Chevrolet Colorado vs Ford Explorer
This page compares the Chevrolet Colorado and the Ford Explorer across the 15 model years both appear in our data (2010–2026). Both are classed as Pickup on this site. Both average about 27 mpg (UK) on their most efficient configurations. NHTSA lists fewer recall campaigns per model year for the Chevrolet Colorado (2.0 against 14.0), though campaign counts depend on how long each model has been on sale and how many variants share a campaign.
Head-to-Head: 2010–2026
| Measure | Chevrolet Colorado | Ford Explorer |
|---|---|---|
| Average best-configuration economy (mpg, UK) | 27 | 27 |
| Average CO₂ (g/km) | 261 | 248 |
| Average estimated annual fuel cost (US EPA) | $3,563 | $2,993 |
| Model years rated 5★ overall by NHTSA | 0 of 11 | 11 of 12 |
| Average recall campaigns per model year | 2.0 | 14.0 |
| Average owner complaints per model year | 189 | 1012 |
| Engine options across these years | 7 | 8 |
Year by Year
| Year | Chevrolet Colorado MPG (UK) | NHTSA | Recalls | Complaints | Ford Explorer MPG (UK) | NHTSA | Recalls | Complaints |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2010 | 25 | — | 0 | 29 | 20 | — | 2 | 146 |
| 2011 | 25 | — | 5 | 42 | 24 | — | 8 | 1,196 |
| 2012 | 25 | — | 2 | 42 | 28 | 4★ | 7 | 829 |
| 2015 | 26 | — | 7 | 491 | 28 | 5★ | 9 | 1,803 |
| 2016 | 30 | 4★ | 4 | 709 | 26 | 5★ | 15 | 2,478 |
| 2017 | 30 | 4★ | 1 | 216 | 26 | 5★ | 14 | 1,705 |
| 2018 | 30 | 4★ | 1 | 183 | 26 | 5★ | 7 | 733 |
| 2019 | 28 | 4★ | 0 | 150 | 26 | 5★ | 6 | 298 |
| 2020 | 28 | 4★ | 0 | 84 | 29 | 5★ | 35 | 1,229 |
| 2021 | 28 | 4★ | 1 | 77 | 29 | 5★ | 27 | 442 |
| 2022 | 28 | 4★ | 1 | 56 | 29 | — | 24 | 269 |
| 2023 | 26 | 4★ | 3 | 136 | 29 | 5★ | 15 | 112 |
| 2024 | 26 | 4★ | 3 | 123 | 29 | 5★ | 10 | 26 |
| 2025 | 24 | 4★ | 1 | 27 | 29 | 5★ | 20 | 102 |
| 2026 | 25 | 4★ | 0 | 15 | 29 | 5★ | 0 | 39 |
MPG is each model year's most efficient configuration (US EPA, converted to UK mpg). Recalls and complaints are NHTSA counts as of 6 October 2026; complaints are unverified owner reports and rise with sales volume. See each model's full history: Chevrolet Colorado · Ford Explorer.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel-efficient, the Chevrolet Colorado or the Ford Explorer?
Both average about 27 mpg (UK) on their most efficient configurations. Figures are the US EPA combined result converted to UK mpg, averaged over the shared model years; individual engines and years differ, so check the year pages for the exact car.
Which has better NHTSA safety ratings?
The Chevrolet Colorado has 0 of 11 model years rated 5★ overall in these years and the Ford Explorer has 11 of 12. NHTSA ratings are only comparable between vehicles of similar size and weight, and the test criteria have changed over time.
Which has more recalls and owner complaints?
Per model year, the Chevrolet Colorado averages 2.0 recall campaigns and 189 owner complaints; the Ford Explorer averages 14.0 and 1012. Complaint counts are unverified owner reports and rise with sales volume, so use them as a pointer for what to inspect, not as a reliability ranking.
Where do these comparison figures come from?
Fuel economy, CO₂ and interior volume come from the US EPA's fueleconomy.gov data; ratings, recalls and complaints come from NHTSA. Only model years where both cars have data are compared.
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