Whether you’re shopping for the best midsize truck to handle harsh Michigan winters or explore motley Midwest trails, the 2025 Ford Ranger and Chevy Colorado are top contenders. Before you lock in your choice, check out our comparison guide! We’re here to help you enjoy everything you want from your new truck.
Key Takeaways
- Whether you're after more power or better fuel economy, the Ranger is the right choice!
- Properly equipped, the Colorado delivers best-in-class towing capabilities.
- The Ranger can tap into more power for your off-road adventures, which is exactly what you need in rugged Colorado terrain.
- Choose the Ranger for the smoothest, most comfortable cruise!
Fun-Loving V6 Power: 2025 Ford Ranger
Make the Ford Ranger your first choice for premium power! Not only are the XLT and Lariat trims available with a 315-horsepower V6, but upgrading to the off-road-ready Raptor will net you an incredible 405 horses. On the other end of the spectrum, the Ranger’s entry-level EcoBoost engine balances 270 horses with these trucks’ best EPA ratings: 23 mpg combined (21 city/26 highway).
2025 Ford Ranger Powertrain Options
- Standard 2.3L turbocharged 2.3L four-cylinder engine (270 hp, 310 lb-ft)
- Available for XLT, Lariat: 2.7L turbo V6 (315 hp, 400 lb-ft)
- Raptor-exclusive 3.0L turbo V6 (405 hp, 430 lb-ft)
- 10-speed automatic transmission
- Rear-wheel drive or optional four-wheel drive
- Raptor: standard four-wheel drive
Where the Ranger offers three engines to help you build the perfect midsize truck, every Colorado features the same powertrain. Chevy’s turbocharged four-cylinder engine delivers plenty of muscle — 310 horsepower, to be exact — and a strong, smooth performance. But while the Colorado offers its own off-road-ready trim models, none are as thrilling as the 405-horsepower Ranger Raptor! Depending on configuration, the Colorado earns up to 20 mpg combined (19 city/23 highway), potentially making your road trips a little more expensive.
2025 Chevy Colorado Powertrain Options
- 2.7L turbocharged four-cylinder engine (310 hp, 430 lb-ft)
- Eight-speed automatic transmission
- WT, LT: standard rear-wheel drive or optional four-wheel drive
- Trail Boss, Z71, ZR2: standard four-wheel drive
Hearty Towing Capabilities: 2025 Chevy Colorado
To take the biggest boat along on your Great Lakes vacation, you need the Colorado. Properly equipped, Chevy’s midsize truck tows best-in-class loads of up to 7,700 pounds. Meanwhile, the Ford Ranger tows max loads of 7,500 pounds, making it a very close contender in this category.
And what about hauling? To move more pay dirt in one trip, you’re going to need the Ranger. Depending on configuration and equipment, Ford’s midsize truck can haul up to 1,805 pounds. The Colorado moves max payloads of 1,685 pounds.
Off-Road Adventure: 2025 Ford Ranger
Michigan is home to some of the most diverse off-road trails imaginable, which is why you need a uniquely talented off-road truck. Luckily, that’s exactly what the Ranger delivers with its Raptor trim model. Featuring a high-powered V6 and rugged upgrades, the Raptor is built for high-speed junkets through Silver Lake’s sand dunes, the Bull Gap’s rocky hills, and everything in between!
Of course, the 2025 Chevy Colorado offers a few off-road-ready trim models of its own. Depending on how much you want to spend (and how fast you want to hit the trail), you can choose between the Trail Boss, Z71, and ZR2. The top-tier ZR2 has many of the same features as the Ranger Raptor, including upgraded shocks and front and rear locking differentials. But there’s one thing it doesn’t have, and that’s the Raptor’s 405-horsepower engine!
Everyday Comfort: 2025 Ford Ranger
When it comes to comfort, the Ranger takes the lead. Thanks to its roomy cabin and supportive seating, this midsize truck is perfect for long trips, whether for work or play! And compared to the Colorado, this Ford pickup feels noticeably smoother on the pavement, making it the best choice for lengthy commutes or cross-country drives.
Meanwhile, the Colorado squeaks into second place. Chevy’s midsize truck does a decent job of smoothing over bumps in the road (if not quite as good a job as the Ranger), and it feels at home on highways and city streets alike. However, the Colorado’s highway drive is a little too susceptible to wind noise, making the Ranger the best truck for quiet contemplation or conversation.
The Midwest’s Favorite Midsize Truck
Now that you’ve reached the end of our side-by-side comparison of the 2025 Ranger and Colorado, which will you choose? If you’re like us, you’re going to drive home in Ford’s midsize truck! With its premium power, fuel economy, and adventurous upgrades, you can build the perfect pickup for your Michigan drive. Take your adventures to the next level — visit us at Lunghamer Ford to test-drive the new Ranger!