The 2023 Colorado that Chevrolet recently introduced comes to replace the second-generation model after nearly a decade. In all that time, the mid-sized pickup truck segment in America has made tremendous progress, and the plethora of novelties introduced by the newcomer reflects that. However, as die-hard enthusiasts, we’re always curious about the possibilities that remained unexplored by the production model. And with GM recently publishing some renderings/sketches that showcase the creation process of the third-generation Colorado, we get just that.
The 2023 Colorado, whose pricing will be announced soon, is larger than its predecessor and only comes with 2.7L turbo-four gasoline engines ranging from 231 to 310 hp with 430 lb-ft of torqueโthe gas V6 and Duramax diesel units are out. In addition, the mid-size truck gains a Trail Boss trim levelโthis was previously a package for the LT and the range-topping Z71, but now sits just below the latter.
An all-out futuristic Colorado
Balanced aggressiveness. That’s how we describe the exterior of the 2023 Colorado. And the mix between the meaner styling cues and the practicality-defined design bits is only logical. For one, the former part is owed to the overall automotive industry leaning towards a feistier front end appearance. As for the latter approach, this is here because the Chevrolet Colorado isn’t some EV truck from a startup, but one appealing to an audience that’s at least partially conservative.
However, Chevy did consider an even bolder styling approach, as a recent Instagram post from the official GM Design account demonstrates. Check out the first image of the post and you’ll find an approach that’s futuristic enough to describe a next-gen Colorado. And, with that gaping, super-sized grille taking center stage and the split volumes of the light clusters, such a design could hold its own against any truck the competition has to offer, even in the full-size segment.
In this sketch: a 2023 Chevrolet Colorado with an extended cab
Moving on to the second image of the post, we find a pair of sketches. But, instead of focusing on the design details, we’ll zoom in on the extended cab configuration of the lower sketch (two-door, mid-size bed).
You see, the new truck is exclusively offered as a Crew Cab (four full-size doors) with the mid-size 5-ft, 2-inch bed. In its effort to increase manufacturing efficiency, the carmaker looked at the most popular configurations of the Gen II model. Of course, there will always be a few customers looking for the kind of configurability offered by the retiring model, but this is another story for another time.
For the record, these sketches come from Scott Wassell, who currently serves GM as a Performance Rear Wheel Drive Studio Senior Exterior Designer. His previous exterior designs include the 2002 Cadillac CTS, while he was also the Design Manager for the 2008 Cadillac CTS and 2010 Cadillac SRX.
Competition in the mid-size segment is heating up. And we can’t wait to see how the 2023 Colorado, whose balanced attitude spreads past its looks, stacks up against its rivals. After all these mid-sizers are as diverse as the Toyota Tacoma that’s getting a new generation for 2024, the cool Jeep Gladiator, the affordable Ford Ranger, the car-like Honda Ridgeline, among others.