Ford F-150 vs Chevrolet Colorado

The 2026 Chevrolet Colorado presented a rugged yet stylish exterior, particularly in the Trail Boss spec with its Reef Blue paint and Midnight Edition Package. The 20-inch wheels and cargo bed sport bar added to its visual appeal. However, the interior was less impressive, with a predominance of plastic and a monotonous black theme that detracted from the overall experience. Despite the modern dual screens, the lack of a headlight control knob and the challenging windshield wiper controls were notable drawbacks. The cabin's design was appealing, but the execution left much to be desired, especially with flimsy carpeted floor mats that quickly became dirty during testing.

In contrast, the 2026 Ford F-150 boasted a variety of grille styles, each adding a unique touch to its robust appearance. The STX Lobo test vehicle featured a blackened Ford logo with bright LEDs, while other trims offered distinctive chrome and plastic trims. The interior, though lacking in creativity, was well-constructed with sharp screens and analog controls. However, the material quality lagged behind competitors like the GMC Sierra 1500 and Ram 1500. The F-150's interior colours were uninspiring, with only the King Ranch and Platinum trims offering standout leather options. Despite these shortcomings, the F-150 maintained a handsome, albeit conservative, appearance.

The 2026 Chevrolet Colorado was equipped with a turbocharged 2.7-litre four-cylinder engine, delivering 310 horsepower and 430 pound-feet of torque. It offered a towing capacity of up to 3,500 kilograms and a maximum payload rating of 837 kilograms for RWD models. The Trail Boss variant, with its off-road-tuned suspension and all-terrain tires, excelled in off-road conditions, navigating steep grades and deep ruts with ease. However, the fuel economy was less impressive, averaging 13.4 L/100 km during testing. The stiff suspension provided a vintage-truck-like ride quality, but the standard halogen headlights were inadequate for nighttime driving.

The 2026 Ford F-150 offered a range of engine options, including a 2.7-litre turbo V6 with 325 horsepower and a 5.0-litre V8 with 400 horsepower. The 3.5-litre twin-turbo V6, producing 400 horsepower and 500 pound-feet of torque, was the standout performer, offering impressive responsiveness. The F-150's towing capacity reached up to 6,120 kilograms, making it suitable for moderate towing needs. However, the 10-speed automatic transmission revealed torque gaps, and the hybrid PowerBoost option was not recommended due to its clunky transition between gas and electric power. The Raptors, with their racing suspensions and powerful engines, provided an exhilarating driving experience but required premium fuel.

The 2026 Chevrolet Colorado Trail Boss offered cloth or Evotex upholstery, with the latter available through the optional Convenience Package II. The interior provided adequate comfort, with heated front seats and a heated steering wheel included in the package. However, the back seat was cramped, and the seat cushion was too soft and low. The rear 60/40-split cushion folded up for additional storage space, and the CornerStep bumper design facilitated easy access to the cargo bed. The EZ Lift-and-Lower tailgate and StowFlex compartment added to the Colorado's cargo bed utility.

The 2026 Ford F-150 came in three cab and bed sizes, with the SuperCrew offering the most versatility. The Pro Access Tailgate, a unique Ford feature, allowed for easy access to the cargo bed. The hybrid's Pro Power Onboard system provided up to 7,200 watts of power, enhancing the truck's functionality. The F-150's interior offered a clever front-row work surface and Zone Lighting for improved visibility during night jobs. However, basic features like automatic climate control and power seats were absent from lower trims, highlighting the disparity in features across the lineup.

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 included wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and access to a subscription-based Wi-Fi hotspot. However, the voice recognition system struggled with certain prompts, and the standard six-speaker stereo was subpar. The absence of a tuning knob was mitigated by steering wheel controls, but the premium Bose audio system was only available on higher trims.

The 2026 Ford F-150 featured a 12-inch touchscreen with Sync 4 software and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. BlueCruise, an optional hands-free driving system, worked well but lacked the accuracy of competitors' systems. Upper trims offered Bang & Olufsen stereos, massaging front seats, and a full digital instrument panel. The F-150's technology package included remote start, a wireless charging pad, and a power tailgate, enhancing the truck's convenience and functionality.

The 2026 Chevrolet Colorado came equipped with the Chevy Safety Assist suite, including forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and lane keep assist. Additional features like blind spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert were standard in Canada. However, the Colorado received disappointing crash test ratings from both the NHTSA and IIHS, with a "Poor" front crash prevention rating from the latter.

The 2026 Ford F-150 offered a comprehensive suite of safety features, including blind-spot monitoring, forward automatic emergency braking, and lane keep assist. Adaptive cruise control and BlueCruise were optional. The F-150 received a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA, but the IIHS gave it a "Poor" rating in the front moderate overlap test.