Two of the segment’s top contenders

Americans love their trucks, but with the prices of many full-size pickups soaring over the last decade, many consumers are moving to midsize models. The Ford Ranger and Chevrolet Colorado aren’t as tough as their larger siblings, but they offer a solid balance of price and proven capability. With American ingenuity behind them, American midsize pickups manage to hold the spotlight, even as the competition grows fiercer. 

Both the Ford Ranger and Chevrolet Colorado see relatively minor changes, save for one, for the 2025 model year. The biggest news revolves around the Colorado, which sees a 2.7-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine become the sole powertrain option. Otherwise, both midsize pickups get a few new paint colors and a standard feature shake-up.

Invigorating performance

While midsize trucks may have grown, they’re still smaller than full-size pickups. Don’t let size fool you, though. Both the Ford Ranger and Chevrolet Colorado pack in enough power to tow heavy loads and embrace the hours spent both on and off-road. Regardless of which model you pick, a turbocharged four-cylinder engine comes standard, but the Ranger has several options to choose from.

Most 2025 Ford Rangers come powered by a 2.3-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine that delivers 270 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque. Upper-tier Ranger models are available with a 2.7-liter twin-turbo V6 engine that generates 315 horsepower and 400 lb-ft of torque. Power from both engines flows through a 10-speed automatic transmission. At its peak, a properly equipped Ford Ranger can tow up to 7,500 lbs.

All 2025 Chevrolet Colorado models come powered by a 2.7-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, producing 310 horsepower and 430 lb-ft of torque. Power comes channeled through an eight-speed automatic transmission. As far as capability goes, the Colorado can tow a tad more than the Ford Ranger, up to 7,700 lbs. when properly equipped.

While the off-road version of the Chevrolet Colorado packs the same engine as its lower trim levels, the Ranger does no such thing. The off-road Ranger Raptor boasts a 3.0-liter twin-turbo V6 engine that produces 405 horsepower and 430 lb-ft of torque. Like in its lower trim levels, the Ranger Raptor comes equipped with a 10-speed automatic transmission. 

Simplified designs

Midsize trucks don’t need to be complicated, and while some automakers try to slot in as many features as they can, Ford and Chevrolet have instead chosen to keep it simple. Both midsize pickups are available in a single configuration: a crew cab with a five-foot bed. You can’t opt for a single or extended cab configuration or a longer bed at all.

The Ford Ranger features a modernized cabin, thanks in part to its redesign for the 2024 model year. An eight-inch digital gauge display and a 10.1-inch touchscreen display come standard, as does Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility. If touchscreen controls aren’t your style, the Ranger includes more physical controls. For a more luxurious layout, the Lariat trim, which starts at $43,880, includes leather-trimmed heated front and rear seats and a 10-speaker B&O sound system. 

The Chevrolet Colorado is no slouch, though. Chevy’s midsize entry tops the Ranger with an 11.3-inch touchscreen display and an 11-inch digital gauge display. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility also come standard. For a sportier aesthetic, the Z71, available from $43,900, pops in with a jet black interior and red accents. It rides on athletic 18-inch wheels and boasts LED lighting that completes the model’s intimidating stance. For a more capable off-roading experience, the ZR2 is the ideal pick from the Colorado range. That trim level includes a three-inch lift with a high-performance suspension, an off-road performance display, and much more.

Yes, the GMC Canyon exists

While the Ford Ranger and Chevrolet Colorado are bona fide American contenders in the midsize pickup segment, I’d be remiss if I didn’t mention the GMC Canyon. Sister to the Colorado, the GMC Canyon shares many of the same amenities, including the 11.3-inch touchscreen display and powertrain. It can also tow up to 7,700 lbs., but the Canyon includes several important features that the Colorado lacks.

Available from $38,400, the GMC Canyon features standard wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity. Heated exterior mirrors make it onto the spec sheet as well, as does Blind Zone Steering Assist with Trailering. The cargo bed makes organizing gear a breeze with eight tie-downs and an optional half-gate position. Meanwhile, an optional integrated tailgate storage system, complete with a drain, makes the Canyon even more versatile.

Compared to the Ford Ranger and Chevrolet Colorado, the GMC Canyon offers more upscale amenities, as evidenced by its higher price tag. If you’re interested in merging the niceties of an upscale car or crossover with the capability of a midsize truck, then it’s hard to go wrong with a Canyon. If you don’t need all the bells and whistles, however, both the Ranger and Colorado make for a more attractive pickup.

Final thoughts

The midsize pickup segment features several fantastic contenders, including the Ford Ranger and Chevrolet Colorado. Designed to offer capability comparable to the lower end of their full-size siblings, the Ranger and Colorado make for fantastic weekend warriors. If you need a daily driver, keep in mind that the Ranger earns better fuel economy. The Chevrolet Colorado proves to be a touch easier on your wallet, though, while the GMC Canyon carries itself with more splendor. When it comes to midsize pickups, it’s hard to go wrong with the innovation and ingenuity of the American spirit.

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