The Battle of Midsize Trucks: The Chevy Colorado vs the Ford Ranger

Trucks are one of the most popular auto market segments. Buyers flock to pickups for their durability, strength, and power. However, full-size trucks can be larger than many people are comfortable driving. This is where midsize trucks fall into place; they are smaller and more manageable than their larger counterparts, so they appeal to a broader audience. Midsize trucks are known to be more fuel-efficient, practical, versatile, and affordable than bigger options. It’s for these reasons and more that many buyers choose them.

The Ranger and the Colorado are two of the most popular midsize trucks on the market today. Both offer impressive perks, making it hard to decide between them. And with the latest release for both, comparing the 2025 Chevy Colorado vs 2025 Ford Ranger has never been more important. So, if you’re on the fence about these two capable trucks, let this guide show you which one may better fit your needs.

Performance and Technology

Both trucks have plenty to offer for performance and features, but how do they stack up when compared? For starters, all 2025 Colorado trims are equipped with a 2.7L TurboMax engine that boasts 310 hp and 430 lb-ft of torque. In comparison, Ford offers three different engine options. The Ranger’s three trims have either a 2.3L EcoBoost Turbo I-4 with 270 hp and 310 lb-ft of torque or a 2.7L EcoBoost Turbo V6 with 315 hp and 400 lb-ft of torque. The Ranger’s Raptor variant, meanwhile, has a 3.0L EcoBoost Turbo V6 with 405 hp and 430 lb-ft of torque.

The 2025 Ford Ranger and 2025 Chevy Colorado receive high marks for fuel efficiency. The Colorado gets a best fuel economy of 20 MPG in the city and 24 MPG on the highway, while the Ranger boasts a best fuel economy of 21 MPG in the city and 25 MPG on the highway.

Each truck comes with its own set of protective features. The Ranger comes with Ford Co-Pilot360, a safety suite that includes pre-collision assist with automatic emergency braking, a blind spot information system with cross-traffic alert, a lane-keeping system, a rearview camera, and auto high-beam headlamps. The Colorado’s safety suite, Chevy Safety Assist, includes automatic emergency braking, front pedestrian braking, lane keep assist with lane departure warning, forward collision alert, IntelliBeam, and a following distance indicator.

Convenience is another huge selling point for buyers. When it comes to technology features, both trucks have plenty to offer. The Colorado boasts impressive inclusions like an 11.3-inch touchscreen, which makes it easy to access everything you need. You’ll also enjoy standard Google Built-In, along with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

In comparison, the Ford Ranger has a SYNC 4A infotainment interface on a 10-inch or 12-inch touchscreen, allowing you to check texts, change music, and make phone calls verbally, helping you stay focused behind the wheel. The Ranger also includes connected navigation, allowing you to continue using your maps even if cellular service isn’t available at your current location.

Prices and Trim Levels

One of the first things shoppers look for in their next truck is the price tag. While a vehicle with all the bells and whistles is undoubtedly appealing, it may be passed up for a more affordable option if the price is too high.

For these two midsize trucks, the cost is fairly comparable. The 2025 Chevy Colorado comes in at a starting price of $31,900, and the 2025 Ford Ranger begins at $32,980. With hardly $1k between them, it’s clear both vehicles are affordable. However, if keeping costs as low as possible is your main concern, you might prefer to go with the Colorado.

Almost every car sold today comes with multiple trims, though, so buyers can choose whether to save money or spend a little extra for upgraded features. Both the Colorado and the Ranger have multiple trim options, ranging from highly affordable to somewhat pricey, depending on your budget.

The Chevy Colorado comes in five impressive trims. The Colorado’s base WT trim is affordable at $31,900 but still has plenty of features. It has 17-inch ultra-silver metallic wheels with all-season tires and an 11-inch driver information center. The LT is second in line, starting at $35,800. This trim includes 17-inch argent metallic wheels with all-season tires, an EZ lift and lower tailgate with built-in StowFlex storage, and remote start with keyless open and start.

A trim for those who enjoy the great outdoors, the Trail Boss begins at $39,800 and is ready to hit some challenging terrain. Its features include 18-inch wheels with 32-inch all-terrain tires, a two-inch factory-installed lift, four selectable drive modes, an off-road performance display, and a two-speed auto transfer case and transfer case shield. Another trim built for adventure, the Z71, starts at $43,800 and has some extra features compared to the Trail Boss. This one has a black interior with adrenaline-red accents and LED headlamps, taillights, and fog lamps.

The final option in Colorado’s lineup is the ZR2, starting at $49,600. If you want to take the road less traveled but want to do so in comfort, enjoy this trim with features like 17-inch wheels with 33-inch mud-terrain tires, a three-inch factory-installed lift with a high-performance suspension, multimatic DSSV dampers, five selectable drive modes, and an off-road performance display.

The Ford Ranger, in comparison, has three trims and one variant. Ford’s base XL trim begins at $32,980 and comes with an STX Appearance Package, LED reflector headlamps, automatic high beams, 17-inch wheels with all-terrain tires, remote keyless entry, and a remote tailgate lock. Next in the Ranger’s lineup is the XLT, starting at $36,010; with this one, you will enjoy features like the Sport Appearance Package with 17-inch gray-painted aluminum wheels, LED bed lighting, a wireless charging pad, and power-folding side-view mirrors.

Ford’s luxurious Lariat trim starts at $43,780. This trim offers upgraded features like the Sport Appearance Package, which includes 18-inch machined aluminum wheels with dark pockets, LED projector headlamps, a power sliding rear window, zone lighting, and leather-trimmed front seats with heating and driver memory settings.

Made for uncharted terrain, the Raptor variant begins at $55,720. It has rugged features like 2.5-inch FOX Racing shocks with live valve technology, Watts-Link rear suspension, locking front and rear axles, and MyMode, which allows you to customize your driving preferences.

Two Impressive Midsize Trucks

When it comes down to it, both the 2025 Chevy Colorado and the 2025 Ford Ranger have plenty to offer buyers. Each truck has a long list of highly appealing perks, so your preference will play a large part in which midsize truck you choose.

The Colorado is an incredible midsize pickup that boasts five different trims, each with its own long list of features. Buyers will also love the inclusion of Chevy Safety Assist, a tech suite that reinforces your awareness and helps you avoid collisions, as well as Google Built-In. The Ranger is no slacker, either; buyers will be thoroughly impressed by its fantastic trims and variants, Ford Co-Pilot360, SYNC 4A, and so on.

With such a comparison breakdown, it’s never been easier to comb through the details to decide which model better fits your needs. No matter which midsize truck you choose, however, there is one thing for sure: you will be thrilled with your new pickup!