Chevy Colorado vs Ford Ranger

Comparison:

The 2023 Ford Ranger and the 2023 Chevy Colorado are two of the most anticipated mid-size trucks in the US market. Both have their strengths and weaknesses, and choosing between them can be a tough call. But let's start by highlighting three ways each truck stands out.

Ford Ranger: The Pros

1. Smooth Powertrain: The Ranger comes with a 270-hp turbocharged inline-four and 10-speed automatic transmission, providing a smooth and powerful driving experience.
2. Towing Capacity: With a maximum towing capacity of 7500 pounds, the Ranger is a strong contender in the mid-size pickup segment.
3. Off-Road Packages: The Ranger offers a variety of light off-road packages, including the Tremor equipment package, providing versatility for off-road enthusiasts.

Chevy Colorado: The Pros

1. Improved Powertrain: The Colorado is powered by a turbocharged 2.7-liter inline-four engine with horsepower varying from a 237-hp base engine to a high-output 310 horsepower version, offering a range of power options.
2. Interior Upgrade: The 2023 model sees a significant improvement in the interior, including a large 11.3-inch infotainment touchscreen as standard equipment.
3. Towing Capacity: The Colorado offers the most towing in the mid-size pickup segment, with a max capacity of 7700 pounds.

Powertrains

Ford Ranger

Under the hood of the Ford Ranger, you'll find a turbocharged 2.3-liter four-cylinder engine that generates 270 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque. This powertrain is paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission. Rear-wheel drive is standard, but four-wheel drive is available.

Chevy Colorado

The Colorado is powered by a turbocharged 2.7-liter inline-four engine. Horsepower and torque vary depending on trim level from a 237-hp base engine, up to the ZR2's high-output 310 horsepower version with a muscular 430 pound-feet of torque. An eight-speed automatic serves as the transmission for all Colorados.

Exterior Dimensions

Ford Ranger

The Ranger can be ordered as either a two-door SuperCab with a six-foot bed or a four-door SuperCrew with a five-foot bed. Its dimensions are as follows:

• Wheelbase: 126.8 in
• Length: 210.8 in
• Width: 73.3 in
• Height: 73.2 in

Chevy Colorado

The Colorado is sold as a crew cab with a bed that measures 5-foot 2-inch long. Its dimensions are:

• Wheelbase: 131.4 in
• Length: 212.7-213.2 in
• Width: 74.9-76.3 in
• Height: 70.7-71.9 in

Safety Ratings and Features

Both the Ranger and the Colorado come with a suite of safety features. The Ranger comes standard with forward-collision warning and automated emergency braking. The Colorado, as part of its standard Chevy Safety Assist package, includes forward-collision warning, automated emergency braking, lane-departure warning, and lane-keeping assist.

Cost

The Colorado's pricing starts at $33,995 for the base WT trim and goes up to $48,295 for the high-performance ZR2 trim.

Meanwhile, the Ranger starts at $27,400 for a base 2WD XL model and goes up to $40,945 for a 4WD Lariat version before options.

EPA Fuel Economy

The 2023 Ford Ranger and the 2023 Chevy Colorado both offer competitive fuel economy figures for the mid-size truck segment. According to the EPA, the 2WD versions of both trucks achieve a combined 22 MPG. The 4WD versions of both trucks achieve a combined 21 MPG.

Here's a more detailed breakdown:

2023 Ford Ranger 2WD

• Combined MPG: 22
• City MPG: 20
• Highway MPG: 26

2023 Chevrolet Colorado 2WD

• Combined MPG: 22
• City MPG: 20
• Highway MPG: 25

2023 Ford Ranger 4WD

• Combined MPG: 21
• City MPG: 19
• Highway MPG: 24

2023 Chevrolet Colorado 4WD

• Combined MPG: 21
• City MPG: 19
• Highway MPG: 23

These figures represent a balance between performance and efficiency, making both trucks a viable option for those who need the utility of a pickup without sacrificing too much at the pump.

Competition

The mid-size truck market is a fiercely competitive one, with several strong contenders vying for the top spot. The Toyota Tacoma, Honda Ridgeline, and Nissan Frontier are among the key competitors for both the Ford Ranger and the Chevy Colorado. The Tacoma is known for its off-road prowess and reliability, while the Ridgeline offers a comfortable ride and innovative features. The Frontier, on the other hand, offers a good balance of power, comfort, and affordability.

Trim Levels

Ford Ranger

The Ford Ranger is available in three main trim levels: XL, XLT, and Lariat. Each trim level offers a variety of packages and options, allowing buyers to customize their truck to their liking. The Ranger also offers the Tremor Off-Road package, which includes upgraded suspension and off-road tires for enhanced off-road capability.

Chevy Colorado

The Colorado is available in several trims, including the base WT, LT, off-road-oriented Trail Boss, Z71, and the high-performance ZR2. The ZR2 trim stands out with its 10.7-inches of ground clearance, 33-inch tires, and advanced off-road features. The Trail Boss trim is a more budget-friendly off-road option, offering 32-inch all-terrain tires and additional suspension travel compared to the standard trims.

Tech Features

Both the Ranger and the Colorado come with a host of tech features, including Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility. The Ranger features an 8.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system, while the Colorado boasts a larger 11.3-inch infotainment touchscreen as standard equipment.

Autolist's Take

Choosing between the 2023 Ford Ranger and the 2023 Chevy Colorado is no easy task. Both trucks offer a compelling mix of power, capability, and features. However, if we had to pick, we'd lean towards the Chevy Colorado. The Colorado's improved powertrain, larger infotainment screen, and superior towing capacity give it a slight edge over the Ranger. However, the Ranger remains a strong contender, especially for those who prioritize off-road capability and a smooth powertrain. As always, we recommend test-driving both trucks to see which one best fits your needs and preferences.