to Baja that effectively disables all electronic interference. Mechanically, the G80 automatic locking (or limited-slip, depending on how you look at it) rear differential will be standard on the Colorado Z71 and Trail Boss. With electronic locking differentials in the front and rear, ZR2 is back.
Towing and Hauling
It shouldn't come as a surprise that a truck's payload and towing capacity decrease the further up the off-road capabilities food chain you go. This is facilitated by softer springs, larger tires, and a higher center of gravity. With the Colorado Z71 and Trail Boss trims, the all-new Colorado has a maximum towing capability of 7,700 pounds for 2023. Only the top-tier Colorado ZR2, with a reported maximum towing weight of only 6,000 pounds, experiences a decrease. The Z71 and Trail Boss both have maximum payload ratings of 1,587 pounds, while the ZR2's payload rating tops out at 1,151 pounds.
The Mysterious Fourth Offering: ZR2 Desert Boss
The new Colorado ZR2 Desert Boss from Chevrolet adds a fourth off-road option to the Colorado lineup for 2023. A modified Colorado ZR2 with 17-inch beadlock-capable wheels, a "off-road" front bumper with push bar, a sports bar installed on the bed with a sail panel and an LED light bar, an underbody camera, and distinctive "Desert Boss" graphics are all features of the Desert Boss. The package, which essentially throws the whole previous accessory catalog at the truck, was inspired by the Colorado ZR2's history in desert racing.
Wait, Where’s the ZR2 Bison?
The ZR2 Bison, which was constructed by American Expedition Vehicles, is not included in the selection. Despite the fact that nothing about Colorado has been verified, fear not, since Chevrolet just hinted about the upcoming 2023 Silverado ZR2 Bison. We are certain that Bison and all of its off-road equipment will soon return to Colorado since we know the agreement is still active.