Compared: 2022 Ford Ranger vs. 2022 Chevrolet Colorado
Don't forget about these American midsize pickups, which are affordable and capable haulers.
Ford | Chevrolet
Article QuickTakes:
While half-ton pickups are incredibly popular, they’re also surprisingly expensive and can be unwieldy to drive in tighter settings, making midsize trucks like the 2022 Ford Ranger and 2022 Chevrolet Colorado an ideal fit for those who don’t want to drive, or afford, more truck than they need. Here’s what you need to know in terms of price, interior, and towing to choose between these two small American pickups.
Ford
Ford Ranger vs. Chevrolet Colorado: Price
The entry-level Ford Ranger XL costs just a few hundred dollars more than the Colorado—it starts around $27,500 for a SuperCab, extended box, 4x2 model with an EcoBoost 2.3L four-cylinder engine. Like its Colorado counterpart, the least-expensive Ranger is also fairly basic, with unpainted bumpers and steel wheels. The more generously equipped XLT model with Equipment Group 302A costs about $34,000, and includes extras like a reverse sensing system and remote start. The Ranger also offers more interior space in the SuperCrew models, which use a smaller bed. The off-road-oriented Ranger XLT 4x4 Tremor model starts at just over $43,000, while a fully loaded Lariat 4x4 model with the Black Appearance package goes for about $43,500.
Chevrolet
The Chevy Colorado emerges as the more affordable choice to start, though not by a significant margin—it costs about $27,000 for a two-wheel-drive work truck version with the 2.5L, four-cylinder engine, extended cab, and long box. This is a fairly basic model, lacking features like remote keyless entry, or painted exterior components like the bumper, mirror caps, and door handles. The better-equipped LT models start under $30,000. More body configurations and drivetrains are available, including a crew cab with a shorter box and four-wheel drive. Shoppers can also upgrade the Colorado’s engine to a 308-hp, 3.6L, V6 engine, or a turbocharged, 2.8L, diesel engine with 369 pound-feet of torque. The top-of-the-line Colorado Z71 models are about $38,000, while the rugged 4x4 ZR2 model starts at just over $44,000.
Ford
Ford Ranger vs. Chevrolet Colorado: Interior
The crew-cab Colorado features more room for passengers in both front and rear seats, compared with the SuperCrew Ranger. Both vehicles offer an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system, but the Colorado has only a single 4.2-inch driver information display, while the Ranger can include a dual 4.2-inch screen setup.
Chevrolet
The Ford also offers an upgraded, 10-speaker, 660-watt, B&O Sound System by Bang and Olufsen, in addition to colorful ambient lighting. Still, the Chevrolet is not without its modern amenities—the cabin can be equipped with Bose-branded audio, as well as a wireless phone charger and wireless rather than wired Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility.
Ford
Ford Ranger vs. Chevrolet Colorado: Towing
The Colorado is offered with three engines, each with different tow ratings. The 2.5L, four-cylinder-equipped models top out at 3,500 pounds, but 3.6L V6 and 2.8L diesel models can be equipped with a trailer package and a Tow/Haul mode, which bolsters towing capability. The V6 model can tow up to 7,000 pounds, while the diesel-equipped Colorado reaches a class-leading 7,700 pounds when properly equipped.
Chevrolet
The Ranger, with only the turbo four-cylinder engine on offer, still gets close to the Colorado’s top figure: When matched with the Trailer Tow Package, it’s rated to lug up to 7,500 pounds. Additionally, the Ford comes standard with trailer sway control.
