2023 Chevrolet Colorado vs 2022 RAM 1500

The 2022 RAM 1500 boasted two cab styles—Quad Cab and Crew Cab. The Quad Cab featured a standard 6-foot, 4-inch cargo box, while the Crew Cab offered a 5-foot, 7-inch box as an option. A key highlight of this model was the range of seven trim levels, from the basic Tradesman to the high-performance TRX, which debuted the previous year to great fanfare. Moreover, RAM provided various appearance and option packages to customize the truck further, including special editions.

For 2022, RAM introduced a standard Clean Air System across all 1500 models, claiming to filter 95% of particulates from the truck’s interior air. Starting with the Big Horn trim, the new Uconnect 5 infotainment system was included, paired with an 8.4-inch or 12-inch touchscreen display. The Trailer Tow Group featured a new Trailer Hitch Light with LED lights above the hitch for improved nighttime visibility. Additionally, several new special editions premiered that year.

Examining our RAM 1500 Crew Cab in Limited trim, the truck came equipped with a turbodiesel engine, four-wheel drive (4WD), and an electronic locking rear axle with a 3.92 axle ratio. Featuring the Limited Level 1 Group, Technology Group, and Trailer Tow Group, the truck also included power-folding trailer mirrors and a tri-fold tonneau cover for the bed.

The Limited 10th Anniversary Edition package added luxury features such as Indigo and Sea Salt quilted leather upholstery, a suede headliner, ventilated rear seats, a 19-speaker premium sound system, a unique multi-function tailgate, and several anniversary-specific details. This brought the total cost to $77,260, inclusive of a $1,795 destination charge.

The RAM 1500 stood out among full-size trucks with vestiges of its iconic “big rig” styling. Its contemporary design seemed understated, avoiding the gaudy aesthetics common in the segment. The Limited model's chrome accents complemented rather than overshadowed the design. Inside, the RAM 1500 Limited exuded luxury with a busy but high-quality mix of materials, stitching, and patterns. Its Indigo and Sea Salt color scheme, the materials covering the seats, door panels, and dashboard, and the overall construction quality were nothing short of outstanding.

Meanwhile, the 2023 Chevrolet Colorado Trail Boss featured a factory suspension lift, box-flared fenders with charcoal gray trim, a sculpted hood, and a trendy blacked-out look. Our Radiant Red test model embodied the image of a rugged off-roader with commendable stance and visual balance.

Despite the solid design, the entry-level Work Truck (WT) and Trail Boss trim levels suffered from a monotonously gray front fascia and a disappointingly cheap interior. The Trail Boss did include a useful front skid plate, absent in the WT. However, its interior was marred by an excessive use of basic plastic with little color contrast, making it feel lackluster. Higher trims like the LT, Z71, and ZR2 offered better visual appeal, body color paint, and more sophisticated cabins.

The Colorado offered both two-wheel drive (2WD) and optional four-wheel drive (4WD), with 4WD being standard on the Trail Boss, Z71, and ZR2 trims. This model also featured various engine configurations. The Trail Boss’s price reached $42,150, including the destination charge.

The Colorado Trail Boss's options included a red paint job, spray-on bedliner, Advanced Trailering Package, Skid Plate Package, and Trail Boss Convenience Package II. Despite the rugged appearance, the overall interior quality of lower trims and mid-level trims was a letdown compared to the RAM 1500.

The 2022 RAM 1500 offered various engine options. A 3.6-liter V6 engine with a mild-hybrid system called eTorque was standard, aimed at enhancing performance and fuel efficiency. The 5.7-liter V8, available with or without eTorque, provided a traditional engine note and was the preferred choice for those seeking more capability. The TRX off-road performance truck featured a unique supercharged 6.2-liter V8 derived from the Hellcat engine, used in Dodge muscle cars.

Our RAM 1500 Limited test truck came equipped with an EcoDiesel engine option, priced at $3,200 extra in this trim. This 3.0-liter turbocharged diesel V6 produced 260 horsepower and 480 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. According to the configuration, the EcoDiesel engine's towing capacity could reach 12,560 pounds, with our Crew Cab Limited 4WD handling a 9,600-pound trailer and carrying 1,780 pounds of payload.

EPA fuel economy estimates for our test vehicle were 24 miles per gallon (mpg) in combined driving. During our tests, the truck averaged 24.8 mpg, thanks in part to a tonneau cover that boosted fuel efficiency. The RAM 1500's coil-spring rear suspension and optional four-corner air suspension provided an unmatched ride quality, akin to a luxury SUV.

Inside, the RAM 1500 Limited was impressively quiet, with minimal wind, road, and engine noise. The test truck’s refined interior, superior stereo system, heated and ventilated seats, and smooth driving experience made battling traffic a pleasant endeavor. However, its large size was occasionally challenging on narrower roads and during construction zones.

The 2023 Chevrolet Colorado, on the other hand, came standard with a turbocharged 2.7-liter four-cylinder engine. In WT and LT trims, this engine produced 237 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque. The Trail Boss and Z71 trims upped those figures to 310 horsepower and 391 lb-ft, while the ZR2 trim retained the same horsepower but offered 430 lb-ft of torque. An eight-speed automatic transmission was standard across the board.

The Colorado offered various driving modes, including Normal, Tow/Haul, Off-Road, Terrain, and a Baja mode exclusive to the ZR2. Hill descent control was standard from the Trail Boss trim upwards.

Driving the Trail Boss off-road, we found it held its own on rugged terrain, aided by the Off-Road mode and Auto 4WD. Despite the impressive 9.5 inches of ground clearance, the truck's stiffness became apparent over rough patches. Even though our experience left us confident in the Trail Boss’s off-road capabilities, the ZR2 promised even better performance.

On paved roads, the Colorado Trail Boss was notably quiet for its class. The robust suspension and thick tires handled uneven surfaces effortlessly. The truck felt structurally sound with minimal flexing. Comfortable steering and responsive brakes made it an easy vehicle to drive. Its turbocharged engine provided adequate power, but it fell short of delivering an engaging driving experience compared to rivals like the Ford Ranger.

Disappointingly, the fuel economy for the Trail Boss was below expectations, averaging 17 mpg against an EPA rating of 19 mpg.

Our RAM 1500 test truck featured power-deploying running boards, albeit requiring navigation through extensive infotainment system menus to reactivate them. This feature was critical for ease of access, especially with the truck's air suspension set to middle height. The Limited trim included heated and ventilated front and rear seats, a heated steering wheel, ample cabin space, and an adjustable back seat for added comfort.

The RAM's interior provided practical storage with a well-designed center console, covered trays, cupholders in the rear seat armrest, and concealed space under the rear floor. The multi-function tailgate offered versatile usage, either swinging open for close bed access or supporting up to 2,000 pounds when powered down as a single piece. Optional RamBox storage bins added further utility in the cargo bed, although our test model lacked this feature.

The RAM 1500 demonstrated superior cargo capabilities, with its Crew Cab 4WD model managing a payload of 1,780 pounds and towing up to 9,600 pounds.

Climbing into the Colorado Trail Boss was an effort for shorter individuals. It offered comfortable seating for four, with the possibility of fitting a fifth passenger in the back under constrained circumstances. However, the interior seemed to attract pet hair and had limited color contrast. Convenience features included an eight-way power driver’s seat with lumbar support, although wider individuals might find the front seats less comfortable for long trips.

The back seat catered adequately to six-footers, despite somewhat tight legroom. Colorado models, except the WT, featured rear air conditioning vents. The Trail Boss variant offered essential soft-touch surfaces, but overall storage was sparse, including a small glove compartment and an underwhelming center storage bin.

The Colorado's cargo bed provided 41.9 cubic feet of space, slightly over five feet long, and included the EZ-Lift and Lower tailgate with Chevy’s new StowFlex storage panel. The Mid-Position tailgate allowed for carrying longer items and supported up to 500 pounds. Despite this useful feature, its modularity appeared fragile and prone to wear over time.

In terms of payload and towing, the Colorado Trail Boss could manage a moderate amount, but its overall capabilities lagged behind the RAM 1500.

In 2022, RAM outfitted the 1500 with the enhanced Uconnect 5 infotainment system in Big Horn trims and higher. This system provided faster loading times, quicker responses to inputs, and expanded features. The 8.4-inch touchscreen was standard, with a 12-inch display available on higher trims, like our test vehicle.

Key features included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Alexa Built-in, satellite radio, WiFi access, and a navigation system. The Limited trim also offered a 19-speaker Harman Kardon surround-sound system, though the Ramcharger wireless charger had mixed performance.

Despite some glitches, such as voice recognition requiring specific language and issues when the system rebooted, Uconnect 5 represented a significant improvement.

Additional tech options included a head-up display, digital rearview camera mirror, surround-view camera, and trailer-specific features like Trailer Tire Pressure Monitoring and Trailer Reverse Steering Control.

The 2023 Chevrolet Colorado, regardless of trim, came with an 11.3-inch touchscreen featuring Google Built-in technology. The digital instrumentation varied from an 8-inch screen in WT to an 11-inch screen in ZR2. This Google-based system included voice recognition via Google Assistant, Google Maps navigation, and access to apps through Google Play.

The infotainment system supported Bluetooth, wireless Apple CarPlay, wireless Android Auto, SiriusXM, OnStar, connected services, and a Wi-Fi hotspot. Higher trims offered wireless charging and a Bose audio system in the ZR2. Off-roading data could also be viewed in real-time.

Initial use of the Google Assistant required some acclimation, especially for users familiar with the previous Chevrolet Infotainment 3 System. The system’s rigidity in voice commands sometimes led to unexpected results, although users would adapt over time.

Additional technology for trailering included high-definition cameras to simplify hitching, a surround-view system, and underbody views crucial for off-roading.

The 2022 RAM 1500 was well-equipped with driver-assist features. The Tradesman and Big Horn trims offered lane-departure warning, lane-keep assist, blind-spot monitoring with trailer coverage, and rear cross-traffic alert. Higher trims included safety packages such as automatic high-beam headlights, forward-collision warning with pedestrian detection, automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go capability, and parking-assistance systems.

Despite the comprehensive safety suite, the rear automatic braking system became a nuisance, activating unnecessarily in certain driveways. Similarly, the LaneSense system often proved overzealous, prompting the driver to frequently deactivate it.

The RAM 1500 earned a Top Safety Pick rating from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) and a five-star rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), although some areas showed room for improvement.

The 2023 Chevrolet Colorado included OnStar for emergency calling and crash notification and a Teen Driver system to generate a driving report card. A Buckle to Drive function prevented movement unless seat belts were fastened.

Chevy Safety Assist was standard, encompassing forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, and automatic high-beam headlights. Optional features included adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring with active steering assist, rear cross-traffic and pedestrian alerts with automatic braking, and rear parking sensors.

Our Colorado test truck revealed a critical flaw with the forward-collision warning system, which frequently produced false alerts even in non-threatening situations. Adjusting the gap setting minimized these false positives, but the issue persisted enough to consider it a significant deterrent.