--- title: "2023 Chevy Colorado ZR2: Are you wrong about this midsize pickup?" url: "https://pickuptrucktalk.com/2023/10/2023-chevy-colorado-zr2-are-you-wrong-about-this-midsize-pickup/" publisher: "Pickup Truck + SUV Talk" content_signal: "search=yes, ai-input=yes, ai-train=no" author: "Erica Mueller" published: "2023-10-30T18:21:24+00:00" modified: "2026-01-28T18:29:00+00:00" image: "https://pickuptrucktalk.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/MY23_Colorado_ZR2_Desert-Boss.jpg" --- # 2023 Chevy Colorado ZR2: Are you wrong about this midsize pickup? By Erica Mueller Published: 2023-10-30T18:21:24+00:00 Updated: 2026-01-28T18:29:00+00:00 ![Featured image]() Publisher Tim Esterdahl goes over some of his gripes, and some of yours, when it comes to the 2023 Chevy Colorado ZR2. Watch [this video]() to see if your dislikes are addressed and if you’re right or wrong about the 2023 ZR2. ### \[Read more: [Which would you pick? 2024 Chevy Colorado ZR2 vs. Colorado Trail Boss?]()\] ## Let’s take a look at the truck Esterdahl walks us around the [Colorado ZR2]() to show us some of the stand-out features such as the lack of legroom in the back seat of the crew cab configuration, the inverted shocks, which is a Chevy thing, the dampened tailgate with storage or a cooler inside. Some big plusses include USB ports in the back seat, a spray-in bedliner, a big infotainment screen, lots of driver safety features and, of course, ZR2 badging to show off what you’re driving. When it comes to pricing, the starting price for the truck in this video is $46,800 + some premium options, which brings it to $52,670, and Esterdahl goes over all the options if you’re curious about the details. ## Common gripes about the 2023 Chevy Colorado ZR2 While it’s true that some people will find anything to gripe about, my favorite gripe that Esterdahl mentioned was that the truck is too tall. (I know it can’t be that Esterdahl is too short, cause that would make me too short, too.) Really? Park this next to a full-size truck and come back and tell me it’s too tall. I’m waiting. Here are a few more legit (or seemingly) concerns people have about the 2023 Chevy Colorado ZR2: **1. The truck has a 5-foot bed, which some people think is too short.** But 17.5-18 is the standard length for a midsize pickup, because it needs to be able to fit in a garage, which is one of the main reasons someone would buy a midsize truck instead of a full-size truck. So OEMs have to stay under the 18-foot length. Then larger cabs limit bed length. If you’re needing to haul long items on a regular basis, you’ll probably be looking at a larger truck or a trailer. This isn’t a fleet truck. **2. Rear seat legroom, or lack thereof.** A, you’re not normally transporting adults in the back seat if you have a midsize truck, since work crews generally use full-size trucks. The other issue is headroom. This truck just isn’t made for super-tall people. **3. The 2.7L turbo charged, 4-cylinder engine.** Some people worry that anything less than a V-6 is going to be weak. But there’s really not that much difference, and this truck still has 310 horsepower and 430 pound-feet of torque. That’s plenty for something this size. And when it comes to repairs, it seems like there are less problems with this new engine, and that it’s easier to repair. **4. Price. This truck is $52k.** This is the alpha dog of the Colorado lineup. It’s not the truck most people will buy. It grabs your attention so you check out the [Chevy Colorado](), which starts at just $29,200. You’ve got a lot of packages and extras to choose from to get just the truck you want, and not spend more than $50k. ## Get over it already OK, we’re not that rude, but really, watch the video and see why some of these gripes are due to not experiencing the truck and why others might actually matter. Then let us know in the comments if you think Esterdahl covered all the concerns surrounding the 2023 Chevy Colorado ZR2. 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