Ford Ranger vs Chevrolet Colorado
Questions and Answers about the New Colorado vs Ranger
There are many different people shopping for midsize trucks every day. This Colorado vs Ranger comparison attempts to answer the most common questions shoppers have about these rival midsize trucks in the new model year.
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Is the 2025 Colorado More Powerful than the 2024 Ranger?
If you look strictly at the standard engine, the Ranger is much, much more powerful than the 2025 Colorado. As such, it promises better tow ratings and better payload ratings. These numbers represent greater overall strength, a good quality in any truck.
The new Colorado has a new inline four engine that generates 237 horsepower and 260 lb-ft of torque. Car and Driver calls that engine “a raw one.”
The Ranger has the Colorado beat hands down. With 270 horses under the hood, it has a 33-horse advantage. With 310 lb-ft of torque, it has a 50 lb-ft advantage. The 10-speed automatic transmission gives it two extra gears, which adds to the Ranger’s speedy demeanor.
What about top performance engines? Ford is offering a 315-horsepower twin-turbo V6 that makes 410 lb-ft of torque. Ford Ranger Raptors have a 3L Ecoboost V6 that produces 405 horses and 430 lb-ft. The Colorado Z71 has a high-output TurboMax engine that produces 310 horsepower and 430 lb-ft of torque.
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What are the Colorado Tow Ratings Compared to the Ranger?
On the one hand, the top tow rating for the Chevy Colorado is 7,700 lbs. That’s a 200-pound advantage over the Ford Ranger with a top tow rating of 7,500 lbs.
The important difference is that you can get the Ranger tow rating with the standard engine. You don’t need the higher engine like you do with the Chevy Colorado.
In fact, the Colorado standard engine has a tow rating of 3,500 lbs. That’s an enormous 4,000-pound difference.
Furthermore, the Ranger has higher payload ratings than the Colorado. This indicates its larger bed, but also its greater strength.
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Does the Ranger Have Bed Steps Like the Colorado?
2024 is the first year for the Ranger to have bed steps. However, they are different than the Colorado’s steps. Chevrolet builds the steps into the bumper, which can be a problem if something in the bed is blocking them.
On the other hand, Ford steps are placed just ahead of the bumper, making them easier to use in more situations. Ford also places tie-downs to the rear, middle and front of the bed while Chevrolet just puts them front and rear.
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What is the Difference in Truck Size?
The 2024 Ford Ranger has a smaller curb size than the Colorado. It is about two inches shorter, making it easier to park and to maneuver.
However, the cabin sizes are very similar. The Colorado has one-tenth of an inch more second row legroom. On the other hand, the Ranger has about an inch more rear headroom.
As for the bed, Ranger beds are about three inches wider at the wheel wells, allowing you to rest 4x8 sheets of plywood between them. This greater width translates into more bed volume with the Ford beating the Chevy by about 3 cubic feet.
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What Happens in a Colorado vs Ranger Competition?
At Edmunds, they put the 310-horsepower Colorado up against the standard Ranger. In the end, they gave the nod to the Ranger. At Motor Trend, they put the two midsize trucks up against each other and came to a similar conclusion. They, too, favored the Ranger over the Colorado.
As 2024 models, both trucks currently get a 9 out of 10 at Car and Driver. Both trucks are 2024 Editors’ Choice at the magazine. You can learn more about the Ranger’s many trim levels and technologies in this new Ranger review.
Conclusion
When it comes to your automotive dollar, you’ll get a better truck when you choose the 2024 Ford Ranger.
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At this dealership, most new vehicles include the “No Bull Protection Package” which is inclusive of highly demanded premium window tint. The cost of the No Bull Protection Package is $599 at this dealership.
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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.