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Looking to get a brand-new midsize pickup with off-road potential. I’m mostly interested in getting a tried and true model, nothing off the beaten path. After 2 weeks of scrutinizing vehicle enthusiast forums, it came down to the Ford Ranger vs the Chevrolet Colorado.

While both share a number of similarities, there are finer differences that I fail to adequately assess to make the purchase. Would appreciate assistance in coming up with a final decision.

Fuel Efficiency:

I read that the FR tends to have slightly better fuel efficiency, mostly thanks to the smaller engine size and turbocharged tech. Most reviews clock it at about 20-24 mpg/city and 24-30 mpg/highway. The CC diesel version sits at ~20-22 mpg/city and 28-30 mpg/highway.

Performance and Power:

So the FR comes with a 2.3-litre turbocharged 4-cylinder engine. That’s about 270 hp and 310 lb-ft of torque. The CC offers a range from 2.5 to 3.6, 200-308 hp, 191-370 torque. The engines are different, afaik. The 3.6 is a V6, while the 2.8 is turbocharged diesel.

Towing/Payload Capacity:

The FR can tow up to around 7,500 lbs and has a payload capacity of up to 1,860 lbs. The CC comes to +/- 7,700 lbs and a payload capacity of up to 1,500 lbs.

Interior and Features:

Both models appear to be on equal footing here. Infotainment, safety technologies - the whole shebang. Don’t expect this aspect to provide much of a dilemma.

That’s about all the relevant criteria. Spare availability is also a key point, but with the truck part market being on the up, I don’t think there will be an issue regardless of what I go with.

The only other model I’m moderately considering is the GMC Canyon. It’s supposed to be quite similar to the CC, but it tends to be slightly more expensive, mostly due to its branding as more upscale and premium compared to the Chevy. If that’s the only tangible difference, I guess I can scratch the GMC off the list. I’m not looking to pay for brand value Apple-style.