2023 Chevrolet Colorado vs 2024 Ford F-150

The 2023 Chevrolet Colorado Trail Boss presented a rugged off-road appearance with its factory suspension lift, box-flared fenders, and deeply sculpted hood. Its Radiant Red color and blacked-out look added to its tough demeanor. The design was well-balanced, with expressive detailing that avoided excess. Inside, the Colorado's interior drew inspiration from the Camaro, featuring dashboard toggle switches and round air vents. However, the base Work Truck (WT) and Trail Boss trims had a gray front fascia and a less appealing interior, with the Trail Boss offering a front skid plate for added functionality. The interior lacked color contrast, with plastic surfaces dominating the cabin. The Colorado offered both 2WD and 4WD options, with the Trail Boss, Z71, and ZR2 trims featuring more powerful engine versions. Prices ranged from $30,695 to $48,295, with the Trail Boss model tested priced at $42,150, including options like a spray-on bedliner and the Advanced Trailering Package.

The 2024 Ford F-150 offered a wide range of configurations and trim levels, including eight different trims and options for cab styles and bed lengths. The base XL model was basic, while the King Ranch trim provided luxury with leather seats, wood trim, and ambient lighting. Mid trims had some cheap-looking surfaces, but the physical controls for HVAC and stereo were appreciated. The F-150's exterior received subtle updates, with new wheel options and distinctive accents on the Tremor model. Inside, Ford introduced earth-tone interiors, with options like Medium Dark Smoked Truffle seats. The F-150's design remained practical and user-friendly, with features like a shifter that folded down for a flat workspace, catering to the needs of its customers.

The 2023 Chevrolet Colorado featured a turbocharged 2.7-liter four-cylinder engine, delivering 237 horsepower and 260 lb-ft of torque in the WT and LT trims. The Trail Boss and Z71 trims offered 310 horsepower and 391 lb-ft of torque, while the ZR2 matched the 310-hp rating but boasted 430 lb-ft of torque. An eight-speed automatic transmission was standard, with the Trail Boss, Z71, and ZR2 featuring a two-speed transfer case for enhanced off-road capability. The Trail Boss had a 2-inch suspension lift, while the ZR2 had a 3-inch lift and exclusive Multimatic DSSV dampers. The Colorado offered five driving modes, including an exclusive Baja mode for the ZR2. The Trail Boss excelled off-road, with minimal rear-wheel slip and impressive ground clearance. On pavement, it was quiet and handled well, though the engine's performance didn't match the Ford Ranger's EcoBoost turbo. The Trail Boss's fuel economy was disappointing, averaging 17 mpg.

The 2024 Ford F-150 came with a standard turbocharged 2.7-liter EcoBoost V6, but the PowerBoost Hybrid was a standout option, offering 430 horsepower and 570 lb-ft of torque. The 10-speed automatic transmission performed seamlessly, though the F-150 felt wobbly when unladen. The Tremor variant featured a 5.0-liter V8 with 400 horsepower and 410 lb-ft of torque, along with off-road enhancements like a 1-inch lift and off-road-tuned shocks. The Raptor R took performance to the extreme with a 5.2-liter supercharged V8, producing 720 horsepower and 640 lb-ft of torque. The Raptor R excelled in high-speed desert running, with advanced suspension and impressive off-road capabilities. The F-150's performance options catered to a wide range of needs, from everyday driving to extreme off-roading.

The 2023 Chevrolet Colorado Trail Boss offered comfortable seating for four, with the option to squeeze in a fifth passenger. The cloth upholstery attracted pet hair, but the eight-way power driver's seat provided a comfortable driving position. The back seat had limited legroom but offered good thigh support. The air conditioning system cooled the cabin quickly, and the Trail Boss featured a manually adjustable system. Storage space was limited, with small trays and bottle holders in the door panels. The cargo bed measured 41.9 cubic feet, with an EZ-Lift and Lower tailgate and a StowFlex storage panel for added convenience.

The 2024 Ford F-150 excelled in practicality, with the new Pro Access tailgate offering multiple configurations for easy bed access. The F-150's towing and hauling capabilities were impressive, with a maximum towing capacity of 13,500 pounds and a payload rating of 2,445 pounds. The PowerBoost hybrid engine offered a towing rating of 11,200 pounds and a payload of 1,755 pounds. The Raptor R prioritized off-road performance, with a towing capacity of 8,700 pounds. The F-150's Pro Power Assist allowed for powering accessories and tools, with options for onboard generators. The F-150's versatility and capability made it a top choice for those needing a reliable workhorse.

The 2023 Chevrolet Colorado featured digital instrumentation and an 11.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Google Built-in technology. The system offered natural voice recognition, Google Maps navigation, and access to various apps. It supported Bluetooth, wireless Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. The Trail Boss's interior, though basic, was enhanced by the digital screens. The infotainment system provided real-time off-roading data and trailer-towing technology, including high-definition cameras for easier hitching.

The 2024 Ford F-150 came with a 12-inch touchscreen running SYNC 4, offering a quick learning curve and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The voice recognition system worked well, even with complex street names. The F-150 featured a 5G LTE wireless hotspot, wireless charging, and a 12-inch digital gauge cluster. A new head-up display provided information on towing, off-roading, and driving assistance. The F-150 offered Ford Stolen Vehicle Services for added security. While it didn't have as many camera views as the Chevrolet Silverado, it featured Pro Trailer Backup Assist and Smart Hitch technology for easier towing.

The 2023 Chevrolet Colorado came with a comprehensive list of safety features, including OnStar for emergency calling and crash notification. The Chevy Safety Assist suite included forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, and lane-keeping assist. Optional features included adaptive cruise control and blind-spot monitoring. However, the forward-collision warning system was prone to false alerts, causing frustration for drivers.

The 2024 Ford F-150 featured the Ford CoPilot 360 suite of advanced driver aids, including automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and lane-keeping assist. The F-150 offered a 360-degree camera and Exit Warning for added safety. The Blue Cruise driving-assist system was available on higher trims, providing hands-free driving. The F-150 received high safety ratings from the NHTSA and IIHS, though some areas, like seatbelt reminders, received lower scores.