2025 Ford Ranger vs 2025 Chevy Colorado
Midsize Truck Competition Heats Up with Chevy Colorado vs Ford Ranger
While the Colorado truck has been a strong contender, it’s facing a tougher battle than ever. The new Ford Ranger has captured the prestigious 2025 North American Truck of the Year (NACTOY) award, indicating its dominance in the midsize marketplace.
This 2025 Colorado vs Ranger competition comes down to some key factors. How big do the margins have to be for one truck to be called better than the other? Is it about value, capability, or packaging?
Let’s find out.
Performance: A Clear Winner
Both the Ranger and Colorado truck in Phoenix offer a range of engine options to suit different needs. A Ranger base engine is a 2.3L turbocharged four-cylinder that delivers a respectable 270 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque. This outperforms the Colorado's base engine. The Chevy 2.7L turbocharged four-cylinder produces 237 horsepower and 259 lb-ft of torque.
For those seeking more power, the Colorado upgraded engine generates 310 horsepower and 391 lb-ft of torque. However, the Ford upgrade is a turbo V6 that generates 315 horsepower and 400 lb-ft of torque. So once again, the Chevy midsize truck lags behind in this comparison.
In addition to the differences in horsepower and torque, the Ranger has a smooth-shifting ten-speed automatic transmission. Compared to the Colorado’s 8-speed, the extra gears give the Ford Ranger driver more capabilities.
Truth in the Tow Ratings: How to Tow the Most for the Least Cash
Even with the Ranger’s lead in horsepower and torque at every level, the real story of this 2025 Chevy Colorado vs Ford Ranger comparison is the cost of the towing capacity.
With its standard engine, the Ford Ranger can tow up to 7,500 lbs, regardless of whether you choose rear-wheel drive or four-wheel drive. With just a 200-lb difference between the standard Ford and the more expensive Chevy, it’s easy to see which truck is the better buy.
To achieve a comparable towing capacity in the 2025 Chevy Colorado in Phoenix, you'd have to upgrade to a more expensive engine. It’s hard to imagine paying more when you get more towing power for your money right out of the gate with the 2025 Ranger.
Furthermore, the 4x2 Ranger has a standard tow-haul mode (available only on the 4x4 Chevy). Ford offers blind spot trailer coverage and its unique backup assist to keep towing safer.
As it did in 2024, the 2025 Ford Ranger also boasts the best payload capacity in this class, which includes the GMC Canyon, Jeep Gladiator, Nissan Frontier, and Honda Ridgeline.
Off-Road Prowess: Ranger Raptor vs Colorado ZR2
When it comes to venturing off the beaten path, both the Ford Ranger and Chevrolet Colorado offer capable off-road options. However, the Ranger Raptor takes things to the next level. This high-performance off-road variant is designed to tackle challenging terrain with ease.
Ranger Raptors boast a specially tuned suspension with FOX 2.5-inch Live Valve Internal Bypass shocks, providing exceptional off-road capability and a smooth ride. It features a wider track, increased ground clearance, and aggressive off-road tires.
Ford Terrain Management offers seven selectable drive modes, allowing you to optimize the truck's performance for various conditions. These include Baja mode for high-speed desert running and Rock Crawl mode for navigating technical obstacles.
The Chevy Colorado in Phoenix offers the Z71 and ZR2 off-road trims. As good as they are, they don't quite match the Ranger Raptor's focus on high-speed off-road performance. Its unique features make it a standout choice for serious off-road enthusiasts. 
Interior Comfort and Refinement
A modern and well-designed Ranger SuperCrew cabin offers a comfortable and functional space for both drivers and passengers. Colorado crew cabs are very similarly sized.
Ford’s technology includes a large 10.1-inch touchscreen or an available 12-inch touchscreen seamlessly integrated into the center stack. Complementing these screens, there’s either an 8-inch or 12.4-inch digital instrument display. To learn more about Ranger trim levels, check out this 2024 review.
While the 2025 Ford Ranger and 2025 Chevrolet Colorado have their differences, they share some similarities. Both trucks offer a large cab with a 5-foot bed configuration. Colorado beds have an extra 1.7 inches, but somehow the Ranger manages to pull ahead with more cargo capacity. 
2025 Truck of the Year
North American Truck of the Year is a significant accomplishment for any vehicle. The new Ford Ranger earned this honor by impressing judges in several key areas. The Ranger's powerful engines and its ability to tow and haul heavy loads demonstrate its capability for both work and play.
Judges were impressed by the Ranger's solid engineering. They noted its responsive handling and smooth ride, whether on paved roads or off-road trails.
They appreciated the Ranger's value, especially in its more affordable models that don't skimp on features. They found its modern and rugged exterior to be both stylish and functional. NACTOY judges were pleasantly surprised by the truck’s comfortable cabin and refined driving experience. The user-friendly technology and modern infotainment system stood out as a part of this well-rounded package.
Conclusion
The 2025 Ford Ranger is clearly the leader in the midsize truck segment, and its recent 2025 North American Truck of the Year award solidifies its position as a top contender. From its impressive performance and towing capacity to its refined interior and advanced technology, the Ranger offers the most compelling choice for midsize truck buyers in Phoenix, AZ.
We encourage you to visit our Phoenix area dealership to experience the 2025 Ford Ranger firsthand. Take it for a test drive and see for yourself why it's the best choice in its class. Our knowledgeable sales team is ready to answer your questions and help you find the perfect Ranger to fit your needs and lifestyle.
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Max payload/towing estimate ratings shown.
Additional options, equipment, passengers, and cargo weight may affect payload/towing weights. See dealer for details.