Live thread: One week with a 2023 Chevrolet Colorado Trail Boss

The window sticker is in the original post, but putting it here as well. Our truck has the Advanced Trailering Package. 

Driven5 said:

In reply to David S. Wallens :

So might it be level with the top of some 2x4's or 2x6's either laid in the 3 side pockets or stacked in the 2 divider slots?

Have you found a good use for the tailgate storage yet? I feel like the mid-position is the more important thing for overcoming the perception of how 'useless' short bed trucks are, but the reports I've seen all seem to be spending more of their time fawning over the storage bin.

With some 2x’s fitted in those slots, a 4x8 might sit level. I don’t think I have the appropriate lumber to test that, however. 

I’ll find some things to stick in the storage bin. 

In reply to nocones :

I think that only applies to WT/LT trims, but don't you love when the manufacturers bury critical safety information in the fine print and make the customer dig/math it out themselves, while the dealership sales staff also typically doesn't understand (or care) enough about it to tell the customer either? That's why I thought there was hope yet when I saw GM started adding this sticker on their full-size trucks, but apparently they haven't extended that to the midsize trucks... Not that most people still know to even look for it.

I did compare the tailgate’s built-in “measurement device” to my yard stick. Seems to line up.

Old_Town said:

How are the backseats? Is the back portion bolt-upright or is there some angle?  

Rear seats are pretty upright. If sitting behind myself, my knees would just touch the back of the seat. Okay for a short drive but suboptimal for a long journey. 

Only the brake fluid bottle clears the lid of the tailgate’s cargo hold.

Crazy as it feels for me to type this, $41k for that truck doesn't seem nuts to me.  I think the redesign is a win, and most accounts say the front seats have improved a lot (prior generation seats were tough to love).

In reply to Loweguy5 :

I’ll be honest, I expected it to cost more, too. 

In reply to Driven5 :

Yes it's absolutely infuriating.  It seems intentional especially with the focus on towing and payload in advertisements.  GCWR is the LAW and it should be absolutely clearly marked on every vehicle and required to be put on the windowsticker and door jamb of any vehicle with a rated towing capacity.  It should not be "consult owners manual, vehicle specs".    Even with the Colorado I can't find a way to guarantee that you would Build and Price one that does what you want.  According to the build menu there are actually 3 motors tunes available and only the highest spec seems to get you the 7700lb towing.  Yes you can assume the trailering package is what does it but it isn't specific and there doesn't seem to be a way to validate.

David S. Wallens said:

Only the brake fluid bottle clears the lid of the tailgate’s cargo hold.

I see that you also have learned the lesson that Redline labels come off too easily, leaving you questioning just what is in that bottle? I label mine with a Sharpie just like this.

Driven5 said:

In reply to David S. Wallens :

Have you found a good use for the tailgate storage yet? I feel like the mid-position is the more important thing for overcoming the perception of how 'useless' short bed trucks are, but the reports I've seen all seem to be spending more of their time fawning over the storage bin.

That would be a really useful place for tiedown/tow straps.

In reply to Keith Tanner :

Well, also for me: What’s this bottle for again?

And, yeah, good place for tie-down straps. Fill it with ice and use it as a cooler? 

In reply to Keith Tanner :

So basically good for most of the same type of stuff that already goes in the rear under-seat storage... I can get onboard with that. More useful than my initial impression and nice to have, but not quite the game-changer some review comments are making it out to be.

In reply to Driven5 :

While it’s a clever use of space, physics dictates a limit on said space. 

David S. Wallens said:

In reply to Keith Tanner :

Fill it with ice and use it as a cooler? 

I think that's what all the cool kids do.

Driven5 said:

In reply to Keith Tanner :

So basically good for most of the same type of stuff that already goes in the rear under-seat storage... I can get onboard with that. More useful than my initial impression and nice to have, but not quite the game-changer some review comments are making it out to be.

Exactly, but it's always accessible. If you've got the seats folded up and a bunch of stuff in the back of the cab, that under-seat storage can be hard to get at. I always seem to be moving things out of the way to access those cubbies. Having tie downs or a tow strap right where you need them is really convenient. Good place for safety triangles for the same reason.

Game-changer? Definitely not. Clever and useful? I think so. Maybe I'll DIY retrofit one to my Dodge :)

In reply to David S. Wallens :

How secure is the tailgate storage with the tailgate closed?

And weatherproof?

The cargo box’s lid is slightly larger than the bed’s opening. The lid has a soft rubber seal, too.

The plug at the bottom is currently wet. It rained last night. 

Hey I get to tow with it!

Picking up an NC MX5 shell tomorrow morning and taking it over to Tom's. It's engineless, but it'll still be 3500-4000lbs with trailer and everything. That'll tell us something, anyway. 

Also for your enjoyment:

JG Pasterjak said:

Hey I get to tow with it!

Picking up an NC MX5 shell tomorrow morning and taking it over to Tom's. It's engineless, but it'll still be 3500-4000lbs with trailer and everything. That'll tell us something, anyway. 

WHAT ARE YOU DOING TOM

In reply to David S. Wallens :

So, today's mid sized Colorado is very much as capable as the Silverado 1500 of the past in a slightly smaller package. 

I've been mulling getting a Colorado for a while, but I just seem to be unable to trade a paid for 4Runner that still works for something with a payment attached to it.

The ZR2 is limited to 5000 pounds of towing capacity due to the suspension, too.

Tell us about the generator option  

show us pictures

David S. Wallens said:

thatsnowinnebago said:

How high can you jump it before GM gets upset?

Not sure I want to find out. :) 

Editorial Director, Grassroots Motorsports & Classic Motorsports

Do it for Dale. 

In reply to Brett_Murphy (Agent of Chaos) :

And it delivers...16 mpg city, 16 mpg highway...

Waaa waaaaaaaaaaaa.

I saw a ZR2 at a local dealership and swung in to take a look.  I was shocked at how poor the fuel economy is.  If my 18 year old diesel Ram 2500 can deliver 22 mpg on the highway, I would have thought a 4 cylinder Colorado would be better!?