The 2023 Ford Ranger and Chevy Colorado compete for your hard-earned dollars with their muscular performance and off-road capabilities. Which midsize truck is best? Our comparison guide is here to help you figure out what you want in a daily drive and which truck is best equipped to handle your needs.
Key Takeaways
- The Colorado is the more powerful truck, providing extra horsepower and stronger towing capabilities.
- Both trucks offer rugged off-road performance, but the Ranger makes trail-ready features more widely available.
- When it comes to modern comfort and convenience, both of these models will impress you with their available features.
- The 2023 Ranger’s MSRP ($27,400) is lower than the Colorado’s MSRP ($29,200).
Engine Options: 2023 Chevy Colorado
If you’re shopping for supreme power, the Colorado is your midsize pickup. This Chevy truck offers three impressive engine options, delivering up to 308 horsepower. There’s even a diesel engine option, which helps you tow max loads of up to 7,700 pounds.
The 2023 Colorado powertrain specs include:
- 2.5L inline four-cylinder engine (200 horsepower, 191 lb-ft of torque) and six-speed automatic transmission
- 3.6L V6 (308 hp, 275 lb-ft) and eight-speed automatic
- 2.8L four-cylinder diesel engine (181 hp, 369 lb-ft)
- Rear-wheel drive
- Optional four-wheel drive
Meanwhile, the 2023 Ford Ranger is only available with one engine option, though it supplies plenty of power! And, just like the Colorado, the Ranger offers four-wheel drive for every trim model, making it easy to improve your off-roading performance. Max tow ratings go up to 7,500 pounds, depending on body style and equipment.
The 2023 Ranger powertrain specs include:
- Turbo 2.3L four-cylinder engine (270 hp, 310 lb-ft)
- 10-speed automatic transmission
- Rear-wheel drive
- Optional four-wheel drive
Off-Road Performance: 2023 Ford Ranger
When you’re in the mood for adventure, nothing beats an off-road-ready truck. The Ranger’s three trim models are available with a couple of off-road packages, the FX2 and FX4, so you can potentially create a very affordable specialty pickup with all-terrain tires and off-road-tuned suspension. The mid-level XLT and upscale Lariat trim models are also available with the Tremor package. It takes off-roading to new heights with Fox shocks and extra ground clearance.
Instead of packages, the Chevy Colorado offers off-road-ready trim models — namely, the Z71 and ZR2. In addition to delivering a rugged performance, they’re the Colorado’s top two trim models, which may mean that you’re forced to spend more than you’d prefer. But these trucks will certainly take you into rugged terrain, compliments of features like all-terrain tires and off-road-tuned suspension.
Trim Models & Features: Too Close to Call
These modern pickups are equally stacked with comfort and convenience features! Each pickup offers a variety of trim models, which in turn offer a range of features and price tags to match.
Both trucks are tech-savvy, with available touchscreen infotainment systems and Apple CarPlay/Android Auto connectivity. Modern safety aids, including blind-spot warning and forward collision mitigation, are also available. You can even choose luxurious versions of each truck. Both the Ranger and the Colorado offer leather upholstery, built-in navigation, and premium audio systems on their top trim models!
MSRP: 2023 Ford Ranger
To nab a brand new truck at the best price, choose the 2023 Ford Ranger. This pickup starts at $27,400, providing a lower starting price than the 2023 Chevy Colorado, with its MSRP of $29,200.
Your New Midsize Truck
Both trucks are pretty great, but the 2023 Ford Ranger is our overall favorite. When you drive home in Ford’s midsize truck, you could potentially enjoy a lower price on an off-road-friendly drive, rich interior comfort, and even the lowest MSRP!