Ford Ranger vs Holden Colorado

Published September 2026

Ford Ranger vs Holden Colorado Close

A Comprehensive Cars Comparison by Cars4us

The Ford Ranger and Holden Colorado were two familiar names in Australia’s dual-cab market, earning loyal followings as workhorses, tow vehicles and family 4x4s. Today, the Ford Ranger vs Holden Colorado comparison is firmly a used-car decision. The Holden brand has left the Australian new-car market, while the PX-generation Ranger has since been replaced by a newer generation. That creates an interesting choice: pay more for the Ranger’s strong reputation and resale appeal, or take advantage of the Colorado’s typically lower used-market entry point. For this comparison, we’re looking primarily at the PX MkIII Ford Ranger and final-generation RG Holden Colorado.

Engine Performance & Towing Capacity

Ford Ranger

8.5/10

The PX MkIII Ranger offers two popular diesel options. The 2.0-litre bi-turbo four-cylinder produces 157kW and 500Nm and is paired with a 10-speed automatic, giving it strong performance and a more modern drivetrain feel.
There is also the familiar 3.2-litre five-cylinder turbo-diesel, producing 147kW and 470Nm through a six-speed automatic. It is an older combination, but one that remains popular among used Ranger buyers.

Holden Colorado

7.5/10

The Colorado uses a 2.8-litre four-cylinder turbo-diesel producing 147kW and 500Nm, paired with a six-speed automatic.
It matches the bi-turbo Ranger for peak torque and delivers plenty of low-down pulling power, making it well suited to towing and carrying heavier loads.
Verdict: The Colorado delivers strong diesel performance, but the Ranger’s 2.0-litre bi-turbo and 10-speed automatic give it the overall edge.

Interior Comfort & Features

Ford Ranger

8/10

The PX MkIII Ranger was one of the more car-like dual-cabs of its generation. Higher grades offer an 8.0-inch touchscreen, a well-organised dashboard and a cabin that works equally well for weekday jobs and longer family trips.
Materials and presentation also feel relatively polished for a ute of this era.

Holden Colorado

7/10

Higher-spec Colorado models such as the LTZ and Z71 are comfortable and well equipped, with the essentials needed for everyday driving and touring.
Its cabin is more utilitarian, however, and the dashboard design, infotainment and materials can feel a generation behind the Ranger.
Verdict: Both are practical, but the Ranger has the more modern and better-finished cabin.

Space & Practicality

Ford Ranger

8/10

The Ranger offers a genuine five-seat dual-cab cabin with a practical tub and plenty of versatility for work, family duties or touring.
Appropriately specified models can tow up to 3,500kg braked, while payload varies depending on grade, drivetrain and body configuration.

Holden Colorado

8/10

The Colorado offers much the same formula, with five-seat accommodation, a useful tub and the ability to handle demanding work and recreational duties.
It can also tow up to 3,500kg braked in the appropriate specification, putting it on equal footing with the Ranger for buyers towing larger caravans, boats or trailers.
Verdict: There is very little separating them. Both deliver strong towing ability and genuine dual-cab practicality.

Fuel Economy

Ford Ranger

8/10

The 2.0-litre bi-turbo is the most economical Ranger option here, with claimed combined consumption of around 7.4L/100km in relevant configurations.
The larger 3.2-litre diesel uses more fuel, with claimed consumption around 8.9L/100km depending on specification.

Holden Colorado

7.5/10

The Colorado’s 2.8-litre turbo-diesel sits between the two Ranger engines, with claimed combined consumption around 8.7L/100km.
Real-world figures will naturally increase when towing, carrying heavy loads or spending significant time off-road.
Verdict: The 2.0-litre Ranger is the clear efficiency winner, although the Colorado compares closely with the 3.2-litre Ranger.

Safety & Driver Assistance

Ford Ranger

7.5/10

The Ranger achieved a 5-star ANCAP safety rating under the testing criteria applicable when it was assessed. Safety equipment evolved throughout the PX generation, with later and higher-specification models gaining additional driver-assistance technology.
Because equipment varies by model year and grade, it is worth checking the exact specification of any used Ranger.

Holden Colorado

7/10

The Colorado also achieved a 5-star ANCAP rating under the testing standards of its era.
Its safety equipment developed throughout the model’s production life as well, although later Rangers generally offered a broader selection of driver-assistance systems.
Again, buyers should confirm exactly what is fitted to the individual vehicle they are considering.
Verdict: Both performed strongly for their era, but later Rangers have the advantage in available driver-assistance technology.

Price & Value

Ford Ranger

7.5/10

The Ranger typically commands stronger prices on the used market, reflecting its popularity and continued demand.
That means buyers may pay more upfront, but the Ranger’s resale appeal can also work in their favour when it comes time to sell or trade again.

Holden Colorado

8.5/10

The Colorado can be the more affordable way into a capable diesel dual-cab. Its discontinued status means used examples may cost less than an equivalent Ranger while still delivering strong performance, towing capacity and 4x4 capability.
For buyers planning to keep their ute for longer and less concerned about resale, that lower purchase price can make the Colorado particularly appealing.
Verdict: The Colorado has the advantage on initial purchase value, while the Ranger offers the stronger resale proposition.

Our Verdict

Ford Ranger 7.9/10

Holden Colorado 7.6/10

Final Verdict: Which Should You Choose?

Choose the Ford Ranger if you want the more polished all-rounder, particularly if you are considering the 2.0-litre bi-turbo. Its combination of performance, efficiency, cabin presentation and resale strength makes it the stronger overall package.

Choose the Holden Colorado if value is the priority. It remains a seriously capable dual-cab with a strong 2.8-litre diesel, up to 3,500kg braked towing capacity and a potentially much lower used purchase price.

Ultimately, the Ford Ranger vs Holden Colorado decision comes down to whether you are prepared to pay more for the Ranger’s refinement and resale strength or would rather maximise capability for your budget with the Colorado.

Explore Used Dual-Cab Utes at Cars4Us

Whether you need a ute for work, towing, family duties or weekend adventures, Cars4Us has a wide range of used dual-cabs to choose from.

Explore our latest stock to compare Ford Rangers, Holden Colorados and other popular 4x4 utes and find the right combination of capability, condition and value for you.