RAM 2500 vs. Chevy Colorado

Between the RAM 2500 and Chevy Colorado, both trucks have their advantages. Whether you need a pickup truck boasting impressive towing capabilities OR something lightweight and agile, Chevy and RAM have a model waiting. To make this process easier for you, we'll cover key details like performance, exterior features, towing/weight, and safety.

Again, both trucks have something for the everyday driver and higher trim levels, boasting plenty of bells and whistles. It's a tale as old as time: Chevy VS RAM. Let's dive in!

Power in Performance

For power and performance, the RAM 2500 and the Chevrolet Colorado offer a range of engines to cater to diverse needs.

In 2022, the RAM 2500 has two powerful engine options. The standard 6.4-liter V8 engine boasts 410 horsepower and 429 pound-feet of torque. The 6.7-liter inline-six Cummins diesel engine offers 370 horsepower and 850 pound-feet of torque.

The 2022 Chevrolet Colorado offers a few powertrains. The base four-cylinder engine is less robust, but it does the job. However, the real stars are the 308-horsepower 3.6-liter V6 and the 2.8-liter diesel four-cylinder. The V6 offers power and efficiency, while the diesel engine impresses with its 369 pound-feet of torque, perfect for off-roading.

2021 also gave competitive performance specs for both trucks, with the Colorado's 3.6-liter V6 engine with 308 horsepower. RAM, however, won with its 6.4-liter HEMI V8, generating 410 horsepower and 429 pound-feet of torque.

Towing Capacity

Between the RAM 2500 and Chevy Colorado, both trucks have advantages. However, these models have some noticeable differences in the towing capacity category. Here's how they stack up against each other:

2022 RAM 2500

• Towing capacity: 10,520 to 15,540 pounds
• Gross vehicle weight rating: 8,565 to 10,000 pounds
• Payload: 1,564 to 4,012 pounds
• Curb weight: 5,988 to 7,414 pounds

2022 Chevrolet Colorado

• Towing capacity: 3,500 to 7,000 pounds
• Gross vehicle weight rating: 5,400 to 6,001 pounds
• Payload: 1,270 to 1,560 pounds
• Curb weight: 3,950 to 4,730 pounds

We'll also compare 2020 models of each below:

2020 RAM 2500

• Towing capacity: 10,520 to 15,040 pounds
• Payload: 1,564 to 4,012 pounds
• Curb weight: 5,988 to 7,414 pounds
• Gross vehicle weight rating: 8,565 to 10,000 pounds

2020 Chevrolet Colorado

• Towing capacity: 3,500 to 7,000 pounds
• Payload: 1,296 to 1,581 pounds
• Curb weight: 3,935 to 4,704 pounds
• Gross vehicle weight rating: 5,400 to 6,001 pounds

So, you can see the RAM 2500 beats Chevy Colorado in all model years for towing capacity, among other weight ratings.

Off-Road Capability

With towing capacity out of the way, let's see how well each truck does off-roading. Like much of this comparison, we'll pull previously released model specs for each truck model.

RAM 2500:

• Off-Road Package: The 2022 RAM 2500 offers the RMT Off-Road package in Big Horn or Laramie configurations.
• 5-Inch Suspension Lift Kit: This package includes a 5-inch suspension lift kit with high-strength cross members, steering knuckles, and upper control arms.
• Intended Use: The RAM 2500 with the RMT Off-Road package is better for demanding work, construction sites, and unpaved roads.
• Off-Roading Terrain: While not designed for rocky terrains or beach adventures, the RAM 2500 performs well off-roading.
• Key Features: This truck has an inline-six turbo diesel engine with coil springs front and rear and solid axles front and rear.

Chevrolet Colorado:

• Powerful Engine: The 2023 Chevrolet Colorado has a 310 horsepower engine with 430 pound-feet of torque.
• Interior Ready for Adventures: The interior of the Colorado is designed to accommodate off-roading, keeping the driver and passenger comfortable during rugged journeys.
• Special Editions: The 2022 Chevrolet Colorado offers a range of special edition packages, including the off-road-focused Bison, the stylish Redline, and the ZR2 Midnight and Dusk editions.
• ZR2 Model: The Colorado ZR2 is a standout option many drivers recommend for off-roading/adventurous terrain.

Each truck can handle off-roading, although Colorado's lighter weight class may make doing this easier. There's less to lug around.

Exterior Design and Interior Details

For the exterior design/details of both truck models, let's pull from 2021. Here is what you can expect in each of these pickup trucks.

2021 RAM 2500:

• Distinct Trims: The 2021 RAM 2500 offers a wide range of trims, each with a unique exterior. Tradesman pickups are purpose-built for work, Power Wagons look ready for off-road adventures, and Limited trucks have an upscale look.
• Exterior Updates: RAM refined the heavy-duty 2500's exterior, giving it a smoother, less 'rough' look while maintaining its classic identity.
• Great Interiors: RAM also spent some time redefining the 2500's interior over the years, with recent top trims featuring real leather upholstery, wood trim, and a generous 12.0-inch touchscreen.

2021 Chevrolet Colorado:

• Updated Exterior Styling: The 2021 Chevy Colorado also has a refreshed exterior, with the most notable change being the replaced rear Chevrolet emblem with the spelled-out nameplate.
• Off-Roading Capability: The Colorado, especially in its ZR2 form, is made for on and off-road adventures. It boasts tech like locking differentials, skid plates, and shock absorbers.
• Gentle Ride: Despite being rugged, the Colorado offers a gentle and comfortable ride, even on rough, uneven roadways/terrains.

Safety and Reliability

Moving on to safety and reliability, the RAM 2500 and Chevy Colorado boast plenty of technology to keep you and your passengers safe.

The 2022 Ram 2500 has many safety features, including the Forward Collision Braking with Active Braking system. This feature warns you of a potential forward collision and applies brakes to stop your truck.

In contrast, the 2022 Chevy Colorado includes Stabilitrak stability control, traction control, and anti-lock brakes. There are six airbags in the Colorado, including dual-stage front airbags. A rearview camera is standard, as are 4-wheel disc brakes in this truck.

Our Final Opinion

Between the RAM 2500 and Chevy Colorado, you get a lighter, cheaper truck when driving a Chevrolet. However, RAM has become synonymous with heavy-duty pickups, and the 2500 is one of the best-performing in its class. If you can splurge on a 2500, we'd certainly recommend it. Either way, you're in for an impressive towing capacity and performance.

Come shop both the 2500 and Colorado with Tim’s Truck Capital today!

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