New & Used: 9673 Kings Auto Mall Road, Cincinnati, OH 45249
Used: 435 E Galbraith Rd. Cincinnati, OH 45215
Sales:
(513) 741-1111
Service:
(513) 697-5200
Starting at
Starting at
| 430 | Torque (lb-ft): | 430 |
| 7,700 | Max. Towing (lbs): | 7,500 |
| 11.3 | Base Infotainment (in): | 10.1 |
Americans are passionate about their trucks, relying on these road warriors to double as partners for work and adventure. Automakers like Chevrolet and Ford recognize and share this passion, designing best-selling trucks that accommodate our needs and exceed our expectations. It’s an approach that makes shopping for a midsize marvel exciting and rewarding because it slates icons like the 2024 Chevy Colorado vs 2024 Ford Ranger.
Chevrolet and Ford are revered automotive pioneers credited with shaping the American landscape since the 1900s. Over the last century, these automakers have proven that trucks can offer more than their utilitarian predecessors and deliver the luxury, innovation, and capability we deserve as we navigate the ever-evolving demands of the road and life itself. So, while these automakers take a similar approach in designing the Colorado and Ranger, what differentiates their trucks? Which model reaches the finish line first in the midsize race?
Your search for the perfect midsize model might have started with the 2024 Ford Ranger, but we guarantee a closer look at the 2024 Chevy Colorado will inspire a change of heart. The 2024 Ranger is attractive, with a starting price of $32,670, but its packaging leaves much to be desired when you consider everything Chevrolet offers with the budget-friendly Colorado. With a starting price of $29,500 for 2024, the Colorado provides exceptional value that can’t be ignored.[a] After all, the Colorado has the awards to prove it, including Motor Trend's coveted Truck of the Year title.
So, what are the biggest differences between the 2024 Chevy Colorado and the 2024 Ford Ranger? How does Chevrolet put your hard-earned money to work with its midsize road warrior? It’s time to find out as we compare two of the most popular and hardest-working midsize trucks in the industry today.
The 2024 Ranger capitalizes on Ford’s reputation and asks drivers to pay more for less because of the Blue Oval name. The Ranger starts at $32,670 for the entry-level XL, but this higher price tag doesn’t get you much. Instead, the Ranger XL is a gateway model, with its standard 10.0-inch center display, LED headlamps, and 2.3L EcoBoost engine. Its no-frills design leaves much to be desired, with Ford requiring you to spend more on options like the STX Appearance Package or Trailer Tow Package to give the truck more personality and the capability expected of a Ford.
Fortunately, Chevrolet doesn’t require as much and offers more for less with the 2024 Colorado. The WT (Work Truck) starts the lineup, rolling off Chevrolet’s production line with a 2.7L turbocharged engine under its hood. It also has a larger center display, measuring 11.3 inches and featuring Google Built-In technology. The center touchscreen complements the expansive 11.0-inch Driver Information Center, with both screens offering a host of active and passive features that stretch from connectivity to driver assistance tools.
The Colorado WT sets the benchmark for the rest of the fleet, which includes the LT, Trail Boss, Z71, and ZR2. Alternatively, the Ranger’s 2024 lineup consists of the XLT, Lariat, and Raptor, each of which significantly increases in price as you add various packages and features that Chevrolet includes with the Colorado. For example, investing in an off-road warrior that can satiate every need for adventure will force you to dig deeper into your pockets in the Ford lineup. The Ranger Raptor’s starting price is north of $55,000, while Chevrolet keeps its iconic ZR2 far more affordable at around $46,000.[a]
Beyond maximizing your investment by offering more value-packed trims, Chevrolet gives you more opportunities to bring your midsize truck dreams to life. With Ford, adventurers with a penchant for speed are limited to the high-end Ranger Raptor, but Chevrolet appeals to more drivers and budgets. The Colorado ZR2 offers the legendary capability of the ZR2 name and is budget-friendly, while the ZR2 Bison ups the ante with more off-road components that showcase Chevrolet’s collaboration with American Expedition Vehicles.
The 2024 Ranger and 2024 Colorado are well-designed to handle various demands, whether tackling DIY projects around the house, running errands across town, or hauling equipment between job sites. There’s no question that these trucks can handle themselves, especially with the 2024 Colorado boasting an impressive towing capacity of 7,700 lbs to overshadow the 2024 Ranger and its 7,500-lb maximum. This level of capability is impressive, but another critical aspect differentiates these trucks and showcases how Chevrolet designs the 2024 Colorado to work with you and for you.
Ford is still playing catch up after Chevrolet debuted its multifunctional tailgate and integrated bed steps, transforming trucks like the best-selling Silverado. Unfortunately, the 2024 Ranger doesn’t make up much distance for Ford despite the automaker giving drivers the option to add integrated boxside steps on the XLT or Lariat. Likewise, the Ranger’s tailgate still boasts the traditional design, with Ford adding a built-in ruler and clamp pockets to enhance its functionality. These additions, however, are not enough to give the 2024 Ranger an edge over the 2024 Colorado.
The 2024 Colorado has a slightly longer bed but a far more functional design that enhances how you use the truck. For example, the integrated side steps make accessing the bed and your cargo easier, but Chevrolet doesn’t stop there. Instead, the automaker outfits the 2024 Colorado with several first- and best-in-class features, like the 17 available tie-downs that make securing any type of cargo easier. Integrated bed lighting ensures you can see your cargo even after sunset, while the in-bed power outlet gives you a steady stream of power when work or adventure calls.
The 2024 Colorado also introduces a first-in-class StowFlex tailgate. Inspired by its multifunctional sibling, the StowFlex tailgate is the first of its kind and adds a lockable storage compartment within itself. The compartment is perfect for storing small tools and other gear and even has a drain that makes it an excellent cooler for tailgating, camping, and other outings. Beyond this functionality, the tailgate’s mid-position capability further enhances its versatility by supporting longer items and up to 500 lbs.
The 2024 Colorado and 2024 Ranger are modern marvels capable of towing modest-sized loads without breaking a sweat. They’re designed to answer the demands of our busy lives and make our jobs easier behind the wheel. Chevrolet and Ford accomplish as much by outfitting the trucks with an extensive lineup of cutting-edge technologies. Even so, these technologies further distinguish the Colorado and its value-oriented packaging as the clear winner in its race against the Ranger.
The 2024 Ranger immediately loses ground with its standard 10.1-inch digital display—home to the SYNC infotainment system—as this touchscreen is significantly smaller than the Colorado’s 11.3-inch display, which Chevrolet enhances by adding Google Built-In to complement standard integration tools like Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The additional connectivity features enhance your experience in the driver’s seat, especially with the Colorado’s segment-first 11.0-inch digital Driver Information Center that overshadows the Ranger’s smaller 8.0-inch display.
The size of the center display makes a significant difference when relying on other technologies, like the trucks’ camera system, navigational tools, and trailering apps. With the 2024 Colorado, the display is more intuitive and serves as a gateway to the truck’s rear vision camera, HD Surround Vision camera, and segment-leading Trailering App. The 2024 Colorado is also the first in the segment to feature underbody cameras that offer a real-time view of the front and rear of the truck, enhancing your awareness on and off the pavement.
The 2024 Colorado offers more standard and functional technologies than the 2024 Ranger, a theme that continues with driver assistance tools. The trucks each have their respective safety suites, with the Ranger outfitted with Ford Co-Pilot360 and the Colorado with Chevy Safety Assist. These suites are comparable, but the 2024 Colorado offers more extensive protection via tools like Forward Collision Alert with Automatic Emergency Braking, Front Pedestrian Braking, Lane Keep Assist with Lane Departure Warning, a Following Distance Indicator, IntelliBeam automatic high beams, and Teen Driver. Alternatively, the 2024 Ranger’s suite is limited, with Ford requiring drivers to spend more on a top-tier trim to enjoy features like the Blind Spot Information System with Cross-Traffic Alert and a Lane-Keeping System.
Did you initially think the 2024 Ford Ranger was the perfect truck for your needs? While the Ranger is impressive, it’s impossible to ignore rivals like the 2024 Colorado. Chevrolet gives drivers more for their money with its midsize marvel, with the Colorado earning widespread acclaim as a capable workhorse and adventurer ready for anything.
We share Chevrolet’s approach, offering our customers something unexpected and rewarding when they trust us with all their automotive needs. Our extensive selection of new and used models guarantees there’s something for everyone on our lot, but our approach truly sets us apart. We want you to get excited about and have confidence in your purchase and know it’s our job to fuel that anticipation and instill that confidence. We do as much by operating with integrity, respect, accountability, and transparency, setting the stage for an incredible experience with our team.
At McCluskey Chevrolet, you’re our only priority. Our hassle-free approach ensures as much, from shopping our selection to navigating your purchase with our finance team. From there, we’ll help you get the most from your Colorado every mile and adventure ahead, overseeing all your routine maintenance, repair, and service needs from our full-service automotive center.
*Images, fuel economy, and other stats, may reflect higher trim levels, options, or features that may result in a higher cost from the starting MSRP.
MSRP excludes tax, license, registration, additional options, and possible destination charges. Dealers set own prices.
