Truck Review: 2023 Chevy Colorado Z71 Vs. Colorado Trail Boss

We were eager for the 2023 Chevy Colorado’s arrival here at the Mid-Missouri Powerhouse last July, which featured a revised exterior, an overhauled interior, a new powertrain, and a model line with numerous other updates. Drivers who love to spend their recreational hours traversing through off-road trails with supreme confidence were even more thrilled to see the Chevy Colorado Trail Boss, which was previously offered as a feature-rich upgrade for the LT and Z71 trim levels, but now exists as a trim on its own.

GM Authority executive editor Alex Luft was featured in a cool new video last week that drew an in-depth comparison of the two vehicles’ most notable exterior differences and began his journey at the front fascia. This is where both the Colorado and the Trail Boss have the most differences. The Chevy Colorado Z71 has a piano black grill surround and body-colored lower fascia section, and the Colorado Trail Boss shows off a matte black finish on the grille surround and lower fascia. 

Both pickups also incorporate different lighting setups, with the new Colorado Z71 equipped with LED headlights and an LED accent strip. The Trail Boss bears the different halogen incandescent lights and maintains its off-road-ready stance without the fog lights. Of note to the expert explorer is that the Trail Boss boasts a 2-inch suspension lift and features considerably wider fenders and running gear. The turbocharged 2.7-Liter inline 4 L3B gas engine pairs perfectly with the GM 31XX-2 platform.

When the Car and Driver crew put the Trail Boss to the test, they loved the way that its suspension absorbed rough terrain without passing any noise or vibration into the cabin. Another much-appreciated highlight was the limited-slip rear differential. The true shining star is the linear brakes, which incorporate an efficient electronic booster instead of a vacuum unit. 

As the Autoblog review team was inching towards a cliff with their Trail Boss, they used the new underbody camera for a low front view in addition to the normal front view ahead. Interior technology is state-of-the-art thanks to Google, and with all this tech, the Trail Boss is “trying to steal lunch money from the Tacoma.” Chevy powertrain engineer Kevin Luchansky told the Jalopnik team that the 2.7-liter 4-cylinder now had an excellent reputation for durability and that it blends the best traits of the outgoing V6 and turbo diesel smartly together. 

One significant design element that stands out on the Z71 is its red stitching throughout, along with leather-appointed seats, which give it a more upscale feel. The tires on the Trail Boss are a set that became one of our instant favorites, with standard 32-inch Goodyear Wrangler Territory MT numbers that will clear a path quickly!

2023 Chevy Colorado Trail Boss Model Defies Dirt + Double Lines with Larger Size, Improved Interior

Most truck enthusiasts here at Mid Mo Powerhouse have a specific list of characteristics they’re looking for in their next truck. While we waited for the official details on the 2023 Chevy Colorado, the staff on duty at Car and Driver did an excellent job of filling us in on all the features that truck lovers everywhere could look forward to. The newer model will grow slightly with a wider exterior design and have a greatly improved interior.

There’s a brand-new Trail Boss trim level for the 2023 Colorado, while the V6 and Duramax Diesel engines are replaced by the Silverado 1500’s turbocharged 2.7-liter inline-four. This smaller-size yet potent package under the hood has a range of 230 to 310 horsepower, while delivering 430 lb-ft of torque. The official word right now is that the third generation Colorado will see a production start date in the first half of next year right here in the Show-Me State at GM’s Wentzville, MO assembly plant, where the GMC Canyon and current Colorado are built. 

The Car and Driver staff start things off by saying that the new 2023 Colorado succeeds greatly at having all the best ingredients and that its turbocharged 4-cylinder engine cranks out as much horsepower as the V6 in the competing Nissan’s brand-new Frontier. Since the previous model had become so popular, it made sense to offer the new one exclusively as the 4-door crew cab with the shorter 5’ 2” box. From the entry-level work truck trim up to the boulder-conquering ZR2 off-roader, this midsize marvel has been stellar at giving people what most people want and much more than they actually need. 

The new Colorado has 2.3 inches of width on the previous model, and each trim sports a 3.1-inch-longer wheelbase, with a shorter front overhang that is a great help with the off-road friendly 38.3-degree approach angle. All of us here at the powerhouse know that the Tacoma TRD Pro is very stiff in terms of competition, and it offers up just 35.0 degrees of approach as far as this constant duel is concerned. Many customers that are buying trucks with working hard in mind and playing even harder have towing capacity on their minds as a “must”, and the Trail Boss trim model is the segment leader with its 7700-pound rating. 

We assume that the all-important fuel economy rating will still weigh in at right around 19 city and 25 mpg, and this turbocharged 2.7-liter engine is equipped with stop-start technology and active cylinder management that senses when the time is right to save fuel, then limits combustion to only two cylinders. Included as standard equipment are the spray-on bedliner, 17-inch wheels with 33-inch mud-ready tires, front and rear electronic locking differentials, and extra protection underneath for the trials of the trail.

Silverado 1500 Trail Boss Prototypes Spied “Reveling in the Rough Stuff” To Perfect Handling, Off-Road Mastery

“Fully ready for dirt duty” is just the way that customers here at the Mid-Missouri Powerhouse want their trucks. Luckily for them, writers at GM Authority say two 2022 Chevy Silverado 1500 Trail Boss prototypes are up to the task.

Both of these 2022 prototypes were spotted navigating steep climbs and hazards offering plenty of water and mud as a challenge. These are the regular Trail Boss models, equipped with traditional front bumper treatment and plastic air deflector. Earlier this year, the Silverado ZR2 trail model was also testing in Michigan and Northern California. This dirt-road-ready model is expected to come fully equipped with MultiMatic DSSV dampers and is expected to launch in 2022 or the following year. 

Why is the Trail Boss trim so popular? It perfectly combines the Z71 off-road package with a fine-tuned off-road suspension, two-inch suspension lift, skid plates, Hill Descent Control, a two-speed transfer case, trailering package, black-painted aluminum 18-inch wheels, and Goodyear Wrangler DuraTrac tires. A revised center stack, dash, and center console are also in the works to give the cabin a breath of fresh air, and the Super Cruise technology may be coming soon as well.

As trucks have grown in popularity over the last year, off-roading has become a major priority. If you have been dreaming of dominating any rough terrain, the 2022 Chevy Silverado 1500 Trail Boss may be just what you are after. The freedom of leaving the pavement is exciting, raw, and available. Adventure is calling, and the Trail Boss is coming to pick up the phone.

2019 Chevy Silverado Named Motor Trend Truck of The Year Finalist

The term “runner-up” doesn't ever have to purvey a sense of loss in the auto realm: with all of the stiff competition out there, we know that in most senses of the word, Chevy trucks ARE the number one choice! Many Mid-Missouri Powerhouse customers and others nationwide choose the Silverado for their workhorse and weekend pleasure hauler, and the 2019 Silverado 1500 showed much improvement over the third generation. When the staff of Motor Trend took it out and put it to the test, they had high levels of applause for the smoothness of its 10-speed automatic on Davis Dam, and various sections of highway.

We were excited from the get-go that the new 2019 model is up to 450 pounds lighter than its predecessor, and now has an expanded range of 8 models, and six different engine-transmission choices. Among these choices are the Trail Boss models with a factory 2-inch lift, making it a prime selection for those who want to hop off-road and explore the paths right here in Missouri that tend to have just a bit more mud splattered on them! The wheelbase is now up to 3.9 inches, and the overall length up 1.6 inches enables more cargo volume as well as interior room.

When you link up with us to see the goods here during the Thanksgiving season at the Powerhouse, check out the enhanced new front and rear suspensions on this awesome truck: they both incorporate new, lightweight components, including composite second-stage rear leaf springs on the LT model line. There are stronger tie-downs on the new model, and more of them. The Silverado now has 12 total fixed tie-downs, and overall strength has double to a pre-bending total force of 500 pounds. Check out all of the various themes available such as the Custom: it features 20-inch painted aluminum wheels, LED signature taillamp, and the powerful and perfectly-piped integrated dual exhaust.

If the regular cab is your pick for the new Silverado, it comes equipped with an 8' box, and double cab models are available with a 6' 6” box... while crew cabs come with a 5' 8” box, or the 6' 6” box. LED headlamps are available on the LT, RST, LT Trail Boss, and LTZ; LED high-intensity headlamps are available on the High Country model. The RST is your best bet for a bit more urban appearance, and offers body-color trim, full LED lighting, and up to 22-inch wheels.

If many hours of hard work and hauling are on your coming to-do list, you can opt for the Max Trailering Package: it features a 0.76-inch rear axle, 3.42 axle ratio, enhanced-cooling radiator, revised shock tuning for increased control, heavier-duty rear leaf springs, and a 220-amp alternator as well as trailer brake controller. If your next tough task you need to tackle involves snowy, wet, or muddy surfaces, investigate the automatic locking rear differential feature: it reacts in milliseconds in low-traction conditions to instantly improve the most important element of any demanding trip: driver confidence. 

Car and Driver Provides Comprehensive Guide to Every 2019 Silverado 1500 Trim Level

The Chevy Silverado 1500 is all new for 2019, and new features, as well as technology, have rendered it larger, lighter, more powerful, and fuel efficient. There are 3 body styles to choose from, six available powertrains, and 8 trim levels, and the well-versed and able folks at Car and Driver put together a guide of every style and feature, making it easier to check out the various options at hand. More and more consumers are drifting toward truck ownership, as they realize that trucks are not just for the heavy haulers and riggers out there, and they are just as useful in urban circles.

The Silverado Work Truck is on the most basic end of the scale, and is the only model available with single-cab configuration. Steel wheels, black bumpers, an offset bow-tie emblem, halogen headlights, and “CHEVROLET” stamped into the center bar of the grille are all distinct traits. This base model also flaunts a 7.0-inch touchscreen as standard and comes available with vinyl or cloth seats.

The Silverado Custom takes the work truck's funky front-end design, and paints it all body color. The body-color theme is applied to the rear bumper, as well as the rest of the exterior trim. If you choose to take the custom route, you also get painted 20-inch aluminum wheels, and LED taillights.

The Silverado Custom Trail Boss offers up a very icy and awesome gloss-black finish, as well as a two-inch suspension lift, and model-specific styling cues including red tow hooks, and 18-inch wheels. With the Trail Boss, you'll also get the Z71 Off-Road package as standard, yielding you Goodyear Wrangler DuraTrac tires, Rancho shocks, skid plates, and a locking rear differential.

The Silverado LT is smack dab in the middle of the lineup, and is the most traditional-looking of the 2019 Silverados, with a split-bar chrome, and classic yellow bow tie situated in the center. LED headlights are standard, an 8.0-inch touchscreen is on board for entertainment and navigation options, and leather seating is an available choice.

The Silverado RST is for those who may seem to think that the Silverado's futuristic design is a bit forward, and acquires an all-body-color trim for an overall sportier look. You also get full-LED lighting, including fog lights, and the RST is available with wheels up to 22 inches in size. The RST and LT are the only two Silverado models that can be had with the all-new 310-hp turbocharged inline-four, which is now offered as standard equipment.

The Silverado LTZ boasts the addition of more chrome slats to the grille, and the lower bumper, door handles, window trim, mirrors, and wheels. On the interior, leather upholstery is now standard, and the 5.3-liter V-8. Other options are the 6.2 liter V-8, and the turbo-diesel straight six.

The Silverado High Country is the most high-end Silverado, characterized by chrome lower portions on the front bumpers, with bronze accents in the grille, chrome side steps, and dual exhaust tips to boot. All observers will quickly understand that you are in the highest rank of “Silverado stardom” there is, while luxury abounds hand-in-hand with functionality and tremendous tow ability within this model spec!