The Chevrolet Colorado and Ford Ranger are two top contenders in the midsize truck segment, both commanding attention with their dynamic powertrains and impressive versatility. Deciding which of these popular pickups is your perfect fit depends on your budget, preferences, and priorities. The Chevrolet Colorado is the most awarded midsize pickup truck of 2024, delivering high-powered performance with a range of engine options and impressive towing capacity. The Ford Ranger stands out with its off-road capabilities and advanced technology features.
In this article, we compare the Chevrolet Colorado and Ford Ranger to help you make an informed decision about which one is right for you.
Exterior Design and Aesthetics
The Chevrolet Colorado has a bold, futuristic exterior design. It features a sculpted hood, blacked-out front grille, slim LED headlights, pronounced fenders, and a chiseled body that exudes ruggedness and strength. Its exterior showcases deep tinted glass, black beltline moldings, and automatic on/off headlamps, combining for a striking aesthetic. The Ford Ranger has the styling of a more traditional pickup with squared-off headlights and an angular exterior design. On the first three trims, the gray-painted grille center bar showcases the traditional Ford logo and a black front grille with unique Ford lettering on the range-topping Raptor model.
While the Ranger offers a robust design, it doesn't match the Colorado's eye-catching, modern curb appeal. The Chevrolet Colorado is available in five trim levels, while the Ford Ranger offers a limited lineup of four models. The Ford Ranger comes standard with all-terrain tires if you regularly navigate off-road terrain or require enhanced durability. The two lower Colorado trims have all-season tires if you frequent paved roads and are looking for a smooth ride. The top three trims are equipped with all-terrain tires for greater flexibility.
Performance and Engine Options
The Chevrolet Colorado offers two dynamic engine options. The WT and LT trims feature a dynamic 2.7-liter turbo engine that delivers 237 horsepower and 260 lb-ft of torque. The top-end Trail Boss, Z71, and ZR2 models have a 2.7-liter TurboMax engine that produces 310 horsepower and a staggering 430 lb-ft of torque for exceptional performance. These all-wheel-drive motors pair with a smooth-shifting eight-speed automatic transmission. With its high-performing TurboMax engine and the Advanced Trailering package, the Chevrolet Colorado can haul heavy loads and tackle demanding tasks. It boasts an impressive towing capacity of up to 7,700 pounds.
Ford equips the Ranger with three engine options, depending on the trim level. The XL, XLT, and LARIAT trims feature a standard 2.3-liter inline-four EcoBoost engine that delivers 270 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque and an optional 315-horsepower 2.7-liter turbocharged V-6 engine for the XLT and LARIAT.
The top-of-the-range Raptor boasts a powerful 3.0-liter turbo EcoBoost V-6 engine that delivers 405 horsepower and 430 lb-ft of torque. With an option for rear-wheel drive or four-wheel drive, these engines all pair with a 10-speed automatic transmission. Although not available on the Raptor trim, which has a maximum towing capacity of 5,510 pounds, the Ranger can handle up to 7,500 pounds when properly equipped.
The Ford Ranger offers impressive power across its engine lineup, with the Raptor leading at 405 horsepower and matching the Colorado's torque output at 430 lb-ft. The Ranger also provides engine choices to suit different driving needs, but the Chevrolet Colorado stands out with its superior towing capacity of 7,700 pounds and a wider selection of trims, including models engineered for heavy-duty tasks. Whether you prioritize engine versatility or towing strength, both trucks offer exceptional performance and capability.
Interior Features and Comfort
Both the Colorado and the Ranger offer comfortable interiors with plenty of headroom and legroom. The Chevrolet Colorado features high-quality materials and an intuitive dashboard with an eye-catching 11.3-inch touch screen across all models. Higher trims showcase leather seating, soft-touch surfaces, and a modern design.
The Ford Ranger features a more rugged, functional interior, with durable materials built to withstand tough conditions. The Ford Ranger offers a standard 10.1-inch touch screen, which can be upgraded to 12.0 inches. While both trucks provide ample space and comfort, the Colorado offers a more refined interior, with the Ranger featuring a practical, adventure-ready layout.
Safety and Driver-Assistance Features
Both Chevrolet and Ford prioritize safety with several driver-assistance features. The Colorado comes standard with Chevy Safety Assist, which includes automatic emergency braking, IntelliBeam technology, lane-keep assist, a following distance indicator, and forward collision alert. The Ford Ranger features the Co-Pilot360 suite, offering a lane-keep system, pre-collision assist, available adaptive cruise control, and auto high-beam headlights. While both trucks provide excellent safety options, the Colorado stands out with more standard features across trims.
Pricing and Value
The Chevrolet Colorado offers a competitive starting price, providing excellent value with its exceptional features and robust towing capacity. It's available in various trims, from the practical WT to the off-road-ready ZR2, allowing you to find a model for your preferences and budget. The Ford Ranger delivers solid performance at a slightly higher starting price, especially for its top-of-the-range Raptor model. Both trucks offer exceptional value, but the Colorado's broader trim lineup offers versatility at an affordable price without sacrificing capability.
Off-Road Capability
Both the Chevrolet Colorado and Ford Ranger excel in off-road capability, each offering distinct advantages. The Colorado ZR2 trim features Multimatic dynamic suspensions spool valve dampers, front and rear electronic locking differentials, and a high-performance suspension. The all-new ZR2 Bison adds additional off-road capability with its robust steel skid plates, 35-inch mud-terrain tires, and 12.2-inch ground clearance. The Ford Ranger offers off-road prowess with the Raptor trim, which boasts 2.5-inch FOX shocks, a terrain management system, and 33-inch all-terrain tires.
Find Your Ideal Midsize Truck at Huffines Chevrolet Lewisville
If you're interested in the robust capabilities, luxurious interior, and outstanding versatility of the Chevrolet Colorado, our expert team will guide you through a distinctive selection of Colorado trims. Visit our dealership in Lewisville, Texas, to explore our new inventory and experience our personalized customer service. You can value your trade online today and enjoy substantial savings on your next vehicle. Contact us to schedule a test drive and let us help you drive home in your coveted Chevrolet. Your truck awaits.