Everyone sees the outside of your vehicle. They’ll notice how well you’ve taken care of it, whether it’s in need of a wash, and chuckle over your bumper sticker choices. Your tires and wheels of choice will be on display, as well as the paint job, the fancy rims, and the vanity license plate. Even if you think your vehicle is old hat, someone somewhere has looked at it and noticed something about it.
When comparing vehicles, however, it’s really not as much about the exterior. It’s about the interior, both the inner workings and the cabin. This is why comparisons help you figure out what you want. Do you care more about the feel of the cabin, the type of engine, or the built-in tech? When comparing the 2023 Chevy Colorado vs 2023 Ford Ranger, they might appear similar on the surface, but they are a world apart when it comes to what’s under the hood and inside the cabin.
Engines
Both the 2023 Chevy Colorado and the 2023 Ford Ranger are categorized as pickup trucks. They may have a similar design, but that doesn’t mean they’re the same inside and out. When it comes to the inner workings of these pickup trucks, the differences begin with the engine.
The base Ford Ranger model has a 2.3L EcoBoost engine, while the Chevy Colorado has a 2.7L turbo engine. You might think those are two completely different systems, but that’s not where the difference lies. The “EcoBoost” is Ford’s name for their line of turbo engines, so the Ford Ranger 2.3L EcoBoost is simply a four-cylinder turbocharged engine. Midsize trucks such as these used to offer an optional V6 engine, but in modern trucks, better fuel economy as well as horsepower can be found in turbocharged four-cylinder engines.
The Ranger makes a healthy 270 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque. Comparing this to the Colorado depends on which of three versions of its 2.7L engine you are comparing it to. On the low end, this engine makes 237 horsepower and 260 lb-ft, giving the Ranger a clear advantage. As you move up in the trim levels, however, two additional versions of this engine are available, each making 310 horsepower. The Turbo Plus version generates 390 lb-ft of torque, while stepping up to the Turbo High Output gives you 430 lb-ft. Either of these are far superior to what the Ranger has to offer.
Do you need a basic work truck that’s light on its feet, unobtrusive, and practical? The Ford Ranger can perform basic tasks with ease. However, if you’re looking for something with a bit more verve and can play as hard as it works, you’ll want the Chevy Colorado.
Interiors
Almost all of your time with your truck will be spent inside of it, so the interior is one of the biggest concerns when looking for a truck. The Ford Ranger hasn’t changed much over the last few years, seemingly content to run in the middle of the pack. The base Ranger model for 2023 comes standard with manual single-zone air conditioning, vinyl flooring, power door locks, and cloth seats, though vinyl seats are optional. This less-than-inspiring display is in stark contrast to the 2023 Chevy Colorado base model, which has a carpeted floor, an HD rearview camera, manual folding second row 60/40 split-bench seats, power windows with driver express down, and an inside rearview manual day/night mirror.
These are no small differences. The gulf between the two models is quite astonishing when comparing the interior, especially when you think about all that happens inside a vehicle. Long road trips require entertainment, snacks, and comfortable seating, especially if you have more than one passenger. Even running daily errands can feel like an extra chore if the inside of your vehicle feels plain, boring, and dull. Many people spend hours upon hours inside their vehicles, commuting to work, appointments, special events, family holiday gatherings, birthday parties, dates, fancy dinners, etc. Why would you settle for something blase when you could have something that, even in the base model, provides such an exquisite driving experience?
Different uses, of course, will dictate which one of these you end up with. If you want no more than just a practical, serviceable truck that will take you from point A to point B with no frills, then by all means, try out the Ford Ranger. Most drivers, however, prefer to be pampered a bit, or at least enjoy the ride, and the Chevy Colorado delivers.
Safety and Tech
Some drivers prefer to keep things plain and simple when it comes to technology and safety features. It can be overwhelming to navigate a new system, trying to find that special feature or attempting to turn something off that keeps beeping. With the advent of technology assistance, however, one cannot help but utilize at least a few of these useful features. The most popular offerings when it comes to safety and tech are the infotainment center, the safety suite, and the stereo system. How do the Chevy Colorado and Ford Ranger stack up when it comes to these comparisons?
The Ford Ranger has multiple airbags, seatbelts, child seat tether anchors, anti-lock brakes, and a rearview camera, all of which are pretty standard across the automotive industry even at the base model level, in newer vehicles. The Chevy Colorado, on the other hand, offers drivers an 11.3-inch advanced color LED infotainment center that can access Google, automatic emergency braking, blind zone steering assist, Chevy Safety Assist, a following distance indicator, front pedestrian braking with bicyclist protection, and more. Again, even the base model of the Chevy Colorado comes packed with features to keep you and your passengers safe, no matter where you are or who you’re traveling alongside.
Both the Colorado and the Ranger have a stereo system, USB ports, power locks, and other expected interior features, but when it comes to safety and entertainment, the clear winner is the 2023 Chevy Colorado. Nothing beats a large infotainment center, a host of safety features, and the latest in convenience offerings, especially when it comes to what the base model has to offer. Not many competitors can be held up to Chevy’s standards, not even new models like the 2023 Ford Ranger.
Ranger vs. Colorado: A Clear Choice
Whether you’re looking for a work truck, a personal vehicle, or a fun weekend buddy, you know that when it comes to pickups, there are only a few that really stand out above the rest. At the top sits the 2023 Chevy Colorado. Among your fellow drivers as well as professionals in the industry, the Colorado gets high marks for its performance, safety and tech, and comfortable interior. It’s a clear winner among trucks that either skimp on the little details or charge extra for features that should be standard. When it comes to purchasing a new truck, opt for the one that will allow you to explore plentiful opportunities while also providing you with a cozy interior experience and keep you up to date and entertained for as long as you’re on the road, or off. Check out the 2023 Chevy Colorado and see the difference for yourself.
