Ford’s Ranger, the brand’s long-running entry into the midsize truck market, has been completely redesigned for the 2024 model year. And what a redesign it is, with bold styling that’s evocative of its big brother, the F-150. However, Chevrolet’s midsize pickup, the Colorado, isn’t far behind with a complete makeover in 2023. If you’re in the market for the cargo hauling, trailer towing, off-road versatility of a pickup, but don’t need something as large as a full-size, the odds are very good that these two popular trucks are on your short list of options. So what are their individual strengths and weaknesses? Let’s dive in!
Key Takeaways
- Both trucks are configured as four-door crew cabs with short cargo beds. However, Ford is hinting that a smaller extended cab cabin with longer cargo bed is in the pipeline.
- The 2024 Ford Ranger has a maximum towing capacity of 7,500 pounds, while a properly equipped 2024 Chevy Colorado can tow 7,700 pounds.
- When it comes to payload, the Ranger can haul more weight in its bed at 1,805 pounds versus the Colorado’s 1,684 pounds payload capacity.
- Both competitors boast similar standard safety features such as automatic emergency braking, forward collision warning, lane-keep assist, and a backup camera.
Engines and fuel economy
The base engine for the 2024 Ford Ranger is a 2.3-liter four-cylinder carried over from the previous generation truck. It’s got a lot of pep for a four banger, with 270 hp and 310 lb-ft of torque. Depending on whether you opt for two-wheel or four-wheel drive on your Ranger, expect fuel economy of about 19 miles per gallon (mpg) in the city and 21 to 26 mpg on the highway.
Something new in the Ranger world is the availability of a V6, this one a 2.7-liter twin-turbocharged specimen making 315 hp and 400 lb-ft of torque. All Rangers, regardless of engine selection, get an excellent 10-speed automatic transmission.
The 2024 Chevy Colorado has slightly less variety because all three of its powertrains are based on a 2.7-liter turbocharged four-cylinder, but in three different states of tune. There the base Turbo with 237 hp and 259 lb-ft of torque, the Turbo-Plus cranking out 310 hp and 390 lb-ft, and finally, the Turbo Plus High-Output with 310 hp and 430 lb-ft of torque. All three engines are backed by an eight-speed automatic transmission.
When equipped with their respective top powertrains, the 2024 Ford Ranger and 2024 Chevy Colorado are very comparable in torque and horsepower output. However, Ford’s base engine has a considerable 33 horsepower advantage over its Chevy counterpart. Ditto for Ford’s 10 forward gears versus eight for Chevy. Advantage: Ford.
Cab and bed choices.
For now, both the Ranger and Colorado are only sold in a four-door crew cab configuration that holds five adults. There have been some cryptic comments from Ford about an extended cab model with a smaller rear seat area than the crew cab, giving that real estate over to a longer 6-foot cargo bed.
For the record, Ford does produce an extended cab Ranger in other parts of the world, but in the U.S., it’s just a rumor for now. On the other hand, Chevy isn’t shy about making clear that the short bed crew cab is the only configuration for their midsize truck.
Both trucks have approximately 5-foot long cargo beds, with the Ranger at 59.6 inches and the Colorado at 61.7 inches floor length. Looking at passenger compartment dimensions, the Colorado has a slight edge in legroom for front seat passengers, while the Ranger has a more spacious rear seat. We’re calling the cabin and cargo space as a tie.
Is one truck less expensive?
For 2024, the least expensive Ford Ranger is the rear-wheel drive XL SuperCrew at $34,265 including a mandatory $1,595 destination charge. In contrast, the high trim level LARIAT SuperCrew with four-wheel drive starts at $48,710 including destination fee.
Over in Chevy territory, a basic two-wheel drive Colorado WT (short for “work truck”) starts at $31,095 including a $1,595 destination fee. Moving up the ladder, Chevy’s off-road oriented Z71 trim level — only offered in four-wheel drive — rings in at $41,795 including destination.
Not that low price alone determines which of these two trucks is superior, but the Colorado is cheaper than the Ranger at both high and low levels of options and equipment.
So which is best?
Of course, we think that the new-for-2024 Ranger is the best midsize pickup truck, with more standard horsepower and a sophisticated 10-speed automatic transmission. But every driver has different criteria, so why not stop by and let our courteous, professional staff help you decide which is the best choice with a hands-on test drive?