Why go around an obstacle when you can go through it or over it? That seems to be the motto for Chevrolet as the automaker dives deeper into the off-road realm with adventurous road warriors like the 2023 Colorado ZR2 and the 2023 Silverado ZR2. The trucks, which are still in the works, will soon be a staple here at Parkway Family Chevrolet because we are a Chevrolet Houston dealer that shares your passion for adventure and your love of the Chevy lineup.
So, what can we expect from the ZR2 family in 2023? Chevrolet turned heads in 2022 with the debut of the first-ever Silverado ZR2, a flagship off-road rig to accompany the midsize Colorado ZR2, which has long been praised as one of the best values in the four-wheel drive segment. Since Chevy is keeping a tight lid on the newest models, turning to the 2022 models and comparing them with teasers of the 2023 models tells us more about what we can expect from these rugged adventurers destined for the trail.
Colorado ZR2: 2022 vs 2023
Chevrolet is completely redesigning the Colorado for 2023, updating the truck inside and out to give it the rugged stance of a multi-terrain rig that’s ready to get a little mud on the tires. The teaser video hinted at such, showing a new front end that progresses the 2022 Colorado from a crossover-like aesthetic to a more worthy and rugged road warrior. Chevy accomplishes this by narrowing the headlights and expanding the grille edges vertically, giving the front end a more modern and truck-like aesthetic than its predecessor.
Moving from the front to the sides, the Colorado ZR2 sees few updates to its midsection for 2023. The experts at Motor Trend predict the same window and cabin shape, mirror placement, and wheel wells. However, Chevrolet will likely update the front fenders to reflect the all-new front end. Also, like the 2022 Colorado ZR2, you can expect the 17-inch bead-lock capable wheels to be blacked out and to fill the wheel wells, giving the truck its signature stance and off-road prowess.
The back of the Colorado ZR2 sees several updates for 2023, but once again, details are scarce. Chevrolet’s teaser video shows a redesigned fascia boasting an updated tailgate with the Chevrolet name finished in black. The reshaped taillights make the tailgate appear broader, and Chevy completes the look with a black sport bar mounted higher in the bed.
Moving under the hood, rumors are going wild about the Colorado ZR2’s multi-engine lineup and whether Chevrolet plans to keep the 3.6L V6 as its standard powerplant and the 2.8L Turbo-Diesel as an alternative. On the 2022 Colorado ZR2, the 3.6L delivers 308 hp and 275 lb-ft of torque, with the diesel churning out 181 hp and 369 lb-ft of torque. However, the big news is if Chevrolet will add the Silverado’s turbocharged 2.7L four-cylinder to the lineup. If so, the 2023 Colorado ZR2 could reach new levels of power, as that engine delivers 310 hp and 430 lb-ft of torque on the 2022 Silverado fleet.
Silverado ZR2: 2022 vs 2023
The best-selling Silverado joined the ZR2 family in 2022 with the debut of the first-ever Silverado ZR2. For 2023, the rugged adventurer sees few updates beyond the addition of the ZR2 Bison package that features exclusive aftermarket parts from American Expedition Vehicles. So, what can you expect from the Silverado ZR2 and ZR2 Bison in 2023?
The 2023 Silverado ZR2 will share the same features as its predecessor and will be ready for the trail as soon as it leaves the factory. It will come standard with the 6.2L V8 engine and 10-speed automatic transmission, producing 420 hp and 460 lb-ft of torque to deliver optimal handling on any terrain. To enhance this performance, the Silverado ZR2 will also come equipped with the Multimatic Dynamic Suspension Spool Valve damper technology, a newly introduced feature from 2022, and uniquely tuned springs that increase the travel of the front and rear suspension for improved agility and maneuverability in technical conditions.
The ZR2’s specifically-tuned off-road chassis and calibrated suspension add to its performance, while Terrain Mode gives you greater control when exploring the road less traveled. Even more impressive is that Terrain Mode allows you to engage in one-pedal rock crawling, which combines the function of the accelerator and brake pedal so that you can focus on surmounting obstacles ahead. Fortunately, climbing those obstacles is less stressful with the ZR2’s unique steel front bumper, which gives the truck a 31.8-degree approach angle so that you can say “yes” to more adventures on the trail.
Aesthetically, the 2023 Silverado ZR2 will likely share many of the same details from 2022, including a unique black hood insert and front grille with integrated lighting. You’ll find the same ZR2 badging around and throughout the truck, along with a leather-trimmed interior that makes roughing it even more luxurious. Of course, the Silverado ZR2 remains a solid performer, likely carrying over its trailering capacity of 8,900 lbs and a maximum payload of 1,440 lbs from the previous year.
Silverado ZR2 Bison
The ZR2 Bison package is no stranger to the Chevy lineup, making its debut on the Colorado ZR2. But what can we expect from the 2023 Silverado ZR2? With the Bison package, the truck will roll off the production line with exclusive aftermarket parts and accessories from American Expedition Vehicles (AEV).
Chevrolet’s teaser video for the Silverado ZR2 Bison shows that the changes begin with the front bumper, likely a high-strength steel design akin to the one found on the Colorado ZR2 Bison. The round driving lights and mesh trim in the pocket are two more giveaways, while the underbody skid plates add to the truck’s capability and your confidence on the trail. These skid plates, if they’re comparable to other AEV products, will likely be made of Boron steel, which is stronger yet lighter than traditional steel from other manufacturers.
The Silverado ZR2 Bison will share many similar features with the standard ZR2, including the revolutionary Multi-Flex tailgate and Chevrolet badging. However, the video keeps the rear bumper in the shadows, which leaves many to guess that more modifications are coming to protect the back of the Silverado on technical terrain. Rumors suggest that these mods might include a steel rear bumper and special over-fenders. Of course, speculation runs the gamut regarding other modifications, stretching as far as the inclusion of a snorkel air intake to a front winch mounting plate to transform the ZR2 Bison into the ultimate adventurer.
And Now We Wait
Chevrolet is well-versed in keeping secrets; look at the decade-long production of the Multi-Flex tailgate that’s transformed the truck segment. Secrets like these breed anticipation, giving truck fans more reason to chatter about upcoming models like the 2023 Colorado ZR2 and the 2023 Silverado ZR2. Chevrolet’s brief teaser videos add to the excitement but give few concrete details on what you’ll soon find on the lot here at Parkway Family Chevrolet.
So, what do we know? First, there’s no doubt that the 2023 Colorado ZR2 and 2023 Silverado ZR2 will impress with their off-road capability and on-road performance. The debut of the Silverado ZR2 in 2022 and the widespread success of the Colorado ZR2 over the last few years guarantee as much. So, which one will you drive? Only time will tell as we anxiously await each truck’s official debut and excitedly toss you the keys for your first test drive.
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