Which Midsize Truck Is for You: The 2024 Chevy Colorado or Ford Ranger?
In the world of midsize trucks, two models have made their mark on drivers: The Chevy Colorado and the Ford Ranger. When you’re looking for a Ford Ranger or a Chevy Colorado for sale, it’s good to know where these competitors stand so you can make the best choice for your dollar. Maybe you’re a loyal Chevy driver but keep hearing about the Ranger, or maybe the Colorado has caught your eye and you’re thinking about upgrading. The choice might not be easy, but knowing your trucks can help streamline the process.
Choosing between the latest Chevy and Ford midsize models isn’t going to be just about picking a truck to drive; it’s about selecting the right match for your overall lifestyle. Whether you’ve got some wanderlust and you’re looking for adventure or a commuter and part of a busy family that needs a practical ride for weekly errands, your choice of truck hinges on multiple factors. From performance and towing to comfort and tech, every part of the truck plays an important part in determining which model rules the midsize truck market.
We’ve collected some of the main highlights of the 2024 Chevy Colorado and the Ford Ranger for easy comparison. Taking the time to dissect both models’ strengths, weaknesses, and everything in between will help guide you toward the perfect truck that meets all of your life’s driving needs.
Time to Rev Up: What Drives These Models?
We want to keep things simple and know what drives these trucks so that we get the right level of power and performance that our life requires. So, let’s start by looking at the latest 2024 Chevy Colorado. What’s going on under the hood?
The Chevy Colorado has two engines lined up to impress drivers this year. The base model features a 237 hp 2.7L turbocharged I-4. Drivers get an upgrade when they go for higher-performing models that come equipped with a 310 hp 2.7L TurboMax I-4. The Chevy TurboMax engines excel at delivering a quiet and long-lasting performance. Chevy changed things up this year, dropping one engine choice from its previous lineup and rebranding the engines with the new TurboMax name.
The Ford Ranger comes with three EcoBoost engine choices for 2024. The base engine is a 2.3L turbocharged EcoBoost I-4 that offers 270 hp and 310 lb-ft of torque. The available 2.7L EcoBoost V6 will give you 315 hp and 400 lb-ft of torque, while those looking for more can take advantage of the available 3.0L EcoBoost V6 that produces an impressive 405 hp and 430 lb-ft.
Both trucks have the perk of selectable Drive Modes that allow you to pick the ideal performance level for your truck. This feature comes in particularly handy when you’re switching from pavement to gravel to muddy trails.
The Chevy Colorado can be equipped with up to five Drive Modes to help you take on the challenges of any adventure.
- Off-Road Mode helps you get a grip when bumping over rocky, grassy, or less-than-optimal terrain.
- Terrain Mode is ideal for uneven conditions like hills, mountains, and dunes. It works with your brakes to help you tackle hills efficiently with less stress on your gears.
- Normal Mode is your truck’s standard mode. Perfect for running around town and getting the basics done.
- Tow/Haul Mode does just what it implies: it helps your Colorado reach its trailering potential.
- Baja Mode is limited to the ZR2, a model enhanced for serious off-roading. Baja Mode helps you stay in control when you’re treading sandy, slippery conditions.
The 2024 Ford Ranger does a good job of offering five available Drive Modes that can be selected with the simple push of a button when the driving situation calls for it. For the most part, the Ranger’s modes overlap Colorado’s, with the midsize Ford offering Normal and Tow/Haul while also delivering Sport Mode for enhanced control, Eco Mode for a more efficient ride, plus Slippery Mode that helps you gain traction on icy or sandy terrain.
Despite being midsize trucks, both brands offer tough off-road-ready models that boast high performance and plenty of thrills for drivers. The Colorado has the ZR2 Bison that holds the best-in-class titles for ground clearance, breakover angle, and underbody protection, plus offers the largest tires in its class (35-inch tires, in case you were wondering). As for the Ranger, the aptly named Raptor model holds bragging rights to best-in-class torque and horsepower at 430 lb-ft of torque and 405 horsepower, ready and waiting to impress. Both models are decked out with advanced cameras and safety features to deliver an unforgettable ride for drivers looking to achieve performance beyond the everyday.
Convenience Inside And Out
Drivers look for many things when considering a new truck, but two of the most important are the function of the bed and tailgate, plus a smart interior with user-friendly tech, plenty of modern creature comforts, and storage. Trucks have come a long way from the bare-bones work truck and now feature trim models that offer all the essentials, upscale models with plush comfort packages, and extras like wireless tech to make driving easier and more relaxing than ever.
The Chevy Colorado is known for its balanced performance and comfort features. It was even named Edmunds Top Rated Truck for 2024, meaning whether it is tech, an airy cabin, or performance, the Colorado is a powerhouse of value. For this year, the model was designed with an eye for detail. The 4-door Crew Cab features a spacious interior with ample head and leg room, practical styling, and perfectly placed tech for easy access. The available 11-inch Driver Information Center is a segment-first feature that can be loaded up with the latest driver assist tech and connectivity features for a customized experience.
Google Built-In delivers a familiar face to the Colorado making it easier for drivers to access the truck’s menus and go hands-free. Drivers can also give themselves an extra set of eyes with the segment-first available underbody cameras, which can really come in handy when you’re heading over questionable terrain. Additional camera views and wireless charging are available to enhance your daily drive.
As for connecting with the Ford Ranger, drivers get access using the SYNC 4A system instead of Google Built-In, along with FordPass Connect. The SYNC 4A system lets drivers sync their lives with their vehicle, whether it’s locating favorite playlists or getting updated navigation; the voice-activated systems allow you to stay in the loop when you’re traveling. You also get plenty of options to upgrade with tech, like a 360-degree camera and available wireless charging.
Where the Chevy Colorado really shines is its bed and tailgate. Chevy put some serious thought into designing a fully functional exterior that makes it easy for drivers to load up gear, keep cargo safe during transport, and ensure you stay organized and on top of things. The Colorado delivers best-in-class functionality thanks to its built-in bed lighting, power outlet, and 17 best-in-class tie-downs to secure cargo in place.
But the Colorado doesn’t stop at the tailgate; instead, it enhances it, using every bit of space. The 2024 features the first-in-class available StowFlex Tailgate with a lockage storage compartment that can double as a cooler and a storage box. The Ford Ranger does its best to keep up with LED bed lighting, mounted tie-downs, and a rear cargo box for tools, gear, or extras. The tailgate, though, is your classic flat-open gate. It’s nothing to write home about, but it does do its job.
Find the Best Truck for Your Needs From the Comfort of Home
What will it be, the Chevy Colorado or the Ford Ranger? When you look at the overview, we find it tough to go past the midsize Colorado. Not only does it have a lower starting price of $29,500 vs the Ranger’s $32,670, but it’s loaded with best-in-class and class-exclusive features that make it a great investment for budget-minded drivers wanting the most bang for their buck.[a]
The Ford Ranger really shines when it comes to its horsepower and torque, while the Colorado is a little more modest. However, it is worth noting that when it comes to towing, the Chevy pulls ahead with 7,700 lbs of max towing abilities compared to Ford’s 7,500 lbs, so it is safe to say that both trucks have their strong suits. On the inside, tech is key, and both models offer plenty, so we feel they are evenly matched in connectivity. However, on the outside, Colorado leaves the Ranger in the dust when comparing truck beds and tailgates.
What can we say? The Colorado impresses without really trying. But that’s just us, and you have your own unique needs. So, what are you looking for? Aggressive horsepower for off-roading or daily practicality? Whichever model you’re looking for, you’ll find it in our massive online inventory that covers the entire country. Online.cars is here to change the way you shop for your next truck. Forget about those inconvenient trips to your local dealerships only to come back empty-handed. With Online.cars, you can search for the perfect truck from the comfort of your home or office. Log in today and let us show you an easier, stress-free way to discover your next truck.
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