The Chevy Colorado has been one of the undisputed leaders in the midsize pickup segment for two decades, and it’s easy to see why. Rugged styling, robust powertrains, and top-tier utility have made the Colorado the go-to choice for the discerning pickup driver, and the 2024 model is no exception. Chevy treated the truck to a full redesign in 2023, upgrading the already outstanding Colorado with a range of new features that bring the pickup firmly into the modern era. Drivers and critics alike have praised the refreshed Colorado, which walked away with the 2024 MotorTrend Truck of the Year. These accolades, combined with Chevy’s long-standing reputation for quality and performance, make it the perfect time to seek out a new Chevy Colorado for sale.
The midsize pickup segment might be one of the industry’s most contested categories, but the Colorado has proven its ability to give any other truck a run for its money. Just take the Honda Ridgeline, for example. The midsize pickup might have moved an all-time-best 52,000 units in 2023, but the Colorado routinely outpaces the Ridgeline while besting the Honda in a few important categories. We thought it would be the perfect time to pit the Colorado against the Ridgeline to see which one comes out on top and which falls just a bit short of a first down. Join us as we explore the key differences between these two trucks and learn how the Chevy Colorado has managed to remain such a consistent, competitive choice in the increasingly contested category.
Performance
Both the Chevy Colorado and Honda Ridgeline are built around a single engine, but the pickups’ performance really boils down to which model you choose. The 2024 Colorado offers a 2.7L inline-four engine that provides a lot more power than the four-cylinder setup might suggest, thanks to the addition of a turbocharger. Drivers opting for the WT and LT trims will get access to 237 hp, while the Trail Boss, Z71, and ZR2 trims enjoy a little engine tuning that allows the same 2.7L to put out 310 hp. That’s not just a solid number for a four-cylinder engine; it even allows the Colorado to outperform some of its closest V6-powered competitors—including the Ridgeline—in both horsepower and torque. The base engine delivers 260 lb-ft of torque, but upgrading to the higher trims sees that figure increase by over 65 percent to 430 lb-ft. If you want to harness that sort of power without springing for the Trail Boss, Z71, or ZR2 trims, the WT and LT can also be optioned with the 310 hp engine for an extra charge.
The Ridgeline employs the same single-engine approach but noticeably lacks the customization of the Colorado. The pickup’s 3.5L V6 does provide a respectable 280 hp and 262 lb-ft of torque, but all four trims are saddled with the same engine with no upgrades on offer. If there’s one area where the Ridgeline’s engine does shine, it would have to be acceleration. Offered with a nine-speed automatic transmission and standard all-wheel drive, the Ridgeline’s off-road-focused TrailSport can speed from zero to 60 mph in six seconds. This sort of straight-line acceleration might not be the most useful feature in a midsize pickup, but it does help to set the Ridgeline apart from the rest of the pack.
Towing
Midsize pickups might not offer the mountain-moving potential of their full-size siblings, but they can still offer plenty of utility in terms of towing and payload capacity without sacrificing comfort and efficiency. The 2024 Colorado is a standout in its segment, leading the midsize category with 7,700 lbs of maximum towing capacity. The ZR2 trails behind the rest of the 2024 Colorado lineup with a maximum towing capacity of 6,000 lbs, but it’s a small price to pay for the sort of rugged off-road performance the trim can offer.
How does the 2024 Honda Ridgeline stack up when it comes to towing capacity? In truth, it’s not even close. Honda’s midsize pickup weighs in with a maximum towing capacity of just 5,000 lbs, a less-than-impressive number that places the Ridgeline at the back of the midsize segment. The gulf between the two models is so significant that it’s almost tough to understand unless you understand some of the finer points of automotive design. While the Colorado is built using the traditional body-on-frame approach, the Ridgeline relies on the unibody design that’s been popularized by today’s crossover SUVs. Body-on-frame trucks are simply tougher than their unibody counterparts, which confers some significant benefits when it comes to withstanding the heavy loads and stresses that come with towing and hauling.
Off-Road Trims
Thanks to their smaller size, abundant torque, and four-wheel drive systems, midsize pickups are particularly well-suited to navigating the road less traveled. If you’re the type of driver who values off-road performance, it’s important to weigh your options before investing in your next midsize model. The Chevy Colorado has made a name for itself in the rough and tumble world of off-road driving, with Chevy offering no fewer than three off-road trims to choose from. It all starts with the Trail Boss, which offers improved ground clearance thanks to an off-road-tuned suspension with a two-inch lift and 18-inch wheels with all-terrain tires. An automatic locking rear differential provides plenty of grip on slippery surfaces, while Chevy’s Hill Descent Control system handles all braking and acceleration duties on inclines so you can focus on sticking to the trail. The Z71 trim offers a more luxurious off-road approach with the addition of some comfort and convenience-enhancing features.
Drivers who are really looking to max out the Colorado’s off-road resume should consider test-driving the ZR2. Outfitted with Multimatic’s Dynamic Suspensions Spool Valve (DSSV) dampers in the front and rear, power-locking front and rear differentials, a three-inch suspension lift, and a host of high-tech off-road goodies, the ZR2 is a ready-made adventure rig. However, the Colorado doesn't stop there. Designed in collaboration with the off-road experts at American Expedition Vehicles (AEV), the ZR2 Bison Package pulls out all the stops with 35-inch tires, improved breakover and departure angles, and 12.2 inches of ground clearance. The ZR2 Bison even includes hydraulic bump stops that allow the pickup to catch a little air without running the risk of bottoming out when it comes back down to Earth.
The Ridgeline lags behind in the off-road department, with Honda offering only one off-road trim for 2024. The Ridgeline TrailSport does offer all-terrain tires, an off-road-tuned suspension, and underbody skid plates, but misses out on much of the gear that makes the Colorado’s off-road trims so popular. The TrailSport might be marketed as an off-road truck, and while it does offer a sportier, more aggressive appearance and some modest upgrades, those looking to really put the pickup through its paces might find it to be a bit lacking. The pickup’s unibody design also loses it a few points in terms of off-road performance, especially when you weigh some worst-case scenarios. While a body-on-frame vehicle is relatively cheap to repair when it incurs serious damage, unibody trucks don’t usually fare as well due to the fact that the frame and the body are constructed as a single unit.
Technology
Fully redesigned for the 2023 model year, the Chevy Colorado holds the distinction of being one of the most tech-forward pickups in the midsize segment. From the entry-level WT to the range-topping ZR2, every 2024 trim is packed with a generous 11.3-inch infotainment display that acts as an all-in-one control center for the truck’s diverse suite of entertainment, convenience, and connectivity tech. Want to leverage the full power of your smartphone to make calls and texts, access apps, or provide turn-by-turn GPS navigation? Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are both included as part of the Colorado’s standard package. Chevy has also sweetened the pot with the addition of Google Built-In technology, which can be used in place of Apple CarPlay or Android Auto to deliver a customized driving experience every time you step into the Colorado. Just say, “Hey, Google,” and Google Assistant will help you send texts, set reminders, or even adjust the truck’s climate control system while your hands stay firmly planted on the wheel.
In addition to the 11.3-inch display and various connectivity options, Colorado drivers will also get access to an 11-inch digital gauge cluster, a six-speaker audio system, and multiple USB ports as standard features. Those looking to craft a truly cutting-edge truck have plenty of options to choose from, ranging from a remote starter and dual-zone automatic climate control to an auto-dimming rearview mirror and a comprehensive Technology Package that ups the ante with the addition of crucial advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS) like Adaptive Cruise Control, Rear Pedestrian Alert, and a handy HD Surround Vision system that makes parking and trailering a breeze by giving drivers a full, 360-degree look at the area surrounding the truck.
With its second generation debuting back in 2017, the Honda Ridgeline just can’t compete when it comes to interior tech. Honda introduced a new infotainment system complete with an upgraded touchscreen display for 2024, but it’s still a little underwhelming at just nine inches. Such a display might have been adequate when the Ridgeline first went on sale, but it's starting to look a little outdated as the years go by. Honda’s pickup does include Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, as well as a variety of USB ports, but those expecting a slick, digitized interior might not be satisfied. The truck does offer a well-rounded arsenal of ADAS as part of the Honda Sensing package, with everything but front and rear parking sensors included as standard features. Still, the same can largely be said of the Colorado.
A High-Value Pickup
The Colorado and Ridgeline might be pretty evenly matched in terms of fuel economy and safety tech, but Chevy’s midsize model has a few key advantages that are difficult to ignore. From its best-in-class max towing capacity, body-on-frame construction, and powerful array of engines to the bevy of off-road options and contemporary interior tech, the Colorado bests the Ridgeline in the categories that tend to be among the most important for any potential buyer. Then there’s the price.
While the Colorado’s WT trim starts at under $30,000, the Ridgeline’s entry-level Sport trim rings in at nearly $40,000.[a] That’s a significant gulf in price and one that’s even harder to justify when you consider the Ridgeline’s unibody construction and lackluster towing prowess. It’s hard to make an argument against Chevy’s midsize pickup from a pure value perspective, especially if you’re the type of driver who’s looking to really take advantage of the Colorado’s considerable power and utility. If you want to learn more about how the Chevy Colorado can go toe-to-toe with any other midsize pickup on the market, make tracks for Bedard Brothers Chevrolet today!