Finding the perfect midsize truck can be challenging. The 2025 Ford Ranger and 2025 Chevrolet Colorado offer two excellent options, each with unique strengths, whether you’re hauling work gear, tackling off-road trails on weekends, or simply cruising around town. Our team at Jim Burke Ford compares these two models to help you decide which one fits your lifestyle best.
Overview of the 2025 Ford Ranger and 2025 Chevrolet Colorado
These trucks take distinct approaches in the midsize category. Although the Colorado sits at number two in the Midsize Pickup Trucks rankings and the Ranger holds number six, the Ford won the 2025 North American Truck of the Year award. Both are available as crew cabs with 5-foot beds. The Ranger offers excellent power and fuel efficiency with several engine options, while the Colorado focuses on strength and towing capacity. Both are perfect for weekend adventures and daily commutes.
Performance and Engine Options
The Ranger offers three engine options, while the Colorado only has one. The Colorado features a 2.7-liter TurboMax engine that produces 310 horsepower and 430 lb-ft of torque. The Ranger starts with a 2.3-liter EcoBoost engine that generates 270 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque. It also offers a 2.7-liter EcoBoost V-6 that delivers 315 horsepower and 400 lb-ft of torque, as well as a 3.0-liter EcoBoost V-6 that produces 405 horsepower and 430 lb-ft of torque.
The Colorado edges ahead with a towing capacity of 7,700 pounds compared to the Ranger’s 7,500 pounds. The Ranger wins on fuel efficiency. The rear-wheel-drive model with the 2.3-liter engine achieves 21 mpg in the city, 26 mpg on the highway, and 23 mpg combined, while four-wheel-drive versions reach 19 mpg in the city, 26 mpg on the highway, and 22 mpg combined. The Colorado gets 19 mpg in the city and 24 mpg on the highway.
Performance numbers favor the Ranger, with the Raptor able to accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in 5.3 seconds compared to the Colorado ZR2’s time of 7.3 seconds.
Interior Features and Comfort
The Colorado offers more cabin space, with 45.2 inches of legroom compared to the Ranger’s 43.2 inches, and has a wider body, measuring 78.1 inches vs. the Ford’s 75.5 inches. The Colorado’s bed measures 62 inches compared to the Ranger’s 59.6 inches, offering 42 cubic feet of cargo space with a 59-inch floor width.
The Ranger comes standard with an 8-inch digital gauge cluster and 10.1-inch center screen, with upgrade options available. The Colorado includes a standard 11.3-inch center screen and an 11-inch digital dash display. Both trucks offer wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, as well as SiriusXM and Google services. Higher Ranger trims include leather-trimmed heated seats and a Bang & Olufsen sound system, while the Colorado offers comfort upgrades across its lineup. Both trucks feature various smart storage solutions.
Safety and Technology
Both trucks offer several advanced safety features. The Ford Ranger is equipped with the Co-Pilot360 system, which includes precollision assist with automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, lane-keep assist, and adaptive cruise control. Optional extras include a 360-degree camera, parking sensors, and automatic high-beam headlights. The Colorado features forward collision alert, lane departure warning, and rear park assist, with adaptive cruise control available on higher trims.
Both trucks offer excellent connectivity. The Ranger provides an optional 12-inch touch screen with SYNC 4A, featuring wireless phone connections, live navigation with traffic and weather updates, and a 4G LTE hot spot that supports up to 10 devices. The Colorado’s 11-inch screen includes wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Google built-in, and Bluetooth.
Pricing and Value
The Colorado’s base WT trim starts at $31,900, compared to the Ranger’s XL model at $33,330, making the Chevrolet a better value if you’re watching your budget. The rest of the Ford Ranger lineup includes the XLT at $35,845, the Lariat at $44,115, and the Raptor at $56,070. In addition to the WT model, Chevy offers the LT, Trail Boss, Z71, and ZR2 trims with starting MSRPs of $35,800, $39,900, $43,900, and $49,600, respectively. Each trim is designed to meet various requirements — from basic work trucks to upscale daily drivers and serious off-road vehicles.
Final Verdict and Recommendation
The Colorado excels in power, towing capacity, and interior space. The Ranger offers superior fuel efficiency, multiple engine options, and recognition as the North American Truck of the Year. Ford earned three Kelley Blue Book Best Resale Value Awards in 2024. With better fuel economy, more options, stronger reliability, and industry awards, the Ranger is the smarter choice for most buyers.
Discover Your Perfect Midsize Truck at Jim Burke Ford
The 2025 Ford Ranger stands out with its blend of award-winning design, fuel efficiency, engine variety, and history of reliability. While the Colorado offers more towing power and cabin space, the Ranger excels in more practical areas. If you’re in Bakersfield, California, we invite you to visit Jim Burke Ford to experience the latest Ford Ranger firsthand. Our friendly team will walk you through the latest Ranger’s exceptional features, help you explore your financing options and answer any questions you may have. Contact us today to schedule a test-drive.
