Ford Ranger Vs Chevrolet Colorado: Which Mid-size Pickup Is The Right Choice For You?

In the realm of mid-size pickup trucks, two titans stand tall: the Ford Ranger and the Chevrolet Colorado. These two automotive powerhouses have captivated truck enthusiasts with their rugged capabilities, versatile performance, and undeniable presence on the road. As you embark on your journey to find the perfect mid-size pickup, we present you with an in-depth comparison of the Ford Ranger vs Chevrolet Colorado, highlighting their strengths, weaknesses, and everything in between.

Performance and Capability: A Battle of Brawn and Efficiency

1. Powertrains and Performance:

• Ford Ranger: The Ranger offers a choice of two engines: a 2.3L EcoBoost turbocharged 4-cylinder with 270 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque, and a 3.0L Power Stroke turbo-diesel V6 with 250 horsepower and 440 lb-ft of torque.
• Chevrolet Colorado: The Colorado boasts two engine options as well: a 2.5L 4-cylinder with 200 horsepower and 191 lb-ft of torque, and a 3.6L V6 with 308 horsepower and 275 lb-ft of torque.

2. Towing and Payload Capacity:

• Ford Ranger: With the available tow package, the Ranger can tow up to 7,500 lbs and carry a payload of up to 1,860 lbs.
• Chevrolet Colorado: The Colorado, when properly equipped, can tow up to 7,700 lbs and haul a payload of up to 1,550 lbs.

3. Fuel Efficiency:

• Ford Ranger: The Ranger’s fuel efficiency varies depending on the engine and drivetrain configuration. The 2.3L EcoBoost with rear-wheel drive delivers an EPA-estimated 21 mpg city and 26 mpg highway, while the 3.0L Power Stroke with four-wheel drive returns an EPA-estimated 20 mpg city and 24 mpg highway.
• Chevrolet Colorado: The Colorado’s fuel economy also depends on the engine and drivetrain setup. The 2.5L 4-cylinder with rear-wheel drive gets an EPA-estimated 20 mpg city and 26 mpg highway, while the 3.6L V6 with four-wheel drive achieves an EPA-estimated 18 mpg city and 25 mpg highway.

Interior and Comfort: A Clash of Styles and Amenities

1. Cabin Design and Materials:

• Ford Ranger: The Ranger’s interior features a user-friendly layout, with a straightforward dashboard and intuitive controls. The materials used are generally durable and of good quality, with some higher trim levels offering premium touches like leather upholstery and soft-touch surfaces.
• Chevrolet Colorado: The Colorado’s cabin boasts a more modern and upscale design, with a sleek dashboard and a large touchscreen infotainment system. The materials used are generally of good quality, but some lower trim levels may have some hard plastics.

2. Seating and Comfort:

• Ford Ranger: The Ranger provides comfortable seating for up to five passengers, with supportive front seats and a spacious rear bench. The front seats offer good adjustability, and the rear seats have enough legroom and headroom for most adults.
• Chevrolet Colorado: The Colorado also offers seating for up to five passengers, with comfortable front seats and a spacious rear bench. The front seats are well-cushioned and supportive, and the rear seats have adequate legroom and headroom.

3. Infotainment and Technology:

• Ford Ranger: The Ranger comes standard with a user-friendly infotainment system with a touchscreen display, Bluetooth connectivity, and a six-speaker audio system. Higher trim levels offer larger touchscreen displays, a premium audio system, and navigation.
• Chevrolet Colorado: The Colorado’s infotainment system is also user-friendly, with a touchscreen display, Bluetooth connectivity, and a six-speaker audio system. Higher trim levels offer larger touchscreen displays, a premium audio system, and navigation.

Safety and Reliability: A Matter of Trust and Protection

1. Safety Features:

• Ford Ranger: The Ranger comes standard with a suite of safety features, including airbags, anti-lock brakes, electronic stability control, and a rearview camera. Higher trim levels add features like blind-spot monitoring, lane departure warning, and adaptive cruise control.
• Chevrolet Colorado: The Colorado also comes standard with a range of safety features, including airbags, anti-lock brakes, electronic stability control, and a rearview camera. Higher trim levels offer features like blind-spot monitoring, lane departure warning, and forward collision warning.

2. Reliability and Durability:

• Ford Ranger: The Ford Ranger has a good reputation for reliability, with owners reporting few major issues. The Ranger has also received good ratings from consumer review websites and automotive publications.
• Chevrolet Colorado: The Chevrolet Colorado also has a good reputation for reliability, with owners reporting few major problems. The Colorado has also received good ratings from consumer review websites and automotive publications.

Off-Road Prowess: A Test of Strength and Capability

1. Four-Wheel Drive Systems:

• Ford Ranger: The Ranger offers two four-wheel drive systems: a part-time system with an electronic shift-on-the-fly transfer case and a full-time system with a locking center differential.
• Chevrolet Colorado: The Colorado also offers two four-wheel drive systems: a part-time system with an electronic shift-on-the-fly transfer case and a full-time system with an automatic locking rear differential.

2. Ground Clearance and Approach/Departure Angles:

• Ford Ranger: The Ranger has a ground clearance of 8.9 inches, with an approach angle of 28.5 degrees and a departure angle of 25.1 degrees.
• Chevrolet Colorado: The Colorado has a ground clearance of 8.9 inches, with an approach angle of 27.9 degrees and a departure angle of 23.5 degrees.

3. Off-Road Features:

• Ford Ranger: The Ranger offers a range of off-road features, including skid plates, an off-road suspension, and an electronic locking rear differential.
• Chevrolet Colorado: The Colorado also offers a range of off-road features, including skid plates, an off-road suspension, and an electronic locking rear differential.

Verdict: The Winner’s Circle Revealed

Choosing between the Ford Ranger and Chevrolet Colorado is a matter of personal preference and specific needs. Both trucks offer impressive capabilities, comfortable interiors, and a range of features. Ultimately, the decision comes down to which truck better aligns with your driving style, budget, and intended use.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Which truck has a better towing capacity?

• The Chevrolet Colorado has a slightly higher towing capacity, with a maximum towing capacity of 7,700 lbs compared to the Ford Ranger’s 7,500 lbs.

2. Which truck gets better fuel economy?

• The Ford Ranger generally gets better fuel economy than the Chevrolet Colorado, especially with the 2.3L EcoBoost engine.

3. Which truck has a more comfortable interior?

• The Chevrolet Colorado has a more modern and upscale interior design, with a sleek dashboard and a large touchscreen infotainment system. However, the Ford Ranger’s interior is also comfortable and well-equipped.