Maverick vs Ranger vs Colorado: smaller pickups compared

Buyer guide · Comparisons · Barron, WI

Maverick vs Ranger vs Colorado: smaller pickups compared

Not everyone needs a full-size truck. Here's how the three smaller pickups we sell compare.

Buyer's guide: Chevrolet Colorado Buyer's Guide (2026–2027) · Ford Ranger Buyer's Guide (2026) · Ford Maverick Buyer's Guide (2026) (trims, towing, mpg, 2026 vs. 2027, used years and certified options; verified October 22, 2026)

Short answer

The answer

For light towing and the best fuel economy, the Maverick hybrid (EPA-est. 42 MPG city, FWD). For real towing in a midsize, the Colorado (up to 7,700 lb) and Ranger (up to 7,500 lb).

All three are on our Barron campus, so you can drive them back to back.

42 MPGMaverick hybrid FWD, EPA-est. cityFord
7,700 lbColorado max available towingChevrolet
7,500 lbRanger max towingFord

Side by side

Manufacturer figures when properly equipped. Checked Oct 11, 2026.
Ford MaverickFord RangerChevrolet Colorado
Model year on our page202620262026
Max towing4,000 lb (4K Tow Package)7,500 lb (Trailer Tow Package)7,700 lb
Max payload1,500 lb1,767 lb (ford.com specs, archived Sept 29, 2026)See Chevrolet for configuration
Power / economy listed42 MPG city (hybrid FWD, EPA-est.); 250 hp 2.0L EcoBoostModels: XL, XLT, Lariat, Raptor310 hp, 430 lb-ft (2.7L TurboMax)

How to choose

  • Commuting with a bed? Maverick hybrid.
  • Boat, camper or ATV trailer? Colorado or Ranger.
  • Forest roads and trails? Look at Colorado's off-road trims and Ranger Raptor.

As a first truck

See and .

Before you start

Bring or confirm

5 items

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Staff picks for this

Recommendations from the Swant Graber team that put this guide to work.

A local next step

Swant Graber Motors (Chevrolet, Ram, Dodge) is at 1690 E Division Ave, 715-537-5657. Swant Graber Ford is across Highway 8 at 1697 E Division Ave, 715-537-9500. Barron, WI 54812. Send your question or the vehicle details before you visit and the right person will be ready. Shop new and used inventory.

Questions

Which small pickup tows the most?

Of these three, the Chevrolet Colorado lists up to 7,700 lb, the Ford Ranger up to 7,500 lb and the Ford Maverick up to 4,000 lb with the 4K Tow Package.

Sources

  1. Ford: Maverick — https://www.ford.com/trucks/maverick/
  2. Ford: Ranger — https://www.ford.com/trucks/ranger/2026
  3. Chevrolet: Colorado — https://www.chevrolet.com/trucks/colorado

Manufacturer figures are "when properly equipped" and change by model year, configuration and equipment. Confirm the window sticker, the door-jamb labels and the owner's manual for the exact vehicle.

Swant Graber Auto Group · Barron, WI

3 brands. 2 rooftops. 1 Swant Graber.

Chevrolet, Dodge, Ram, and Ford on one Highway 8 campus in Barron, with Swant Graber roots here since 1959. Swant Graber Motors and Swant Graber Ford sit directly across Highway 8 from each other.

Swant Graber Motors Chevrolet, Dodge and Ram dealership in Barron, Wisconsin

Swant Graber Motors

Chevrolet · Dodge · Ram
1690 E Division Ave (Highway 8)
Barron, WI 54812
Phone715-537-5657

Sales: Mon–Fri 8:00 a.m.–5:30 p.m., Sat 8:00 a.m.–3:00 p.m. · Service: Mon–Fri 8:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.

SwantGraberMotors.net (Dodge & Ram) · SwantGraberChevy.com

Swant Graber Ford dealership on Highway 8 in Barron, Wisconsin

Swant Graber Ford

Ford · across Highway 8
1697 E Division Ave (Highway 8)
Barron, WI 54812
Phone715-537-9500

Sales: Mon–Fri 8:00 a.m.–5:30 p.m., Sat 8:00 a.m.–3:00 p.m. · Service: Mon–Fri 8:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.

BarronFord.com