2019 Chevrolet Colorado vs 2020 Chevrolet Silverado 1500

When considering the 2019 Chevrolet Colorado, buyers had the option of various trims, including the extreme Midnight Edition of the Z71, characterized by an all-black exterior that, while aggressively stylish, was prone to showing dirt instantly. The design of the Colorado as a whole was clean and balanced unless one opted for the rugged ZR2, where the styling shifts to match its off-road utility. Interior-wise, the focus was on simplicity and utility. The symmetrical dashboard and easy-to-clean materials aimed at providing practicality for work and outdoor adventures. However, the prominent plastic panels were prone to scuffs and scratches, potentially making the cabin look cheaper over time.

The 2020 Chevrolet Silverado 1500, however, offered a wider range of customization options, from grilles and finishes to various wheel sizes and styles, ensuring each version had a unique appearance. Buyers could choose between Regular Cab, Double Cab, and Crew Cab models, with multiple trims like WT, Custom, LT, RST, LTZ, and High Country. Off-road enthusiasts could opt for a Trail Boss treatment. The test Silverado LT Trail Boss had a bold, blacked-out appearance, although it required frequent cleaning to maintain its look. Inside, the Silverado’s cabin was industrial in design with a raw architectural strength, but the use of plastic silver trim and busy surfaces made it feel dated and less refined. Despite leather seats, the interior didn't justify the high price close to $60,000.

The 2019 Chevrolet Colorado came with three engine choices. The base engine was a 2.5-liter, 4-cylinder producing 200 horsepower and 191 pound-feet of torque. Most models featured a 3.6-liter V6 with 308 horsepower and 275 lb-ft of torque. Additionally, a 2.8-liter turbo-diesel 4-cylinder was available for the LT, Z71, and ZR2 trims, generating 181 horsepower and an impressive 369 lb-ft of torque, allowing for a maximum towing capacity of 7,700 pounds. The V6 engine could manage up to 7,000 pounds of towing, while payload capacity reached up to 1,557 pounds. Despite the capable off-road features in the Z71 trim, including Goodyear Duratrac tires and Chevy’s Autotrac system, the truck felt sluggish due to its heavy and numb steering. The ride was bouncy off-road, with noticeable body roll and tire noise on the highway. Fuel economy averaged 18.6 mpg.

For the 2020 Chevrolet Silverado 1500, consumers had five engine options and three transmissions. New for 2020 was a 3.0-liter turbodiesel making 277 horsepower and a hefty 460 lb-ft of torque, with fuel efficiency up to 27 mpg on the highway. The LT Trail Boss version got an optional 6.2-liter V8 replacing the standard 5.3-liter V8, delivering 420 horsepower and 460 lb-ft of torque, priced at an additional $2,495. The Silverado’s performance off-road was impressive, yet on pavement, the heavy tires reduced grip, and slow steering responses could make it understeer in corners. The ride quality was commendable, averaging 16.8 mpg. Its sheer power and acceleration, especially with the 6.2-liter V8, provided a robust driving experience.

Inside the 2019 Chevrolet Colorado, the no-nonsense interior layout prioritized functionality. Controls were straightforward, storage was ample, and the driving position was commanding. The power-adjustable front seats offered good comfort, although the rear seats were cramped, lacking air conditioning vents, which could be uncomfortable on hot days. Utility-focused features included corner-step bumpers, an EZ Lift and Lower tailgate, a spray-in bed liner, and an overhead cargo light. The Colorado had a maximum payload of 1,557 pounds and a towing capacity of up to 7,700 pounds.

The 2020 Chevrolet Silverado 1500, equipped with leather upholstery and a 10-way power-adjustable driver’s seat, offered more comfort, although the front passenger seat suffered from a lack of height adjustment. The Crew Cab’s back seat was spacious with good thigh support and heating options, plus USB ports and air vents. Storage solutions were extensive, with dual glove compartments and a large center console bin. The Silverado excelled in utility, with a maximum payload of 2,250 pounds and towing capacity up to 13,400 pounds, thanks to its deeper and higher-sided cargo box compared to competitors.

The 2019 Chevrolet Colorado wasn’t heavy on advanced technology, which many might appreciate. The Chevrolet Infotainment 3 touchscreen system was intuitive and featured Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and voice recognition. Upgrades included navigation, a Bose premium sound system, and a wireless phone-charging pad. However, the tuning knob's function frustrated users by highlighting stations rather than adjusting frequency smoothly.

In contrast, the 2020 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 offered a 7- or 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system with similar basic features but more upgrade options like a high-definition display, navigation, SiriusXM 360L radio, wireless device charging, and a Bose sound system. The Advanced Trailering Package provided up to 15 camera views for detailed hitch and trailer monitoring. Yet, the free trial periods for desirable features like WiFi were short, highlighting a need for potentially costly subscriptions.

Safety-wise, the 2019 Chevrolet Colorado offered basic features. Standard equipment included a reversing camera and a Teen Driver monitoring system. Only the LT trim offered forward-collision and lane-departure warnings, while more advanced features like automatic emergency braking and blind-spot monitoring were unavailable. The Colorado earned a 4-star overall rating from the NHTSA, with notable weaknesses like poor headlights and Marginal scores for front passenger safety from the IIHS.

Similarly, the 2020 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 included standard rear-seat reminders and Teen Driver systems. Advanced safety (ADAS) features such as forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, and adaptive cruise control were restricted to the top LTZ and High Country trims. Crash-test ratings included a 4-star overall rating from the NHTSA, with less-than-ideal results from the IIHS, indicating a need for better safety provisions across all trims.