GM Benchmarking 2023 Chevy Colorado ZR2 Against Ford Ranger Raptor
7
Sponsored Links
General Motors is benchmarking the upcoming 2023 Chevy Colorado ZR2 against the the Ford Ranger Raptor, as discovered in a recent series of spy photos.
Per an earlier report from GM Authority, General Motors is currently undergoing prototype testing for the new 2023 Chevy Colorado ZR2, with recent spy images revealing the ZR2 prototype heading back from off-road tests alongside the Chevy’s corporate cousin, the 2023 GMC Canyon AT4X. Interestingly, the two GM off-roaders were also joined by the current Ford Ranger Raptor, indicating ongoing benchmarking between them.
As discussed by our sister publication, Ford Authority, the current-generation Ford Ranger arrived in U.S. markets for the 2019 model year, but has been available in global markets since 2011. Meanwhile, the off-roading-spec Ford Ranger Raptor was made available outside the U.S. for the 2019 model year, but is not expected to be offered stateside until the next generation debuts. However, it appears GM is getting ahead of the game by benchmarking this current-gen Ford Ranger Raptor (in right-hand drive) against the 2023 Chevy Colorado ZR2 prototype.
When it debuts in the U.S., the next-gen Ford Ranger Raptor is expected to offer new styling with sharper, more aggressive lines inspired by the 2022 Ford Maverick, Ford F-150, and Ford Super Duty pickups. The new Ranger Raptor will also offer exclusive wheel designs, jacked-up suspension, and all-terrain rubber. Also expect a 3.0L EcoBoost V6 and 10-speed automatic transmission.
In the GM camp, the 2023 Chevy Colorado ZR2 is expected to next-generation styling and LED lighting, as well as an all-new interior. Taller suspension with new Multimatic DSSV shocks, as well as 33-inch Goodyear Wrangler Territory Mud Terrain tires will help it in the rough, while the turbocharged 2.7L I4 L3B engine will serve as the only engine option.
In terms of sales, the Ford Ranger has outpaced the Chevy Colorado, with 72,706 units sold through the 2021 calendar year, as compared to 51,555 units for the Chevy Colorado. Meanwhile, the GMC Canyon trails in the distance with 17,970 units.
Sales Numbers - Midsize Mainstream Pickup Trucks - Q3 2021 - USA
| MODEL | Q3 21 / Q3 20 | Q3 21 | Q3 20 | Q3 21 SHARE | Q3 20 SHARE | YTD 21 / YTD 20 | YTD 21 | YTD 20 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| TOYOTA TACOMA | +8.19% | 61,335 | 56,692 | 48% | 38% | +22.62% | 200,631 | 163,619 |
| JEEP GLADIATOR | +2.31% | 22,674 | 22,163 | 18% | 15% | +25.39% | 71,458 | 56,990 |
| FORD RANGER | -49.44% | 14,335 | 28,350 | 11% | 19% | -2.20% | 72,706 | 74,338 |
| CHEVROLET COLORADO | -53.42% | 12,696 | 27,256 | 10% | 18% | -24.77% | 51,555 | 68,529 |
| NISSAN FRONTIER | +61.75% | 11,667 | 7,213 | 9% | 5% | +44.78% | 38,059 | 26,287 |
| GMC CANYON | -15.38% | 5,479 | 6,475 | 4% | 4% | +11.04% | 17,970 | 16,183 |
| TOTAL | -13.47% | 128,186 | 148,149 | +11.44% | 452,379 | 405,946 |
Subscribe to GM Authority for more General Motors competition news, Chevy Colorado news, Chevy news, and around-the-clock GM news coverage.
- Sweepstakes Of The Month: Win a 2023 Corvette Z06 Convertible. Details here.
Sponsored Links
Shame Gm doesn’t put more power in these trucks
So 300+ HP and 400ish ftlbs isn’t enough? I am a car guy and even that is good, especially on regular unleaded.
GM should also benchmark the international Toyota 4×4 Hilux models.
More power if they want to compete! Wake up GM!
How about a Bronco busting Jimmy SUV version of the offroad Colarado/Canyon.
Toyota only became the monster company it is by essentially producing 4 different versions of a frame on 4×4 V6 offroad capable SUV’S. The FJ cruiser the 4 Runner the Highlanders and the Land Cruiser. One might think they saw what the Jimmy’s and Broncos could become and while Ford and GM cancelled these trucks years ago. Toyota ate their lunch.
I own a 2019 Colorado Crew Cab 4×4, V6. I bought new in 2019, when we out grew the 2016 Colorado Ext Cab 4×4, Z71, V6, we had before we both retired. But down to the need of one vehicle, a Crew Cab made more sense. But at the time we test drove every midsize truck. We really wanted a Gladiator, but was dismayed with the prices, but also the steering and the way it drove, especially on the highway, knowing we like to take road trips towing our 27’, 4,500-5,600 lbs travel trailer. So the Gladiator was out, next we looked at a new Ranger, that looked nice, but had soft brakes, hard ride (XLT) and poor fit and finish, plus like the Gladiator so new there were no deals, so the Ranger was out. Ok I wanted American, but before I spent over 35-38k, I was going to look/drive them ALL. So next was a Frontier, that was actually surprisingly comfortable, well built, drove nice, but felt old, especially inside without Apple Car Play available. So next was a Tacoma, that was also nice, but uncomfortable feeling like we were sitting on the floor, with soft brakes and hard ride, plus a little small, worst of all the second highest prices and lowest choices. So we ended up back at a local Chevy dealer, looking at a Colorado Crew Cab, we were looking for an Off Road Package with any truck we were going to buy, but I ended up finding a WT (Work Truck Packages) Crew Cab with 4×4, plus every option package available, so with a WT Convenience Package you get a dampening tailgate, cruise control, plus a great 7” touch screen with OnStar 4 G LTE WIFI, with Apple Car Play, plus dark tinted windows, plus a WT Appearance Package that gets you 16” Alloy Wheels in 2019, color coded bumpers, door handles, bright trim under the side windows, with Towing Package that includes the G80 automatic locking rear differential, hitch and wiring, plus trailer brake controller. Then I haggled with the dealer to install almost every skid plate the ZR2 comes with, from the front bumper, under the engine, trans/transf case and gas tank, including an 84 month/100,000 mile bumper to bumper warranty! All for under 34k! In Summit White with HD vinyl grey interior with vinyl covered floors, exactly as I wanted! Then for under $2,000, I installed Bilstien 5100 ride hight adjustable struts and shocks, with the front set at 2”, the rear stock, that almost levels the truck, even when towing with the help of a Fastway E2 Weight Distribution Hitch. That also increases suspension travel with superior dampening, leaving plenty of room to upsize the tires, from the lousy stock GoodYear Wrangler SE tires, to Cooper RTX AT tires in 265/75-16, at 32”. Nothing special with heated seats or leather interior, blacked out grill, bigger touch screen with Nav/Bose, but only exactly what I wanted. Now with just about 35,000 trouble free miles and totally satisfied!
What engine will the new Colorado be available not looking forward to a 4 cylinder currently a Colorado owner