• Colorado offers more trims and packages
• Chevy has three engines vs. one for the Ford
• Tow ratings are extremely close

The class battle between Ford and Chevrolet continues with the 2022 Colorado and 2022 Ranger models squaring off. Nothing could draw a larger crowd than these two Detroit natives showing their wares in the competition ring. Until the Ranger returned, the Colorado had only to contend with a few models in the midsize truck class. Today, there seems to be a new midsize truck added every year.

It’s refreshing to see this classic head-to-head battle of the big boys.

	2022 Chevrolet Colorado	2022 Ford Ranger
Price Range	$25,200 to $42,600	$25,285 to $47,000
Engine Options	2.5-liter four-cylinder/3.6-liter V6/2.8-liter turbodiesel four-cylinder	2.3-liter EcoBoost four-cylinder
Horsepower	200 horsepower/308 horsepower/186 horsepower	270 horsepower
Torque	191 lb.-ft./275 lb.-ft./369 lb.-ft.	310 lb.-ft.
Transmission	6-speed auto for both four-cylinder engines/8-speed auto for V6	10-speed automatic
MPG Rating	19/25 2WD 19/24 4WD | 18/25 2WD 17/24 4WD | 20/30 2WD 19/28 4WD	21/26 RWD 20/24 4WD
NHTSA Safety Rating	Four Stars	Four Stars

Minor changes to the 2022 Chevrolet Colorado

The latest version of the Colorado receives a facelift but remains mostly unchanged. The current model of this truck began in 2015, and it’s been a top-performer every year since. MotorTrend tells us this truck has a new Trail Boss package that can upgrade the LT or Z71 models. This new package provides a one-inch lift, skid plates, ZR2 wheels, and red tow hooks.

Among compact pickup trucks, U.S. News and World Report rank the Chevy Colorado as the number two truck in the list. Only the Honda Ridgeline scored better in their tests. This truck provides excellent power, performance, and capabilities for any drive.

Pros

• Tow Rating
• Ride and handling
• Useful infotainment system

Cons

• Cabin quality
• Base engine
• Lack of standard driver assistance features

The Colorado is extremely versatile

Four main trims (WT, LT, Z71, and ZR2) offer various levels of equipment and capabilities for your drive. Not only will you have these trims, but several packages can add more to the midsize truck experience. These packages are:

• Chrome Appearance Package
• Redline Special Edition (LT models)
• Midnight Edition (Z71 and ZR2)
• Dusk Special Edition (ZR2)
• Bison Edition (ZR2)
• Trail Boss Package (4WD LT and Z71 models)

Very few trucks in this class offer the variety you can find in the Chevy Colorado. This could be the right truck to handle everything you need to do.

The 2022 Ford Ranger is a returning legend

During its previous run, the Ford Ranger was one of the most popular compact and midsize trucks in the market. This truck spent seven years away from the North American market, but it has returned to take on the rest of the midsize truck market. A new Tremor package gives the Ranger more dynamic performance features for trail-riding and off-road performance.

In the U.S. News and World Report comparison, Ford finds its way to fourth on the list of compact pickup trucks. This places the Ranger right behind the GMC Canyon, which is the sibling to the Chevrolet Colorado. For 2022, the Ranger receives a new Splash appearance package giving it more visual pizzaz and pop.

Pros

• Powerful turbocharged engine
• Impressive handling
• Good towing and hauling capabilities

Cons

• Dated interior
• Lack of standard features

Three trims make the Ford Ranger lineup

The Ranger comes in LT, XLT, and Lariat trim levels in a traditional Ford manner. These three trims provide impressive levels of equipment and features for your drive. There are also five special packages to choose from:

• FX2
• FX4
• Tremor (XLT and Lariat 4WD SuperCrew models)
• Splash package (SuperCrew XLT and Lariat models)
• Technology Package

The capability and packaging of the Ford Ranger make it a true competitor in this market. If you’ve been looking for a new midsize Ford truck, it is here and carries the name you’ve known for a long time.

Which midsize truck should you drive?

If you need to use your truck for towing, the Chevrolet Colorado outperforms the Ford Ranger by 200 pounds. The tow rating for the Ranger is 7,500 pounds, with the Colorado offering a maximum tow rating of 7,700 pounds. The Colorado is the truck you’ll drive when you want more selection and versatility. Sorry Ford Ranger, you lose this round.