In a showdown between the 2025 Ford Ranger and Chevy Colorado, which midsize truck would prevail? We’re about to find out! Our buying guide is here to help Mandeville drivers select the best option.
Key Takeaways
- Thanks to a recent redesign, the Ranger delivers best-in-class tech features.
- Only the Ranger offers V6 performance and up to 405 horsepower!
- Enjoy a thriftier ride across the causeway with the Ranger’s EcoBoost engine.
- The Colorado can tow up to 7,700 pounds — more than other midsize trucks can manage!
The Ranger emerged from last year’s redesign with the most impressive tech lineup in the segment. Ford’s midsize truck is now available with advanced features you can’t get on any other midsize truck, like blind-spot warning with trailer coverage and adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go capabilities. The new Ranger also delivers the most impressive infotainment system. Standard features include an 8-inch digital gauge cluster, SYNC 4 infotainment with a 12-inch central touchscreen, and wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto.
Although the 2025 Chevy Colorado can’t compete with Ford’s more innovative features (including the Pro Trailer Backup Assist system), its infotainment setup deserves our respect. Standard features include an 8-inch digital gauge cluster, 11.3-inch infotainment touchscreen, and wireless smartphone connectivity. And though its driving aids aren’t quite as advanced, features like lane-keeping assist and automatic emergency braking enhance safety nonetheless.
Fun-Loving Power: 2025 Ford Ranger
Are you shopping for a sporty performance? With V6 power and all-out off-roading capabilities, the Ranger is our first choice for adventure. To take performance to extremes, check out the Ranger Raptor trim! Designed to speed into rugged terrain, the Raptor’s exclusive turbocharged V6 delivers more power than the Colorado can mobilize. This truck is ready for your trips into North Louisiana’s ultra-rugged terrain, with standard Fox shocks, locking differentials, and more!
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
- XL, XLT, Lariat: rear-wheel drive or optional four-wheel drive
- Raptor: standard four-wheel drive
The Colorado is only available with one engine option, limiting its appeal compared to the Ranger. But even if you can’t equip this truck for a thriftier or more powerful performance, you can’t deny that its turbocharged, 310-horsepower four-cylinder engine offers a good time, on-road and off! Like the Ranger, the Colorado is available with trail-ready four-wheel drive. And this Chevy truck offers a few off-road trim models of its own — the Trail Boss, Z71, and ZR2. However, none are as powerful as the Ranger Raptor!
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
Best Causeway Commuter: 2025 Ford Ranger
Fuel economy is a great reason to choose a midsize truck over a full-size one like the F-150. If you spend a lot of time commuting to New Orleans, we recommend checking out the Ranger’s base EcoBoost engine. In spite of its powerful, tow-friendly performance, it helps the Ranger achieve up to 23 mpg combined (21 city/26 highway)!
The thriftiest version of the 2025 Chevy Colorado earns up to 20 mpg combined (19 city/23 highway). That’s not bad for such a powerful truck. But if you spend a lot of time on the road, the difference adds up, taking a toll on your fuel budget!
Best-in-Class Towing: 2025 Chevy Colorado
This was a close call, but the Chevy Colorado pulls ahead with its best-in-class tow rating. Properly equipped, Chevy’s midsize truck can tow a boat trailer or camper weighing up to 7,700 pounds. The Ranger’s max capacity comes close, towing up to 7,500 pounds, but it may not be right for every driver.
On the other hand, the Ford Ranger can haul the biggest payloads. Whether you’re planning a major tailgating event or helping your buddy move into a new apartment, the Ranger’s 1,805-pound payload capacity can help you make fewer trips to your destination. By comparison, the Colorado can haul up to 1,685 pounds.
Louisiana’s Favorite Midsize Truck
Which is the best midsize truck for Mandeville, LA, Ranger or Colorado? If you’re like us, you’ll pick the 2025 Ford Ranger every time! With available V6 power, exclusive tech features, and swift off-roading capabilities, it might just be the perfect pickup. But you don’t have to take our word for it. Come see for yourself — visit us at Banner Ford of Mandeville in St. Tammany Parish!