If you’re looking for a spacious truck that gets the job done when it comes to hauling and towing cargo and providing comfort for you and your family, there are a myriad of options out there, which may make it hard to choose when making a purchase. The 2024 Ford Ranger is getting considerable buzz this year, but how does it stack up to other trucks of its size, like the 2024 Chevy Colorado? Let’s get into it, so you can make a decision that best fits your needs.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
- The Ford Ranger’s engine has not changed from 2023. Its base model is still equipped with the 2.3-liter EcoBoost engine, although you can opt for the 2.7-liter EcoBoost V6.
- The Ranger and Colorado both feature the latest in infotainment tech, with the Ranger slightly edging out the Colorado.
- While the Colorado has more towing capacity, the Ranger has a slightly larger payload capacity and truck bed.
Engine Power: Neck and Neck
The XL, XLT, Lariat, and Raptor are your trim choices when it comes to the Ranger. This year’s engine hasn’t changed from 2023, with the 2.3-liter EcoBoost engine in the base trim giving off 270 horsepower and 310 lb.-ft. of torque However, should you wish to crank up the power, the 2.7-liter EcoBoost V6 is available and packed with 315 ponies and 400 lb-ft of torque.
This year, the Colorado offers two powertrains — the 2.7L I4 L2R (at 237 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque and the Turbo High-Output 2.7L I4 L3B gasoline engine (310 horsepower, 430 pound-feet of torque). Chevy dropped last year’s third option, the Turbo Plus 2.7L engine.
The 2024 Ranger does not skimp on connectivity. It features a user-friendly 10-inch touchscreen (which can be upgraded to 12 inches), four USB ports for charging, and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto for wireless connectivity. And if you like to travel to the sound of a driving beat, you have a Bang & Olufsen stereo system to help you really crank it up. The Ranger’s Active Park Assist system will get you into any tight squeeze safely when parking.
The Colorado’s infotainment system comes with an 11-inch touchscreen and is powered by Google's Android with voice recognition. If you’re an Amazon user, you’re in luck — Alexa will be riding with you. The truck also features wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
Towing Power: A Real Trade Off
While the Colorado can tow more than the Ranger at 7,700 pounds (it has a 7,500 pound towing capacity), the Ranger is the champ when it comes to payload capacity. Its payload is 1,805 pounds, well over the Colorado's 1,684 pound limit.
When it comes to truck bed size, the Ranger is once again the clear winner. Its truck bed is 62.5 inches, while Colorado's is 61.7 inches.
Safety Ratings: It’s a Tie
Both trucks boast impressive safety features, including automatic emergency braking systems, rearview cameras, and auto high-beam headlights. The Ranger and the Colorado have received stellar safety ratings from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).
Interiors: The Chevy Colorado
Interiors in the Ranger are clean, practical and utilitarian, but not necessarily luxurious. The cab features soft cloth seats — in the front these have eight-way adjustability for the driver and 6-way adjustability for the passenger.
The Ranger’s optional interior upgrades include heated front seats, dual-zone climate control, power-adjustable front seats, and leather seating surfaces. The Lariat trim offers leather seats and a power moonroof. The Ranger’s AC controls are physical and there’s a traditional shifter.
The Colorado offers cloth upholstery (with cloth and synthetic leather or genuine leather available), six-way manual adjustability for the driver's seat and a four-way adjustability for the front passenger seat. This can be upgraded to eight-way power adjustability for the driver and six-way power adjustability for the front passenger.
New owners can also upgrade to heated and ventilated front seats and a heated or tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel. There’s a new center console and gauge cluster.
The Price: 2024 Chevy Colorado
The standard 2024 Ford Ranger and 2024 Chevy Colorado are solid contenders in terms of price. The Ranger is the more expensive option, but not by much. Starting MSRPs for trim packages are:
- XL: $32,670
- XLT: $35,610
- Lariat: $43,630
- Raptor: $55,470
Starting MSRPs for Chevy Colorado trim packages are:
- WT: $31,095
- LT: $33,495
- Trail Boss: $38,895
- Z71: $41,795
- ZR2: $48,385
The Best Truck for You
There are many reasons why the Ford Ranger and the Chevy Colorado are excellent choices, but while Colorado has a lower MSRP and similar safety ratings and towing capacity, the Ranger’s larger bed size and payload capacity are hard to beat if you’re frequently hauling goods. To experience it for yourself, pay us a visit today!