2023 Chevrolet Colorado vs 2022 Chevrolet Silverado 1500

The 2022 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 came in several configurations from regular, extended (Double Cab), to crew cab, each with varied bed lengths and trim levels ranging from the entry-level Work Truck (WT) to the high-end High Country. In the latter part of 2022, the refreshed Silverado rolled out, showcasing revised styling with notable changes to headlights, grille designs, bumpers, and wheels. It also introduced the off-road-ready Silverado ZR2, which came with factory-standard four-wheel drive, steel front and rear bumpers, a lifted suspension for 11.2 inches of ground clearance, unique cladding, and a gloss-black hood emphasizing its 6.2-liter V8 engine.

With a price spectrum from $34,845 to $70,490, the Silverado ZR2 we reviewed was at the top tier, costing $76,095 with Glacier Blue paint, a Technology Package, sunroof, off-road side steps, MultiFlex tailgate, and a hard tonneau cover. Though its bold, rugged looks were not universally loved, the interior of the Silverado, particularly from the LT trim upwards, had a modernized cabin with enhanced materials, a widescreen infotainment system, and digital instrumentation, significantly raising its appeal and possibly curbing interest defections to competitors like Ford, Ram, and Toyota.

In contrast, the 2023 Chevrolet Colorado Trail Boss, with its factory suspension lift, box-flared fenders, and charismatic blacked-out features, presented a ready-for-anything facade. Sporting a deeply sculpted hood and a balanced yet bold design, the Colorado's visual appeal extended to its Camaro-inspired interior elements, though its base Work Truck (WT) and Trail Boss trims' overly gray and plasticky interiors may have dampened driver enthusiasm. Starting at $30,695 and topping out at $48,295, our Colorado Trail Boss, equipped with red paint, spray-on bedliner, Advanced Trailering Package, Skid Plate Package, and Convenience Package II, was priced at $42,150. The Trail Boss's sharp exterior and purposeful design coupled with its practical but minimalistic interior made it a visually attractive yet functionally humble contender in the mid-size truck category.

The 2022 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 ZR2 prioritized off-road performance but had limited towing (maximum 8,900 pounds) and payload (1,440-pound limit) capacities. Its 6.2-liter V8 with 420 horsepower and 460 pound-feet of torque, paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission, managed decent but unspectacular acceleration and fuel efficiency, recording 16.3 mpg over 130 miles. The advanced Multimatic DSSV dampers and long-travel springs delivered exceptional ride quality over rough terrain and smooth performance in daily driving, though the 33-inch tires sometimes faltered on curves at higher speeds.

Conversely, the 2023 Chevrolet Colorado offered various power outputs across its trims with a single turbocharged 2.7-liter four-cylinder engine. The Trail Boss and Z71 delivered 310 horsepower and 391 pound-feet of torque, with the ZR2 trim even upping the torque to 430 lb-ft. The Colorado provided a notable eight-speed automatic transmission and varying suspension lifts—2 inches for the Trail Boss and 3 inches for the ZR2. Off-road, the Trail Boss performed commendably with its all-terrain tires and 9.5-inch ground clearance, maintaining smooth forward momentum through challenging terrains. On pavement, the Colorado Trail Boss was unexpectedly quiet and handled infrastructural imperfections mercilessly, though it lacked the vigor and engaging sound compared to the Ford Ranger's EcoBoost turbo engine. However, fuel economy was a letdown, averaging 17 mpg against an official rating of 19 mpg.

Climbing into the 2022 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 ZR2 required significant effort, aided by front windshield and center roof pillar grab handles and optional side steps. Interior comfort was high, with 10-way power-adjustable heated and ventilated front seats and plenty of space in the crew cab’s rear seats, also heated for cold days. The redesigned interior offered a leap in sophistication with digital instrumentation and a 13.4-inch infotainment touchscreen. Storage was ample, though some locations like the center armrest bin were smaller than expected. The deep cargo box with a MultiFlex tailgate and hard tonneau cover, alongside the spray-in bedliner, provided versatile and protected cargo options.

The 2023 Chevrolet Colorado Trail Boss also presented a climb for shorter passengers, offering comfortable seating primarily for four adults. With cloth upholstery, an eight-way power driver’s seat ensured adjustability, though the front passenger seat lacked height adjustment. The rear seat fit six-footers snugly with adequate legroom. In hot conditions, the manual air conditioning proved efficient, cooling the cab swiftly. Interior soft-touch surfaces were sparse, and storage spaces were limited but utilitarian. The cargo bed, offering 41.9 cubic feet (just over five feet in length), came with an EZ-Lift and Lower tailgate and StowFlex storage panel for added functionality.

The 2022 Silverado 1500's new 13.4-inch touchscreen infotainment system included wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, SiriusXM with 360L, and connected services like WiFi hotspot and Google Built-in assistant. However, it felt slower and less intuitive than its predecessor. Despite losing physical radio tuning buttons, the upgraded UX and seven-speaker Bose sound system, rear camera mirror, and color head-up display were significant technological enhancements.

In the 2023 Chevrolet Colorado, even the WT trim came with digital instrumentation and an 11.3-inch touchscreen with Google Built-in technology, providing voice recognition through Google Assistant, updated navigation via Google Maps, and access to Google Play apps. It supported wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, SiriusXM, OnStar, connected services, and a WiFi hotspot. The wireless charging and six-speaker stereo offered decent sound quality, with the ZR2 getting a better Bose system. New towing technology, including high-definition cameras and off-road data tracking, enriched the user experience.

The 2022 Silverado 1500 came standard with Chevy Safety Assist, including fundamental driver-assistance features, with blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert as optional upgrades. Standard Teen Driver technology helped monitor young users’ driving habits. The High Country trim offered Super Cruise, a hands-free driving system for approved highways, adding an advanced layer of safety and convenience. Crash-test ratings for the refreshed Silverado were not available, with the previous 2022 Silverado LTD getting a mixed review from the NHTSA and IIHS.

Meanwhile, the 2023 Colorado also included Chevy Safety Assist as standard, offering forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, and automatic high beams. Additional features like adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and rear parking sensors were optional but not included in our test vehicle. Despite the improved gap adjustment settings, the forward collision warning system’s excessive false alerts were a significant issue unless adjusted to the shortest setting.