2023 RAM 2500 vs 2024 Chevrolet Colorado

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 Power Wagon's graphics, 17-inch wheels, and front bumper winch. The Rebel came with a unique grille, a crew-cab configuration, and a 6-foot, 4-inch cargo bed. It offered a standard 6.4-liter V8 engine and an optional 6.7-liter Cummins turbodiesel, which was unavailable in the Power Wagon due to cooling requirements. The base price was set at $67,045, with additional features pushing the MSRP to $91,630. The interior boasted quality materials and a luxurious feel, though the glossy black plastic around the infotainment system was prone to dust and reflections.

The 2024 Chevrolet Colorado took a bold design approach, inspired by the Camaro, with aggressive, futuristic styling. It featured rakish headlights and a sharply angled grille. Inside, the Colorado mirrored other Chevy vehicles with a clean, horizontal dashboard and Camaro-inspired circular climate vents. Available in WT, LT, Trail Boss, Z71, and ZR2 trims, the Colorado offered a range of features from basic to advanced, including digital instrument panels, touchscreen infotainment, and off-road capabilities. The ZR2 Bison, an upgraded off-road model, included unique bodywork and protective gear, making it a formidable choice for adventurous drivers.

The 2023 RAM 2500 Rebel was equipped with a standard 6.4-liter V8 engine producing 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 with 370 hp and 850 lb-ft of torque, using a six-speed automatic transmission. The V8 provided a maximum towing capacity of 16,870 pounds and a payload capacity of 3,140 pounds. The Cummins engine, while more efficient, was a costly upgrade and not the towing leader. The Rebel's frame was made of high-strength steel, and it featured a sophisticated suspension system, 20-inch wheels, and off-road enhancements, making it nearly as capable as the Power Wagon.

The 2024 Chevrolet Colorado came with turbocharged four-cylinder engines, both displacing 2.4 liters. The base version delivered 237 horsepower and 260 lb-ft of torque, while the Turbo Max version offered 310 hp and 430 lb-ft of torque. Both engines were paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The Colorado's maximum towing capacity was 7,700 pounds, with a payload capacity of 1,710 pounds. The ZR2 Bison, focused on off-road capability, featured Multimatic DSSV dampers for exceptional shock absorption. On paved roads, the Bison provided a stable and comfortable ride, despite its off-road suspension.

The 2023 RAM 2500 Rebel required some physical effort to enter and exit, with large handles aiding the process. The interior offered options for cloth or leather upholstery and various seating configurations. The test vehicle featured premium leather and bucket seats, providing comfort over long drives. The back seat was spacious, with amenities like air conditioning vents and USB ports. The truck offered ample storage, both inside and in the cargo bed, with options like a spray-in bedliner and Ram Box storage bins.

The 2024 Chevrolet Colorado was available in a four-door quad cab with a 5-foot, 2-inch bed. It offered a car-like seating position, providing comfort for long trips. The front row had ample legroom and headroom, while the second row was tighter, especially for taller passengers. The bed had high walls, making loading challenging but useful for tailgate activities. The ZR2 Bison's spare tire was mounted in the bed, reducing usable space. The Colorado featured practical design elements like larger bed steps for easy access.

The 2023 RAM 2500 introduced a 12-inch digital instrumentation panel with customizable displays. It included advanced camera systems and trailering technologies, such as blind-spot cameras and a digital rearview mirror. The Uconnect 5 infotainment system featured a 12-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a premium sound system. The system was user-friendly, though glare was an issue for some displays.

The 2024 Chevrolet Colorado came with an 11.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system, offering wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. It had a logical layout with a digital dock for easy navigation. The system included a digital home button and volume dial for straightforward operation. Standard tech features included a digital instrument panel, USB ports, and Bluetooth connectivity. Higher trims added wireless charging and additional USB ports.

The 2023 RAM 2500 offered a range of advanced driving assistance systems, including automatic high-beam headlights, forward-collision warning, and adaptive cruise control. The truck's safety features proved effective on open highways, though crash-test ratings were unavailable.

The 2024 Chevrolet Colorado came standard with comprehensive driver assistance features, such as automatic emergency braking and lane-keeping assist. Additional features were available in higher trims, including blind-spot monitoring and adaptive cruise control. The Colorado received favorable crash-test ratings from the NHTSA, with high scores for frontal and side crash tests.