Ford Ranger vs. Chevy Colorado: What’s The Difference?
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The Ford Ranger and Chevy Colorado have been rivals for a long time, and it’s not hard to see why. They both offer plenty of interesting features in the midsize segment. Both have their own advantages and disadvantages. Where one falls short, the other gains. The vice versa is also true in some areas.
If you’re wondering which truck to pick, below is a comprehensive comparison of Ford Ranger vs. Chevy Colorado. It will help you choose the best model that meets your needs. We’ll provide a complete breakdown of the differences.
Ford Ranger vs. Chevy Colorado Comparison
Ford Ranger vs. Chevy Colorado: Engine and Towing Capacity
Engine and powertrain options vary widely between the Ford Ranger and the Chevy Colorado. The former keeps it simple with only one engine option – a 2.3-liter EcoBoost that comes linked to a 10-speed automatic transmission.
It produces 290 horsepower and 310 pound-feet of torque, and you get to pick either 2WD or 4WD. The Ranger can tow a maximum of 7,500 pounds thanks to its exclusive tow package.
Chevrolet gives buyers a lot more to choose from when it comes to the Colorado. You get three engine options - a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine that produces 200 horsepower and 191 pound-feet of torque, a 3.6-liter V6 that churns 308 horsepower, and 275 pound-feet of torque, and a 2.8-liter diesel version that makes 181 horsepower and 369 pound-feet of torque.
All engines are available with either 2WD or 4WD. The 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine and the 2.8-liter diesel engines are linked to a six-speed automatic transmission. The large 3.6-liter V6 comes with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The towing capacity changes depending on the engine you pick.
The base model can tow up to 3,500 pounds, while the V6 can tow up to 7,000 pounds. The more powerful Duramax turbodiesel tops it up at a maximum towing capacity of 7,700 pounds.
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Ford Ranger vs. Chevy Colorado: Cabin and Cargo Space
Both trucks don’t offer much when it comes to cabin space. The Ranger has 39.8 inches of headroom. This reduces to 38.3 inches in the rear if you go for the SuperCrew. The SuperCab performs even worse, offering just 35.9 inches. Anyone taller than 6 feet will have a hard time fitting in any Ford Ranger.
The Colorado outperforms the Ranger with 41.4 inches of headroom at the front and 38.3 inches in the rear. Legroom comes at an adequate 45 inches at the front and 35.8 inches at the rear. The extended cab configuration offers 28.6 inches of legroom by contrast. Larger adults will definitely feel more comfortable in the Chevy Colorado.
When it comes to cargo space, the Ranger offers 43.3 cubic feet in the SuperCrew option and 51.8 cubic feet in the SuperCab. The Colorado, on the other hand, offers 41.3 cubic feet in the shorter bed and 49.9 cubic feet in the crew cab and extended configurations.
Ford Ranger vs. Chevy Colorado: Tech and Infotainment
The Ford Ranger is available in XL, XLT, and Lariat trims. A “productivity screen” measuring 2.3 inches comes as standard on all three alongside 4G Wi-Fi. Options include a SYNC 3 system and an appearance package that costs $3,225.
The XLT and Lariat trims offer the SYNC 3 system, climate control, and Ford Co-pilot360 cruise control as standard. These are optional in the XL. Options for the XLT include power-adjustable driver and passenger perches that cost $2,450. The Lariat offers more with the option of the B&O sound system and the Trailer Tow package at an extra cost.
The Chevrolet Colorado is available in Work Truck (WT), LT, Z71, and ZR2 trims. Its technological features make those of the Ranger look quite basic. For starters, you get a seven-inch touchscreen as part of the infotainment system. Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, and four-way power-adjustable drive perch come as standard in the base trims.
Automatic climate control comes as standard in the Z71 and higher models but as an option in the LT trim. It’s important to note that it is not available for the base WT model. Also, all but the WT have an eight-inch touchscreen and are Wi-Fi enabled.
The LT offers a six-way power-adjustable driver’s seat, while the ZR2 is the only model that provides a four-way power-adjustable passenger seat. If you want an additional 4.3-inch digital screen as part of your instrument cluster, go for the Z71 and ZR2 trims.
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Ford Ranger vs. Chevy Colorado: Fuel Economy
Since the Ford Ranger only offers one powertrain option, the fuel economy estimates are pretty straightforward. The 2WD version is rated at 21 mpg in city driving, 26 mpg in highway driving, and 23 mpg combined. The 4WD version is rated at 20 mpg city, 24 mpg highway, and 22 mpg combined driving.
The 2WD 2.5-liter Colorado gives 19 mpg in city driving and 25 mpg on the highway. The 4WD version offers the same in city driving and drops one mpg in highway driving. The 2WD V6 version is rated at 18 mpg city driving, 25 mpg highway driving. This changes to 17 and 24 mpg in the 4WD.
The diesel Colorado is the most efficient vehicle in the lineup. It is estimated at 20 mpg in the city and 30 mpg in highway driving. The 4WD version manages 19 and 28 mpg. The ZR2 trim, which is available only in 4WD and is the most capable Colorado model, makes 18 and 22 mpg in the diesel option and 16 and 18 mpg when powered by the 3.6-liter V6.
Ford Ranger vs. Chevy Colorado: Safety
The Ranger gains an advantage over the Chevy Colorado when it comes to safety. It has a host of safety features, including a standard Pre-Collision Assist with Auto Emergency braking and pedestrian detection. Additionally, buyers get Dynamic Brake Support and Forward Collision Warning at no extra cost. The XLT and higher models offer rear cross-traffic alert and blind-spot detection as standard.
The Chevrolet Colorado offers basic features like traction control, ABS, reversing camera, and airbags as standard. Features such as Lane Departure Warning and Forward Collision-Avoidance are options on the LT and higher trims. Here, the Ranger has more to offer.
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Verdict: Ford Ranger vs. Chevy Colorado
The Ford Ranger starts at $26,660 for the base trim. Price goes to as high as $34,750 for the highest trim without any options. The Colorado, on the other hand, starts from 29,780 for the base model and goes to as high as $44,395 for the ZR2.
Both vehicles are well-equipped to meet most of your daily needs. However, the Colorado is more diverse and presents more options to choose from. It has more interior features, a higher maximum towing capacity, and better off-road performance. You can pick the Ranger if you don’t mind foregoing that for improved safety and a higher hauling capability.
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