2023 Ford F-250 Super Duty vs 2024 Chevrolet Colorado

The 2023 Ford F-250 Super Duty underwent a visual evolution rather than a complete redesign, maintaining its robust and commanding presence. The lineup included trims like XL, XLT, Lariat, King Ranch, Platinum, and Limited, each offering varying levels of luxury and functionality. The King Ranch trim, which we tested, stood out with its two-tone paint job, 20-inch alloy wheels, and a more subdued use of chrome, giving it a sophisticated yet rugged look. Inside, the King Ranch featured beautifully styled two-tone brown leather seats with saddle leather and stitching, along with a host of luxury features like an 18-speaker Bang & Olufsen stereo system and Pro Power Onboard for a 2-kilowatt power output.

In contrast, the 2024 Chevrolet Colorado embraced a bold, aggressive design inspired by the Camaro, with rakish headlights and a sharply angled grille. The interior followed suit with a clean, horizontal dashboard layout and Camaro-inspired circular climate control vents. The Colorado was available in trims like WT, LT, Trail Boss, Z71, and ZR2, each offering a unique blend of features. The ZR2 Bison, which we drove, was an off-road powerhouse with AEV-designed wheels, 35-inch mud-terrain tires, and Boron steel skid plates. Despite its off-road focus, the ZR2 Bison provided a comfortable ride on paved roads, thanks to its Multimatic DSSV dampers.

The 2023 Ford F-250 Super Duty offered a range of powerful engine options, starting with a 6.8-liter gas V8 producing 400 horsepower and 445 lb-ft of torque. For those seeking more power, a 7.3-liter V8 delivered 430 horsepower and 485 lb-ft of torque. The diesel enthusiasts could opt for the 6.7-liter PowerStroke turbodiesel V8, which churned out 475 horsepower and 1,050 lb-ft of torque. Our test model featured a high-output version of this engine, boasting an impressive 500 horsepower and 1,200 lb-ft of torque. The 10-speed automatic transmission ensured smooth power delivery, making the Super Duty lively from a standstill. With a maximum towing capacity of 22,000 pounds, the F-250 was a towing powerhouse, aided by features like Pro Trailer Hitch Assist and onboard scales.

The 2024 Chevrolet Colorado, on the other hand, came exclusively with turbocharged four-cylinder engines. The base engine produced 237 horsepower and 260 lb-ft of torque, while the Turbo Max version offered 310 horsepower and 430 lb-ft of torque. Both engines were paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission, providing solid low-end power for city driving and off-road adventures. The ZR2 Bison, equipped with the upgraded powertrain, delivered strong acceleration and a maximum towing capacity of 7,700 pounds. Its off-road prowess was enhanced by Multimatic DSSV dampers, offering exceptional shock absorption over rough terrain while maintaining a comfortable ride on paved roads.

The 2023 Ford F-250 Super Duty was available in regular cab, SuperCab, and Super Crew configurations, with bed lengths of 6.75 feet or 8 feet. The SuperCab's rear-hinged clamshell doors provided a wide opening, though they required the front doors to be open. Inside, the Super Duty offered ample storage with numerous cupholders, a massive center storage bin, and dual glove boxes. The Super Crew model's rear seats folded up, creating a large cargo area protected from the elements.

The 2024 Chevrolet Colorado was offered in a single body style: a four-door quad cab with a 5-foot, 2-inch bed. While the bed provided decent space, it wasn't as spacious as a full-size pickup. The Colorado's car-like seating position offered comfort for long trips, with ample front-row legroom and headroom. However, second-row legroom was tight, especially for taller passengers. The redesigned Colorado featured larger bed steps for easier access, though the ZR2 Bison's bed-mounted spare tire reduced usable space.

The 2023 Ford F-250 Super Duty featured an 8-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as standard, while our test model boasted a larger 12-inch screen with wireless connectivity. The infotainment system was user-friendly, with redundant dials for radio and climate controls. Multiple USB ports, a wall-style power outlet, and wireless device charging ensured connectivity on the go. Ford's Trailer Navigation system optimized routes based on trailer weight and dimensions, enhancing towing safety.

The 2024 Chevrolet Colorado came standard with an 11.3-inch touchscreen, offering wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The intuitive layout included a digital dock for easy access to radio, navigation, and vehicle settings. The Colorado also featured an 11-inch fully digital instrument panel, Bluetooth connectivity, and satellite radio. Higher trims added wireless device charging and additional USB ports, catering to tech-savvy drivers.

The 2023 Ford F-250 Super Duty, starting from the XLT trim, offered the Ford CoPilot 360 suite of driver assistance features, including automatic emergency braking, forward collision warning, and blind-spot monitoring. The 360-degree parking camera system was invaluable for maneuvering the large truck. Trailer blind-spot monitoring and a backup camera for when the tailgate was lowered further enhanced safety during towing. However, the F-250 had not been crash-tested by NHTSA or IIHS.

The 2024 Chevrolet Colorado came standard with a comprehensive suite of driver assistance features, including automatic emergency braking, forward-collision warning, and lane-keeping assist. The LT Convenience Package III added reverse automatic emergency braking and blind-spot monitoring. The ZR2 offered an underbody camera for off-road adventures. The Colorado earned four out of five stars for frontal crash testing and five stars for side crash testing from NHTSA, though it received three stars for the rollover test.