When it comes to off-roading fun, GM has a few different options on the table, including a pair of midsize pickups, namely the Chevy Colorado ZR2 and GMC Canyon AT4X. However, at the end of the day, these pickups should still have the capability to perform all the usual pickup truck activities – you know, like hauling and towing stuff. So, the question then becomes this – how do the Chevy Colorado ZR2 and GMC Canyon AT4X stack up against their Blue Oval rival, the Ford Ranger Raptor, with regard to towing and payload?
Let’s begin with a quick look under the hood. Over in the GM camp, the Chevy Colorado ZR2 and GMC Canyon AT4X are both powered by the same turbocharged 2.7L I4 L3B gasoline engine, which is paired with the GM eight-speed automatic transmission. This powertrain generates 310 horsepower at 5,600 rpm and 430 pound-feet of torque at 3,000 rpm. By comparison, the Ford Ranger Raptor features a more powerful 3.0L EcoBoost V6, which is paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission and produces 405 horsepower and 430 pound-feet of torque.
In terms of curb weight, the Colorado ZR2 tips the scales at 4,910 pounds (2,227 kg), while the Canyon AT4X is a bit lighter at 4,840 pounds (2,195 kg). The Ranger Raptor is the heaviest of the three, weighing in at 5,325 pounds (2,415 kg).
Fuel economy for both GM trucks is rated at 17 mpg across the board (city/highway/combined) on regular fuel, whereas the Ranger Raptor achieves 16 mpg city, 18 mpg highway, and 17 mpg combined, but requires premium fuel​.
So, what about those towing and payload specs? As it turns out, GM’s offerings edge out the competition in towing capacity, with both the Chevy Colorado ZR2 and the GMC Canyon AT4X boasting a maximum tow capacity of 6,000 pounds (2,722 kg), significantly higher than the Ford Ranger Raptor’s 5,510-pound capacity (2,500 kg).
However, with regard to payload, the Ranger Raptor comes out on top with a max capacity of 1,375 pounds (624 kg), narrowly surpassing the Colorado ZR2’s 1,310 pounds (594 kg) and the Canyon AT4X’s 1,260 pounds (572 kg)​.
Check out the table below for a side-by-side breakdown of the numbers:
| Colorado ZR2 | Canyon AT4X | Ranger Raptor | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | GM Turbo 2.7L I4 L3B | GM Turbo 2.7L I4 L3B | Ford EcoBoost 3.0L V6 |
| Transmission | 8-speed auto | 8-speed auto | 10-speed auto |
| Power (horsepower @ rpm) | 310 @ 5,600 | 310 @ 5,600 | 405 |
| Torque (pound-feet @ rpm) | 430 @ 3,000 | 430 @ 3,000 | 430 |
| Curb Weight (lbs / kg) | 4,910 / 2,227 | 4,840 / 2,195 | 5,325 / 2,415 |
| Max Tow Capacity (lbs / kg) | 6,000 / 2,722 | 6,000 / 2,722 | 5,510 / 2,500 |
| Max Payload Capacity (lbs / kg) | 1,310 / 594 | 1,260 / 572 | 1,375 / 624 |
| City/Highway/Combined (mpg) | 17 / 17 / 17 | 17 / 17 / 17 | 16 / 18 / 17 |
| Recommended Fuel | Regular | Regular | Premium |
Comments
I would love to see a 6.2L with the 10 speed in these. Especially at this price point. I think it would add some “specialness” to the ZR2 and AT4x
Why are you comparing the tow rating for the top GMC, and Ford midsized trucks but not the Chevy? The Ford Ranger Raptor, the GMC Canyon AT4X or the top trim for those manufacturers but you didn’t compare the Chevy Colorado ZR2 Bison just the base Colorado ZR2? Why?
I would buy one with a 5.3l right now… and with a boosted HFV6 I would consider it too…..