Ranger Raptor vs. Colorado ZR2: Go-Faster Trucks Compared

• 
  

  

  

  Base Trim Engine

  3L EcoBoost V6 ICE

  Base Trim Transmission

  10-speed automatic

  Base Trim Drivetrain

  Four-Wheel Drive

  Base Trim Horsepower

  405 HP @5750 RPM

  
  

  
  

• 
  

  

  

  Base Trim Engine

  2.7L I-4 ICE

  Base Trim Transmission

  8-speed automatic

  Base Trim Drivetrain

  Rear-Wheel Drive

  Base Trim Horsepower

  310 HP @5600 RPM

  Base Trim Torque

  430 lb.-ft. @ 3000 RPM

  Base Trim Fuel Economy (city/highway/combined)

  20/24/22 MPG

  
  

  
  

People have been putting huge engines in pick-up trucks to make them go at ridiculous speeds for decades, but manufacturers have taken this philosophy and stuck a warranty on it. We’re taking two of the most popular midsize trucks – the Ranger Raptor vs the Colorado ZR2 – and putting them head to head in a comparison to see which is the best choice for you if you need to get somewhere quickly.

Ford Ranger Raptor vs. Chevrolet Colorado ZR2: What Are They?

Where The Midsize Truck Fits In

You might think these trucks look similar, and you wouldn’t be mistaken. The Ranger and Colorado are both in the midsize truck category, meaning they sit slightly below their full-size alternatives, the F-150 and Silverado respectively. As they’re smaller, they might not get the huge V8s of their bigger brothers, but these performance midsize trucks still pack a punch and have good space in the back.

If you don’t need all the space of a full-size truck, or if you regularly drive down narrow streets, then a midsize truck might be the best choice for you. These two model variants sit at the top of the food chain in their category, and both have enough off-road equipment to keep you going when you’re out in the desert.

Related

Best Midsize Trucks Of 2025

For most people, a midsize pickup truck has more than enough capability.

Colorado ZR2 vs. Ranger Raptor: Exterior Design

Aggressive In The Right Places

There’s no way you wouldn’t notice these trucks coming towards you – especially finished in some of the colors available from the factory. The Bison package for the ZR2 gives you extra height and some huge steel skid plates, giving it proper presence on the road, especially when paired with the beadlock-capable wheels. You only get the option of a crew cab on both cars, and the sizes are pretty much identical with very similar bed lengths. The Chevy, we think, looks slightly more ready to rock, mainly because of its color choices and huge arches, which aren’t present on other Colorado trims.

The Ranger Raptor looks similarly aggressive but more restrained. If you’ve seen an F-150 Raptor, it’ll be very similar to that with bold ‘Ford’ lettering and decals present. The track is increased by three inches compared to the regular Ranger. Standard equipment on the Raptor is aplenty, with LED lights, parking sensors and heated wing mirrors. The story is similar in the Chevy for exterior equipment.

Related

The Cheapest 300-hp Pickup Truck On Sale In The USA

One of America’s oldest Automakers offers the most pickup for the least money.

Ranger Raptor vs. Colorado ZR2: Interior

Lovely Places To Traverse Trails

Both trucks are the most expensive of each lineup, meaning they must have the interiors to match. The Raptor’s interior resembles the normal Ranger closely, with some design tweaks to make you know you’re in the fastest version. There are orange elements sprinkled around, such as at the 12 o’clock position of the wheel and around the speakers. It’s screen-heavy, although this is the same story on almost every modern car. You do at least get some physical switches at the bottom of the screen. In the Raptor, you get standard Bang & Olufsen speakers, a 12.4″ driver’s display, and adaptive cruise control.

The Chevy is thoughtfully designed with some buttons at the bottom of the 11.3-inch touchscreen. It might not be the biggest screen, but it’s easy to use and the HD surround vision camera is one of the best we’ve ever encountered. If you’re grabbing a ZR2, we’d strongly recommend the Technology package as you also get adaptive cruise control and rear pedestrian alert. It’s also useful with the Bison package, as the spare tire impedes rear visibility. You can spec the ZR2 with lots of options, and the top trim packages include a rear arm rest, ventilated front seats, and a wireless charger. We’re giving the Chevy the point in the interior design department, as it seems intuitive and good-looking.

Space is very similar in a Ranger Raptor vs ZR2 comparison, which is to say slightly down on full-size trucks. That’s to be expected, and customers who regularly travel with a full cabin should opt for the bigger trucks. There’s a tiny bit more space in the ZR2, and rear passengers can enjoy vents and a rear armrest to make long journeys more tolerable. Have a look below for the full measurements.

Related

Chevy’s Midsize Street Truck Came Standard With A Hummer V8

Move over Ford Ranger, because there’s a bigger little boy on the block.

Ranger Raptor vs. Colorado ZR2: Performance And Capability

Ready To Move Mountains

Performance

As these two trucks are the most expensive midsize trucks both companies produce, they have the performance to match, but one is much faster. The Ford is much more impressive, with a 3.0L twin-turbo V6 producing 405 horsepower, easily besting the Chevy’s 310-horsepower 2.7L four-cylinder. Though 310 horsepower isn’t bad, it’s a shame that the full-fat performance Colorado keeps the same engine that’s present in every other trim level. We’d have liked to see something extra, but we didn’t mind it when the Chevy was so compliant off-road. If you want to talk numbers though, the Ranger Raptor is the one for you.

Neither truck has a hybrid, meaning efficiency isn’t a priority here. The MPG figures match, with both getting around 17 MPG combined. If you’re buying these two beasts, though, it also probably isn’t your priority. You’ll, of course, get 4WD and locking differentials to get you out of the mud, which is probably more important than fuel economy in these two.

Related

How Ford Created An Entirely New Segment With Raptor

In 2010 Ford’s F-150 SVT Raptor had 411 hp and trick suspension upgrades. Now Raptor models own their very own segment. And no-one can touch them.

Capability

Capability is where these trucks really shine, even if the Ford is faster on the road. You’ll get lots of standard off-road equipment on both, although the Chevy seems the most ready for the venturing off the beaten path. There’s a bit more standard off-roading equipment, and the 38-degree approach and 26-degree departure angles are the best in class. You’ll obviously get huge all-terrain tires on both, trick dampers and impressive ground clearance, so neither should leave you stranded. The Ford uses a slightly more modern multi-link suspension at the rear, while the Chevy’s leaf spring suspension lets it down slightly in stability.

Being midsize trucks, they’ll also be easier to maneuver and fit down a tight trail when compared to their bigger counterparts. The Bison package gives the ZR2 even more equipment, so make sure you tick that box if you want the full experience.

Ford Ranger Raptor Off-Road Equipment

• Four-wheel drive with locking differentials
• Off-road software modes
• Fox Live valve shocks
• Skid plates
• All-terrain tires

Chevrolet Colorado ZR2 Off-Road Equipment

• Four-wheel- rive with locking differentials
• 35-inch all-terrain tires
• Multimatic DSSV dampers
• 12.2 inches of ground clearance (with Bison package)
• Spare tire carrier in bed
• Off-road software with Baja and Terrain Modes

Related

Ford Wants To Be Your Off-Road Go-To Brand

Ford is looking to boost its enthusiast appeal, and its ultimate goal is to be the Porsche of off-road excitement.

Ranger Raptor vs. Colorado ZR2: Pricing

Two Sides Of The Same Coin

These two trucks are extremely similar in many ways, and that extends to the prices. The Chevrolet starts at $51,295 for the ZR2, and there’s a hefty price increase of $11,200 for the Bison Edition, which many people will only get the benefits of once or twice a year. While it starts at less than the Ford Ranger Raptor, at $56,070, there are about a million different options to choose from.

Related

What is the best midsize truck for off-roading?

Nothing can quite match the Ford Range Raptor for sheer off-roading ability in this class. Not only does it have 405 horsepower from its twin-turbo V6, but the Ford also boasts 33-inch all-terrain tires, ground clearance of 10.7 inches, and a tough FOX suspension. The Chevy Colorado ZR2 Bison and Toyota Tacoma TRD Pro are less powerful but also superb midsize off-road trucks. Which one do you prefer?

Okay, maybe not a million, but you can seriously make the ZR2 your own, with options for recovery kits, a different exhaust color, and extra off-roading lights. If you’re buying this car, make sure to have a look at the option packages as they’re extensive.

Which one would we choose? That’s too close to call. If you want to go all-out off-road spec, go for the more expensive Bison-equipped ZR2, although if you’re chasing pure numbers and performance, the Ford will be your favorite. Both cars are quick enough, though, and a matching torque figure from both cars will make them feel the same under normal driving conditions.

Sources: Ford, Chevrolet, EPA