Pickup trucks like the compact Ford Maverick and midsize Chevrolet Colorado are great for anyone who wants pickup-level capability without a full-size model’s size, price, and fuel economy.
The smallest trucks for their respective manufacturers, the Maverick and Colorado, have routinely impressed us during many miles of road tests. The Maverick earned our Compact Truck Best Buy Award in 2023. Will the 2024 model retain its crown, or will the recently updated Colorado usurp it?
Let’s see how they compare.
2024 Ford Maverick
The 2024 Ford Maverick is based on the same platform used in the Ford Escape compact SUV. This construction translates to a smoother ride and more precise handling than expected in a hard-working truck. The truck comes in three trims — XL, XLT, and Lariat — and pricing starts at $25,410, including delivery fees.
This model year’s only notable change is that a 250-horsepower turbocharged 2.0-liter 4-cylinder is now the base powertrain. Previously, the Maverick’s hybrid 4-cylinder was the entry-level engine. Front-wheel drive (FWD) is standard; all-wheel drive (AWD) is available.
Ford Maverick Highlights
Tremor off-road package: The rugged Tremor package includes a tougher and higher-riding suspension, reprofiled bumpers for better approach and departure angles when venturing off-road, locking 4-wheel drive, and underbody skid plates. It also comes with Trail Control, a feature where all the driver needs to do is steer the Maverick around rough terrain. The system handles all gas, braking, and gear shifting.
Back-friendly cargo bed: Because it sits much lower to the ground than the Colorado, loading the cargo bed requires less of a stretch. Ford offers lockable compartments and a 110-volt outlet in the Maverick’s 4.5-foot-long cargo bed.
Hybrid’s fantastic fuel economy: The 162-hp hybrid 4-cylinder feels more robust than its horsepower figure suggests. The real party trick with this engine is fuel economy. It delivers an EPA-reported rating of 37 mpg combined average in city and highway driving. The Colorado doesn’t come anywhere close to matching this figure.
B&O stereo: Available in the Lariat trim, this 8-speaker Bang & Olufsen audio system adds more auditory stimulation to your daily driving routine.
Check this week’s Fair Purchase Price or see the Maverick models near you.
2024 Chevrolet Colorado
The 2024 Chevrolet Colorado starts at $31,095 and is available in six trims: WT, LT, Trail Boss, Z71, ZR2, and ZR2 Bison. Standard features on the WT trim include a digital instrument display, an 11.3-inch infotainment touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a pair of USB ports, automatic high beams, and satellite radio.
Chevrolet Colorado Highlights
User-friendly tech: We just pointed out that the Colorado comes with an 11.3-inch touchscreen and much-loved wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. This infotainment system’s precise menus and quick responses make it one of our favorites among compact trucks.
Rugged ZR2 and ZR2 Bison: The ZR2 and new-for-2024 ZR2 Bison come with 4WD and all-terrain gear like off-road tires, underbody skid plates, and front and rear locking differentials. The Bison adds a front winch-capable steel front bumper, Multimatic dampers, 12.2 inches of ground clearance, and beadlock-capable wheels.
Safety features: Chevrolet made the Colorado safer with this latest generation. Every variant comes with automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, lane-departure warning, forward collision warning, lane-keep assist, and rear seat reminder.
TurboMax engine: A 237-hp turbocharged 4-cylinder is fitted to the WT and LT trims. Available in either of them – and standard on the Trail Boss, Z71, and ZR2 – is a stronger 310-hp version of this same engine. We think it’s worth serious consideration because of its stronger acceleration and greater towing limits.
Check this week’s Fair Purchase Price or see the Colorado models near you.
Similarities
These two trucks have more differences than similarities. However, they both have 4-cylinder engines, come exclusively in crew cab configurations, have the same warranty coverage, and are less bulky in tight confines than full-size trucks such as the Ford F-150 and Chevrolet Silverado.
Conclusion
The Ford Maverick strikes us as a compact truck for anyone after a more car-like driving experience. Compact SUV-like may be more accurate since it’s based on the family-friendly Escape platform. Highly maneuverable and amazing in terms of gas mileage, the Maverick is an excellent choice for truck shoppers who don’t need the last word in towing and rock-crawling capability.
The more traditional Chevy Colorado is the more truck-like of the pair. The ZR2 and ZR2 Bison trims are as tenacious as mountain goats traversing rough terrain. And it’s bigger, too. The Chevy is longer, wider, and about 10 inches taller than the Ford. It also tows and hauls far more.
| 2024 Ford Maverick | 2024 Chevrolet Colorado | |
| Starting Price | $25,410 | $31,095 |
| Popular Powertrains | ||
| Engine | Turbo 2.0-liter 4-cylinder | Turbo 2.7-liter 4-cylinder |
| Horsepower | 250 hp @ 5,500 rpm | 237 hp @ 5,600 rpm |
| Torque | 277 lb-ft @ 3,000 rpm | 260 lb-ft @ 3,200 rpm |
| Transmission | 8-speed automatic | 8-speed automatic |
| Fuel economy | 23 mpg city/30 mpg highway/ 26 mpg combined | 20 mpg city/25 mpg highway/22 mpg combined |
| Also Available | 2.5-liter gas-electric 4-cyl., CVT, AWD, 4WD | TurboMax turbo 2.7-liter V6, 4WD |
| Specs | ||
| Basic Warranty | 3 years/36,000 miles | 3 years/36,000 miles |
| Powertrain Warranty | 5 years/60,000 miles | 5 years/60,000 miles |
| NHTSA Overall Safety | 4 star | 4 star |
| Max Seating Capacity | 5 | 5 |
| Wheelbase | 121.1 inches | 131.0 inches |
| Overall Length | 199.7 inches | 213.0 inches |
| Width | 72.6 inches | 84.4 inches |
| Height | 68.7 inches | 78.7 inches |
| Turning Diameter | 40.0 feet | NA |
| Headroom, Front | 40.3 inches | 40.2 inches |
| Headroom, Rear | 39.6 inches | 38.2 inches |
| Legroom, Front | 42.8 inches | 45.1 inches |
| Legroom, Rear | 35.9 inches | 34.7 inches |
| Shoulder Room, Front | 57.3 inches | 41.9 inches |
| Shoulder Room, Rear | 55.6 inches | 55.6 inches |
| Cargo Volume | 33.3 cubic feet | 41.9 cubic feet |
