2023 Chevrolet Colorado vs 2023 RAM 2500

The 2023 RAM 2500 Rebel presented a familiar yet distinct appearance, closely resembling the Power Wagon but with notable differences. It featured an aluminum sport hood, 20-inch wheels, and a sleek, blacked-out look, omitting the graphics, 17-inch wheels, and the 12,000-pound Warn winch. The Rebel's aggressive stance was complemented by a Rebel-specific grille and a crew-cab configuration with a 6-foot, 4-inch cargo bed. The interior boasted quality materials and luxurious finishes, though the gloss black plastic around the infotainment system was prone to dust and glare.

In contrast, the 2023 Chevrolet Colorado Trail Boss showcased a rugged off-road aesthetic with a factory suspension lift, box-flared fenders, and a deeply sculpted hood. Its styling was well-balanced, with hints of Camaro in the dashboard design. However, the base Work Truck and Trail Boss trims had a gray front fascia and a less appealing interior. The Trail Boss included a front skid plate and all-terrain tires, enhancing its off-road capabilities. Inside, the Trail Boss offered comfortable seating, though the interior materials felt basic and lacked color contrast.

The 2023 RAM 2500 Rebel came equipped with a standard 6.4-liter V8 engine, delivering 410 horsepower and 429 lb-ft of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and 4WD. It also offered a 6.7-liter Cummins turbodiesel engine, producing 370 hp and 850 lb-ft of torque, with a six-speed automatic transmission. The diesel option provided better fuel efficiency, with observed figures of 19.1 mpg on highways, but came at a higher cost. The Rebel's towing capacity reached 16,870 pounds with the V8, and it featured a robust frame, off-road tires, and advanced suspension for superior handling.

The 2023 Chevrolet Colorado featured a turbocharged 2.7-liter four-cylinder engine across all trims. The Trail Boss and Z71 trims offered 310 horsepower and 391 lb-ft of torque, while the ZR2 boasted 430 lb-ft. An eight-speed automatic transmission was standard, with a two-speed transfer case for the Trail Boss. The Trail Boss included a 2-inch suspension lift and all-terrain tires, providing impressive off-road performance. However, its fuel economy was disappointing, averaging 17 mpg. The Colorado excelled on pavement, offering a quiet ride and responsive handling, though its engine lacked the zest of competitors.

Entering the RAM 2500 Rebel required some effort due to its height, but once inside, it offered a spacious and comfortable cabin. The interior featured premium leather seats with heating and ventilation, though accessing these functions through the infotainment system was cumbersome. The rear seat provided ample space and additional storage options. The cargo bed included features like a spray-in bedliner and Ram Box storage bins, enhancing utility.

The Chevrolet Colorado Trail Boss provided comfortable seating for four, with the option to squeeze in a fifth passenger. The cloth upholstery was practical but attracted pet hair. The driver's seat offered power adjustments, while the rear seat was snug but manageable for six-footers. Storage space was limited, with small trays and bottle holders. The cargo bed measured 41.9 cubic feet and included an EZ-Lift tailgate with StowFlex storage, though the tabs seemed fragile.

The RAM 2500 featured a new 12-inch digital instrumentation panel and a Uconnect 5 infotainment system with a 12-inch touchscreen. It offered Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a premium Harman Kardon sound system. The truck included advanced camera systems and trailering technologies, such as Trailer Reverse Steering Control, enhancing towing capabilities.

The Chevrolet Colorado came with digital instrumentation and an 11.3-inch touchscreen with Google Built-in technology. It supported wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and offered a Wi-Fi hotspot. The infotainment system included real-time off-roading data and trailer-towing technology. However, the Google Assistant required some acclimation, and the voice recognition system was less intuitive than previous models.

The RAM 2500 offered a comprehensive suite of advanced driving assistance systems, including automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, and adaptive cruise control. These features proved effective on open highways, though crash-test ratings were unavailable.

The Chevrolet Colorado included standard safety features like forward collision warning, lane-keeping assist, and automatic high-beam headlights. Optional features included adaptive cruise control and blind-spot monitoring. However, the forward-collision warning system was prone to false alerts, causing frustration during testing.