Chevy Colorado Off-Road Build Guide for 2023+ Trucks

Table of Contents

The 3rd Gen Chevy Colorado (2023 and newer) is a capable mid-size truck right off the lot, and the right armor turns it into a build that's ready for rocky trails and recovery. No matter which trim you drive, this Chevy Colorado off-road build guide covers the DV8 bumpers and accessories made specifically for your Colorado truck.

When building an off-road rig, the first step for most is upgrading wheels, tires, and suspension. With both suspension and bigger off-road tires, your vehicle gets a lift from the ground to get over rocky and uneven terrain more easily. DV8 Ambassador Jordan Monahan's 2024 Chevy Colorado (pictured above) is equipped with a Peak Suspension Summit Kit 2.5" DSC Coilovers + Tubular UCAS, Level Up Suspension Tie Rod Sleeves and 1" Rear Shackles, Eibach 1.5" Rear Lift Blocks, REIKA Wheels R35 Ramblers 17x8.5 | 0 Offset, and Mickey Thompson 35x12.5 R17 Baja Boss Tires. After initial ground clearance improvement, bumpers, rock sliders, exterior storage solutions, and recovery gear are the next steps in building an off-road rig.

Front & Rear Protection

Front Bumpers

DV8 Offroad makes two different styles of front bumper for the Chevy Colorado: the Spec Series and the Tube. Since the ZR2 trim has its own front end, we also make a separate version of each of these bumpers to fit this trim's unique shape. Chevy Colorado front bumpers aren't interchangeable between the ZR2 and trims like the Trail Boss or Z71. In addition to the two front bumpers DV8 Offroad makes for the 2023+ Colorado, DV8 also makes a Centric front bumper and MTO rear bumper for the 2nd Gen 2015-2022 models.

Spec Series: A Clean Look and a Hidden Winch

The DV8 Offroad Chevy Colorado Spec Series Front Bumper (also made for the ZR2 trim) was designed to fit tight to the Chevy Colorado's front end and elevate its styling. Made from durable steel and finished with our micro-texture black powder coat, the bumper is built to withstand extreme weather and off-road conditions. The bumper's wings are positioned high to increase the overall ground clearance, and its integrated full front skid plate creates a vastly improved approach angle.

The bumper also has an integrated 20-inch dual or single light bar mount as well as a pair of 3-inch pod light mounts to allow for added off-road trail lighting. For recovery purposes, the bumper comes with a heavy-duty winch mount and two 1-inch D-ring mounts to safely utilize the towing capacity the Colorado already has. With its hidden winch mount you can increase your recovery capabilities and install a winch without losing any of the improved approach angle. The best part is that this bumper does not impact the use of factory adaptive cruise control and front camera so you don't need to worry about relocating sensors and recalibrating. This bumper is your best bet if you want some extra protection on the trail or worksite but are a more frequent daily driver.

Tube: Prerunner Styling and Lighting

The DV8 Offroad Chevy Colorado Tube Front Bumper (also made for the ZR2 trim) is our most trail-friendly bumper, giving the highest clearance while staying fully bolt-on, with some cutting required. Its high-clearance design and full skid plate protect the front end from rocks and debris when off-roading. The gray accent skid plates give the bumper an overall prerunner-style look, complete with open tube wings.

The bumper also allows for customization of lighting configurations. The center mount allows for a 20-inch dual row light bar or up to six 3-inch pod lights. With the included push bar and two side pod mounts, one on each side of the center mount, the bumper can fit up to four 7-inch round lights or up to eight 3-inch pods without a light bar. Factory parking sensors and front camera remain fully functional with this bumper. This bumper is your best bet for serious off-roading with the most clearance and lighting customization.

Rear Bumpers

DV8 Offroad makes both the Chevy Colorado Spec Series and Tube rear bumpers to match whichever front end protection you pick. Both the rear bumpers fit every 2023+ trim so the choice comes down to recovery and styling.

The Spec Series Rear Bumper for the Chevy Colorado adds extra off-road capabilities in addition to extra protection. The bumper features two integrated 3-inch pod light mounts to enhance trail lighting and has two D-ring mounts for recovery. Made from steel and finished with a black powder coat to match the black mesh accent panels, the bumper gives the truck a sleek look.

The Tube Rear Bumper for the Chevy Colorado has the same prerunner-inspired styling that the front tube bumper has, complementing the factory styling and improving the overall clearance for off-roading. This bumper also allows for added lighting with two 3-inch pod light mounts.

Exterior Body Panel Protection

Side Steps (Running Boards)

The DV8 OE Plus Side Steps for the Chevy Colorado (also fit the GMC Canyon) mount to the pinch weld and stick out to provide an easy step up into your truck. They are fully bolt-on and have a low-profile fitment that doesn't interrupt your OEM side clearance. The steps act as running boards with a gripped top plate to provide a non-slip surface when entering or exiting your vehicle in wet or dusty weather conditions. Although these steps stick out flat and provide some protection from trail debris, they are not designed to protect the truck's body panels.

Rock Sliders

Unlike the side steps, the DV8 Chevy Colorado Rock Sliders (also fit the GMC Canyon) are designed to protect your truck's side panels from trail hazards like rocks and brush. These rock sliders keep more ground clearance than side steps and bolt on to the body for a sturdy fitment. The rocker panels are protected by the tube and plate steel design, finished in a black powder coat to complement the truck's exterior. The rock sliders sit against the truck's body to provide medium-duty protection.

Exterior Storage Solutions

Bed Racks

DV8's MTO Series Mid-Size Truck Bed Rack fits the 2023+ Chevy Colorado and is a great solution for exterior storage organization. This bed rack adjusts to fit different mid-size truck bed lengths and gives you a platform for mounting a rooftop tent. The bed rack sits 8-inches from the top of the bed and allows for a variety of mounting configurations for exterior storage. The bed rack includes accessory mounting provisions along the walls and mounts for hi-lift jacks or Rotopax mounts. It even has hidden light bar/pod light mounts along the sides for side trail lighting. This is a great exterior accessory to create additional truck bed storage, organization, and easy mounting for rooftop tents and lights

Tire Carriers

DV8 Offroad's Universal Truck Bed Tire Carrier & Accessory Mount can mount to your 3rd Gen Chevy Colorado truck bed and is a great storage solution for larger items like tires, bikes, dirt bikes, motorcycles, and other large gear. The width inside the mount can be adjusted from 7 to 14-inches to fit a wide range of tires and can be strapped down with the included 3-point tire strap. The molle patterns on the sides allow for other off-road gear and accessories, like shovels, recovery gear, RotopaX, and tools, to be securely stored. L-track mounts are also provided to allow for gear to be strapped down. The 2023+ Colorado can even fit two of our tire carriers side by side to haul an extra spare or bike if needed. The tire carrier is a great solution for hauling heavier and larger equipment in your Colorado truck bed.

Interior Accessories & Storage

Air Compressor and Mount

Having an onboard air compressor mount makes filling up your tires on the go so much more convenient after running lower pressures on the trail. By using the DV8 Colorado Air Compressor Mount you can keep the air compressor easily accessible from the rear seat without taking up cargo space. This mount was made to keep your ARB air compressor safe under the rear seat and uses factory mounting points to replace the OEM jack, without drilling or cutting.

Molle Panels, Accessories, and Mounts

DV8's Universal Molle Panels come in a variety of sizes allowing you to customize placement. From your center console to your doors, your ceiling to your roof rack, you can mount a molle panel and create storage space out of any surface in your 3rd Gen Colorado. DV8 also makes a variety of tool clamps, quick release mounts, and carriers that can be mounted to molle panels to securely hold your off-road gear and accessories.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I add a winch to my Chevy Colorado front bumper?

Yes. Both versions of the Spec Series front bumper, standard and ZR2, have a concealed winch mount behind the bumper, and it accepts a wide range of the most popular winches on the market.

Is the Chevy Colorado good for off-roading?

Yes, the Chevy Colorado's midsize footprint traverses narrow trails well and makes a strong base for an off-road build. For it to be truly ready for off-road conditions, the best thing to do for any off-road build is to add armor, like off-road bumpers and rock sliders, to protect it from trail abuse.

What should I upgrade first on my Chevy Colorado?

When starting an off-road build, the first step is usually suspension, wheels, and tires to lift the vehicle and stabilize it on uneven terrain. A front bumper upgrade is usually the next best thing to start with to protect your front end and improve the approach angle to clear rocky terrain.

Do Chevy Colorado off-road parts fit the GMC Canyon?

Our Colorado rear bumpers, side steps, rock sliders, and rear seat air compressor mount fit both the Chevy Colorado and the GMC Canyon. If you're unsure about fitment, use our website's Year-Make-Model selector to sort by products that will fit your vehicle.

Start Your Colorado Build

A Chevy Colorado off-road build starts with a lift or level kit plus new wheels and tires, then moves to armor. Pick our Spec Series front and rear bumpers if you want a hidden winch mount and a cleaner look for daily driving, or go with our Tube bumpers for prerunner styling and the most room for lights. Rock sliders protect the rockers on rocky trails, while side steps make the climb into the cab easier. From there, a bed rack and tire carrier handle the bulky gear, and an air compressor mount under the rear seat keeps onboard air ready for the drive home. Check out our Year-Make-Model selector on our website's homepage to filter for products that will fit your vehicle.