2025 Ram 3500 vs 2026 Chevrolet Colorado
Comparison Overview
The 2025 Ram 3500 bursts onto the scene as a colossal powerhouse, launching with an impressive 405 hp and 429 lb-ft of torque, clearly designed for maximum capability, albeit at a substantial $46,570 MSRP. Contrast this brute force with the nimbler 2026 Chevrolet Colorado, which delivers a surprising 430 lb-ft of torque from its smaller package, making it feel surprisingly potent for daily hauling, starting at just $32,400. While the Ram dwarfs the Chevy in physical presence—standing at 232.0 inches long versus the Colorado's 213.0 inches—the Colorado champions efficiency, achieving 20 combined MPG, a figure the much heavier Ram will struggle to match. This comparison pits immense raw output against superior day-to-day manageability and a $14,170 initial price gap.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2026 Chevrolet Colorado
The 2026 Chevrolet Colorado is the clear commuter choice due to its smaller footprint and superior 20 combined MPG efficiency.
2026 Chevrolet Colorado
While both are trucks, the Colorado's lower price and better efficiency make it a more accessible vehicle for general family duties.
2025 Ram 3500
Enthusiasts prioritizing raw power will gravitate toward the Ram 3500's dominant 405 hp output.
2026 Chevrolet Colorado
The Chevrolet Colorado offers 430 lb-ft of torque for $14,170 less than the Ram 3500, securing its victory in the value category.
Choose the Ram 3500 if...
- You require the absolute maximum power provided by the 405 hp engine.
- Your workload demands a larger presence, indicated by its 232.0-inch length and 77.8-inch height.
- You are looking for the higher torque output available when running on regular unleaded fuel (though only by 1 lb-ft).
Choose the Chevrolet Colorado if...
- You need to maximize miles per dollar, given the significant $14,170 lower MSRP.
- Fuel economy is a priority, evidenced by its 20 combined MPG rating.
- You prefer a slightly more compact profile, measuring 213.0 inches long and 74.9 inches wide.
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | Ram 3500 | Chevrolet Colorado |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 232.0" | 213.0" |
| Width | 79.4" | 74.9" |
| Height | 77.8" | - |
| Wheelbase | 140.0" | 131.4" |
Features Comparison
Safety
| Feature | Ram | Chevrolet |
|---|---|---|
| Pre-Collision Safety System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Post-Collision Safety System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Dual Front Side-Mounted Airbags | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Head Airbags | ✓ | ✓ |
| Passenger Airbag Occupant Sensing Deactivation | ✓ | ✓ |
| Electronic Stability Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Traction Control System | ✓ | ✓ |
| LATCH System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Anti-lock Brakes (ABS) | 4-Wheel | 4-Wheel |
| Front Ventilated Disc Brakes | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Solid Disc Brakes | ✓ | ✓ |
| Brake Preparation System | ✓ | — |
| Brake Assist | ✓ | — |
| Tire Pressure Monitoring System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Automatic Headlights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Headlight Delay-Off | ✓ | ✓ |
| LED Headlights | ✓ | — |
| Daytime Running Lights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Fog Lights | ✓ | — |
| Front Headrests | 2 | 2 |
| Front Height Adjustable Headrests | ✓ | — |
| Front Center 3-Point Seatbelt | ✓ | — |
| Engine Immobilizer | ✓ | ✓ |
| Blind Spot Monitor | — | ✓ |
| Lane Departure Warning | — | ✓ |
| Lane Keeping Assist System | — | ✓ |
| Front Cross Traffic Alert | — | ✓ |
| Rear Cross Traffic Alert | — | ✓ |
| Rear Head Airbags | — | ✓ |
| Rear Door Child Safety Locks | — | ✓ |
| Front Integrated Headrests | — | ✓ |
| Rear Headrests | — | 2 |
| Rear Height Adjustable Headrests | — | ✓ |
| Rear Center 3-Point Seatbelt | — | ✓ |
| Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote) | — | ✓ |
Engine
| Feature | Ram | Chevrolet |
|---|---|---|
| Base Engine Displacement | 6.4 L | 2.7 L |
| Number of Cylinders | V8 | inline 4 |
| Base Engine Type | gas | gas |
| Horsepower | 405 hp @ 5600 rpm | 310 hp @ 5600 rpm |
| Torque | 429 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm | 430 lb-ft @ 3000 rpm |
| Number of Valves | 16 | 16 |
| Camshaft Type | Overhead valves (OHV) | Double overhead cam (DOHC) |
| Variable Valve Timing | Variable | Variable |
| Fuel Injection Type | — | ✓ |
| Cylinder Deactivation | — | ✓ |
Drive Train
| Feature | Ram | Chevrolet |
|---|---|---|
| Transmission Type | 8-speed shiftable automatic | 8-speed shiftable automatic |
| Drivetrain Type | rear wheel drive | rear wheel drive |
| Rear Differential Type | Limited Slip | — |
Fuel
| Feature | Ram | Chevrolet |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel Type | regular unleaded | regular unleaded |
| EPA Driving Range (City/Highway) | 0/0 mi. | 406.6/492.2 mi. |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 32.0 gal. | 21.4 gal. |
| EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway) | — | 19/23 MPG |
| EPA Fuel Economy (Combined) | — | 20 MPG |
Comfort & Convenience
| Feature | Ram | Chevrolet |
|---|---|---|
| Push Button Start | ✓ | ✓ |
| Tilt Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Transmission Controls on Steering Wheel | ✓ | — |
| Cruise Controls on Steering Wheel | ✓ | — |
| Power Steering | ✓ | — |
| Rear View Camera | ✓ | ✓ |
| Adaptive Cruise Control | ✓ | — |
| Front Cupholders | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Door Pockets | ✓ | ✓ |
| Single Zone Climate Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Interior Air Filtration | ✓ | — |
| Passenger Vanity Mirror | ✓ | — |
| Audio Controls on Steering Wheel | — | ✓ |
| Cruise Control on Steering Wheel | — | ✓ |
| Electric Power Steering | — | ✓ |
| Rear Parking Sensors | — | ✓ |
| Cruise Control | — | ✓ |
| Rear Cupholders | — | ✓ |
| Rear Door Pockets | — | ✓ |
| Rear Ventilation Ducts | — | ✓ |
| Dual Vanity Mirrors | — | ✓ |
In Car Entertainment
| Feature | Ram | Chevrolet |
|---|---|---|
| Infotainment Display | 8.4 in | 11.3 in |
| AM/FM Stereo | ✓ | ✓ |
| Speaker System | 4 | 6 |
| Android Auto (Wired) | ✓ | — |
| Apple CarPlay (Wired) | ✓ | — |
| USB Port | ✓ | ✓ |
| Auxiliary Audio Input | ✓ | — |
| USB Port with External Media Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Satellite Radio | ✓ | ✓ |
| Android Auto (Wireless) | — | ✓ |
| Apple CarPlay (Wireless) | — | ✓ |
| Satellite Radio Trial Period | — | 3 months |
| Speed Sensitive Volume Control | — | ✓ |
Power Feature
| Feature | Ram | Chevrolet |
|---|---|---|
| Heated Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| One-Touch Power Windows | — | 4 |
| Remote Keyless Entry | — | ✓ |
Frontseats
| Feature | Ram | Chevrolet |
|---|---|---|
| Front Head Room | 39.8 in. | 40.3 in. |
| Front Leg Room | 40.9 in. | 45.2 in. |
| Front Shoulder Room | 65.9 in. | 57.4 in. |
| Front Hip Room | 62.9 in. | 54.7 in. |
| Seat Material: Vinyl | ✓ | — |
| Front Seat Type: 40-20-40 Split Bench | ✓ | — |
| Driver Seat Manual Adjustments | 4-way | 6-way |
| Passenger Seat Manual Adjustments | 4-way | 4-way |
| Seat Material: Leatherette | — | ✓ |
| Front Seat Type: Bucket | — | ✓ |
| Driver Seat Height Adjustment | — | ✓ |
Rearseats
| Feature | Ram | Chevrolet |
|---|---|---|
| Rear Head Room | — | 38.3 in. |
| Rear Leg Room | — | 34.7 in. |
| Rear Shoulder Room | — | 56.1 in. |
| Rear Hip Room | — | 53.1 in. |
| Split-Folding Rear Seatback | — | ✓ |
Tires and Wheels
| Feature | Ram | Chevrolet |
|---|---|---|
| Wheel Finish | Painted Steel | Painted Alloy |
| Wheel Size | 18 x 8.0 in | 17 x 8.0 in. |
| Tire Type | All Season | All Season |
| Tire Size | LT275/70R18 | 255/65R17 |
| Spare Tire Type | Full Size Non-Matching | Full Size Non-Matching |
| Spare Tire Location | Underbody Mounted | Underbody Mounted |
Suspension
| Feature | Ram | Chevrolet |
|---|---|---|
| Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Suspension Type | — | Independent |
Warranty
| Feature | Ram | Chevrolet |
|---|---|---|
| Basic Warranty | 3 yr./ 36000 mi. | 3 yr./ 36000 mi. |
| Drivetrain Warranty | 5 yr./ 60000 mi. | 5 yr./ 60000 mi. |
| Corrosion/Rust Warranty | 5 yr./ unlimited mi. | 6 yr./ 100000 mi. |
| Roadside Assistance | 5 yr./ 60000 mi. | 5 yr./ 60000 mi. |
| Complimentary Scheduled Maintenance | — | 1 yr./ unlimited mi. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about comparing the 2025 Ram 3500 and 2026 Chevrolet Colorado.
How significant is the performance difference between the 2025 Ram 3500 and the 2026 Colorado?
The Ram 3500 holds a substantial advantage in pure horsepower, posting 405 hp compared to the Colorado's 310 hp—a 95 hp gap. However, the Colorado fights back with slightly more torque, achieving 430 lb-ft versus the Ram's 429 lb-ft, meaning high-speed passing power is nearly identical.
Is the price difference of over $14,000 justified when comparing these two trucks?
The justification depends entirely on capability needs. The Ram 3500 starts at $46,570, commanding a premium for its larger dimensions and massive power reserve. The Colorado starts at only $32,400, offering comparable low-end torque for significantly less upfront cost.
Which truck offers better fuel economy for daily driving?
The 2026 Chevrolet Colorado is the clear winner here, achieving 20 combined MPG (19 city/23 highway). The Ram 3500 specifications do not list an MPG figure, but as a larger, more powerful truck, it will inherently consume fuel at a much higher rate.
Do both trucks utilize similar drivetrains?
Yes, both vehicles feature an 8-speed shiftable automatic transmission paired with rear-wheel drive in these specific configurations. This offers a familiar, modern shifting experience in both the heavy-duty Ram and the mid-size Chevy.
How much larger is the physical footprint of the Ram 3500?
The Ram 3500 is substantially larger in all dimensions; it is 19.0 inches longer (232.0 vs 213.0 inches), 4.5 inches wider (79.4 vs 74.9 inches), and slightly taller at 77.8 inches.
Can I use regular unleaded fuel in both vehicles?
Fortunately, both the 2025 Ram 3500 and the 2026 Chevrolet Colorado are rated to run on regular unleaded fuel, which simplifies refueling logistics for owners of either truck.
More Mid-Range Trucks ($30k-$50k)
View allVehicle Details
Compare More Vehicles
Use our interactive comparison tool to compare up to 4 vehicles at once
Open Comparison Tool