2021 Ford Ranger vs Chevrolet Colorado
The 2021 Ford Ranger and Chevrolet Colorado are stiff competitors, with rugged capabilities, high-tech features, and roomy, accommodating cabin options. If you’re scratching your head about which midsize truck to choose, consult our comparison guide.
Powerful Performance: 2021 Ford Ranger
In terms of standard horsepower, the Ranger has the edge. Each one of these midsize trucks features a 270-horsepower turbocharged four-cylinder engine for swift acceleration and a strong off-road performance. Properly equipped, these Ford trucks can tow up to 7,500 pounds. And, depending on configuration, they can haul up to 1,860 pounds.
The Chevy Colorado doesn’t come standard with quite as much power, but its 200-horsepower four-cylinder engine is pretty hefty. If you want more power, the Colorado offers something you don’t get with the Ranger — engine options. You can test-drive a 308-horsepower V6 and a 181-horsepower turbodiesel four-cylinder engine. However, you do have to pay extra for these upgrades.
The turbodiesel engine helps the Colorado tow up to 7,700 pounds, which is only slightly better than what the Ranger can manage. With the optional V6 engine, the Colorado hauls max payloads of up to 1,530 pounds.
Off-Road Potential: 2021 Ford Ranger
This year, the Ranger is rolling out a brand new Tremor Off-Road package. Add it to your Ranger for the ultimate trail experience, with upgrades that include an off-road-ready suspension for extra ground clearance. Besides the Tremor Off-Road package, Ranger drivers can also check out the FX2 and FX4 Off-Road packages. The former is for rear-wheel-drive models and the latter four-wheel-drive models.
Instead of packages that you can add to any trim model, the Colorado offers two trim models specially designed for off-road performance. If you’re ready for some trail action, check out the Z71 and ZR2 trucks. These models, with their all-terrain tires and off-road-oriented suspension, can take you far into the wilderness. We just wish the Colorado offered the same flexibility you get with the Ranger’s off-road packages.
Smart Safety: 2021 Ford Ranger
When it comes to high-tech driver aids, the Ranger has a solid advantage. For starters, every trim model comes standard with forward collision mitigation, technology that both warns you of an impending collision and can actually hit the brakes to help you avoid it. The Co-Pilot360 package of safety aids, including blind-spot monitoring and lane keeping assist, is optional for the base XL and standard on the XLT and Lariat models.
The 2021 Chevrolet Colorado offers a similar array of safety aids. However, none of them are standard equipment. If you want features like forward collision and lane departure warning, you need to add the optional Safety package. And this package is only available for LT and Z71 models, limiting availability even further.
Standard Infotainment: 2021 Chevrolet Colorado
Both midsize trucks offer a pretty similar tech lineup, but the Colorado gives you more for your money with a longer list of standard features. For instance, every trim model includes a 7-inch touch-screen infotainment interface and smartphone integration with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay.
The Ranger’s Sync 3 infotainment system is standard on the mid-grade XLT model and up, but you can always add it to the base XL model. It, too, includes Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, so you can access apps directly from the Ranger’s 8-inch touch-screen interface.
The Verdict
Both of these all-American midsize trucks are rugged and capable, but it’s the 2021 Ford Ranger that comes out on top. Drive it home for a unique take on off-roading, outsized power, and rugged interior comfort.