Chevrolet Colorado vs. Dodge Ram 1500

Chevrolet Colorado Overview

The 2008 Chevrolet Colorado looks and acts the part, with aggressive styling, flexible configurations, and rock-solid engines that get the job done.

Available in regular cab, extended cab, or four-door crew cab configurations, the Colorado in three trim levels – the basic LS, well-equipped LT, and the off-road Z71. Engine choices range from a 2.9 liter inline 4-cylinder engine to a much heartier 3.7 liter inline 5-cylinder. Both engines can be mated to a 5-speed manual or 4-speed automatic transmission. When equipped with the automatic transmission and 5-cylinder engine., towing capacity is a solid 5,500 lbs.

With standard 2WD, the Colorado is a capable hauler and work truck. Two suspension packages are available, with upgraded wheels, springs, shock absorbers, and unique exterior badging. A nice selection of 15” and 18” aluminum wheels are available, along with several unique grilles and wheel flares.

Inside, the cabin features an optional in-dash six-disc CD changer with XM® Satellite Radio capability and MP3 playback. Cruise control, manual air conditioning, and two auxiliary power outlets come standard. The optional power sunroof opens up the cabin to the fresh air. Seating choices range from split-bench front seats to bucket seats, covered in cloth, deluxe cloth, or leather surfaces.
Safety features include standard dual front airbags and optional head-curtain side impact airbags to protect occupants in the event of a collision. A 4-wheel anti-lock braking system is standard across all trim levels.

Whether for work or play, the 2008 Chevrolet Colorado delivers solid performance, good towing capacity, and some of the best styling in the segment.

Honda Ridgeline & Dodge Ram 1500 Comparison

Performance

As far as horsepower, the Dodge packs quite a wallop and will knock the Chevrolet Colorado down a few rungs. On the flip side, keep in mind that high horsepower engines often command higher insurance premiums. Both the Dodge and the Colorado are likely to feel slightly sluggish because of their high horsepower-to-weight ratio.

Handling

The Dodge Ram Pickup 1500 and the Chevrolet Colorado have about similar tires. Drivetrain
The Dodge Ram Pickup 1500's engine is tremendously more massive than the Chevrolet Colorado's. Remember that bigger engines may use more gas than smaller ones. The Dodge Ram Pickup 1500 packs quite a wallop compared to the Chevrolet Colorado in terms of torque, which is the force that lets you accelerate quickly. The Chevrolet Colorado could learn a lesson or two from the Ram Pickup 1500 as far as pickup.

Utility

Neither the Dodge Ram Pickup 1500 nor the Chevrolet Colorado has a marked advantage as far as seating capacity. The Dodge Ram Pickup 1500 is likely a better choice than the Chevrolet Colorado with respect to hauling capacity, especially if you frequently need to carry a lot of equipment or big animals. Towing is substantially more the Ram Pickup 1500's forte than it is the Chevrolet Colorado's.

Convenience

The Dodge Ram Pickup 1500's fuel tank will need to be replenished a little more often than the unit in the Chevrolet Colorado. Comfort
Taller drivers will considerably enjoy the extra head room in the Dodge's front cabin compared to the Colorado. The Dodge Ram Pickup 1500 offers more head- and leg-room to your passengers than the Chevrolet does.

Dimensions

The Ram Pickup 1500 is tremendously heavier than the Chevrolet Colorado. Your wallet will hurt more every time you fill up the Ram Pickup 1500 than the Chevrolet Colorado because of its larger tank. The Chevrolet and the Dodge Ram Pickup 1500 compete for the same parking spaces. The Chevrolet Colorado's shorter wheelbase may produce a less-settled highway ride but a sprier feel in daily traffic than the Ram Pickup 1500.

Cost

The destination charge is a standard charge for transporting the vehicle from its point of origin to the dealer. The Colorado is quite a bit cheaper to get to the dealership than the Dodge Ram Pickup 1500. The Dodge Ram Pickup 1500 will tax your gas budget quite a bit more than the Colorado will. In terms of fuel economy, the Chevrolet Colorado beats the Dodge Ram Pickup 1500. In terms of gas mileage, the Chevrolet Colorado has the Dodge beat. The Chevrolet Colorado is quite a bit less costly than the Dodge Ram Pickup 1500 in terms of MSRP. The Chevrolet Colorado will save you a bunch of money at the pump every year compared to the Ram Pickup 1500. The Dodge will cost you a bunch of money in gas every year compared to the Chevrolet.

Chevrolet Colorado Pricing

MSRP   $15,085 to $25,150
Invoice Price  $14,255 to $23,515

Chevrolet Colorado EPA Fuel Economy

City: 15 - 18
Highway: 20 - 24

Dodge Ram 1500 Pricing

MSRP  $21,485 to $40,685
Invoice Price  $19,157 to $35,854

Dodge Ram 1500 EPA Fuel Economy

City: 12 - 16
Highway: 16 - 19

Available Engines & Drivetrain

Chevrolet Colorado

185-hp, 2.9-liter I-4
242-hp, 3.7-liter I-5

Chevrolet Colorado Available Transmissions

4-speed automatic w/OD
5-speed manual w/OD

Dodge Ram 1500 Available Engines

345-hp, 5.7-liter V-8
310-hp, 4.7-liter V-8 (flexible)
215-hp, 3.7-liter V-6

Dodge Ram 1500 Available Transmissions

5-speed multi-speed automatic w/OD
6-speed manual w/OD
4-speed automatic w/ODickup 1500 doubtless handle about the same into and out of tight spots.

Warranty

The Colorado and the Dodge Ram Pickup 1500 have the same basic after-sale protection. With respect to after-sale protection against rust, the Chevrolet has substantially better coverage than the Dodge Ram Pickup 1500.

Miscellaneous

The Chevrolet Colorado produces fewer smog-forming pollutants per 15,000 miles than the Dodge Ram Pickup 1500.