2024 Chevrolet Colorado vs 2023 Ford F-150

This year, Ford expands the F-150 lineup yet again. The big news is the debut of the F-150 Raptor R, equipped with a supercharged 5.2-litre V8 engine making 700 horsepower and 640 pound-feet of torque. The new 2023 F-150 Raptor R also has exclusive R-tuned Fox live-valve shocks, standard 37-inch all-terrain tires, and a few other goodies to justify its presumably six-figure price tag (Canadian pricing has not been announced as of publication time).

The other new version of the 2023 Ford F-150 is more accessible: the XLT Heritage Edition. It has two-tone paint, unique cloth seat inserts, and exclusive 75 Years interior details. That’s the subject of this review.

Midsize trucks are having a moment. Rugged, off-road-ready lifestyle pickups and SUVs are all currently in vogue. In the past few years, we’ve seen redesigns for the Ford Ranger, the Nissan Frontier, and, long-awaited, the Toyota Tacoma. General Motors has joined the party with a redesigned GMC Canyon and Chevrolet Colorado.

The popularity of smaller trucks has ebbed and flowed through the decades, but based on all of these redesigns, automakers are convinced that there are sales to be made. One way these trucks have evolved is by pivoting from downsized work vehicles offering weekend-warrior and lifestyle-off-roader versions, to focusing specifically on those weekend warrior and lifestyle shoppers.

Verdict: The Colorado has evolved from merely offering more content and upgraded versions to focusing on well-equipped, upgraded trims catering to recreation more than work.