If you’re in the market for a midsize pickup truck, you’ll likely find yourself contemplating between the 2024 Chevrolet Colorado and the 2024 Ford Ranger. Both of these are highly popular among truck buyers, as they offer a great blend of work capabilities, ride quality, comfort, and technology. While they’re similar in many ways, they have some differences that may make one of them more suitable for you than the other.
At Huffines Chevrolet Lewisville, we want to show you whether the 2024 Colorado or 2024 Ranger comes out on top in this Chevrolet vs. Ford battle for supremacy in the midsize truck segment.
Trim Levels and Prices
For the 2024 model year, the Chevrolet Colorado comes in six trim levels to suit the needs and preferences of different truck buyers. These include the base WT, LT, the adventure-ready Trail Boss, Z71, the go-anywhere ZR2, and the all-new ZR2 Bison. The WT comes with a starting MSRP of $29,500, whereas the top-spec ZR2 Bison costs $58,500 or more. You may be able to get a better deal on your desired model if you qualify for the financial incentives available at your local Chevrolet dealership.
In comparison, the 2024 Ford Ranger has a more simplified trim lineup, which includes the XL, XLT, Lariat, and the off-road-oriented Raptor. The XL has a minimum price of $32,565, making it more expensive than the entry-level Colorado. However, the Raptor, which starts at $55,365, is more affordable than the ZR2 Bison.
Power and Performance
If you opt for the 2024 Chevrolet Colorado, you’ll get a 2.7-liter turbo-four engine that delivers varying outputs on different trim levels. The WT and LT are rated at 237 horsepower, while the Trail Boss, Z71, and ZR2 models put out 310 horsepower. The engine works with a slick-shifting eight-speed automatic transmission to send power to the rear wheels or all four wheels.
The 2024 Ford Ranger has an advantage over the Chevrolet in the power department. This Ford pickup offers a choice of three engines: the base 270-horsepower 2.3-liter turbo-four, a 315-horsepower 2.7-liter twin-turbo V-6, and a 405-horsepower 3.0-liter twin-turbo V-6 that powers the Raptor. All Ranger models come with a 10-speed automatic transmission and can be equipped with rear-wheel drive or four-wheel drive.
The Chevrolet Colorado and Ford Ranger are both highly capable vehicles that can handle most driving situations, from daily commuting to transporting heavy loads. Although they’re relatively large vehicles, they’re surprisingly pleasant to drive thanks to their good maneuverability and composed handling. Overall, you won’t mind driving any of the two trucks to work every day.
If you frequently venture off the beaten path, you won’t go wrong with either the Colorado or Ranger. Both of these pickups have off-road-focused models that can tackle the toughest terrain. The best off-roader in the Colorado lineup is the ZR2 Bison, which boasts an incredible 12.2 inches of ground clearance, power-locking front and rear differentials, steel skid plates, rocker protectors, and class-leading 35-inch tires. The Raptor also comes with plenty of off-road upgrades, but it has only 33-inch tires and a 10.7-inch ground clearance.
Towing and Hauling Capabilities
When it comes to towing capacity, the Colorado vs. Ranger match-up is a close one. Despite its less potent engines, the Colorado is the winner with a tow rating of 7,700 pounds, which is the best in the midsize pickup segment. The Ranger, on the other hand, can only pull up to 7,500 pounds. However, it has a slightly higher maximum payload capacity than its rival. It can haul up to 1,805 pounds, while the Chevrolet manages only 1,684 pounds.
Interior
On the inside, both the 2024 Chevrolet Colorado and 2024 Ford Ranger feature a solidly built and roomy cabin. Lower trims are somewhat basic, while more expensive models have higher-quality materials and more soft-touch surfaces that give them an upscale look and feel. The two trucks also come with well-cushioned and supportive seats to keep you and your passengers comfortable on long journeys.
Only available in a four-door crew cab configuration, the Colorado provides a whopping 45.2 inches of legroom for front passengers, which is among the most in the class. However, the rear seats are considerably tighter, offering only 34.7 inches of legroom. In contrast, the Ranger has 43.7 inches of front legroom and 38.3 inches of rear legroom.
Technology
Like other new vehicles, the 2024 Chevrolet Colorado and 2024 Ford Ranger come with an advanced infotainment system to provide a fun and connected ride. The multimedia systems of both pickups are a pleasure to use, as they offer crystal-clear graphics, quick responses, and straightforward menus. They’re also equipped with plenty of desirable features.
The Colorado offers an 11.3-inch touch-screen infotainment display and an 11-inch digital gauge cluster on every trim level. In addition, it comes standard with USB ports, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, satellite radio, and a wireless device charger. Also, this Chevrolet truck can be fitted with Google Built-In, which is available as a subscription service and handles music, navigation, and other personalized functions through your Google account.
The entry-level models of the Ranger feature a 10-inch touch-screen display and an 8-inch digital instrument cluster, which are smaller than those of the base Colorado. However, if you want better tech features, you can upgrade to a bigger 12.4-inch screen and 12.4-inch cluster. Smartphone connectivity and USB ports are standard, and wireless device charging, satellite radio, and navigation are available as options.
Test-Drive the 2024 Chevrolet Colorado Today
The 2024 Chevrolet Colorado and 2024 Ford Ranger are both exceptional pickups. However, the Chevrolet seems to be a better value proposition. Despite its lower starting price, it has an edge over its Ford rival in terms of towing capacity, off-road capabilities, and technology. Thinking of getting the 2024 Colorado in Lewisville, Texas? Get a first-hand experience of this truck at Huffines Chevrolet Lewisville. Regardless of your budget and lifestyle, you’ll be sure to find a Colorado model on our lot that fits you perfectly. Browse our new Chevrolet inventory now and contact us to schedule a test drive.