2026 RAM 1500 vs 2026 Chevrolet Colorado

The Hemi V8 is back for the 2026 model year, now marked by what Ram calls a “Symbol of Protest” badge. As much as we’d like to say it’s better than ever, it’s actually the same as it’s ever been. The 5.7-litre Hemi spins out 395 horsepower and 410 pound-feet of torque, well below the less-expensive Hurricane turbocharged inline-six’s 420 hp and 469 lb-ft, and way behind the optional High Output Hurricane engine’s 540 hp and 521 lb-ft. But the fact that it’s an option at all will be enough to entice some buyers back to the Ram fold.

Verdict: There’s a lot to like about the 2026 Ram 1500, including its characterful Hemi V8, but if you’re looking for the best version of Ram’s popular pickup, you should think long and hard about how you plan to use the truck. With 12 trim levels in Canada and two cab sizes and bed lengths to go along with its four powertrain choices, there are plenty of ways to configure a Ram truck to your exact needs.

Available only in a crew-cab, short-bed body style, the Colorado offers one powertrain, rear-wheel drive (RWD) or four-wheel drive (4WD), and five trim levels. Talk about simplicity! Last redesigned for the 2023 model year, the Colorado is mostly unchanged for 2026. White Sands paint replaces Harvest Bronze on the Trail Boss and ZR2, and a new Bronze Accent Package is available. Additionally, Chevy has discontinued the snorkel and the rubber bed mat options.

Verdict: In most ways, the 2026 Colorado is an impressive midsize truck. However, it plays runner-up to the Toyota Tacoma, which is not only more versatile and available with a wider range of dealer accessories but also trades on its legendary reputation for long-term reliability.