2025 Chevy Colorado ZR2 Vs. 2025 Ford Ranger Raptor: 5 Major Differences
2025 Chevy Colorado ZR2 Vs. 2025 Ford Ranger Raptor: 5 Major Differences originally appeared on Autoblog.
Midsize trucks that can take on rough terrain
While they aren’t as large and in charge as their full-size siblings, the Chevy Colorado and Ford Ranger are plenty capable all on their own. At the top of the range lies an off-road variant of each pickup. Designed to stand out from the rest of the segment, the Chevy Colorado ZR2 and Ford Ranger Raptor wield an aggressive stance accented by trim-exclusive features. While they’re capable on the trails less traveled and wear a rugged design, these off-road midsize pickups have some major differences between them that could make one the better option for some drivers.
2024 Chevy Colorado ZR2 BisonChevrolet1. Chevy Colorado ZR2 boasts a higher towing capacity
The 2025 Chevy Colorado ZR2 and Ford Ranger Raptor are both fully capable on the trails, but towing is another story. Due to the extra equipment that makes these midsize monsters great off-road, Chevy and Ford’s top-spec pickups offer less in the way of towing capability. Notably, however, both models can tow a small boat or camper with ease.
2024 Chevrolet Colorado ZR2 BisonChevroletWhile a standard Chevy Colorado offers best-in-class towing capacity at 7,700 lbs., the ZR2 model sees its maximum towing capacity drop to 6,000 lbs. Tacking on the more off-road-capable ZR2 Bison package drops towing capacity to just 5,500 lbs. The stock Ford Ranger is nearly as capable as its bowtie-wearing rival, with towing capacity topping out at 7,500 lbs. The Ranger Raptor sees its towing capabilities drop to 5,510 lbs.
2. Ford Ranger Raptor puts up better performance specs
Chevy nixed the Colorado’s weaker four-cylinder engine for the 2025 model year, leaving just the 2.7-liter turbocharged four-cylinder as the sole powerhouse. Mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission, all Colorado models hit the road with 310 horsepower and 430 lb-ft of torque. Unfortunately, the ZR2 model gets the same powertrain as all other Colorado models, which is a bit of a letdown, really.
2024 Ford Ranger RaptorFordThe Ford Ranger is typically available with a 2.3-liter turbo four cylinder or 2.7-liter turbo V6, but the Ranger Raptor gets an engine all its own. The off-road variant boasts a 3.0-liter twin-turbocharged V6 engine that produces 405 horsepower and 430 lb-ft of torque through a 10-speed automatic transmission.
As you might expect, neither off-road truck is particularly efficient. The 2025 Ford Ranger Raptor earns up to 16 mpg in the city and 18 mpg on the highway. The 2025 Chevy Colorado ZR2 earns 17 mpg across the board. Adding the ZR2 Bison package drops fuel economy by one mile per gallon.
3. The Chevy Colorado ZR2 is cheaper than the Ranger Raptor
2024 Chevrolet ColoradoChevrolet If you’re in the market for a midsize truck capable of heading off-road for under $55,000, then the Chevy Colorado ZR2 is your best option. Priced from $49,600, the Colorado ZR2 model includes five selectable drive modes complemented by an off-road performance display. The Ford Ranger Raptor includes seven drive modes, but costs thousands of dollars more, starting at $56,070.
4. Chevy Colorado ZR2 Bison adds to off-road prowess - for a price
While the Ford Ranger Raptor is somewhat limited on optional equipment, the Chevy Colorado ZR2 is quite the opposite. The available ZR2 Bison package adds a whole suite of off-road equipment, much of it from American Expedition Vehicles (AEV). Opting for the ZR2 Bison package nets you AEV stamped steel front, transfer case, fuel tank, and rear differential skid plates. You’ll also get AEV stamped steel front and rear bumpers, wheel flares, and black AEV and Colorado badging.
2024 Chevrolet ColoradoChevroletColorado models equipped with the ZR2 Bison package get upgraded to 17-inch wheels wrapped in 35-inch tires. The beadlock wheels stop the tire from slipping off the rim, even at low tire pressure. A bed-mounted spare tire comes standard as well. Inside, the Colorado ZR2 Bison packs AEV all-weather floor mats and front head restraints. Slapping on the ZR2 Bison package will cost you to the tune of $11,700, making Chevy’s off-road pickup more expensive than the Ford Ranger Raptor.
5. Colorado ZR2 for rock crawling, Ranger Raptor for desert sands
Suspension is a major component in everyday driving, and even more so when adventuring off-road. Notably, both midsize trucks offer around 10.7 inches of ground clearance, with the ZR2 Bison package upping the Colorado’s ground clearance to 12.2 inches. The Chevy Colorado ZR2 features Multimatic DSSV dampers and a solid rear axle with leaf springs that make it the ideal truck for taking on more technical trails and rock crawling. When paired with the ZR2 Bison’s five skid plates, it all comes together to make the Colorado ZR2 an absolute monster for weekend warriors and thrill seekers alike.
2025 Ford Ranger RaptorFordThe Ford Ranger Raptor taps in with Fox 2.5-inch shocks with live valve technology. That suspension, combined with the high-powered twin-turbo V6 engine, makes the Ranger Raptor the midsize truck of choice for rampaging through desert sands. Add in the dedicated Baja driving mode, and there’s no arguing which midsize truck can tackle off-road terrain at high speeds.
Final thoughts
Chevy and Ford did well making their off-road trucks stand out from the rest of the range, with rugged styling complemented by a more aggressive aesthetic. This time around, Chevy seems to have put an emphasis on slow rolling off-road adventures, while Ford has given its midsize entry a more energetic setup. Regardless, both trucks pack plenty of power, with Ford’s offering getting a slight edge.
2024 Ford Ranger Raptor FordWhile they aren’t as tough as their full-size counterparts, the Chevy Colorado ZR2 and Ford Ranger Raptor have carved out a place for themselves among off-road greats. In some cases, their smaller size is an advantage, especially when navigating narrow trails and canyons. No matter your truck of choice, rest assured, these midsize pickups come geared for off-road adventures.
2025 Chevy Colorado ZR2 Vs. 2025 Ford Ranger Raptor: 5 Major Differences first appeared on Autoblog on Jul 14, 2025
This story was originally reported by Autoblog on Jul 14, 2025, where it first appeared.
