A Test of Midsized Might: How the 2025 Chevy Colorado Outdoes the 2025 Ford Ranger 

The rivalry between Chevy and Ford is one of the biggest in the automotive scene, and it’s always turning heads. For over a century, both brands have been at each other’s heels, attempting to outdo one another. This rivalry is especially strong in the pickup truck class. The pickup truck is the backbone of both brands and is what we’re here to talk about today. 

Both brands make a midsized pickup, offering performance and capability at a smaller size and lower price than their full-size titans. These models, the Chevy Colorado and Ford Ranger, are both popular with modern truck owners. We’re here to examine both and explain how Chevy has once again come out on top. The 2025 Chevy Colorado vs 2025 Ford Ranger is a test of midsized might and a new chapter in the automotive industry’s most iconic rivalry. 

Pricing 

There are many things that truck owners look at first when choosing a model. Some might look at performance, and others will pore over towing capacity. However, regardless of what they’re buying, all drivers consider price. How much you pay in upfront costs will determine insurance premiums, taxes, and licensing fees. This is where we’ll begin our examination. 

The 2025 Ford Ranger’s starting MSRP is $33,350, which is still a reasonable price but one that exceeds its historic rival. The 2025 Chevy Colorado’s starting MSRP of $31,900 comes in below Ford’s Ranger.^[a] The difference between these figures might seem small, but when it comes to the additional items that cost determines, every dollar matters. 

Putting the “Power” in Powertrain 

While the Colorado and Ranger are smaller than their siblings (the Silverado 1500 and F-150), both trucks are designed to deliver power and performance where it matters most. These items start and end with what’s under the hood. Both trucks have powertrains that can handle off-roading and occupational tasks. If performance matters most to you, this is where you’ll want to pay close attention. 

The 2025 Ford Ranger has two available powertrains, with a third one exclusive to the off-road-ready Raptor edition. The base offering is a 2.3L turbocharged four-cylinder that produces 270 hp and 310 lb-ft of torque. Drivers who want more performance can shell out more money for a 2.7L turbocharged V6 that can provide 400 lb-ft of torque. Both engines come equipped with a ten-speed automatic transmission. 

Chevy makes one powertrain standard across all versions of the Colorado. This streamlined production method ensures that all drivers get access to the same level of great performance. The 2025 Colorado is powered by the “TurboMax,” a 2.7L turbocharged I-4 engine found on many versions of the Silverado 1500. The TurboMax dishes out 310 hp and 430 lb-ft of torque and pairs with an eight-speed automatic transmission. 

Accessibility is the name of the game, and it’s a game where Chevy takes the crown. More power across all trims and capability for all. The Ford Ranger does offer significant performance, but at a much higher price. 

Exceptional in the Occupational World 

Many things have changed about the pickup truck since it debuted over a century ago. However, one factor that’s remained relatively consistent is its applications in the working world. Tradespeople and others who rely on a trusted vehicle for their vocation consider towing capability and whether or not a pickup bed is capable of hauling cargo. 

The 2025 Ford Ranger and Chevy Colorado have one cab configuration and bed size. The Ranger has a five-foot bed suitable for carrying cargo and materials around the workplace. Once again, the Chevy Colorado gives customers a little more with a 5.2-foot bed. Any tradespeople will attest that having a little extra length for items and materials goes a long way. 

Besides the cargo room, there are also the matters of towing and trailering. The 2025 Ranger can pull up to 7,500 lbs, which is certainly no small feat. However, once again, the 2025 Chevy Colorado manages to outperform its rival with a 7,700-lb max tow rating. 

The occupational world has used the pickup truck for over a century. Drivers who need room and the ability to pull copious amounts of weight can rely on the 2025 Chevy Colorado to finish their work on time. Chevy is once again the choice of the working world. 

Off-Road Readiness and Capability

In theory, any truck with 4WD can facilitate an off-road adventure. However, the modern off-roader uses far more than just an engine and drivetrain when they seek to traverse any terrain. Many brands built off-road-specific trims of their trucks designed for these individuals who work and play hard. The Chevy Colorado and Ford Ranger both have their versions. 

To fully experience the full off-roading potential of a 2025 Ford Ranger, a high cost is involved. The Ford Ranger Raptor, an off-road-ready version of the pickup, gives you what you need for the road less traveled. The 2025 Raptor has everything from skid plates to a beefy V6 engine that produces the same torque as the Chevy Colorado. However, it has a heavy price tag and a diminished towing capacity of 5,510 lbs. 

The 2025 Chevy Colorado, on the other hand, with its ZR2 off-road-oriented trim, sells for considerably less and has all the items off-road enthusiasts enjoy. The ZR2 has a 3-inch factory-installed lift with high-performance suspension, a front and rear locking differential, and Multimatic DSSV jounce control dampers. The ZR2 also boasts over ten inches of ground clearance and all-terrain tires that make any obstacle a non-issue. 

Some consider off-roading a lifestyle, not just a weekend hobby. While the Ranger and Colorado offer off-road-ready versions, Chevy’s is far more affordable and designed from the ground up to be exceptional on every terrain. 

Technologies for the Road Less Traveled 

Like all modern vehicles heavily favored by consumers, the 2025 Ford Ranger and 2025 Chevy Colorado are adorned with technologies that enhance entertainment and safety. Staying connected and protected is a concern for drivers everywhere, and both the Colorado and Ranger come with essential items. The gateway to the tech many modern drivers use is the infotainment screen. 

The 2025 Ford Ranger’s base trims have a ten-inch screen (although a larger one is available) powered by the SYNC 4 software program. The interface provides wireless connectivity with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The Ranger also has safety features, but very few are standard across all trims. Standard items include forward collision alerts, lane management systems, and a backup camera. 

The 2025 Chevy Colorado features a larger 11.3-inch screen that’s standard on all trims. Like the Ranger, it features wireless connectivity with Apple and Android. However, the key difference is the available integration with Google built-in. Colorado drivers can access music, maps, and much more, all thanks to America’s most dominant search engine. Chevy Safety Assist, a suite of items standard in Colorado, features items such as a Following Distance Indicator, which is absent on the Ranger. 

In an increasingly digitized world, Chevy applies better standard features and some more advanced items where it really counts to its midsized offering. Like many other things about the Ford Ranger, getting a better experience behind the wheel and on the road comes with a hefty price tag. 

Once Again, Chevy Remains on Top 

Chevy and Ford both offer capable and versatile midsized pickups for the masses. However, there’s a reason so many drivers continue to choose Chevy over the Blue Oval brand. The 2025 Chevy Colorado simply offers more to drivers for a much lower price.

Besides being more affordable than the 2025 Ranger, the 2025 Chevy Colorado features a superior towing capacity and an exceptional powertrain that’s standard across every trim. Behind the wheel, drivers have a far more advanced infotainment screen and more standard safety features for peace of mind. There’s no question; the 2025 Chevy Colorado is the king of the midsized pickup truck segment. 

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^[a] MSRP may change without notice. See dealer for complete details.

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