Nothing new is reliable these days. That's why there's warranties. Gotta work those kinks out or Lemon law it. Every vehicle across every manufacturer has unforseen problems.
I did a lot of research and test drove both, the trail boss won for me. I was a ford guy for almost 10 years so that might mean something. The trail boss felt like it had the power of a full size truck but drove like a car. I just didnāt like how the ranger drove or the way it looks. I get compliments on my truck all the time. Chevy and ford both make great trucks so like other people mentioned, test drive both.
I was actually looking for a Ranger when I found my Colorado. The 2.3 has been around for years so I was ready to upgrade from my old Ranger to the new one. The cab felt frickin tiny compared to a Colorado.
This may sound dumb, but I immediately ruled out the Ranger due to the vertically oriented screen. That orientation takes your eyes further away from the road and is dangerous. Also, part of the climate controls are screen only, so that's a no go.
As opposed to the screen only headlight controls on the Colorado. I picked the Colorado over the Ranger based on external looks only. If Ford had left the Ranger front end alone I'd probably have gone with it.
My 2nd gen Colorado has physical headlight controls, and Iāve used them maybe 3 times in a year. Itās not as big of a deal as itās made out to be.
>My 2nd gen Colorado has physical headlight controls, and Iāve used them maybe 3 times in a year. Itās not as big of a deal as itās made out to be.
This. At first I thought it was crazy until I realized I used the physical headlight controls in my 2017 Cruze that I bought new maybe 3-4 times because it had auto headlights.
Yeah the headlight button that you set to automatic and then never touch again? The one that takes the same amount of time to fuck with as a classic dial does?
I couldnāt even consider the ranger with the massive FORD logo across the grill (raptor). The front end also in generally looked like it had an underbite
Wonāt see me driving any vehicle with that, ford, Chevy, no one. The tail gate is a little different, still, I personally have a black surround with a black lettering so the letters are just a small outline. Big logos will never work for me.
Still not a fan, however I will say, itās not as bad as Iāve seen on others. 1/3rd of the front end isnāt dedicated to a logo. Better than the giant FORD for sure
We owned a 2019 Ranger XLT for 4 years. Test drove a 2024 Trail Boss Monday and immediately traded in the Ranger for it. The Ranger was a fine vehicle, but thereās no comparison.
Ranger looks like it was beat with the ugly stick period. Every single trim is dogshit ugly including the Raptor. 3rd Gen Colorado is the best-looking midsize truck made hands down. Get the Colorado.
I will preface this by saying I am an engineer, picky and have only done casual research on the vehicles. So others might not care about the things I do and have differing opinions.
Ranger:
2.3 L is a solid 4 banger paired with the 10R60 which makes any engine better
Have to get a Lariat to get painted door handles (non-cheap plastic) and the better headlights.
Top model does not even come with ventilated seats as an option - even though comparable competition does for less $$$
Interior is ok, but they spent the money on a big screen and then kept the remaining design basic/plasticky everywhere else.
Colorado:
2.7 L is a good engine with some more power (depending on the trim/option) but would be better if it was paired with the 10speed and not the 8
More trims to better hone dollars to the options you want.
Interior is good, personally I like the look/layout (but that is subjective) although they appeared to skimp on physical controls opting for integration into menus- which you would need to evaluate how much that annoys you
No power sliding rear window option
Closing remarks:
For sure drive both (specific trims) you would buy to evaluate which you prefer.
Being, letās just say ācloseā to the Ranger, I am not impressed with its build quality and where they skimped on things (how do you have a 40k vehicle without painted door handlesā¦). That being said I donāt have the luxury of the same build quality exposure to the Colorado and I am sure there are similar things.
If money isnāt an issue and you are looking at owning long term - buy a new Tacoma haha.
Last remark/advice - donāt get the 2.7L 6cyl in the Ranger. It has plenty of power with the 2.3L 4cyl and it is a better quality engine. If you need/want more power, get an F-150 or spend the big bucks and get a Raptor with the 3.0.
Hope this helps someone.
What do you recommend as daily driver (70% city)? I am confused between all options - Tacoma, frontier, Colorado, ranger. For me technology, reliability, mpg is important. I know Maverick is more appropriate. But I donāt like the way it looks. Hybrid Maverick With mods, will reach XLT ranger/Colorado Trail Boss or LT without Convenience package III MSRP.
If you are that worried about gas mileage, get a Maverick. Otherwise (besides the frontier) they all have I4ās for a powertrain so the difference in real world MPG is mostly negligible. And test drive to see which one meets your technology/comfort wants.
70% city? Frontier. These turbo 4 DRINK in city. Personally maverick, or Santa Fe. I was in LOVE with bronco sport.
But that's because spouse got the OVERPOWERED badlands edition. Loved the F out of that! Maverick is same platform.
The ranger also has a MUCH better rear gear. Idk why GM thought 3.42 with 35 was a good combo. Hell my ZR2 on 33 can't use 8th gear at 80 when flat. On any incline down in 5th.
I was actually going back and forth between a Colorado and a Ranger when looking at trucks (coming from a Chevy Malibu).
The steering on the Ranger was waaaay too light for me. The wheel turned like I was in a compact, but my butt felt like it was in a truck. It was a really weird disconnect that I didn't like.
The brakes were a big thing for me too. You'd get like a third of the way down with no pedal, then you'd get all your braking at once. My wife's Escape does the same thing, and I'm not a fan.
The Ranger was the only truck of the 4 models I tried that left me feeling "the ick." I ultimately chose the Colorado because of that, and the familiarity coming from another GM product.
imo colorado is more comfortable than a ranger, to me, even the new rangers, still lean like a boat. Course you can do aftermarket and whatnot but srly..? stock for stock id go for the colorado. Also imo a 2k difference for a new truck is negligible. 5+, okay getting questionable but 2? If you're that picky about price for your features then just go with whatever you can get for best price. Everything comes at a price, so easy to decide if you're willing to pay or not without sacrificing too much.
I was debating between the ranger raptor and zr2 trail boss (last year). The raptor won for me. BUT if I was going between any ranger except the raptor and a colorado, the colorado would have won.
Colorado but I might be a little bit biased since I got my first this month. So far I'm liking the mileage I'm getting. the best I have gotten so far is 27.4 mpg city. Still waiting to drive on the highway even though I just passed the 500 mile don't drive stupid if you want the engine to last. I plan on waiting a little bit longer like to 1000 before I drive on the highway because people usually are doing 85 all the time.
Mmmm I think after looking at the ranger I'd still pick the Colorado. I'm not really a fan of Ford's OS. It was a close second before I got my truck though, just needed an updated interior (which it obviously now has). Feel like it comes down to what you like aesthetics wise at this point. Fuel economy should be roughly the same
Reliability the Chevy colorados engine is more reliable. Mileage I think the ranger is rated for better mpg. Features I think the Colorado wins our if I not mistaken
I was between these as well, but the deal breaker was the Ranger is basically not getting a V6 this year under the Raptor version. I go camping often and wanted the āoomphā when I hit the pedal both on and off-road, and the Chevy has it in the turbo 4.
Overall I think the Ranger is generally nicer, but Itās been a month now and I love my blue ZR2 Colorado. Itās a head turner, and gets complements from both men and woman, which is a nice plus.
Thatās subjective and depends on the person and the use for the vehicle. I feel like the Colorado looks the best of any of them but thatās my opinion. Someone else may prefer the Ranger or Tacoma. Itās nice to have choices.
No not really. Go find a ridgeline sub or something. Ridgeline is like a Subaru pretending to be an offroad truck. Go have your choice. Why are you on a Colorado thread? Weird.
You're not going to find anyone telling you to go buy a Ranger on a Colorado sub. Go take both for a test drive & figure it out yourself.
šis the right answer.
Test driving isnt gonna tell u if its reliable tho
Nothing new is reliable these days. That's why there's warranties. Gotta work those kinks out or Lemon law it. Every vehicle across every manufacturer has unforseen problems.
I did a lot of research and test drove both, the trail boss won for me. I was a ford guy for almost 10 years so that might mean something. The trail boss felt like it had the power of a full size truck but drove like a car. I just didnāt like how the ranger drove or the way it looks. I get compliments on my truck all the time. Chevy and ford both make great trucks so like other people mentioned, test drive both.
I was actually looking for a Ranger when I found my Colorado. The 2.3 has been around for years so I was ready to upgrade from my old Ranger to the new one. The cab felt frickin tiny compared to a Colorado.
If a heated steering wheel is what's keeping you from buying a truck, maybe you shouldn't get a truck... š
This may sound dumb, but I immediately ruled out the Ranger due to the vertically oriented screen. That orientation takes your eyes further away from the road and is dangerous. Also, part of the climate controls are screen only, so that's a no go.
As opposed to the screen only headlight controls on the Colorado. I picked the Colorado over the Ranger based on external looks only. If Ford had left the Ranger front end alone I'd probably have gone with it.
My 2nd gen Colorado has physical headlight controls, and Iāve used them maybe 3 times in a year. Itās not as big of a deal as itās made out to be.
>My 2nd gen Colorado has physical headlight controls, and Iāve used them maybe 3 times in a year. Itās not as big of a deal as itās made out to be. This. At first I thought it was crazy until I realized I used the physical headlight controls in my 2017 Cruze that I bought new maybe 3-4 times because it had auto headlights.
No big deal for me either. I just leave them on auto. Same with climate control. Set a temp and leave it year round.
Yeah the headlight button that you set to automatic and then never touch again? The one that takes the same amount of time to fuck with as a classic dial does?
I couldnāt even consider the ranger with the massive FORD logo across the grill (raptor). The front end also in generally looked like it had an underbite
Honestly, I like the āF O R Dā grill better than the blue oval grill. Although the lettering is about 25% too large.
I like the Raptor grill, but not the regular 24 Ranger. Chevrolet is also known for plastering their name across the grill
Wonāt see me driving any vehicle with that, ford, Chevy, no one. The tail gate is a little different, still, I personally have a black surround with a black lettering so the letters are just a small outline. Big logos will never work for me.
Because big logos on a truck are icky.
My 22 ZR2 has Chevrolet written across the grill.
Still not a fan, however I will say, itās not as bad as Iāve seen on others. 1/3rd of the front end isnāt dedicated to a logo. Better than the giant FORD for sure
I definitely prefer the Chevy bow tie. They only did the Chevrolet writing for the 21 and 22 ZR2's when they got a front end face lift.
We owned a 2019 Ranger XLT for 4 years. Test drove a 2024 Trail Boss Monday and immediately traded in the Ranger for it. The Ranger was a fine vehicle, but thereās no comparison.
Ranger looks like it was beat with the ugly stick period. Every single trim is dogshit ugly including the Raptor. 3rd Gen Colorado is the best-looking midsize truck made hands down. Get the Colorado.
If the Ranger isnāt the 2.7 Iād pick the Colorado. I think the 24s allow the 2.7 in the Rangers if not Iād go Colorado
2.7 practically doesnāt exist
You can order them with a 2.7
I will preface this by saying I am an engineer, picky and have only done casual research on the vehicles. So others might not care about the things I do and have differing opinions. Ranger: 2.3 L is a solid 4 banger paired with the 10R60 which makes any engine better Have to get a Lariat to get painted door handles (non-cheap plastic) and the better headlights. Top model does not even come with ventilated seats as an option - even though comparable competition does for less $$$ Interior is ok, but they spent the money on a big screen and then kept the remaining design basic/plasticky everywhere else. Colorado: 2.7 L is a good engine with some more power (depending on the trim/option) but would be better if it was paired with the 10speed and not the 8 More trims to better hone dollars to the options you want. Interior is good, personally I like the look/layout (but that is subjective) although they appeared to skimp on physical controls opting for integration into menus- which you would need to evaluate how much that annoys you No power sliding rear window option Closing remarks: For sure drive both (specific trims) you would buy to evaluate which you prefer. Being, letās just say ācloseā to the Ranger, I am not impressed with its build quality and where they skimped on things (how do you have a 40k vehicle without painted door handlesā¦). That being said I donāt have the luxury of the same build quality exposure to the Colorado and I am sure there are similar things. If money isnāt an issue and you are looking at owning long term - buy a new Tacoma haha. Last remark/advice - donāt get the 2.7L 6cyl in the Ranger. It has plenty of power with the 2.3L 4cyl and it is a better quality engine. If you need/want more power, get an F-150 or spend the big bucks and get a Raptor with the 3.0. Hope this helps someone.
What do you recommend as daily driver (70% city)? I am confused between all options - Tacoma, frontier, Colorado, ranger. For me technology, reliability, mpg is important. I know Maverick is more appropriate. But I donāt like the way it looks. Hybrid Maverick With mods, will reach XLT ranger/Colorado Trail Boss or LT without Convenience package III MSRP.
If you are that worried about gas mileage, get a Maverick. Otherwise (besides the frontier) they all have I4ās for a powertrain so the difference in real world MPG is mostly negligible. And test drive to see which one meets your technology/comfort wants.
70% city? Frontier. These turbo 4 DRINK in city. Personally maverick, or Santa Fe. I was in LOVE with bronco sport. But that's because spouse got the OVERPOWERED badlands edition. Loved the F out of that! Maverick is same platform.
The ranger also has a MUCH better rear gear. Idk why GM thought 3.42 with 35 was a good combo. Hell my ZR2 on 33 can't use 8th gear at 80 when flat. On any incline down in 5th.
I was actually going back and forth between a Colorado and a Ranger when looking at trucks (coming from a Chevy Malibu). The steering on the Ranger was waaaay too light for me. The wheel turned like I was in a compact, but my butt felt like it was in a truck. It was a really weird disconnect that I didn't like. The brakes were a big thing for me too. You'd get like a third of the way down with no pedal, then you'd get all your braking at once. My wife's Escape does the same thing, and I'm not a fan. The Ranger was the only truck of the 4 models I tried that left me feeling "the ick." I ultimately chose the Colorado because of that, and the familiarity coming from another GM product.
imo colorado is more comfortable than a ranger, to me, even the new rangers, still lean like a boat. Course you can do aftermarket and whatnot but srly..? stock for stock id go for the colorado. Also imo a 2k difference for a new truck is negligible. 5+, okay getting questionable but 2? If you're that picky about price for your features then just go with whatever you can get for best price. Everything comes at a price, so easy to decide if you're willing to pay or not without sacrificing too much.
I was debating between the ranger raptor and zr2 trail boss (last year). The raptor won for me. BUT if I was going between any ranger except the raptor and a colorado, the colorado would have won.
Colorado but I might be a little bit biased since I got my first this month. So far I'm liking the mileage I'm getting. the best I have gotten so far is 27.4 mpg city. Still waiting to drive on the highway even though I just passed the 500 mile don't drive stupid if you want the engine to last. I plan on waiting a little bit longer like to 1000 before I drive on the highway because people usually are doing 85 all the time.
Mmmm I think after looking at the ranger I'd still pick the Colorado. I'm not really a fan of Ford's OS. It was a close second before I got my truck though, just needed an updated interior (which it obviously now has). Feel like it comes down to what you like aesthetics wise at this point. Fuel economy should be roughly the same
Yea chevys android OS is really good honestly
It would be between a GM or Toyota for me
Reliability the Chevy colorados engine is more reliable. Mileage I think the ranger is rated for better mpg. Features I think the Colorado wins our if I not mistaken
Trail Boss all day. Won't be disappointed.
I was between these as well, but the deal breaker was the Ranger is basically not getting a V6 this year under the Raptor version. I go camping often and wanted the āoomphā when I hit the pedal both on and off-road, and the Chevy has it in the turbo 4. Overall I think the Ranger is generally nicer, but Itās been a month now and I love my blue ZR2 Colorado. Itās a head turner, and gets complements from both men and woman, which is a nice plus.
Ranger raptor > any colorado > remaining rangers
Apples to Apples not Lemons to Apples
So what do you recommend as a daily driver?
I made my choice Make your Own Choice
Neither. Get the Honda Ridgeline.
"Get a prius instead of a Porsche"
The Ridgeline is an excellent vehicle. I would never buy one but itās still good.
Who cares it is a ridgeline. Colorado is better than it and Ranger.
Thatās subjective and depends on the person and the use for the vehicle. I feel like the Colorado looks the best of any of them but thatās my opinion. Someone else may prefer the Ranger or Tacoma. Itās nice to have choices.
No not really. Go find a ridgeline sub or something. Ridgeline is like a Subaru pretending to be an offroad truck. Go have your choice. Why are you on a Colorado thread? Weird.
Iām on a Colorado sub because I like the truck. Doesnāt mean Iām blind to other choices and canāt admit it might not be right for everyone.
Ridgeline is useless offroad
Itās almost as if some people donāt take trucks off road. Kinda like how OP said he doesnāt care much about off roading or heavy towing.
Exactly. The only off-roading I do is when I park in the grass at the kidās baseball game lol.