It can be challenging to pick between Chevy truck trims on the Colorado and Silverado lineups. You must choose which features and specifications you want, what trims are offered, and how much you can spend on the whole thing. It’s certainly not something you can easily decide on in an afternoon.
I researched the various trim levels of the 2023 Colorado and Silverado so you don’t have to. What follows is a quick-reference guide to the 2023 Chevy truck trims that will help you decide which trim fits your needs. You can also compare trims to see what a few extra dollars can earn if you stretch your budget.
An Overview of Chevy Trucks
Chevrolet was founded in 1911 by William C. Durant. He named the company after his partner, Louis Chevrolet. Just seven years later, General Motors acquired Chevrolet, and the company recently celebrated its 110th anniversary in 2021. The first Chevrolet factory, designated “Factory One,” is in Flint, Michigan.
The Chevrolet pickup truck lineup consists of the Colorado and Silverado 1500, 2500HD, and 3500HD models. The Silverado EV model is the newest addition to the Chevy family.
Chevy Truck Trims Comparison
| Trim | Colorado | Silverado | Silverado HD |
|---|---|---|---|
| WT (Work Truck) | |||
| Custom | |||
| Trail Boss | |||
| Custom Trail Boss | |||
| LT Trail Boss | |||
| LT | |||
| RST | |||
| Z71 | |||
| ZR2 | |||
| LTZ | |||
| High Country |
Chevrolet Colorado Trims
The Chevrolet Colorado is the brand’s mid-size truck model. Twin to the GMC Canyon, the Colorado mirrors the capability of the larger Silverado platform, just in a smaller package.
New 2023 Chevrolet Colorado owners can choose from the following trims:
- Work Truck (WT): Starts at $29,200
- LT: Starts at 31,600
- Trail Boss: Starts at $37,000
- Z71: Starts at $39,900
- ZR2: Starts at $46,800
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Chevy Colorado WT and Trail Boss trims have plastic interiors, and only on the LT model will you get the first soft-touch materials. The Z71 model interior contains black and red accents on faux leather seats.
Base models WT and LT come pre-packaged with the 2.7-liter four-cylinder engine that makes 237 horsepower and 259 lb-ft of torque. The turbocharged variant of this engine is standard for the Trail Boss and Z71 trims but optional for the WT and LT models. This turbo engine makes 310 horsepower and 290 lb-ft of torque.
The ZR2 features the 2.7-liter Turbo High-Output engine with 310 horsepower and 430 lb-ft of torque. Standard rear-wheel drive can be swapped out for 4WD on lower trims, but most higher trims come with 4WD standard.
Towing on the base engine is limited to 3,500 pounds, with a payload of 1,684 pounds on the WT and LT models. Choose the Trail Boss and Z71 models for 1,587 pounds of payload and 7,700 pounds of towing capacity. Though the ZR2 only has a 1,151-pound payload, it tows up to 6,000 pounds.
Chevrolet Silverado Trims
Chevy’s Silverado lineup of half-ton pickups goes head-to-head with the largest competitors in the segment, including Ford, Dodge, and GMC. The Silverado 1500 represents the bowtie’s pickup truck lineage, upon which the 2500 and 3500 are based.
- WT: Starts at $36,300
- Custom: Starts at $43,600
- Custom Trail Boss: Starts at $51,800
- LT: Starts at $48,000
- RST: Starts at $51,400
- LT Trail Boss: Starts at $58,000
- ZR2: Starts at $71,500
- LTZ: Starts at $57,200
- High Country: Starts at $62,100
Chevrolet lets you choose between regular, double, and crew cabs. Regular cabs can handle up to three passengers, while double and crew cabs seat up to six people. The crew cab offers up to 43.4 inches of rear legroom.
If you choose the regular cab, you can opt for the long bed at 98 inches. Double and crew cabs can choose between short beds at 70 inches and standard beds at 80 inches. RWD is standard on most models, but 4WD is a $4,600 upgrade.
Maximum payload capacity ranges from 1,440 to 2,300 pounds, depending on your chosen trim. Maximum towing is up to 13,300 pounds.
The Work Truck and Custom models have vinyl seats and a small seven-inch infotainment screen. Custom models integrate Wi-Fi and LED cargo lighting. Choose the LT model for a 13.4-inch infotainment screen and a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster.
LT trims and up receive wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The ZR2 has standard 4WD, while the LTZ adds a 14-camera trailering system. You must upgrade to the High Country model for Super Cruise and retractable bed steps.
The base 2.7-liter four-cylinder engine is similar to that found in the Colorado, with 310 horsepower and 420 lb-ft of torque. Upgrade to the 5.3-liter V8 with 355 horsepower and 383 lb-ft of torque that’s standard on the ZR2 model but optional for nearly every other trim. The 3.0-liter six-cylinder turbodiesel is optional for the Custom, Trail Boss variants, LT, RST, LTZ, and High Country trims.
Chevrolet Silverado HD Trims
If the words “diesel,” “V8,” or “toy hauler” pique your interest, the Silverado 2500HD could be the truck you’re looking for. This work-horse platform tows an impressive weight but has the creature comforts you want when the work day’s done.
- WT: Starts at $43,400
- Custom: Starts at $46,800
- LT: Starts at $47,400
- LTZ: Starts at $56,600
- High Country: Starts at $71,000
- ZR2: Starts at $80,000 (estimated)
Diesel variants will cost around $10,000 more, with $1,000 additional added for 3500HD models. Regular, double, and crew cabs are available, similar to the Silverado 1500 variant. The maximum payload for these models is 7,290 pounds.
The Silverado 2500HD WT variant has an automatic locking rear differential, standard tow hooks, and a simple look many associate with fleet trucks. Cloth seats adorn the Custom model, which comes with 20-inch wheels. Choose the LT for the 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and 13.4-inch infotainment screen or the LTZ for leather.
The High Country features LED headlights with dual projectors and retractable side steps with LED lighting. Choose the ZR2 if you want an off-road capable Silverado with one-off suspension and all-terrain tires.
Choose between a gas or turbodiesel 6.6-liter V8. The gas engine makes 401 horsepower and 464 lb-ft of torque, while the turbodiesel manages 470 horsepower and 975 ft-lbs of torque. The turbodiesel engine has a max towing capacity of 36,000 pounds.
The Concept of Trim Levels
Most of us think of color as one of the basic choices we face when purchasing a new vehicle. However, most manufacturers require that you choose a trim level as well. These trim levels differentiate one variant from the next with various types of equipment, styling cues, features, and more.
Trim levels are separate from packages, which tend to group similar optional features for convenience. Given the underlying technology or physical structure already exists, you can typically add a package to most trim levels.
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How to Choose the Right Trim Level
Selecting a trim level requires carefully balancing your budget, purpose, and personal preferences. The more capable a trim level, the higher the price tag. However, the first step in deciding between trim levels is often weeding out which are too expensive for your budget.
Next, many focus on specific features they would prefer in their new Chevrolet. These features include interior upgrades such as leather and heated/cooled seating or exterior upgrades incorporating various styling elements. You may even choose a higher trim for a select engine and transmission combination.
Valik loves tinkering in the garage and is currently restoring a 2000 GMC Sierra 1500 truck. He also writes about the progress on this blog. When not in the garage, Valik is also a web developer and a blogger. I know, strange, a hand in two completely different worlds. And that is the way he likes to keep it.
