2025 Ford Maverick vs 2026 Chevrolet Colorado

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 cross bar that previously bisected the headlights gave the Maverick a more conventional look, opening up the grille for various design options depending on the trim level. The Maverick offered a range of trims, including the base XL, XLT, and Lariat, as well as the specialty Tremor and Lobo models. The Tremor was an off-road model with dedicated suspension tuning and all-terrain tires, while the Lobo paid tribute to the street truck trend with a cleaner front fascia and lowered suspension. The Maverick's interior was praised for its fun design and high-quality feel, even with the use of mainly plastic materials.

The 2026 Chevrolet Colorado presented a rugged and stylish appearance, especially in the Trail Boss spec with Reef Blue paint and the Midnight Edition Package. The Midnight Edition's 20-inch wheels and cargo bed sport bar added to its presence. However, the interior was less impressive, with flimsy carpeted floor mats and a monotony of black plastic. Despite some metallic accents and gloss-black trim, the Trail Boss's interior felt depressing. The dual screens, including an 11-inch digital driver display and an 11.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system, gave the Colorado a modern appearance, but the lack of a headlight control knob and the challenging windshield wiper controls were notable drawbacks.

The 2025 Ford Maverick offered two powertrain options, with the standard hybrid powertrain now available with FWD or AWD. The hybrid used a 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine paired with an electric motor, producing 191 horsepower and 155 pound-feet of torque. The optional 2.0-litre EcoBoost turbocharged engine delivered 238 hp and 275 lb-ft of torque, with most trims featuring an eight-speed automatic transmission. The Maverick Lobo stood out with its unique seven-speed dual-clutch gearbox, lowered suspension, and track-focused drive mode. The Lobo's emphasis on handling made it a unique offering among pickup trucks, excelling on winding roads and providing a satisfying driving experience.

The 2026 Chevrolet Colorado came equipped with a turbocharged 2.7-litre four-cylinder engine, generating 310 horsepower and 430 pound-feet of torque. The engine was paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission, offering a towing capacity of up to 3,500 kilograms. The Trail Boss trim featured an off-road-tuned suspension with a five-centimetre factory lift and all-terrain tires. While the turbo four provided lively performance, the fuel economy was less impressive, with an average of 13.4 L/100 km during testing. The Trail Boss excelled in off-road conditions, navigating steep grades and deep ruts with ease, but its handling on regular roads was less refined, with a stiff suspension and noticeable vibrations.

The 2025 Ford Maverick offered a base towing capacity of 907 kilograms, which could be increased to 1,814 kilograms with the optional 4K Towing Package. The Maverick's 4.5-foot bed featured innovative cargo solutions, including molded pockets for cargo dividers and a tailgate that could serve as a tie-down brace. Inside, the Maverick's unibody platform provided ample headroom and legroom, with intricately molded in-door cubbies for beverage containers and mounting points for 3D-printed accessories. The Maverick's interior was designed for practicality and comfort, with heated front seats and a heated steering wheel available on higher trims.

The 2026 Chevrolet Colorado Trail Boss offered cloth or Evotex upholstery, with the latter providing a durable but potentially sweat-trapping surface. The Convenience Package II added heated front seats and a heated steering wheel, enhancing comfort. The Colorado's back seat was cramped, with a low and soft seat cushion, but rear air conditioning vents and padded front seatbacks provided some relief. The rear 60/40-split cushion folded up for additional storage space, and the front offered ample storage options. The Colorado's cargo bed featured Chevy's CornerStep bumper design and an EZ Lift-and-Lower tailgate with a StowFlex compartment.

The 2025 Ford Maverick saw significant tech upgrades for 2025, with the introduction of the Sync 4 infotainment system and a standard 13.2-inch touchscreen. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were now standard, along with a new 8-inch digital instrument cluster. The Maverick also borrowed towing tech from Ford's larger trucks, with features like Pro Trailer Hitch Assist and Pro Trailer Backup Assist available on higher trims. While the tech was user-friendly, 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 Colorado's tech package included a wireless smartphone charger and multiple USB ports, but the standard six-speaker stereo was underwhelming.

The 2025 Ford Maverick offered a range of driver-assist features, with forward-collision warning, adaptive cruise control, and automatic high beams standard on the base XL. However, blind-spot monitoring and lane-keep assist were optional. The Maverick received a four-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA, with mixed results from the IIHS.

The 2026 Chevrolet Colorado came equipped with the Chevy Safety Assist suite, including forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and lane departure warning. Additional features included blind spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and a rear-seat reminder system. The Colorado's safety performance in crash tests was disappointing, with three-star ratings in some areas from the NHTSA and a "Poor" front crash prevention rating from the IIHS.