2025 Ford Ranger vs 2025 Chevrolet Colorado
Choosing between the 2025 Ford Ranger and the 2025 Chevrolet Colorado isn't easy. These midsize trucks deliver plenty of punch for work and weekend fun, making them ideal for Albuquerque drivers. What matters most to you — cost, engine power, technological features — will determine your choice. At Chalmers Ford in Rio Rancho, New Mexico, we'll guide you through the 2025 Ford Ranger vs. Chevrolet Colorado comparison to help you decide which suits you better.
An Overview of the New Models
The 2025 Ford Ranger is available in four trims: the XL, XLT, Lariat, and Raptor. Starting prices range from $33,330 to $56,070, and you have options for rear-wheel drive (RWD) and four-wheel drive (4WD). Chevrolet's 2025 Colorado comes in five trims: the WT, LT, Trail Boss, Z71, and ZR2, with starting prices ranging from $31,900 to $49,600. Every Colorado comes as a crew cab with a 5-foot bed. Both trucks target midsize buyers wanting truck capability without the full-size bulk, making them ideal for Albuquerque jobsites and weekend adventures.
Performance and Power Comparison
The Ford Ranger Raptor takes 5.8 seconds to reach 60 mph from a standstill, contrasting with the Colorado ZR2’s 7.2 seconds. This acceleration difference is significant when merging onto I-25. The Colorado offers a smoother ride, but the Ranger counters with a practical layout and generous back seat space for your work crews or family trips.
Engine Options and Horsepower
Ford offers three engine choices in the Ranger. The base 2.3L EcoBoost four-cylinder makes 270 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque, while the 2.7L twin-turbo V-6 delivers 315 horsepower and 400 lb-ft of torque. The Raptor is your perfect trim if you're seeking maximum power. Its 3.0L twin-turbo V-6 produces 405 horsepower and 430 lb-ft of torque. All engines use a 10-speed automatic transmission.
The Chevrolet Colorado offers just one engine across its trim range: a 2.7L four-cylinder TurboMax making 310 horsepower and 430 lb-ft of torque. It pairs with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The absence of an engine choice means the Colorado lacks the Ranger's flexibility, and the 405-horsepower engine in the Raptor leads the midsize truck class.
Towing and Payload Capacity
The Colorado just edges out the Ranger in towing capability, managing 7,700 pounds against its rival's 7,500-pound limit. A RWD Ford Ranger hauls 1,805 pounds, with the 4WD variants managing 1,711 pounds. Chevrolet's Colorado carries 1,684 pounds, though some models handle up to 2,046 pounds.
Fuel Efficiency and Range
The Ranger's 2.3L engine gets you 21 mpg in the city and 25 mpg on the highway with RWD and 20 mpg city/24 mpg highway with 4WD. The 2.7L V-6 with 4WD achieves 19 mpg city/23 mpg highway.
The Colorado manages 20 mpg city/24 mpg highway with RWD and 17 mpg city/21 mpg highway with 4WD. Its 21.4-gallon tank is larger than the Ranger's 18 gallons, but in most driving conditions, the Ranger will give you a higher range. The Ranger's better gas mileage means real savings; the efficiency gap could save you hundreds yearly in fuel costs.
Design and Comfort Features
The Colorado is 78.1 inches wide, which may allow good interior space but complicates tight parking. It features bold styling, with LED headlights in the higher trims and halogen headlights in the lower. The Ranger sports cleaner lines with LED headlights throughout the trim range, and its width of 75.5 inches — 2.6 inches narrower than the Colorado — greatly facilitates parking and site navigation.
Interior Comfort
Both trucks seat five people in crew cab layouts. The Colorado's legroom is 45.2 inches front/34.7 inches rear, while its headroom measures 40.3 inches front/38.3 inches rear. The Ranger offers 43.7 inches of front legroom and 34.6 inches in the rear. Its headroom is 41 inches front and 38.3 inches rear.
The Colorado ZR2 includes leather seats, ventilated front seats, and a heated steering wheel. The Ranger Lariat offers leather-trimmed heated front and rear seats.
Cargo Volume
The Ranger's 43.5 cubic feet of cargo volume surpasses the Colorado's 41.9 cubic feet. This advantage matters when carrying building supplies, camping gear, or tools.
Infotainment and Other Technology
The Colorado comes standard with an 11-inch digital gauge cluster and an 11.3-inch center touch screen. Ford's Ranger features an 8-inch digital gauge display and a 10.1-inch touch screen, with a 12-inch upgrade available for both.
Both trucks offer Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as standard. The Colorado adds wireless smartphone connectivity and Google built-in services, while the Ranger counters with Ford SYNC 4A, which boasts over-the-air updates.
Standard equipment gives the Ford a clear edge. Every Ranger includes wireless phone charging, 110-volt household power outlets, two 12-volt DC power outlets, and power-folding mirrors. The Colorado gives you just one 12-volt outlet and power-adjustable mirrors.
Safety and Warranty Protection
The Ford Ranger earned an overall rating of five stars from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. The Colorado received four stars.
Safety Features
The Colorado includes Chevy Safety Assist, which features forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, lane-keeping assist, blind-zone steering assist, rear cross-traffic braking, and rear park assist. The Ranger offers Co-Pilot360, which includes precollision assist, blind-spot assist, reverse brake assist, adaptive cruise control, 360-degree cameras, and auto high-beam headlights.
The Ranger's 360-degree camera system proves valuable when working in tight spaces or navigating crowded construction sites. The Colorado focuses on avoiding crashes. Its blind-zone steering assist helps prevent lane-change mishaps, while rear cross-traffic braking can stop the truck if something crosses behind you while you're backing up.
Warranties Contrasted
The Ford Ranger comes with a three-year/60,000-mile warranty that includes breakdown coverage. The Colorado's warranty provides three years/36,000 miles of basic protection. This difference is significant, particularly if you're a contractor or a business owner.
Off-Road Capabilities: Which Truck Excels?
The Colorado ZR2 has a 38.6-degree approach angle, a 25.2-degree departure angle, and 10.7 inches of ground clearance. The Ranger Raptor offers 33-degree approach, 26.4-degree departure, and a matching 10.7 inches of ground clearance. The ZR2 Bison has 35-inch tires and 12.2 inches of ground clearance.
Concerning wheel travel, the Ranger Raptor offers 12.2 inches front/11.3 inches rear against the Colorado ZR2’s 9.9 inches front/11.6 rear. The ZR2 features Multimatic DSSV dampers and locking differentials, while the Trail Boss adds a 2-inch factory lift. The Ranger includes Fox racing shocks, Watts-link suspension, trail control, and locking axles.
Making the Right Choice for Your Albuquerque Jobsite Needs
The Colorado has a slight edge in some areas: starting price, towing capacity, interior space, and the ZR2’s impressive off-road skills. However, the Ranger's better gas mileage, higher safety scores, and roomier bed begin to nudge out its rival. Add the impressive range of standard features and choice of three engines, and the process is complete.
Experience the 2025 Ford Ranger at Chalmers Ford
If you're ready to experience the many attributes of the 2025 Ford Ranger, visit us at Chalmers Ford in Rio Rancho, New Mexico. Our knowledgeable team will answer any questions about this impressive vehicle and guide you through its numerous features and capabilities. Contact us today to schedule a test drive.