Vehicles in the midsize truck segment are in close competition to come out on top as the vehicle with the best fuel efficiency, capability, and affordability. Two trucks that are top competitors in the midsize truck segment are the 2024 Chevy Colorado and the 2024 Ford Ranger. These two trucks offer impressive features and designs making them close competitors. To decide which truck is best for you we will look at each of their features and capabilities.
Key Takeaways:
- The 2024 Ford Ranger comes out ahead of the Chevy Colorado in base horsepower because of the variety of engine options offered. However, the Chevy Colorado shines when it comes to muscular towing capability. It can haul up to an impressive 7,700 pounds while the Ranger can haul up to 7,500.
- When it comes to fuel economy, the Ford Ranger’s rating is 21 mpg in the city and 25 mpg on the highway while the Chevy Colorado’s is 20 mpg in the city and 25 mpg on the highway.
- The Colorado ZR2 and the Ranger Raptor have off-road features such as increased ground clearance, locking differentials, and skid plates.
- The Chevy Colorado has a standard 11.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system equipped with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The Ford Ranger’s infotainment system is a standard 10.2-inch infotainment system that is slightly smaller and a little less intuitive.
- The 2024 Chevy Colorado starts at a slightly lower MSRP than the Ford Ranger which could potentially offer buyers looking for an off-road vehicle better value.
2024 Chevy Colorado Performance vs. 2024 Ford Ranger Performance
To determine which truck has better performance, it is important to evaluate the vehicle’s engine. The Chevy Colorado has the choice between two turbocharged engine options. The first option is a 2.7-liter four-cylinder engine that is 237 horsepower and has 260 lb-ft of torque. The second option is a 2.7-liter TurboMax with an impressive 310 horsepower and 430 lb-ft of torque.
Each of these engines comes with an 8-speed automatic transmission. Like the Chevy Colorado, the Ford Ranger also has two different engine options. The first engine for the Ranger is a 2.3-liter EcoBoost turbocharged four-cylinder engine. This engine generates 270 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque. The second engine is a 2.7-liter twin-turbocharged V6 engine that is 315 horsepower and produces 400 lb-ft of torque. Both of these engines come with a 10-speed automatic transmission.
The Ford Ranger also offers a special engine that is made just for the Ranger Raptor. This engine is a 3.0-liter twin-turbocharged V6 engine with the highest horsepower and torque of all the engines coming in at 405 and 430 lb-ft respectively. However, this engine comes at a premium price and puts the buyer at a higher price point than the Chevy Colorado.
If the buyer is looking at just horsepower, the Ranger comes out ahead of the Colorado. However, Reviewers of the Chevy Colorado praised it for its muscular towing capability. The Chevy Colorado can haul up to 7,700 pounds while the Ranger has the ability to haul up to 7,500 pounds.
Both trucks offer almost equally good fuel efficiency for the midsize truck segment. The Chevy Colorado can get up to 20 mpg in the city and 25 mpg on the highway. The Ranger had only marginally better fuel economy in the city and got up to 21 mpg. On the highway, the Ranger was equal to the Colorado and got up to 25 mpg.
When it comes to driving dynamics, the Chevy Colorado offers an arguably better user experience. The Colorado’s well-weighted steering and composed handling give it a more car-like feel. On the other hand, the Ranger prioritizes stability and providing a comfortable ride. Some buyers might find this to be less exciting than the driving dynamics of the Colorado.
How do the off-road capabilities of the 2024 Chevy Colorado and Ford Ranger compare?
The Colorado and Ranger offer great off-road trim packages for buyers seeking off-road adventure. The Colorado ZR2 comes with features such as a suspension system that has increased ground clearance, locking differentials, and a skid plate that makes it a force to be reckoned with on challenging terrain. The Ranger Raptor has many similar features and even some superior ones that make it an equally capable off-road vehicle. However, given that both of these trucks have very similar features, some buyers find the Colorado’s price point to be a better bang for their buck. The Colorado’s setup starts at a lower $48,395 while the Ranger Raptor starts at $55,470.
What are the interior features of the 2024 Chevy Colorado and Ford Ranger?
We will now open the doors and take a look at the inside of these two vehicles. The Chevy Colorado offers a more driver-oriented cabin. The seating options are either a comfortable cloth or leather depending on the trim level. The Colorado’s infotainment system is a responsive, user-friendly, standard 11.3-inch touchscreen. The infotainment system is equipped with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
Compared to the Colorado, the Ranger’s interior has a more modern design with upscale materials in higher trims. However, the Ranger’s infotainment system is a slightly smaller standard 10.1-inch touchscreen. While the Ranger’s infotainment system also offers Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, it can be less user-friendly than the Colorado’s infotainment system. Despite these differences, both trucks offer a comprehensive range of driver-assistance features like automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, and blind-spot monitoring.
What is the cost of the 2024 Chevy Colorado and the 2024 Ford Ranger?
Cost is the ultimate deciding factor for many buyers so let’s look at the price difference in these two vehicles. The Colorado’s MSRP for the base model is $29,200 which is a little lower than the Ranger’s MSRP of $32,670 for the base model. However, the Colorado’s higher towing capacity could be the deciding factor for some buyers which could justify the price difference for higher Colorado trims. Ultimately, what a buyer is willing to pay comes down to his or her needs and priorities.
Should I buy the 2024 Chevy Colorado or the 2024 Ford Ranger?
Choosing between buying the 2024 Chevy Colorado and the 2024 Ford Ranger comes down to what you prioritize. The Chevy Colorado is a good choice for those looking for good driving dynamics, towing ability, and off-roading capabilities.
The Ford Ranger shines when it comes to riding comfortability, having a more modern interior, and a powerful engine selection. It is a good option for buyers looking for a good blend of on-road comfort and off-road capability.
Summary
The best way to decide which of these midsize trucks is right for you is to test drive each truck to experience them for yourself. Here at Burlington we have several Colorados in stock. Stop by for a test drive and we’ll help you decide which one is best for you.