Can the 2024 Ford Ranger Keep Pace With the Chevy Colorado?
Drivers browsing new trucks for sale have plenty of options to choose from, but those who value their time know to make straight for the Chevy Colorado. Offering an ideal mix of power, utility, and convenience, the pickup has become the truck to beat in the midsize segment. The third-generation Colorado made its debut in 2023, but Chevy has already provided one notable update for 2024 in the form of the Colorado ZR2 Bison. Designed with intense off-roading in mind, the ZR2 Bison takes the Colorado’s already-capable ZR2 trim and ups the ante with a wider track, 35-inch Goodyear Wrangler Territory Mud Terrain tires, and a host of heavy-duty components courtesy of the American Expedition Vehicles (AEV). The midsize Colorado is the perfect candidate for the full ZR2 Bison treatment, but the enticing new off-road trim is just a small part of the Chevy’s considerable curb appeal. From its top-tier towing capacity and feature-packed cargo bed to its cutting-edge interior and a new StowFlex tailgate that packs its fair share of surprises, the Chevy Colorado looks set to maintain its dominance of the midsize segment for another model year. So what’s so special about the 2024 Colorado, and what advantages does it offer over one of the segment’s newcomers in the Ford Ranger? Strap in as we take the feature-packed pickup for a spin and see how it’s managed to earn such a loyal following.
Best-In-Class Towing
Towing and payload capacity are two key metrics when it comes to comparing midsize pickups. The Chevy Colorado is a clear standout in terms of towing, beating not only the Ranger but actually topping the entire class with a maximum rating of 7,700 pounds. This places the Colorado comfortably ahead of the Nissan Frontier (6,640 pounds) and Toyota Tacoma (6,500 pounds) and absolutely trounces the Honda Ridgeline at 5,000 pounds. The Colorado’s maximum towing capacity drops to 6,000 pounds when opting for the rugged ZR2 trims, but it’s a small price to pay for the sort of fun the off-road models can provide. The 2024 Ranger doesn’t get off to a strong start with its own off-road trim in the Ranger Raptor, providing just 5,510 pounds of pull. The XL, XLT, and Lariat trims do up the ante with a maximum towing capacity of 7,500 pounds, but that 200-pound gulf could have a big impact when it comes time to put in some real work.
Feature-Packed Cargo Bed
The cargo bed is one area where the Ranger simply can’t match the Colorado. The Chevy’s roll-formed steel cargo box is longer than the Ranger’s at 61.7 inches and provides plenty of anchor points to secure even the largest load. The truck comes standard with eight tie-down points, but that number rises to 17 when you start adding some optional extras. The Colorado actually provides more tie-down points than any other model in the midsize segment, giving it a clear advantage over the competition and allowing the pickup to handle the type of jobs that many of its rivals couldn’t dream of. The 2024 Ranger is offered with six tie-down points, though more can be added by investing in some extra equipment packages.
There are some similarities between the two trucks’ cargo beds. Both the Colorado and Ranger feature cargo bed lighting and a 120-volt outlet in the bed that gives drivers the opportunity to power tools, electronics, and other must-have equipment. Both midsize trucks have built-in steps aimed at improving access to the cargo bed, but the Colorado has the edge in terms of ergonomics. Ford has placed the Ranger’s side steps between the bumper and the wheel, which, while convenient for reaching into the bed, doesn’t provide a clear path to the cargo area. The Colorado’s rear steps are located on the back corners of the truck, which makes a lot more sense from a design perspective.
StowFlex Tailgate
Cargo capacity is one of the main selling points of the pickup segment. While drivers tend to focus on the size of the bed itself, pure cubic footage isn’t the only factor a driver should consider when shopping for their next midsize model. The way that a truck deploys its storage is often just as important, a fact Chevy clearly kept in mind when creating the StowFlex tailgate. Debuting on the 2023 Colorado, this innovative design turns the truck’s tailgate into a handy storage cubby that provides a little extra convenience and security.
Accessible whenever the Colorado’s tailgate is lowered, the StowFlex’s lockable, watertight compartment is the perfect place to store tools, emergency supplies, extension cords, or even a spare set of clothes when a long day on the job leaves you a little grimy. The storage compartment measures 45 inches wide by 4 inches deep and even includes an integrated drain that makes it a great place to stash a few frosty beverages. While aftermarket bed-mounted storage boxes and the Colorado’s spacious cabin also provide ample space, they’re also a little obvious from a security perspective. The StowFlex tailgate offers valuable peace of mind that’ll allow you to leave your truck in an unfamiliar area without having to worry about prying eyes or worse.
The StowFlex tailgate is offered on every trim level of 2024 Colorado simply by upgrading to the WT, LT, and Trail Boss Convenience Packages. The Ranger’s own tailgate can’t really compete with the StowFlex in terms of pure practicality. While it does include a built-in ruler and two clamp pockets that let it double as a mobile workbench, it’s noticeably lacking when it comes to extra storage and doesn’t really bring anything new to the table.
Kicker Audio System
In addition to its clever storage compartment, the StowFlex tailgate also includes a built-in measuring tool, a power-lowering feature that can be controlled from the key fob, and even a mid-position setting that can handle up to 500 pounds and allows drivers to keep the tailgate slightly ajar for those occasions when you need just a little extra cargo room. While these features should all go a long way towards maximizing the Colorado’s utility factor, the StowFlex tailgate also ups the fun factor with the optional Bluetooth Audio System by Kicker. Whether you’re looking to liven up the job site or blast your favorite tunes at a barbecue or campsite, the Kicker audio system has you covered with a weatherproof amplifier, 4-inch coaxial speakers, and a custom ABS baffle that’ll have you rocking out in any conditions. The Kicker audio system operates independently from the Colorado’s interior stereo and includes all the connectivity options one would expect, from Bluetooth and USB to a traditional 3.5mm audio jack. The USB port can even be used to charge a smartphone or other electronic devices, allowing you to stream your favorite music and keep the party going. The Ranger is a step behind when it comes to audio innovation, with Ford failing to offer a competitor to the Colorado’s Kicker audio system.
A Tech-Forward Cabin
Introduced in 2023, the third-generation Chevy Colorado delivers a decidedly modern cabin that’s packed with the latest and greatest in-vehicle technology. From its digital gauge cluster and slick styling to the updated center console and steering wheel, drivers will feel like they’re stepping into the future when they climb into the Colorado’s cabin. The Ranger, which returned to the market in 2019 after an eight-year absence, is a slightly different story. Ford certainly made some important updates to its midsize pickup, but after half a decade, it’s already starting to show its age.
The Colorado offers some of the best standard comfort, convenience, and infotainment tech in its class, especially when you’re browsing some of the more entry-level models. Take the Colorado’s Work Truck trim, for example. Priced under $32,000, the base trim offers a lot of value with a full complement of features that’ll make every ride a little more enjoyable.[a] The Work Truck comes standard with an 11.3-inch infotainment touchscreen, while the Ranger’s own base model is limited to a 10.1-inch display. Drivers can also upgrade the Colorado with an adaptive cruise control feature that is nowhere to be found on the Ranger’s budget-oriented XL trim. Every Colorado trim receives a built-in navigation system, but Ranger drivers will be left to fend for themselves unless they want to step up to the XLT model. The Colorado is packed with a wireless phone charger, plenty of USB ports, and smartphone connectivity courtesy of Android Auto and Apple CarPlay.
The Chevy Colorado is the Pickup of the Future
Over the course of just two decades, the Chevy Colorado has managed to capture the hearts of drivers and critics alike, and the 2024 model is no exception. After walking away with the coveted Car and Driver 2024 Editors’ Choice award, the Colorado is ready to take on all drivers and is an especially daunting match for the 2024 Ford Ranger. The Colorado routinely outpaces the Ranger in annual sales by a two-to-one margin, and when you start to dig into the differences, it’s easy to see why. The Chevy Colorado is essentially a smaller, more practical version of the best-selling Silverado––right down the shared 2.7-liter turbocharged engine––and sticks to the same time-tested formula to offer a midsize model that leaves the rest of the segment in the dust. Best-in-class towing capacity and tie-downs solidify the Colorado’s worksite reputation, while innovative features like the StowFlex tailgate and Kicker audio system prove that Chevy isn’t afraid to take a few chances in trying to usher in the pickup of the future.
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