The Chevrolet Colorado eyes versatility

Midsize trucks stand out as a popular choice among consumers looking for the ideal blend of practicality, performance, and comfort. Smaller than full-size trucks yet still plenty capable, midsize pickups offer impressive towing capacity, off-road capability, and some of the industry’s latest tech. The Chevrolet Colorado in particular puts versatility at the forefront with a model range tailored to the many needs of the modern driver.

The Chevrolet Colorado received a complete redesign back in 2023, so it comes as no surprise that the midsize pickup has only seen minor updates over the past few years. In its most recent iteration, several trims get a standard rear defroster, while the Advanced Trailering package comes standard on the Trail Boss and Z71 trims. The top ZR2 gets several upscale features, like a heated steering wheel, wireless charging pad, and ventilated front seats. Starting at $31,900, the 2025 Chevrolet Colorado is a solid offering in the midsize pickup segment.

Regardless of trim level, the Chevrolet Colorado comes stocked with a 2.7-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission, producing 310 horsepower and 430 lb-ft of torque. When properly equipped, the Colorado can tow up to 7,700 lbs., the highest of any midsize pickup, and is rated for an EPA-estimated 20 mpg in combined city/highway driving. 

Even the base Chevrolet Colorado WT comes well-equipped, with a standard 11.3-inch touchscreen display with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility. The LT trim adds a few comfort and convenience features, like remote start and an EZ-lift & Lower tailgate with flexible storage. Both models come with standard rear-wheel drive, with four-wheel drive available for an additional $3,300.

Interestingly, the Colorado’s lineup features three off-road trim levels: Trail Boss, Z71, and ZR2. All three models feature a drive mode selector and a powerful turbo four under the hood, but it’s the Trail Boss that gets an off-road suspension with a two-inch lift and wider stance. The Z71 adds red recovery hooks and rides on glossy 18-inch aluminum wheels. Designed for the trails, the ZR2 features an off-road package with a three-inch lift, taller and wider stance, and a high-performance suspension.

Thanks to its redesign in 2023, the Chevrolet Colorado features a modernized interior, complete with plenty of tech. Chevy’s midsize entry isn’t the only pickup that offers versatility throughout its lineup, though. There are other trucks that might be a better buy, depending on your wants and needs.

Ford Ranger

The Ford Ranger followed the Chevrolet Colorado’s lead with a complete redesign for the 2024 model year. Like its American competitor, the Ranger only sees minor changes for the 2025 model year, the most notable of which is a new Black Appearance package. The 2025 Ford Ranger starts at $33,080 and is available in three trim levels.

A 270-horsepower 2.3-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine comes standard in the base Ranger, but upper trims get a more powerful 2.7-liter twin-turbo V6 engine that’s good for 315 horsepower and 400 lb-ft of torque. Both engines come mated to a 10-speed automatic transmission. At its toughest, the Ranger can tow up to 7,500 lbs. The Ford Ranger is most efficient when equipped with the four-cylinder engine, which earns up to 23 mpg combined.

The base Ranger is fairly lackluster, with little more than basic amenities and 17-inch wheels. Stepping up to the Lariat model brings plenty of luxury, with two 12-inch digital displays and a premium B&O 10-speaker sound system. Leather-trimmed front bucket seats and a heated, leather-wrapped steering wheel put the Ranger Lariat a step above competitors.

The Ford Ranger Raptor is a different beast entirely, with a 3.0-liter twin-turbo V6 engine that packs 405 horsepower and 430 lb-ft of torque. The off-road truck gets locking front and rear differentials and a stiffer suspension for when the going gets tough. Opting for the Ranger Raptor will run you $55,820, and maximum towing capacity drops to 5,510 lbs.

Toyota Tacoma

2024 was apparently the year of the redesigned pickup, with the Colorado a year early to the party. The Toyota Tacoma’s latest rendition brings a fresh style and the addition of front tow hooks to the spec sheet. The Tacoma is one of the few remaining vehicles to give drivers a choice between an eight-speed automatic and a six-speed manual transmission. The 2025 Toyota Tacoma is available from $31,590 and at its most efficient, is rated for an EPA-estimated 23 mpg in combined city/highway driving.

While its American competitors are only available in a single configuration, the Toyota Tacoma comes in multiple cab and bed configurations. The base model has two engine options, dependent on your choice of transmission. The automatic transmission brings the least power, up to 228 horsepower and 243 lb-ft of torque. The manual transmission gets the more powerful powertrain, producing 270 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque. All other trims get a 2.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine that delivers 278 horsepower and 317 lb-ft of torque.

The base Tacoma rolls out with an eight-inch touchscreen display, complete with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility. Upgrading to Tacoma models with TRD badging makes the midsize pickup more versatile. The TRD PreRunner gets a front suspension lift, while the TRD Sport gets a tuned suspension. The TRD Off-Road trim is built for the trails, with Bilstein monotube shocks ready to roll.

If you value comfort over capability, the Tacoma Limited brings plenty of luxury amenities that could put full-size trucks to shame. The midsize pickup rides on an adaptive variable suspension that results in a more comfortable ride. Features like a power open-and-close tailgate and power-extending running boards make truck ownership more convenient. Inside, the Limited trim gets a luxurious look with upscale materials, including walnut burl-wood accents.

GMC Canyon

The GMC Canyon and Chevrolet Colorado are both midsize trucks offered by sister brands. The two trucks share the 310-horsepower turbocharged four-cylinder engine and eight speed automatic transmission, but the Canyon is a step up in terms of amenities. Available from $38,400, the 2025 GMC Canyon offers identical towing capacity to the Colorado, topping out at 7,700 lbs.

The base Canyon Elevation rolls out with a sweet spec sheet, including an 11.3-inch touchscreen display and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility. An off-road suspension with a two-inch lift and wide stance gives the Canyon a rather aggressive demeanor. Unfortunately, the Duramax diesel engine from the previous generation is still MIA.

The AT4 model is ready for rocky trails, with a standard off-road suspension package and standard four-wheel drive with an automatic locking rear differential. The EZ-lift & Lower tailgate from the Colorado and athletic 18-inch wheels are standard as well. Inside, the Canyon struts its stuff, with heated front seats and an auto-dimming rearview mirror.

The top-spec Denali trim is where the GMC Canyon takes a leap above its Chevy cousin. The luxury-esque model rides on 20-inch wheels with five-inch chrome assist steps. If diamond-cut dark grey wheels aren’t your style, 20-inch black aluminum wheels are optional. Comfort amenities include a heated steering wheel, heated and ventilated front seats, and power lumbar control.

Final thoughts

Midsize trucks are the smart choice for drivers who need the strength and practicality of a truck without the sheer bulk of a full-size model. While the 2025 Chevrolet Colorado offers a refined ride with a modernized interior and versatile range of models, there may be a truck better suited for your needs. Before you set your sights on a single model, give some of the Colorado’s rivals a test drive!

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