2024 Chevrolet Colorado vs 2023 RAM 1500

The 2023 RAM 1500, available in both quad cab and crew cab configurations, offered a versatile and stylish full-size truck option. The crew cab variant, which we reviewed, featured a 5-foot, 7-inch bed and came in the Limited trim, one of the top tiers among eight available trims. Our test model included the $4,145 Night Edition package, which replaced the usual chrome accents with a stealthy blacked-out grille, badging, headlamp bezels, mirror caps, and 22-inch black aluminum wheels. Inside, the Limited trim boasted luxurious leather seats with contrasting stitching, open-pore wood on the dash, and a 12-inch portrait-oriented infotainment screen, providing a unique and upscale interior experience.

In contrast, the 2024 Chevrolet Colorado embraced a bold, aggressive design inspired by the Camaro muscle car, featuring rakish headlights and a sharply angled grille. The interior followed suit with Camaro-inspired circular climate control vents and a clean, horizontal dashboard layout. The Colorado was available in five trims: WT, LT, Trail Boss, Z71, and ZR2. Even the base WT trim came well-equipped with a fully digital instrument panel, Bluetooth, USB connectivity, and an 11.3-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Higher trims added more features, such as alloy wheels, remote locking tailgate, and various convenience packages that enhanced comfort and functionality.

The 2023 RAM 1500 offered a range of engine options, including a 3.6-liter V6 with eTorque, a 5.7-liter Hemi V8 with eTorque, and a 3.0-liter diesel engine. The top-tier TRX trim featured a supercharged 6.2-liter V8, producing a staggering 702 horsepower and 650 lb-ft of torque. All engines were paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The V8 with eTorque delivered 395 horsepower and 410 lb-ft of torque, providing strong acceleration and smooth shifting. The RAM 1500 had a maximum towing capacity of 12,750 pounds and a payload capacity of up to 2,300 pounds, depending on the configuration. The truck's coilover rear suspension and optional air suspension ensured a smooth ride, while the 14.9-inch brake rotors provided confident stopping power.

The 2024 Chevrolet Colorado came exclusively with turbocharged 2.4-liter four-cylinder engines. The base version produced 237 horsepower and 260 lb-ft of torque, while the Turbo Max version delivered 310 horsepower and 430 lb-ft of torque. Both engines were mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission. The upgraded Turbo Max engine in the ZR2 Bison trim provided strong acceleration and responsive pickup. The Colorado had a maximum towing capacity of 7,700 pounds and a payload capacity of 1,710 pounds. The ZR2 Bison trim featured Multimatic DSSV dampers, which offered exceptional shock absorption and a well-rounded driving experience both on and off-road. The truck handled corners with stability, though there was some body roll typical of off-road trucks.

The 2023 RAM 1500's interior was designed with practicality in mind, featuring numerous storage cubbies, including a two-tiered center console with sliding cupholders and a large storage bin. The front seats were heated and cooled, with eight-way power adjustments for both the driver and front passenger. The crew cab configuration provided ample rear legroom at 45.2 inches, and the rear seats could recline up to eight degrees. The multifunction tailgate could open like a 60/40 split door or a traditional tailgate, and the optional RamBox storage system offered secure, lockable storage in the rear quarter panels.

The 2024 Chevrolet Colorado was available in a four-door quad cab configuration with a 5-foot, 2-inch bed. The interior featured a car-like seating position, providing a comfortable driving experience with plenty of front-row legroom, headroom, and shoulder room. The layout allowed for a user-friendly arrangement of the shifter and controls, though the low placement of the cupholders could be inconvenient. The second-row legroom was tight, especially for taller passengers. The high bed wall and floor made loading items more challenging, but the larger bed steps in the rear bumper were designed to accommodate large work boots. The ZR2 Bison trim's bed-mounted spare tire reduced usable bed space.

The 2023 RAM 1500 featured a new reconfigurable 12-inch gauge cluster, though it was not available on our tester. The upper trims boasted a 12-inch portrait-oriented infotainment screen, allowing for dual-function display and Bluetooth connectivity for two phones. The Uconnect system supported Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, though there was some lag with the former. Our tester included the optional Equipment Group 1, which added a head-up display, digital rearview mirror, and a surround-view camera system. Multiple USB-A and -C outlets, a wireless charging pad, and several 115-volt and 12-volt outlets ensured ample charging options.

The 2024 Chevrolet Colorado came standard with an 11.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system, featuring a logical layout and a digital dock of buttons for easy access to various functions. The system supported wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, with a digital home button and a physical volume dial for ease of use. Other standard tech features included an 11-inch fully digital instrument panel, two front USB ports, Bluetooth connectivity, and satellite radio. Higher trims added wireless device charging, additional USB ports, and wall-style power outlets, enhancing connectivity and convenience.

The 2023 RAM 1500 lacked standard advanced driver-assist systems, with features like automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, adaptive cruise control, and lane departure warning available as options or part of packages. The NHTSA awarded the RAM 1500 crew cab an overall safety rating of five stars, while the IIHS gave it Good marks in most categories, with Marginal grades for seat belt reminders and LATCH ease of use.

The 2024 Chevrolet Colorado came standard with a comprehensive suite of driver assistance features, including automatic emergency braking, forward-collision warning, pedestrian and cyclist detection, automatic high beams, lane-departure warning, and lane-keeping assist. The LT Convenience Package III added reverse automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. The ZR2 trim offered an underbody camera feature, and adaptive cruise control was available on certain trims. The NHTSA awarded the Colorado four out of five stars for frontal crash testing, five out of five stars for side crash testing, and three out of five stars for the rollover test.