2026 Ford Maverick vs 2026 Chevy Colorado
For years, the assumption was that you needed a full-size, traditional truck to handle real work, but Ford flips the script by offering something smaller that gets the job done. After earning the 2026 "Truck of the Year" award from MotorTrend, it's clear the Maverick is a legit contender against some of its larger competitors. Let's take a closer look at how this compact truck stacks up against the mid-size Chevy Colorado.
Key Takeaways
- MotorTrend names the Mav its 2026 "Truck of the Year," recognizing it as one of the strongest choices on the market.
- A new Lobo trim joins the lineup this year with a lowered suspension and rear-wheel-drive setup designed for street performance.
- You can get into a Maverick for as little as $29,990, while the Colorado ranges from $34,495 to $62,795. Pricing is current as of April 2, 2026.
What's Changed on the Maverick and Colorado for 2026
Updates are minor for both trucks this year. Ford refreshes the Maverick with two new exterior colors (Orange Fury and Marsh Gray), replacing the previous green and sand tones. The bigger update happens under the hood, where its hybrid powertrain is now available with all-wheel drive, and the 2.0-liter turbocharged engine becomes a no-cost option on lower trims. Inside, the Maverick gets a larger infotainment touchscreen, although Ford removed its standard wireless charging.
The 2026 Maverick lineup includes the following price points:
- XL: $29,990
- XLT: $32,490
- Lobo Standard: $37,775
- Lariat: $39,935
- Tremor: $42,490
- Lobo High: $43,270
Over on the Chevy side, buyers now have access to two new 20-inch wheel designs, and Chevy replaces the bronze exterior color with White Sands. Aside from those changes, the Colorado carries forward unchanged. The Colorado lineup offers several trims to match different needs and budgets:
- WT (Work Truck): $34,495 (2WD) / $37,795 (4WD)
- LT: $38,095 (2WD) / $41,395 (4WD)
- Trail Boss (4WD): $42,595
- Z71 (4WD): $46,695
- ZR2 (4WD): $52,795
- ZR2 Bison: $62,795
| 2026 Ford Maverick | 2026 Chevy Colorado |
|---|---|
| Orange Fury and Marsh Gray added Desert Sand and Eruption Green discontinued; 2.0-liter turbo a free option on base trims; hybrid powertrain available with AWD; larger touchscreen; | Two added 20-inch wheel designs |
| Standard wireless charging discontinued | Bronze exterior color replaced with White Sands. |
Power and Performance Comparison in the 2026 Maverick and Colorado
If fuel efficiency is a priority, the Maverick's 191-horsepower hybrid setup is the standout. There's also an available 2.0-liter turbocharged engine producing 250 ponies, which adds a noticeable boost in its responsiveness. The new Lobo trim leans further into driving engagement, with tuning that makes it feel closer to a performance-oriented vehicle than a traditional pickup.
The Colorado takes a more straightforward approach. Every model gets its power from a 310-horsepower 2.7-liter turbocharged four-cylinder paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission.
What's Towing Like Between the Maverick and the Colorado?
Both the hybrid and non-hybrid Maverick models offer 1500 pounds of payload capacity and 2000 pounds of towing capacity. With the optional Tow package, the Maverick can tow up to 4000 pounds. As the bigger truck, the Colorado has a towing capacity of up to 7,700 pounds. However, the off-road-focused ZR2 trim lowers that rating to 6,000 pounds due to a specialized suspension.
How the Maverick compares to the Colorado for Everyday Driving
While the Colorado is strong and capable, the Mav is the more practical option for most drivers and comes in at a much lower price point. For buyers who want a truck that fits into their everyday life without giving up versatility, it's easy to see why the Maverick continues to pick up awards. Are you ready to see it in person? Contact Brighton Ford today!
