2023 Chevrolet Colorado vs. 2023 Ford Ranger in Jefferson City, TN

2023 Chevrolet Colorado vs. 2023 Ford Ranger in Jefferson City, TN

2023 Colorado vs. 2023 Ranger in Jefferson City, TN

The market for midsize pickup trucks has burgeoned over the past decade, as not everyone finds a full-size pickup truck convenient or maneuverable. As urban centers become crowded and parking spaces shrink, midsize pickup trucks such as the 2023 Chevrolet Colorado and the 2023 Ford Ranger make a lot of sense.

The 2023 Chevy Colorado is all-new for the 2023 model year, as the third generation of the nameplate. Meanwhile, the 2023 Ford Ranger is much older, having debuted in 2019 in North America. However, it's based on the T6 Ranger that has roots dating back to 2011.

Let's compare the all-new 2023 Colorado vs. Ranger and determine which one is ahead in the best midsize pickup truck race. We'll evaluate their interior, performance, and safety offerings in this Chevrolet vs. Ford comparison. And if you want to see the new Colorado in the metal, call the team at Tarr Chevrolet in Jefferson City, TN.

Interior Comparison

The 2023 Colorado is only available as a four-door crew cab with a 5-foot bed. Chevy has determined this to be the ideal specification for its target segment. Hence, you'll find a spacious cabin with room for up to five adults. It’s noticeably more spacious than the 2023 Ranger, with better head, leg, and shoulder room in both rows. The 2023 Ranger may offer a short cab with a long bed, but it's just 6 feet long, so you're better off with a 2023 Colorado.

Furthermore, the 2023 Colorado’s brand-new interior is far nicer. It feels more premium than the 2023 Ranger, which is starting to show its age. You'll find better quality materials and more soft-touch surfaces as well. Let's not forget the 11.3-inch infotainment screen that's standard on every 2023 Colorado and makes the 2023 Ranger’s largest 8-inch offering look measly. Other features include dual-zone climate control, powered and heated front seats on some trims, and wireless phone charging capability. Every 2023 Colorado supports Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™, but only the higher trims of the 2023 Ranger offer the same connectivity.

2023 Chevrolet Colorado

Center Console Steering Column Cargo Space

2023 Ford Ranger

Center Console Steering Column Cargo Space

Performance Comparison

The 2023 Colorado features a downsized 2.7-liter four-cylinder engine with turbocharging. This potent yet efficient engine is coupled to an eight-speed transmission and drives the rear wheels as standard, but you can spec an all-wheel-drive system.

Power output varies depending on trim level. The lower WT and LT trims receive 237 horsepower, while the Z71 and Trail Boss editions get 301 horsepower. The top-tier ZR2 trim receives the most power, at 310 horsepower. As a result, the 2023 Colorado can tow up to 7,700 pounds.

The 2023 Ranger’s 2.3-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder engine can't compare in terms of refinement and power. It develops 270 horsepower and uses a 10-speed automatic transmission to send power to the rear wheels. An all-wheel-drive system can be optioned. Towing capacity maxes out at 7,500 pounds depending on spec and trim.

Safety Features Comparison

The 2023 Colorado and the 2023 Ranger come with plenty of standard safety features. You’ll find six airbags, stability control, forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, brake assist, child safety locks, and daytime running lamps on all variants. The 2023 Colorado also adds standard lane-departure warning and lane-keeping assist. Adaptive cruise control is optional on both midsize pickups.

Find the 2023 Ranger in Jefferson City, TN

The 2023 Colorado is the winner of this Chevrolet vs. Ford shootout for several reasons. For starters, it is a newer and more spacious vehicle. It has better tech toys and is driven by a newer, more efficient powertrain. It even wins on standard safety features. With all that going for it, you should swing by Tarr Chevrolet in Jefferson City, TN, and test drive one.