2025 Ford Ranger vs Chevrolet Colorado: Battle of American Midsize Pickups

Two of the phase’s high contenders

People love their vehicles, however with the costs of many full-size pickups hovering over the past decade, many shoppers are transferring to midsize fashions. The Ford Ranger and Chevrolet Colorado aren’t as robust as their bigger siblings, however they provide a stable steadiness of worth and confirmed functionality. With American ingenuity behind them, American midsize pickups handle to carry the highlight, even because the competitors grows fiercer. 

Each the Ford Ranger and Chevrolet Colorado see comparatively minor adjustments, save for one, for the 2025 mannequin 12 months. The most important information revolves across the Colorado, which sees a 2.7-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine grow to be the only powertrain possibility. In any other case, each midsize pickups get a couple of new paint colours and an ordinary function shake-up.

Invigorating efficiency

Whereas midsize vehicles might have grown, they’re nonetheless smaller than full-size pickups. Don’t let measurement idiot you, although. Each the Ford Ranger and Chevrolet Colorado pack in sufficient energy to tow heavy masses and embrace the hours spent each on and off-road. No matter which mannequin you decide, a turbocharged four-cylinder engine comes customary, however the Ranger has a number of choices to select from.

Most 2025 Ford Rangers come powered by a 2.3-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine that delivers 270 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque. Higher-tier Ranger fashions can be found with a 2.7-liter twin-turbo V6 engine that generates 315 horsepower and 400 lb-ft of torque. Energy from each engines flows via a 10-speed computerized transmission. At its peak, a correctly geared up Ford Ranger can tow as much as 7,500 lbs.

All 2025 Chevrolet Colorado fashions come powered by a 2.7-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, producing 310 horsepower and 430 lb-ft of torque. Energy comes channeled via an eight-speed computerized transmission. So far as functionality goes, the Colorado can tow a tad greater than the Ford Ranger, as much as 7,700 lbs. when correctly geared up.

Whereas the off-road model of the Chevrolet Colorado packs the identical engine as its decrease trim ranges, the Ranger does no such factor. The off-road Ranger Raptor boasts a 3.0-liter twin-turbo V6 engine that produces 405 horsepower and 430 lb-ft of torque. Like in its decrease trim ranges, the Ranger Raptor comes geared up with a 10-speed computerized transmission. 

Simplified designs

Midsize vehicles don’t have to be sophisticated, and whereas some automakers attempt to slot in as many options as they will, Ford and Chevrolet have as a substitute chosen to maintain it easy. Each midsize pickups can be found in a single configuration: a crew cab with a five-foot mattress. You possibly can’t go for a single or prolonged cab configuration or an extended mattress in any respect.

The Ford Ranger encompasses a modernized cabin, thanks partly to its redesign for the 2024 mannequin 12 months. An eight-inch digital gauge show and a ten.1-inch touchscreen show come customary, as does Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility. If touchscreen controls aren’t your type, the Ranger contains extra bodily controls. For a extra luxurious structure, the Lariat trim, which begins at $43,880, contains leather-trimmed heated entrance and rear seats and a 10-speaker B&O sound system. 

The Chevrolet Colorado isn’t any slouch, although. Chevy’s midsize entry tops the Ranger with an 11.3-inch touchscreen show and an 11-inch digital gauge show. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility additionally come customary. For a sportier aesthetic, the Z71, obtainable from $43,900, pops in with a jet black inside and pink accents. It rides on athletic 18-inch wheels and boasts LED lighting that completes the mannequin’s intimidating stance. For a extra succesful off-roading expertise, the ZR2 is the best decide from the Colorado vary. That trim stage features a three-inch elevate with a high-performance suspension, an off-road efficiency show, and far more.

Sure, the GMC Canyon exists

Whereas the Ford Ranger and Chevrolet Colorado are bona fide American contenders within the midsize pickup phase, I’d be remiss if I didn’t point out the GMC Canyon. Sister to the Colorado, the GMC Canyon shares most of the identical facilities, together with the 11.3-inch touchscreen show and powertrain. It might probably additionally tow as much as 7,700 lbs., however the Canyon contains a number of necessary options that the Colorado lacks.

Obtainable from $38,400, the GMC Canyon options customary wi-fi Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity. Heated exterior mirrors make it onto the spec sheet as properly, as does Blind Zone Steering Help with Trailering. The cargo mattress makes organizing gear a breeze with eight tie-downs and an non-obligatory half-gate place. In the meantime, an non-obligatory built-in tailgate storage system, full with a drain, makes the Canyon much more versatile.

In comparison with the Ford Ranger and Chevrolet Colorado, the GMC Canyon affords extra upscale facilities, as evidenced by its larger price ticket. Should you’re excited by merging the niceties of an upscale automotive or crossover with the aptitude of a midsize truck, then it is arduous to go flawed with a Canyon. Should you don’t want all of the bells and whistles, nevertheless, each the Ranger and Colorado make for a extra enticing pickup.

Remaining ideas

The midsize pickup phase options a number of improbable contenders, together with the Ford Ranger and Chevrolet Colorado. Designed to supply functionality corresponding to the decrease finish of their full-size siblings, the Ranger and Colorado make for improbable weekend warriors. Should you want a each day driver, remember that the Ranger earns higher gasoline financial system. The Chevrolet Colorado proves to be a contact simpler in your pockets, although, whereas the GMC Canyon carries itself with extra splendor. In relation to midsize pickups, it’s arduous to go flawed with the innovation and ingenuity of the American spirit.