Starting at
Starting at
270 HP | Base Model Horsepower | 200 HP |
Yes | Standard Forward Collision Warning | No |
Yes | Standard Automatic Emergency Braking | No |
Compact pickup trucks are becoming more and more popular among consumers. Consequently, this vehicle class has grown to include more models and is becoming increasingly competitive. Two vehicles that are currently rated at the top of this class are the 2019 Ford Ranger vs 2019 Chevy Colorado, and with good reason.
Both the 2019 Ford Ranger and 2019 Chevy Colorado have a lot to offer the compact pickup truck class. They are powerful, efficient, advanced, and versatile. However, there are a few major differences between the two.
The 2019 Ford Ranger is well-rounded and affordable. With one powerful engine for all of its trim levels, drivers can experience high levels of power and capability without being forced to upgrade to more expensive models. From its base engine and up, the Ranger offers a maximum towing capacity of 7,500 LBS and up to 270 hp. On the inside, the Ranger is packed with standard and available entertainment and safety tech, making it a suitable choice for tech-savvy drivers.
Meanwhile, the 2019 Chevy Colorado also levels impressive performance across its many trim levels. However, unlike the Ranger, drivers will be forced to upgrade to higher trim levels to experience more power, efficiency, or capability. Although the Colorado has a slightly lower starting MSRP, the Colorado quickly becomes the more expensive option for drivers looking for plenty of power. The interior of the Colorado is exceptionally upscale, and also offers plenty of available technology; however, the number of safety features could be improved upon.
Overall, both the 2019 Ford Ranger and 2019 Chevy Colorado are excellent vehicles. However, only one of these pickup trucks can be the right option for you. To help you determine whether the Ranger or Colorado is the best choice for your budget, needs, and lifestyle, let’s take a closer look at how they compare.
If you’re looking for a powerful and capable compact pickup truck, both the 2019 Ford Ranger and 2019 Chevy Colorado will offer impressive performance. These vehicles perform at the top of their class in terms of horsepower, torque, and towing capacity, while also offering excellent fuel economy ratings.
The 2019 Ford Ranger offers a turbocharged 2.3L 4-cylinder engine on each model. This engine is capable of producing up to 270 hp and 310 lb-ft torque, which represents the most powerful base engine in its class. This means drivers looking for a high level of power while on a budget can easily accomplish this goal with the new Ranger. The maximum towing capacity of the 2019 Ford Ranger is one of the highest in its class at 7,500 LBS. Thanks to a 10-speed automatic transmission, drivers can experience a smooth and precise ride quality. And fuel economy ratings of up to 21 mpg in the city and 26 mpg on the highway means you’ll enjoy less trips to the gas pump. Overall, the 2019 Ford Ranger gives drivers well-rounded performance starting with the base model. In order to experience similar performance on other competitors, you’ll have to upgrade to a higher trim level.
According to stats, the 2019 Chevy Colorado is more fuel efficient and more powerful than the 2019 Ford Ranger, but there’s a catch. The base model of the Colorado is exceptionally underwhelming, producing only 200 hp. In order to upgrade to a more powerful engine, you’ll have to spend at least $2,000, but this will decrease your fuel efficiency. Of course, you can upgrade to the Colorado’s turbo Diesel engine for improved efficiency, but this configuration offers the lowest horsepower ratings for about $5,500 more to the starting MSRP. With the 2019 Chevy Colorado, drivers will have to choose between power, efficiency, or affordability, but can’t enjoy a balance of all of these qualities. If you’re looking for the most well-rounded vehicle in the compact pickup truck class, you’ll want to check out the 2019 Ford Ranger.
Tech-savvy drivers will have plenty of entertainment technology to choose from with either the 2019 Ford Ranger or 2019 Chevy Colorado. Both of these compact pickup trucks offer large touchscreen displays and a long list of available tech features.
The 2019 Ford Ranger comes standard with a 4.2-inch display, a WiFi hotspot, a USB port, and a 6-speaker sound system. However, the Ranger’s available entertainment features are much more impressive. Drivers who choose to upgrade just one trim level can enjoy features like an 8-inch touchscreen display, navigation, and satellite radio. Meanwhile, other trim levels offer standard and available entertainment features including HD radio and a 10-speaker Bang & Olufsen sound system. These tech-savvy features are only further enhanced by the Ranger’s available luxury features which include heated front seats, leather upholstery, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, and power adjustable front seating. Upgrading to your desired entertainment and luxury features is made easy through a variety of trim levels and package options, and the Ranger is one of the less expensive compact pickup trucks in its class. If you’re looking for an advanced pickup truck that will allow you to follow your budget while enjoying all of the latest features, you’ll love the 2019 Ford Ranger.
The 2019 Chevy Colorado also comes with a long list of standard and available entertainment technology, including the choice between a 7-inch or 8-inch touchscreen display, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and two USB ports. Across its higher trim levels, the Colorado also offers HD radio and satellite radio. Unlike the Ranger, a WiFi hotspot is not included with the base model, so you’ll have to upgrade to the third trim level to experience this feature. The interior of the Colorado is upscale and high-quality like the Ranger, offering similar premium features like a leather-wrapped steering wheel, heated steering wheel, and power adjustable seating. However, many critics note that the top trim level of the Ranger is more luxurious than the top trim level of the Colorado. Both vehicles offer plenty of technology and premium features with a low starting MSRP; however, the Ranger offers a slightly more advanced and luxurious cabin when properly equipped.
In the category of safety, the 2019 Ford Ranger simply offers more standard features and a longer list of available driver assist features. If you’re interested in utilizing plenty of safety technology, you’ll want to opt for the Ranger over the Colorado.
The 2019 Ford Ranger is one of the most impressive compact pickup trucks on the market, especially in terms of its safety technology. Standard on the base model of the Ranger, drivers can enjoy a rearview camera, forward collision warning, and automatic emergency braking. The Ford MyKey system is also included. MyKey allows drivers to set volume and speed restrictions in the event that the vehicle is borrowed or will be driven by a young driver. Meanwhile, available safety features include lane departure warning, lane keep assist, rear cross traffic alert, adaptive cruise control, blind spot monitoring, front and rear parking sensors, and automatic high beams. Drivers looking for a safe and reliable vehicle with plenty of safety technology will appreciate all that the 2019 Ford Ranger has to offer across its varying trim levels.
The 2019 Chevy Colorado is also a safe and reliable option from the compact pickup truck class. However, its base model includes very few standard features. Drivers looking to stick with the entry trim level will only get to experience a rearview camera and Teen Driver technology, which is similar to Ford’s MyKey system. The number of available features onboard the 2019 Chevy Colorado is also short, including forward collision warning, lane departure warning, rear parking sensors, and not much more. The Colorado did receive high safety scores from both the IIHS and NHTSA, but overall this pickup truck is underwhelming in terms of safety technology which is often a deal-breaker for modern drivers. While either vehicle will keep you and your passengers safe, drivers looking for plenty of driver assist features will want to opt for the Ranger over the Colorado.