These two models are engaged in a power struggle in every area of the continent. The competition is particularly heated in the area of workhorse pickup trucks. Both companies have choices to compete with one another, whether it be full-sizers or heavy duties. And in the market for mid-size pickups, nothing has changed.
New generations of the Ford Ranger and Chevrolet Colorado have been introduced within the past year. It’s time to line these vehicles up and compare their original characteristics, as this segment was previously dominated by uninteresting old metal.
A Quick Comparison: Ford Ranger vs. Chevy Colorado
| Ford Ranger | VS | Chevy Colorado |
| $34,160 | Starting MSRP | $31,095 |
| 21 city/ 26 highway | MPG | 20 city/ 25 highway |
| 2.3L EcoBoost® I-4 | Engine | 2.7L I4 Turbo |
| 270 hp | Horsepower | 237 hp |
| 310 lb-ft | Torque | 260 lb-ft |
| Rear Wheel Drive | Drivetrain | Rear Wheel Drive |
| 5 Passengers | Seating Capacity | 5 Passengers |
| 10-speed Shiftable Automatic | Transmission | 8-speed Shiftable Automatic |
| Upto 7,500 lbs (3,402 kgs) | Towing Capacity | Upto 7,700 lbs (3,493 kgs) |
| 61 in (1.55 m) | Bed Length | 62 in (1.57 m) |
| 39.8 in (1.01 m) | Front Head Room | 40.3 in (1.02 m) |
| 43.1 in (1.09 m) | Front Leg Room | 45.2 in (1.15 m) |
| 38.3 in (0.97 m) | Rear Head Room | 38.3 in (0.97 m) |
| 34.5 in (0.87 m) | Rear Leg Room | 34.7 in (0.88 m) |
Comparing Price: Ford Ranger vs Chevy Colorado
The least costly 2024 Ford Ranger is the XL SuperCrew RWD at $34,160, a $3,080 price increase over the 2023 counterpart. This is the case until the SuperCab extended-cab long-bed variation is available. The Ranger Raptor, which starts at $56,960, is the model at the top of the line.
The 2024 Colorado WT RWD, Chevy’s least expensive truck, starts at $31,095. The 2024 Colorado ZR2, whose cost starts at $48,295, appears to be relatively reasonable compared to the Ranger Raptor. The base price of ZR2 Bison may start above $60,000. That’s a huge sum for a Colorado, but the Bison ZR2 gives you a lot for the money.
Comparing Powertrain: Ford Ranger vs Chevy Colorado
The Ranger has a single 2.7-liter EcoBoost engine paired with the same 10-speed automatic transmission as its bigger brother. It has both 2WD and 4WD and produces 270 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of peak torque.
The Colorado, in contrast to the Ranger, WT, and LT models, comes standard with 237 horsepower. It’s interesting to note that while each Colorado has a 2.7-liter turbo-four engine and an eight-speed automated transmission, they all have various tunings that produce varying power outputs.
The Turbo model has 237 horsepower and 259 lb-ft of torque, the Turbo Plus model has 310 horsepower and 390 lb-ft, and the Turbo Plus High-Output model has 310 horsepower and 430 lb-ft of torque. Depending on the specification and whether RWD or 4WD is fitted.
Comparing Fuel Economy: Ford Ranger vs Chevy Colorado
The 2WD Ranger can achieve an overall fuel economy of 23 mpg, or 21 mpg in the city and 26 mpg on the highway, according to EPA figures. Rangers with 4WD are predicted to achieve a combined 22 mpg, or 20 mpg in the city and 24 mpg on the highway. According to data from last year, depending on configuration, fuel efficiency should be around 19-21/19-26 mpg city/highway.
Despite their different capacities, Colorado‘s gasoline engines’ fuel economy ratings are surprisingly close. For the 2WD model, the 2.5-liter four-pot manages to achieve 20 mpg in the city and 25 mpg on the highway. The city number is unaffected in the 4WD variants, however, the highway efficiency is reduced by one mpg.
With 2WD, the V6 achieves 18 city mileage and 25 highway mpg, and with 4WD, 17 and 24 mpg. However, the diesel is the best option if you want the most efficient engine. Depending on the specification and whether RWD or 4WD is fitted, the new Colorado’s fuel efficiency is rated at 17-20/19-25 mpg.
Comparing Features And Tech: Ford Ranger vs Chevy Colorado
When you compare the Ford Ranger to the Chevy Colorado, you’ll find that both have similar infotainment systems and several multimedia options at the base level. These consist of a Wi-Fi hotspot, at least one USB port, and hands-free Bluetooth connectivity.
Starting with the Ford Ranger XLT trim, standard features include:
- Eight-inch LCD Capacitive Touchscreen in Center Stack
- AM/FM stereo radio with six speakers
- Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™ integration
- SiriusXM® Satellite Radio
- FordPass® Connect with 4G LTE Wi-Fi Hotspot
- 911 Assist®
- Applink®
- Voice-activated SYNC® 3 infotainment system
Starting with the base Chevy Colorado WT trim, standard features include:
- 11.3-inch diagonal center touchscreen with Google Built-in
- Eight-inch diagonal digital Driver Information Center
- Wireless Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™
- OnStar® and Chevrolet Connected Services capabilities
- Remote Keyless Entry with Push-Button Start
Comparing Cabin Space: Ford Ranger vs Chevy Colorado
Ford‘s mid-size pickup’s interior spaciousness is not impressive, much like the Colorado’s. Maximum headroom up front is predicted to be 39.8 in (1,011 mm). The rear headroom in the SuperCrew cab is 38.3 in (973mm), but it is only 35.9 in (912 mm) in the SuperCab.
The front delivers a reasonable 43.1 in (1,095 mm) of legroom, but the back only offers 34.5 in (876 mm) of space. If you have passengers, they will have trouble fitting in the rear of the SuperCab unless they are from the Shire. Anyone with an above-average build is likely to feel restricted in SuperCrew as well.
The inside cabin room is rather mid-sized for the Chevy’s mid-size truck. You would have to get the crew cab if you wanted to have any chance of accommodating adults in the back. It provides a good 38.3 in (973 mm) of headroom in the back and 40.3 in (1,024 mm) in the front, which should be plenty even for those who are slightly larger than normal.
In terms of legroom, the front offers a respectable 45.2 in (1,148 mm) of space, but the back only provides 34.7 in (881 mm), which would be at most, enough for persons of ordinary size. The enlarged cab, however, only manages to provide 28.6 in (726 mm) of legroom in the back.
It’s important to keep in mind that the wheelbase has no effect on the interior capacity and only changes the length of the rear bed.
Comparing Towing Capacity: Ford Ranger vs Chevy Colorado
The Ranger has two different bed sizes. Depending on the size of the rear bed you select, it has a maximum load capacity of 43.3 cu. ft (1,225 liters) and 51.8 cu. ft (1,466 L). Additionally, it is capable of towing up to 7,500 lbs (3,402 kgs).
Since there are no foldable seats in Colorado to make room for additional bags, your only option is the bed. The maximum cargo capacity for the long box, which is offered in extended and crew cab versions, is 49.9 cu ft (1,327 L), compared to the short box’s 41.3 cu ft (1,169 L) for luggage. The mid-size Chevy is capable of towing up to 7,700 lbs (3,493 kgs).
Comparing Safety: Ford Ranger vs Chevy Colorado
As part of the standard equipment, the Ranger includes a variety of active safety features. It comes standard with pedestrian detection, auto emergency braking, and pre-collision assist. The base package also includes Dynamic Brake Support and Forward Collision Warning. Starting with the XLT model, rear cross-traffic alert and blind spot recognition are options.
Only safety equipment like airbags, ABS, and traction control are standard on the Colorado in comparison to the Ranger. In fact, from the LT trim onward, even on the top Z71, active safety systems like Forward collision avoidance and Lane Departure Warning are all optional. However, reversing cameras is common.
Additionally, the safety package only includes Forward Collision Avoidance when auto emergency braking is required.
Who’s The Winner?
The Chevy’s starting price is lower than the Ford’s, with more power. Ford’s entry can haul more and has a larger bed than Chevy’s, which offers an edge in towing and bed length. Colorado may have a nicer exterior, but the Ranger’s cab offers a more fair distribution of passenger rooms, especially for those sitting in the back. Therefore, the Ford Ranger is the best option, at least on paper, unless you want a pocket-friendly option.
FAQs
Which is bigger, the Ford Ranger or the Chevy Colorado?
The Colorado’s 131.4-inch span is somewhat longer than the Ranger’s 128.7-inch wheelbase, the Colorado is the taller of the two.
Is the Ford Ranger cheaper than the Chevy Colorado?
Compared to the 2024 Chevrolet Colorado, the 2024 Ford Ranger is less affordable. While the Chevrolet Colorado starts at about $31,095, the Ford Ranger starts at about $34,160 MSRP.
Which brand is more popular, Chevy or Ford?
Chevy vehicle sales in the US decreased by over 43% to 121,100 units, while Ford vehicle sales decreased by almost 63% to 64,338 units. Even though Chevy sold over twice as many automobiles as Ford, it’s important to note that Chevy also has a significantly wider selection of vehicles.
Is Ford Ranger luxury?
The most upscale model in the Ranger lineup is the Ford Ranger Platinum. It adopts the design language of its SUV twin, the Ford Everest, which saw the introduction of a Platinum model range-topper in late 2022. It stands out from the outside thanks to its unique Equinox Bronze color, 20-inch wheels, and grille detailing.
Who is Ford’s biggest competitor?
The two biggest automakers in the country are Ford Motor Company and Chevrolet, which is owned by General Motors Company (GM). Ford and GM are both market leaders and fierce rivals in the world of automobiles. The name-brand Ford is the biggest brand for Ford, whereas Chevrolet is the biggest brand for GM.
