Whether you’re hauling gear or headed into the foothills, the 2025 Ford Ranger and Chevy Colorado are prime candidates for your drive. But which of these midsize trucks is best for Brighton drivers? Our comparison guide takes a closer look at these all-American competitors.
Key Takeaways
- The entry-level Chevy Colorado (from $31,900*) can save you a little bit of money compared to the Ford Ranger (from $33,080*).
- For premium power or maximum fuel economy, choose the 2025 Ranger!
- Thanks to its high-powered Raptor trim model, the Ranger has the edge in rugged mountain terrain.
- Choose the Ranger for best-in-class technology, including exclusive features like Trail Turn Assist.
Best Price: 2025 Chevy Colorado
Choose the 2025 Colorado (starting at $31,900*) to save a few extra bucks in the long run! Of course, the new Ford Ranger (from $33,080*) isn’t much more expensive. In the short run, you probably won’t see a big difference in your monthly payments, whichever truck you prefer. The final price of your truck will vary according to trim model, equipment, and other fees.
*Price as of 4/28/25.
Power & Performance: 2025 Ford Ranger
Whether you’re shopping for the mountain-friendly muscle (up to 405 horsepower) or road-trip-friendly mileage (up to 23 mpg combined (21 city/26 highway)), the Ranger is the best choice for Colorado drivers! Ford’s midsize truck can even haul the most supplies to your tailgate party, thanks to its 1,805-pound max payload rating. The Ranger is also a great choice for anyone who spends their summers on the road, because it can tow a camper weighing up to 7,500 pounds!
2025 Ford Ranger Powertrain Options
- Standard 2.3L turbocharged 2.3L four-cylinder engine (270 hp, 310 lb-ft)
- Available for XLT, Lariat: 2.7L turbo V6 (315 hp, 400 lb-ft)
- Raptor-exclusive 3.0L turbo V6 (405 hp, 430 lb-ft)
- 10-speed automatic transmission
- Rear-wheel drive or optional four-wheel drive
- Raptor: four-wheel drive only
Even if it can’t deliver as much muscle as the Ranger, the Colorado delivers a strong performance with its 310-horsepower turbo four-cylinder engine. Like its Ford counterpart, this Chevy truck provides plenty of low-end torque to help you get up and over the obstacles in your path. Properly equipped, the Colorado transports a slightly bigger camper into the wilderness, with a best-in-class tow rating of 7,700 pounds. But its 1,685-pound max payload rating puts a damper on how much luxury camping gear you pack. Not to mention the Colorado (earning up to 20 mpg combined (19 city/23 highway)) may also force you to spend more at pump!
2025 Chevy Colorado Powertrain Options
- 2.7L turbocharged four-cylinder engine (310 hp, 430 lb-ft)
- Eight-speed automatic transmission
- WT, LT: standard rear-wheel drive or optional four-wheel drive
- Trail Boss, Z71, ZR2: four-wheel drive only
Rocky Mountain Off-Roading: 2025 Ford Ranger
As you may have noticed, both trucks offer their own takes on Rocky Mountain off-roading. But it’s the Ranger that’s both the most versatile option (thanks to its widely available FX4 off-roading package) and the most incredible performer (with its Ranger Raptor trim model). By adding the FX4 package to the middling Ranger XLT or stylish Lariat, you can create a trail-friendly truck at an excellent price. And if you’re after a high-speed romp through Colorado territory like none other, the Raptor is at your service with upgrades that include Fox shocks, front and rear lockers, all-terrain tires, and more!
Meanwhile, the Colorado offers three trim models built for wild adventures: the Trail Boss, Z71, and ZR2. This setup makes it a little more difficult to order the off-road-ready truck that has the features (or price) you prefer, but you can’t fault these models for their sturdy capabilities. The Trail Boss and Z71 can compete pretty well with the FX4 package (even if they don’t give you Ford’s Trail Turn Assist technology). But while the ZR2 is handsomely equipped for rugged territory (featuring Multimatic shocks and mud-terrain tires), it can’t exactly keep up with the Ranger Raptor’s 405-horsepower engine.
Modern Comfort & Convenience: 2025 Ford Ranger
While both trucks deliver roomy cabins and comfy seating, only the Ranger delivers best-in-class technology. Ford’s SYNC 4 infotainment system is now standard, and it’s available with a 12-inch touchscreen. Shoppers can also upgrade the standard 8-inch digital gauge display to a 12.4-inch version! Plus, the Ranger’s exclusive tech features are bound to come in handy on your Colorado adventures. The Trail Turn Assist system helps you turn around on a narrow trail. And the blind-spot monitoring system includes Trailer Coverage, taking your camper into account as you switch lanes!
The Colorado has yet to catch up to the Ranger in the tech department. Like the competition, though, this Chevy truck comes standard with modern touchscreen infotainment (including wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto connectivity) and plenty of safety aids (like lane-keeping assist and blind-spot intervention). But it doesn’t offer the Ranger’s little extras. For instance, while the Colorado offers adaptive cruise control, it has yet to roll out stop-and-go technology. And the Colorado can’t compete with the Ranger’s exclusive Pro Trailer Backup Assist (which helps guide a trailer in the right direction) or Active Park Assist (which steers the truck into a parking space) systems.
The Best All-Around Midsize Truck
In the end, should you choose the 2025 Ford Ranger or Chevy Colorado? If you’re shopping for modern technology, knock-‘em-dead power (or, conversely, the best EPA ratings), and wild adventure, Ford’s midsize truck is the standout option. Come see why the Ranger is the best truck for your Colorado adventures — visit us at Brighton Ford!