Chevrolet Colorado vs Ford Maverick

The 2025 Ford Maverick retained its familiar chunky styling, reminiscent of larger Ford trucks like the Ranger and F-150, while introducing some fresh updates. The removal of the crossbar that previously bisected the headlights gave the Maverick a more conventional look, opening up the grille with various designs depending on the trim level. The Maverick offered a range of trims, including the base XL, XLT, and Lariat, as well as specialty models like the Tremor and Lobo. The Tremor was an off-road model with dedicated suspension tuning, all-terrain tires, and a twin-clutch rear drive unit for its AWD system. Meanwhile, the Lobo paid homage to the street truck trend with a cleaner front fascia, painted rear bumper, side skirts, and 19-inch wheels, emphasized by lowered suspension. The Maverick's interior, even in the base XL, featured neat details like multicolor trim and exposed screwheads, creating a fun design and high-quality feel.

The 2026 Chevrolet Colorado offered a range of trims, with the Trail Boss standing out for its off-road capabilities. The Trail Boss featured a striking Reef Blue paint, 20-inch wheels, and a cargo bed sport bar, giving it a bold presence. However, the interior left much to be desired, with flimsy carpeted floor mats and an abundance of plastic. Despite some metallic accents and gloss-black trim, the cabin felt monotonous. The dual screens, including an 11-inch digital driver display and an 11.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system, added a modern touch, but the lack of a headlight control knob and challenging windshield wiper controls were drawbacks. The Trail Boss's off-road-tuned suspension, all-terrain tires, and hill descent control system made it capable on rugged terrain, but the stiff suspension and road noise detracted from the overall driving experience.

The 2025 Ford Maverick offered two powertrain options, with notable changes to drivetrain configurations. The standard hybrid powertrain, featuring a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine and a single electric motor, produced 191 horsepower and 155 pound-feet of torque. It was available with FWD or AWD. The non-hybrid option, a 2.0-liter Ecoboost turbocharged four-cylinder engine, delivered 238 horsepower and 275 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission for most trims. The Maverick Lobo, however, used a seven-speed dual-clutch gearbox and included performance enhancements like lowered suspension, dual-piston front brake calipers, and a track-focused Lobo drive mode. The Lobo's emphasis on handling made it unique among pickup trucks, excelling on winding roads and offering a satisfying driving experience.

The 2026 Chevrolet Colorado came equipped with a turbocharged 2.7-liter four-cylinder engine, generating 310 horsepower and 430 pound-feet of torque. Paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission, it offered a towing capacity of up to 7,700 pounds and a maximum payload rating of 1,846 pounds for RWD models. The Trail Boss's off-road-tuned suspension, two-inch factory lift, and all-terrain tires contributed to its off-road prowess. However, the engine's sound under acceleration and poor gas mileage were notable drawbacks. The Trail Boss's handling was secure within low limits, but the stiff suspension and stability control system occasionally created a jarring ride. Despite these challenges, the Trail Boss excelled in off-road conditions, showcasing impressive wheel articulation and capability.

The 2025 Ford Maverick offered a base towing capacity of 2,000 pounds, which could be increased to 4,000 pounds with the optional 4K Towing Package, except for the Lobo and Tremor models. The hybrid models had a payload capacity of 1,400 pounds with AWD and 1,500 pounds with FWD. The Maverick's 4.5-foot bed featured innovative cargo management solutions, including specially-designed pockets for cargo dividers and a 110-volt outlet. Inside the cab, Ford optimized space with intricately molded in-door cubbies and mounting points for 3D-printed accessories. The Maverick's unibody platform provided similar headroom and legroom across both rows, comparable to larger trucks like the Ford Ranger.

The 2026 Chevrolet Colorado Trail Boss offered cloth or Evotex upholstery, with the latter providing a durable yet potentially uncomfortable feel in hot climates. The optional Convenience Package II added features like heated front seats and a heated steering wheel. The front passenger seat, with four-way manual adjustment, was less comfortable than the driver's seat. The back seat was cramped, with a low and soft seat cushion, lacking a center armrest. However, rear air conditioning vents and padded front seatbacks provided some comfort. The Colorado's cargo bed featured a CornerStep bumper design and an EZ Lift-and-Lower tailgate, enhancing accessibility and utility.

The 2025 Ford Maverick received a tech upgrade with the introduction of the Sync 4 infotainment system, featuring a standard 13.2-inch touchscreen. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto became standard, along with an eight-inch digital instrument cluster. The Maverick borrowed towing tech from Ford's larger trucks, including Pro Trailer Hitch Assist and Pro Trailer Backup Assist, enhancing its towing capabilities. However, the reliance on touchscreen controls for temperature and seat heaters was a minor inconvenience.

The 2026 Chevrolet Colorado impressed with its in-cab technology, featuring an 11-inch digital driver display and an 11.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Google built-in technology. The system offered wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and access to Google Maps and Google Assistant. While the infotainment system was generally user-friendly, Google Assistant occasionally misinterpreted voice commands. The absence of a tuning knob was offset by steering wheel controls, but the standard six-speaker stereo lacked quality at higher volumes.

The 2025 Ford Maverick offered a range of driver-assist features, with forward-collision warning, blind-spot monitoring, and automatic high beams standard on the base XL. Upgrading to the XLT added lane-keep assist and lane-departure warning, while the Lariat and Tremor included adaptive cruise control. The Maverick received a four-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA, with five stars in frontal and side crash tests. The IIHS gave it a "Good" rating in the updated side crash test but a "Marginal" rating in the moderate overlap front test.

The 2026 Chevrolet Colorado featured the Chevy Safety Assist suite, including forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and lane-departure warning. The Safety Package added blind-spot monitors and rear cross-traffic alert. The Technology Package offered adaptive cruise control and a high-definition surround-view camera system. However, the Colorado received disappointing crash test results, with three-star protection in side-impact collisions and rollover resistance. The IIHS rated its front crash prevention systems as "Poor."