2023 Chevrolet Colorado vs 2023 RAM 1500

The 2023 RAM 1500 was available in either a quad cab or a larger crew cab with bed options of 6-foot, 4-inch or 5-foot, 7-inch. The model reviewed was the Ram 1500 Limited, positioned near the top of the eight trim levels: Tradesman, Tradesman HFE, Big Horn/Lone Star, Laramie, Rebel, Limited Longhorn, Limited, and TRX. The Night Edition package added for $4,145 brought a stealthy look with blacked-out grille, badges, headlamp bezels, and mirror caps, complemented by 22-inch black aluminum wheels.

Inside, the Limited trim pampered drivers with abundant leather, accented with contrasting stitching, and the Limited logo embossed on the center storage console. The open-pore wood on the dash, metallic trim, and a wood and leather-trimmed steering wheel offered an upscale touch. The 12-inch portrait-oriented screen enhanced the unique interior look, backed by practical features like chunky volume controls and multiple storage areas.

On the flip side, the 2023 Chevrolet Colorado Trail Boss radiated off-road readiness with a factory suspension lift, box-flared fenders with charcoal gray trim, a deeply sculpted hood, and contemporary blacked-out aesthetics. The Trail Boss trim also featured a front skid plate and robust suspension upgrades. However, the cheaper materials in the base Work Truck (WT) and Trail Boss trims, highlighted by a relentlessly gray front fascia and budget-grade interior plastics, slightly marred the interior experience.

While the Trail Boss trim added necessary off-road equipment, the standard cloth seats and minimal color contrast inside left much to be desired in terms of perceived quality. The exterior styling was commendable, showcasing balance and detailing without looking garish, but the interior cheapness detracted from the overall package.

The 2023 RAM 1500 provided a variety of powertrain choices. Available in RWD or 4WD, it featured a 3.6-liter V6 with the eTorque 48-volt mild hybrid system as the standard engine on lower trims. A 5.7-liter Hemi V8, also with eTorque, delivered 395 horsepower and 410 lb-ft of torque, making it standard in upper trims and optional in lower ones. Additionally, a 3.0-liter diesel engine and a supercharged 6.2-liter V8 for the TRX trim, producing an extraordinary 702 hp and 650 lb-ft of torque, rounded out the engine options.

The eTorque mild hybrid system offered short bursts of additional power, improving fuel economy and enhancing the stop/start system's smoothness. With an eight-speed automatic transmission, shifting felt fluid and almost imperceptible. The suspension setup, especially with the available air suspension, produced a remarkably smooth ride, easily handling pavement imperfections. The Ram 1500 excelled in towing capacity, rated at 12,750 pounds under the optimum configuration, and maximum payload stood at 2,300 pounds, depending on the model and setup.

The 2023 Chevrolet Colorado featured a turbocharged 2.7-liter four-cylinder engine across all trims. The engine produced 237 horsepower and 260 lb-ft of torque in WT and LT trims. However, the Trail Boss and Z71 trims saw increased output with 310 horsepower and 391 lb-ft of torque. The high-performance ZR2 matched the Trail Boss in horsepower but boasted 430 lb-ft of torque.

The Trail Boss and ZR2 were noted for their robust off-road capabilities, thanks to the suspension lift, all-terrain tires, and the Autotrac 4WD system with a two-speed transfer case. Despite the off-road focus, the Trail Boss proved equally competent on pavement, with an unexpectedly quiet cabin and smooth ride quality. However, the fuel economy performance was underwhelming, with an average of 17 mpg compared to the EPA rating of 19 mpg.

The Ram 1500 accommodated versatility with myriad storage options, such as the two-tiered center console that slid to reveal additional cubby space and a center console large enough for substantial items. The front seats, heated and cooled, provided eight-way adjustability, while the crew cab offered generous rear legroom space of 45.2 inches. The multifunction tailgate improved usability, and the optional RamBox storage integrated into the rear quarter panel provided secure, lockable storage.

In contrast, the Colorado Trail Boss had comfortable seating for four with the possibility of squeezing in a fifth person. The standard cloth upholstery tended to attract pet hair, and the interior offered minimal soft-touch surfaces, confined mainly to armrests. Storage solutions were limited compared to the RAM 1500, with small door panel trays, a modest glove compartment, and narrow central storage. The cargo bed measured 41.9 cubic feet, just over 5 feet in length, and included features such as the EZ-Lift and Lower tailgate with Chevy’s new StowFlex storage panel, but it lacked the RAM’s multifunctional tailgate versatility and RamBox storage innovation.

The 2023 RAM 1500 stepped up with a new available reconfigurable 12-inch gauge cluster, although it wasn’t standard. While lower trim models offered a small 5-inch infotainment screen, an 8.4-inch screen was standard on mid trims, and upper trims boasted a 12-inch portrait-oriented screen allowing dual-function usage. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were included but sometimes lagged with Apple CarPlay. The equipment group added further tech upgrades, like a head-up display and a digital rearview mirror with a wide-angle lens. Multiple USB outlets, a wireless charging pad, and several power outlets accommodated numerous devices.

Similarly, the 2023 Chevrolet Colorado came well-equipped with digital instrumentation and an 11.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Google Built-in technology, even on the base WT trim. This setup supported wireless Apple CarPlay, wireless Android Auto, SiriusXM satellite radio, OnStar services, and a Wi-Fi hotspot. While the voice recognition system required some getting used to, the technology suite was highly functional. The available wireless charging and upgraded Bose audio system in the ZR2 provided added luxury.

Both trucks offered robust safety features, but with some differences.

The RAM 1500 lagged in offering standard advanced driver-assist systems. Features such as automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and adaptive cruise control required additional packages. Notably, its blind-spot monitoring system could cover the length of a trailer. Despite this, the NHTSA awarded it an overall safety rating of five stars, and the IIHS gave it Good ratings in most areas, with Marginal grades in seat belt reminders and LATCH ease of use.

Chevrolet equipped the 2023 Colorado with an impressive array of standard safety features, including forward collision warning with pedestrian and cyclist detection, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, and automatic high-beam headlights. Additional optional safety upgrades included adaptive cruise control and blind-spot monitoring with active steering assist. However, the forward collision warning system had issues with false alerts that affected the driving experience.