Colorado vs Ridgeline
Chevrolet brings the Colorado; Honda answers with the Ridgeline. Both play in the midsize pickup class. Count the areas and a pattern appears. The Colorado is ahead in 3 of 5, led by a clear margin in engine & performance. Keep the price gap in mind throughout: $8,695 separates the Colorado from the Ridgeline at launch.
At a glance
- Engine & Performance Colorado wins
- Fuel Economy & Range Ridgeline wins
- Space & Practicality Tie
- Off-road & Towing Colorado wins
- Safety & Tech Colorado wins
- Price Colorado wins
- Engine & Performance10.0
- Fuel Economy & Range0.7
- Off-road & Towing10.0
- Engine & Performance4.2
- Fuel Economy & Range2.9
- Off-road & Towing5.7
Spec scores (0 to 10) are calculated from manufacturer specs against other models in the same class. See how the formula works. They are not reviews or user ratings.
Key Differences
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The Colorado has 168 lb-ft more torque
A clear win for the Colorado: 430 lb-ft against 262 lb-ft. Few specs in this matchup are as one-sided. Electrified powertrains deliver torque instantly, so compare torque figures alongside the powertrain type.
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The Colorado has 2,700 lb more towing capacity
Here the Colorado pulls well ahead of the Ridgeline, with 7,700 lb compared to 5,000 lb. Towing ratings depend on configuration and equipment, so check the exact trim you’re looking at.
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The Colorado has 30 hp more power
You may not notice this one every day, but the Colorado’s 310 hp is a step ahead of the Ridgeline’s 280 hp. Power is only part of the story; weight, gearing and torque delivery shape how quick a car feels.
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The Ridgeline has better fuel economy
Slight advantage to the Ridgeline: 21 mpg compared with 20 mpg. Better combined fuel economy lowers your running costs every week, and the savings add up over years of ownership.
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The Colorado has a bigger 11.3 in touchscreen
The Colorado doesn’t just edge this one; 11.3 in against 9 in is a lead you’ll feel. A bigger touchscreen makes maps and phone mirroring easier to read at a glance.
Design & Size
The Ridgeline has the bigger footprint. That can mean more room to work with, but also more to carry, park or pocket.
Dimensions
| Spec | Colorado | Ridgeline |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 213.2 in | 210.2 in |
| Width (no mirrors) | 74.9 in | 78.6 in |
| Height | N/A (not specified) | 70.8 in |
| Wheelbase | 131.4 in | 125.2 in |
Engine & Performance
Colorado leads
In this area the Colorado has a lead the Ridgeline can’t close. The Colorado makes its case with 168 lb-ft more torque. More torque means stronger pulling from low speeds, which you feel when accelerating from a stop or climbing grades. On engine & performance alone, the Colorado gets the nod.
Torque
Colorado: 430 lb-ft Ridgeline: 262 lb-ft The Colorado’s extra torque makes it more relaxed when fully loaded or towing.
Total system output
Colorado: 310 hp Ridgeline: 280 hp The Colorado’s extra output gives it more in reserve when you need to get up to speed.
Fuel Economy & Range
Ridgeline leads
On fuel economy & range, the Ridgeline comes out slightly ahead. The Ridgeline gives you better fuel economy. The Ridgeline uses less fuel on the standard combined cycle, which matters most if you drive a lot. The Colorado delivers better city fuel economy. That makes the Ridgeline the natural choice for buyers focused on fuel economy & range.
Fuel economy (combined)
Colorado: 20 mpg Ridgeline: 21 mpg Official figures rarely match real-world driving exactly, but the ranking between two cars tends to hold.
Fuel economy (city)
Colorado: 19 mpg Ridgeline: 18 mpg City fuel economy matters most if your driving is mostly short trips, traffic and stop-and-go commutes.
Space & Practicality
Too close to call
The space & practicality specs are close enough that neither gets the point. If space & practicality was going to be your tiebreaker, you’ll need a different one.
Off-road & Towing
Colorado leads
No contest in off-road & towing: the Colorado is the stronger of the two. In its favor, the Colorado has 2,700 lb more towing capacity. A higher towing capacity lets you pull bigger trailers, boats and campers. In short, the Colorado is the better-equipped car for off-road & towing.
Max towing
Colorado: 7,700 lb Ridgeline: 5,000 lb If you tow regularly, the Colorado’s higher rating gives you more margin.
Safety & Tech
Colorado leads
This area is close, with the Colorado just ahead of the Ridgeline. The Colorado steps ahead thanks to a bigger 11.3 in touchscreen. Screen size isn’t everything (physical controls and software speed matter too), but bigger is easier to read. Prioritize safety & tech, and the Colorado is where you should land.
Largest touchscreen
Colorado: 11.3 in Ridgeline: 9 in The Colorado’s larger display gives navigation and menus more room.
Full Specifications
Engine & Performance
| Spec | Colorado | Ridgeline |
|---|---|---|
| Powertrain | Gas | Gas |
| Engine | 2.7L turbo I4 (TurboMax) | 3.5L V6 |
| Total system output | 310 hp (winner) | 280 hp |
| Torque | 430 lb-ft (winner) | 262 lb-ft |
| Transmission | 8-speed automatic | 9-speed automatic |
| Drivetrain | RWD (4WD available) | AWD |
Fuel Economy & Range
| Spec | Colorado | Ridgeline |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel economy (combined)EPA estimate where available | 20 mpg | 21 mpg (winner) |
| Fuel economy (city) | 19 mpg (winner) | 18 mpg Thirstiest in the city |
| Fuel economy (highway) | 23 mpg | 24 mpg |
| Fuel tank | 21 gal | 19.5 gal |
Space & Practicality
| Spec | Colorado | Ridgeline |
|---|---|---|
| Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
Off-road & Towing
| Spec | Colorado | Ridgeline |
|---|---|---|
| Max towing | 7,700 lb (winner) | 5,000 lb |
| AWD / 4WD available | Yes | Yes |
Safety & Tech
| Spec | Colorado | Ridgeline |
|---|---|---|
| Largest touchscreen | 11.3 in (winner) | 9 in Smallest touchscreen |
| Driver-assist suite | Chevy Safety Assist | Honda Sensing |
| Basic warranty | 3 yr / 36,000 mi | 3 yr / 36,000 mi |
Dimensions
| Spec | Colorado | Ridgeline |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 213.2 in | 210.2 in |
| Width (no mirrors) | 74.9 in | 78.6 in |
| Height | N/A (not specified) | 70.8 in |
| Wheelbase | 131.4 in | 125.2 in |
Price
| Spec | Colorado | Ridgeline |
|---|---|---|
| Starting MSRP | $31,900 (winner) Lowest price in class | $40,595 Priciest in class |
“N/A” means the manufacturer does not specify the value or we could not confirm it. Figures marked “manufacturer rating” are the maker’s own claims, not our measurements.
Price & Value
This is not a small price difference: $8,695, or 27%, separates the two launch prices. If value matters, the Colorado makes a strong case: it saves $8,695 and wins more of the comparison.
Launch prices (US) as of launch. Discounts and bundles come and go, so compare current prices before buying.
Which One Should You Buy?
Choose the Colorado if…
- you often drive loaded up or with a trailer (430 lb-ft vs 262 lb-ft of torque)
- you tow a camper, boat or trailer (7,700 lb vs 5,000 lb)
- you want more power (310 hp vs 280 hp)
- you want the bigger touchscreen (11.3 in vs 9 in)
- you don’t need the extras that cost $8,695 more
Choose the Ridgeline if…
- you want better combined fuel economy (21 mpg vs 20 mpg)
- you find that bigger suits the way you use a car
- you already use other Honda products
Also Compared
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I buy the Colorado or the Ridgeline?
We’d point most buyers to the Colorado. The main exception is if you’d rather have better fuel economy on the Ridgeline.
Is the Colorado bigger than the Ridgeline?
The Ridgeline takes that one. With dimensions of 210.2 × 78.6 × 70.8 in, it is larger than the Colorado (213.2 × 74.9 in).
Is the Colorado cheaper than the Ridgeline?
The Ridgeline launched at $8,695 more than the Colorado, based on prices as of launch.
Executive Summary
If you’ve narrowed it down to the Colorado and the Ridgeline, you’ve already done the hard part. Let me help with the rest. To me, the standout is that the Colorado offers 168 lb-ft more torque. There’s more, too: the Colorado offers 2,700 lb more towing capacity. The Ridgeline has a trump card of its own in better fuel economy.
The way I see it, people who prioritize engine & performance will be happier with the Colorado, and those who prioritize fuel economy & range with the Ridgeline.
My pick: the Colorado gets my vote, but the Ridgeline is the right call if you specifically want better fuel economy, where the Ridgeline has the edge.
Personal opinion based on the data above. Your priorities may differ.