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Deanne with the new 2023 Chevrolet Colorado Trailboss as we made our way up to the top of Camelback Mountain on a Sunday afternoon drive.

Craig Conover, Daily Herald

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At the top of Camelback Mountain. The 2023 Chevrolet Colorado Trailboss proved to have the perfect name and conquered the backway trail to the top with ease.

Craig Conover, Daily Herald

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Rear view of the Chevrolet Colorado towing a personal watercraft.

Courtesy photo

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Interior view of the 2023 Chevrolet Colorado from the passenger's perspective.

Courtesy photo

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Interior view of 2023 Colorado Z71 from the passenger's perspective.

Courtesy photo

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In a world of versatile pickups, the 2023 Chevrolet Colorado Trailboss emerges as a conquering force, tackling both urban streets and rugged terrains with ease. A blend of style, performance and off-road prowess, the Trailboss variant takes the Colorado’s capabilities to new heights. Our exploration began with a journey up Pole Heaven Road in the left fork of Hobble Creek Canyon, culminating in an ascent to the summit of Camelback Mountain. This exhilarating off-road Sunday adventure served as a testament to the Colorado Trailboss’ ability to be a force upon any trail.

At first glance, the 2023 Colorado Trailboss radiated a sense of adventure with its rugged design. This trim level exudes an assertive presence, thanks to its elevated stance, aggressive grille and distinctive badging. Blackened accents and fender flares enhanced the visual appeal all while underscoring its off-road orientation. The Trailboss package further complements the design with unique wheels and a rugged appearance package.

The interior mirrors the Colorado’s practicality, as it offered us a driver-focused cabin with intuitive controls and ample storage. Despite its utilitarian nature, modern amenities such as an infotainment system with a user-friendly touch screen interface and smartphone integration ensured that we had a connected and convenient driving experience.

Under the hood, the 2023 Colorado Trailboss boasted a very capable powertrain. The standard V-6 engine produced a robust 308 horsepower, providing ample power for both daily commuting and off-road adventures. Paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission, the engine delivered seamless shifts and responsive acceleration.

The Trailboss trim enhanced the Colorado’s off-road capabilities. Equipped with a factory suspension lift, Rancho monotube shocks, skid plates and a locking rear differential, this truck is primed for rugged terrains. The four-wheel drive system ensures power is distributed to all four wheels, enhancing traction on challenging surfaces. This off-road prowess was further complemented by an off-road driving mode and hill descent control, optimizing performance in demanding conditions.

Our Sunday afternoon journey took us up through Hobble Creek Canyon and along the exhilarating Pole Heaven Road, a route that gradually elevates into the picturesque left fork of Hobble Creek Canyon. The Colorado Trailboss tackled the uneven terrain with utter confidence, effortlessly absorbing bumps and dips as we navigated through rocky stretches and wooded areas. The suspension’s compliance and the truck’s ground clearance make it clear that this is a truck designed for adventure.

Using the included navigation enhancements, we were able watch our pitch and roll as we proceeded up the dirt track to the top of Camelback Mountain. At times, we hit 16% grades and a roll of 7%, with the Trailboss tracking each as if it were just another day at the office.

Upon reaching the last quarter-mile and the trailhead to the peak of Camelback Mountain, the trail had been blocked to vehicular traffic, so we choose to scale to the top on foot, up the steep rocky path. We both felt that if it had not been blocked, the Trailboss would have been up for the adventure and would have easily climbed the final challenge to the top.

After getting to the top where there were unmatched views of the canyons and all of Utah Valley, it was evident that getting the Trailboss turned around at that point would have presented more of a challenge than climbing the hill, as the peak at the top had very limited room on all sides, most likely why the trail was blocked off at the bottom!

As we conquered the rugged path, the Colorado’s four-wheel drive system effortlessly transitioned between modes, adapting to the ever-changing conditions, and was especially significant when the grades got steeper and we had to gear down for the climb.

The hill descent control feature added an extra layer of reassurance, allowing the truck to maintain a controlled pace down a steep decline without driver inputs. Climbing, trail running and going overland is the DNA that is included in the Colorado, and we found it up for the challenge no matter where we needed it.

While the Colorado Trailboss thrives in off-road environments, the designers have not compromised at all on interior comfort. The cabin provided ample space for both driver and passenger, with well-designed seats and a layout that emphasizes ergonomics. We did find the back seat leg room to be somewhat shorter, as we would have expected from a mid-sized truck.

A user-friendly infotainment system, complete with smartphone integration and navigation, kept us connected during every outing we had during the week. We were very impressed with the new setup in the Colorado featuring an all-digital driving display and an 11.3-inch display for infotainment.

The 2023 Chevrolet Colorado Trailboss stands as a testament of unbridled adventure and capability in its class. From conquering Pole Heaven Road in Hobble Creek Canyon to manipulating the freeways of Utah, this truck showcases its prowess in off-road environments along with the ability to make a night out on the town as elegant as we would a have ever wanted.

As a versatile companion for the adventurous spirit, the Colorado Trailboss blended the thrill of off-road exploration with the comforts of a modern pickup. Whether we were navigating city streets or tackling the most challenging trails, the Colorado Trailboss proved to be a true testament to Chevrolet’s enduring legacy of building trucks that are as dependable as they are capable.

Base price: $37,000

Destination charge: $1,495

Price as driven: $41,095

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