The 2024 Ford Ranger Raptor and Chevrolet Colorado ZR2 are hardcore off-road variants of their respective midsize pickup trucks. Both the Ranger and Colorado benefit from recent redesigns that upped everything from safety content and tech touches to go-anywhere capability and extra passing power.
This generation of Colorado arrived only last year, while the Ranger is all-new for the 2024 model year.
How do these rough-and-tumble trucks compare? Let’s explore the highlights of each to find out.
2024 Ford Ranger Raptor
The 2024 Ford Ranger is available in four trim levels: XL, XLT, Lariat, and Raptor. The base XL model starts at $34,265, including a $1,595 destination fee. Standard touches include smartphone projection, a 10.1-inch touchscreen, and the Ford Co-Pilot360 bundle of driver assistance features. The mighty Raptor commands $57,065, including destination charges, and comes loaded with go-anywhere hardware.
Ford Ranger Raptor Highlights
Twin-turbo V6: The Raptor is more than its engine, of course. But man, what an engine this midsize truck has under its hood. A twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 delivers 405 horsepower and 430 lb-ft of torque via a 10-speed automatic transmission with 4-wheel drive (4WD). Extra off-road equipment fitted to this desert-racer Ford truck includes a lifted and strengthened suspension, Fox shock absorbers, and 33-inch all-terrain tires.
Extra drive modes: The Raptor also comes with more selectable drive modes than the standard-grade models: Off-Road, Baja, and Rock Crawl. We guess you can figure out which type of terrain each is tailored to.
12.4-inch touchscreen: Because it sits atop the Ranger lineup, the Raptor comes with the larger of two infotainment touchscreens. Running Sync 4A software, this vertically mounted screen is simple to navigate and packed with features like Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone connectivity, a wireless charging pad, and a 360-degree parking camera. You also get a booming Bang & Olufsen audio system.
Trail-friendly size: Sometimes too much of a good thing is exactly that. This is particularly true when trying to navigate an XL-sized vehicle on narrow trails. Because it’s smaller and less wide than its big brother, the F-150 Raptor, the Ranger Raptor is more adept at getting through tight spaces.
Check this week’s Fair Purchase Price or see Ranger models near you.
2024 Chevrolet Colorado ZR2
The 2024 Chevrolet Colorado comes in six trims: WT, LT, Trail Boss, Z71, ZR2, and ZR2 Bison. The base price is $31,095, including a $1,595 destination fee. Opt for the ZR2 and the price jumps to $48,395, including the destination charge — less than the Ford Ranger Raptor, though the Chevy needs a few extra-cost options to match the Ford’s off-road chops.
Standard equipment is generous even on the base WT trim. It only gets better when ponying up for the ZR2, which comes with extras like dual-zone climate control, remote start, heated front seats, and a spray-on bedliner.
Chevrolet Colorado ZR2 Highlights
All-terrain gear: Getting the ZR2 over rough terrain is a turbocharged 2.7-liter 4-cylinder that produces 310 hp and 430 lb-ft of torque. Notice that torque figure matches the Ranger Raptor, even though the Chevy’s engine is considerably smaller and uses only one turbocharger. Off-road additions include 4WD, 33-inch all-terrain tires, Multimatic dampers, a 3-inch suspension lift, and front and rear locking differentials.
ZR2 Bison: New for the 2024 model year, the ZR2 Bison is even more capable. For an additional $11,700 over the cost of the ZR2, it comes with a bed-mounted spare tire, a Boron steel underbody fuel tank skid plate, a front steel skid plate, rocker protectors, steel bumpers, and beadlock-capable 17-inch wheels.
Standard safety gear: Chevy didn’t simply make the Colorado more adept at off-roading, it made sure this truck is safer in all driving situations. Standard safety items include automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, lane-departure warning, forward collision warning, lane-keep assist, and rear-seat reminder.
User-friendly tech: Like the new Ranger, the Colorado ZR2 packs an intuitive infotainment system with clear menus and quick response times. This 11.3-inch screen is within easy reach and comes with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
Check this week’s Fair Purchase Price or see Colorado models near you.
Similarities
We couldn’t ask for two more evenly matched trucks. The Ranger Raptor and Colorado ZR2 are bristling with adventure-loving gear that truck owners demand in the most capable of models.
Conclusion
Does anyone have a coin we can borrow? This is literally a toss-up decision. Your decision could depend on a test drive, or vehicle availability at your local dealerships.
Ultimately, the Ranger Raptor is slightly more capable of tackling all types of terrain. And having the most powerful engine in its segment is another strong selling point.
On the other hand, the ZR2 Bison package gives the Colorado the extra equipment needed to match its Ford rival. Whether you need that degree of off-road capability is up to you.
| 2024 Ford Ranger Raptor | 2024 Chevrolet Colorado ZR2 | |
| Starting Price | $57,065 | $48,395 |
| Popular Powertrains | ||
| Engine | Twin-turbo 3.0-liter V6 | Turbo 2.7-liter 4-cylinder |
| Horsepower | 405 hp @ 5,500 rpm | 310 hp @ 5,600 rpm |
| Torque | 430 lb-ft @ 3,000 rpm | 430 lb-ft @ 3,000 rpm |
| Transmission | 10-speed automatic | 8-speed automatic |
| Fuel economy MPG | 16 city/18highway/17 combined | 17 city/17 highway/17 combined |
| Also Available | ||
| Specs | ||
| Basic Warranty | 3 years/36,000 miles | 3 years/36,000 miles |
| Powertrain Warranty | 5 years/60,000 miles | 5 years/60,000 miles |
| NHTSA Overall Safety | NA | NA |
| Max Seating Capacity | 5 | 5 |
| Wheelbase | 128.7 inches | 131.3 inches |
| Overall Length | 210.9 inches | 212.6 inches |
| Width | 86.7 inches | 84.4 inches |
| Height | 75.9 inches | 81.8 inches |
| Turning Diameter | NA | NA |
| Headroom, Front | 41.0 inches | 40.2 inches |
| Headroom, 2nd Row | 38.3 inches | 38.2 inches |
| Legroom, Front | 43.7 inches | 45.1 inches |
| Legroom, 2nd Row | 34.6 inches | 34.7 inches |
| Shoulder Room, Front | 57.1 inches | 57.4 inches |
| Shoulder Room, 2nd Row | 56.7 inches | 56.1 inches |
| Cargo Volume | 43.5 cubic feet | 41.9 cubic feet |
