by Michael Satterfield - 08/16/2022
I have always had a thing for small pickup trucks, perhaps it was growing up in the 90s when small trucks were all the rage, but for me, they have always made sense. The only two trucks I have personally owned have been a vintage Ford Courier and my Nissan Frontier. So I am always excited when I first drove the new Colorado in 2018, I was impressed with the overall package, I took a ZR2 for a spin around a volcano in the California desert and later that year went on a road trip across Texas sampling BBQ in a Colorado. So when Chevrolet wanted to drop off the latest Z71 I was excited to see what new Chevy's little truck had to offer.
A bright orange Colorado Z71 arrived, my first impression, not much has changed for 2022, literally almost nothing. Colorado still is a great-looking truck on the outside, and while the Z71 as a mid-level trim has some cool styling touches, the ZR2 just looks so much better and is the one to buy. In the very crowded small-truck market Colorado is due for a refresh for 2023, as the Nissan Frontier just had, and it was a major improvement.
While I haven't had a chance to drive the new 2023 version, the word is the interior will be getting some updates, including a new 11.3-inch touch screen, and the exterior is going to be restyled to look more like the new Silverado. It looks really good and has some interesting options, so it is hard to tell my readers to rush out and try to find a 2022 Colorado that might happen to still be on the lot.
Colorado does offer a lot of value for those looking for a solid work truck that can double as a daily driver. Having driven both the diesel and the V6 both offer great towing capability, but in 2023 Colorado will be powered exclusively by a 2.7-liter four-cylinder with a range of power from 237-310 hp depending on the trim level. If there are still 2022 models on the lot, I think dealers will be able to ask a premium for the diesel which offers a 7,700 lb towing capacity. I used the Colorado to haul some wheels and tires for a project car, it is a perfectly fine truck, but if it were my money I would just wait for the updated 2023 that will offer more tech, new styling, and more power than nearly all the competition like the aging Tacoma and Ranger.
Getting the 2022 model as a tester this late in the year is honestly kind of pointless, our local dealer only has one 2022 ZR2 in stock, and the 2023 model is a refreshed model. If you are looking for a used small truck the 2017-2022 Colorado is a great choice, for more on the last generation Chevrolet Colorado check out my past stories HERE.
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