2019 Ford Ranger vs 2020 Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD

2019 Ford Ranger
2019 Ford Ranger
$24,300MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2020 Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD
2020 Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD
$34,600MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2019 Ford Ranger
$24,300MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2020 Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD
$34,600MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now

CarGurus highlights

Winning Vehicle Image

According to CarGurus experts, the overall rating for the 2019 Ford Ranger is 7.2 out of 10, while the 2020 Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD scores 8.2 out of 10. Based on these ratings, the 2020 Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD is the recommended choice, offering superior performance, functionality, and safety features.

Overview

MSRP

$24,300

MSRP

$34,600

Average price

$26,350

Average price

$42,433

Listings

1350

Listings

914
Ratings & Reviews
User Reviews
User Reviews

Expert reviews

7.2 out of 10

Expert reviews

8.2 out of 10
Pros
  • Multiple powertrain options
  • Easy-to-use technology
Cons
  • Potentially polarizing design
  • Poor value for money

2019 Ford Ranger Reviews Summary

Everyone is talking about the all-new Ranger, but there’s just one problem: It’s not all new. The last Ranger was a staple of Ford’s lineup, but it was pulled from American markets in 2011, although it’s remained on sale around the world ever since. Refreshed for 2015, it’s now returned to the US to contend with the likes of the Chevy Colorado and the Toyota Tacoma, which haven’t exactly been relaxing during the Ranger’s absence. So, how does the Ranger intend to insert itself back into this already well-established midsize pickup category? Price and power. While the Colorado and the Tacoma both offer multiple powertrain options, Ford is leaning into its recent penchant for simplicity, offering a single engine and transmission: its 2.3-liter EcoBoost paired with a 10-speed transmission.

2020 Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD Reviews Summary

The last decade has been pretty wild for the auto industry. Technologies that were previously rarities reserved for high-end luxury options, such as touchscreen infotainment systems, navigation, and driver-assistance systems, have all become commonplace. For some brands, these features are included even in base trims. The past 10 years have seen incredible advancements in electric cars, and we are inching ever closer to actual self-driving, autonomous cars.

The last 10 years have also been the decade of do-it-all vehicles. The car-based crossover is a shining example of this, bridging capability and comfort. Family sedans like the Toyota Camry are now sporty sedans, and the Ford Explorer is as effective a family hauler as it is a police vehicle.

The expectation that vehicles will do a little bit of everything extends to the pickup-truck market, but that’s only part of what fueled the pickup-truck arms race of the previous decade. No other vehicle segment enjoyed more gains in the past 10 years than light-duty and heavy-duty pickups. From power and towing capabilities to cabin quality, the latest crop of trucks is better than ever. Today's truck plays the roles of worksite workhorse and family commuter vehicle.

The 2020 Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD is an inevitable conclusion to this arms race. It has pushed every truck attribute to its max and can handle countless different roles, even if the “affordability” aspect has left the station. Read on to learn if the Silverado 2500HD is worth its potentially steep price, and learn which trim of the Silverado 2500HD CarGurus recommends.

Popular Features & Specs

Engine

2.3L 270 hp I4

Engine

Drive Train

4X2

Drive Train

Seating Capacity

4

Seating Capacity

3

MPG City

21

MPG City

MPG Highway

26

MPG Highway

2019 Ford Ranger
2019 Ford Ranger
$24,300MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2020 Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD
2020 Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD
$34,600MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2019 Ford Ranger
$24,300MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2020 Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD
$34,600MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now

CarGurus highlights

Winning Vehicle Image

According to CarGurus experts, the overall rating for the 2019 Ford Ranger is 7.2 out of 10, while the 2020 Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD scores 8.2 out of 10. Based on these ratings, the 2020 Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD is the recommended choice, offering superior performance, functionality, and safety features.

Overview
MSRP
$24,300
$34,600
Average price
$26,350
$42,433
Listings
Ratings & Reviews
User reviews
4.5
4.7
Expert reviews

7.2 out of 10

Read full review

8.2 out of 10

Read full review
Pros & cons
Pros
  • Multiple powertrain options
  • Easy-to-use technology
Cons
  • Potentially polarizing design
  • Poor value for money
Summary
Everyone is talking about the all-new Ranger, but there’s just one problem: It’s not all new. The last Ranger was a staple of Ford’s lineup, but it was pulled from American markets in 2011, although it’s remained on sale around the world ever since. Refreshed for 2015, it’s now returned to the US to contend with the likes of the Chevy Colorado and the Toyota Tacoma, which haven’t exactly been relaxing during the Ranger’s absence. So, how does the Ranger intend to insert itself back into this already well-established midsize pickup category? Price and power. While the Colorado and the Tacoma both offer multiple powertrain options, Ford is leaning into its recent penchant for simplicity, offering a single engine and transmission: its 2.3-liter EcoBoost paired with a 10-speed transmission.

The last decade has been pretty wild for the auto industry. Technologies that were previously rarities reserved for high-end luxury options, such as touchscreen infotainment systems, navigation, and driver-assistance systems, have all become commonplace. For some brands, these features are included even in base trims. The past 10 years have seen incredible advancements in electric cars, and we are inching ever closer to actual self-driving, autonomous cars.

The last 10 years have also been the decade of do-it-all vehicles. The car-based crossover is a shining example of this, bridging capability and comfort. Family sedans like the Toyota Camry are now sporty sedans, and the Ford Explorer is as effective a family hauler as it is a police vehicle.

The expectation that vehicles will do a little bit of everything extends to the pickup-truck market, but that’s only part of what fueled the pickup-truck arms race of the previous decade. No other vehicle segment enjoyed more gains in the past 10 years than light-duty and heavy-duty pickups. From power and towing capabilities to cabin quality, the latest crop of trucks is better than ever. Today's truck plays the roles of worksite workhorse and family commuter vehicle.

The 2020 Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD is an inevitable conclusion to this arms race. It has pushed every truck attribute to its max and can handle countless different roles, even if the “affordability” aspect has left the station. Read on to learn if the Silverado 2500HD is worth its potentially steep price, and learn which trim of the Silverado 2500HD CarGurus recommends.

Video
Popular Features & Specs
Engine
2.3L 270 hp I4
Drive Train
4X2
Seating Capacity
4
3
MPG City
21
MPG Highway
26
Look and feel
2019 Ford Ranger
7/10
2020 Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD
6/10

The 2019 Ford Ranger returned as a midsize pickup, closely matching the dimensions of its larger sibling, the F-150. It boasted a 7,500-pound towing capacity and a 1,860-pound maximum payload, nearly rivaling the V6 F-150. This was achieved through its 2.3-liter EcoBoost engine, delivering 270 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque. Ford made specific augmentations for the American market, including tighter panel gaps and fortified frames for solid steel bumper mounts. The Ranger's pricing started at $24,300, with the base XL trim offering essential features like a rear-view camera and forward-collision warning. Upgrading to the XLT or Lariat trims added more luxury and tech options, such as the Ford Sync3 system, leather upholstery, and advanced safety packages.

In contrast, the 2020 Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD had a polarizing exterior design, part of the same family as the Camaro and Blazer. Despite initial criticism, the design grew on some over time. The Silverado prioritized function over form, with a largely unchanged cabin layout that retained familiar controls. Trims ranged from the basic Work Truck to the luxurious High Country. The LTZ trim, which was tested, featured leather upholstery, heated and cooled seats, and a heated steering wheel. The High Country trim added even more features, including a spray-on bed liner and power up-and-down tailgate.

Performance
2019 Ford Ranger
8/10
2020 Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD
10/10

The 2019 Ford Ranger featured a 2.3-liter EcoBoost engine, previously seen in the Focus RS and Mustang, modified for truck duty. Paired with a 10-speed transmission, the engine produced 270 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque. The Ranger achieved an EPA-estimated 23 mpg combined, with 21 city and 26 highway. It could accelerate to 60 mph in under 7 seconds, with some tests showing closer to the low 6-second range. However, the steering and braking were somewhat numb, and the suspension, optimized for on-road duty, felt floaty over uneven surfaces. The Ranger struggled with off-road excursions due to limited suspension articulation.

The 2020 Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD offered two 6.6-liter V8 engine options: a gas V8 with 401 horsepower and 464 lb-ft of torque, and a Duramax turbodiesel V8 with 445 horsepower and 910 lb-ft of torque. Both engines were paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission. The diesel engine provided a massive swell of power, enabling the Silverado 2500HD to tow up to 18,500 pounds. The Silverado 3500HD could tow up to 20,000 pounds conventionally and 35,500 pounds with a gooseneck hitch. During a week of driving, the Silverado achieved around 17 mpg, impressive for a heavy-duty truck with a 36-gallon tank.

Form and function
2019 Ford Ranger
7/10
2020 Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD
10/10

The 2019 Ford Ranger offered versatility, from an ultra-affordable base model to more luxurious trims. However, it couldn't handle everything, particularly off-roading, where the Tacoma was a better option. The SuperCab configuration was limited in rear seat space, suitable only for luggage or small pets. The softer suspension caused discomfort on less-than-pristine roads, making longer test drives advisable.

The 2020 Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD came in various bed and cab configurations, including a Regular Cab, Double Cab, and Crew Cab. The Crew Cab, tested, offered a spacious cabin with massive cubbies and trays for gear. The center console bin was large, and the rear seats folded up to reveal a flat load floor and additional storage. The Silverado featured Chevrolet's CornerSteps and BedSteps, designed to accommodate work boots, and a power lift-and-lower tailgate, operable from the key fob or cabin button.

Technology
2019 Ford Ranger
7/10
2020 Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD
9/10

The 2019 Ford Ranger's base XL trim included a rear-view camera, USB port, Aux jack, and forward-collision warning with automatic emergency braking. Higher trims could be outfitted with the Sync3 system, 4G Wi-Fi hotspot, and an optional Bang & Olufsen stereo. The available safety systems provided near-Level 2 autonomy.

The 2020 Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD excelled in technology restraint, with a straightforward infotainment system. The Work Truck and Custom trims featured a 7-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Higher trims, like the LT, LTZ, and High Country, came with an 8-inch touchscreen. The truck had multiple USB ports and power outlets, with a wireless charging pad standard on the High Country and optional on the LTZ. Chevrolet also offered a 4G LTE WiFi hotspot on higher trims.

Safety
2019 Ford Ranger
5/10
2020 Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD
8/10

Test data for the 2019 Ford Ranger was unavailable from NHTSA or IIHS. There was one recall affecting 3,500 vehicles due to an improper installation of the wiring sub-harness for the shifter, potentially causing the vehicle to shift out of Park even when off.

The 2020 Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD came with a reversing camera, traction control, and a full array of airbags. The LTZ trim included a surround-view camera with trailer views and the Safety Package II, which added forward-collision avoidance, lane-departure warning, and adaptive cruise control. The Safety Package I, also included, featured front and rear parking sensors and blind-spot monitoring. The truck's large side mirrors with integrated wide-angle mirrors made driving more manageable.

Cost Effectiveness
2019 Ford Ranger
9/10
2020 Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD
6/10
CarGurus logo

By: CarGurus + AI

At CarGurus, our team of experienced automotive writers remain at the heart of our content operation, conducting hands-on car tests and writing insightful guides that are backed by years of industry experience. To complement this, we are harnessing AI to make our content offering more diverse and more helpful to shoppers than ever. To achieve this, our AI systems are based exclusively on CarGurus content, ratings and data, so that what we produce is both unique to CarGurus, and uniquely helpful to car shoppers.

Popular vehicle comparisons