2019 Chevrolet Colorado vs 2020 Ford F-150

The 2019 Chevrolet Colorado, especially in its Z71 trim with the Midnight Edition package, presented a monochromatic, black-on-black-on-black appearance. This setup, though sleek, was notorious for being difficult to keep clean. The Colorado came in various versions, from the basic extended cab with rear-wheel drive and a 4-cylinder engine priced at $22,395, to the top-tier ZR2 crew cab with 4-wheel drive, pushing costs over $52,000.

The Z71 model we focused on struck a balance between these extremes, starting at $37,000 and increasing to $41,765 with added Midnight Edition features and side-step running boards. Aesthetically, the Colorado was appreciated for its clean, balanced design unless opting for the rugged ZR2 variant, where the enhancements were more functional.

Inside, the Colorado emphasized simplicity with basic materials and an organized, symmetrical control layout. The cabin carried a practical over stylish ethos, easily cleaned but prone to scratches and scuffs. The Midnight Edition package added 265/65R17 Goodyear Wrangler Duratrac maximum traction tires, enhancing the truck’s purposeful look. For those who wanted a similar feature set without the all-black treatment, the Trail Runner Special Edition was an alternative.

The 2020 Ford F-150 took a more restrained approach to design. Its clean lines and blocky grille exuded confidence without flaunting it, ensuring the truck maintained its appeal over time. The F-150’s styling was timeless, intended to look good for years, even as it changed hands.

Inside, the dashboard had a straightforward, mechanical look, seeming unwelcoming until the dash and infotainment screen powered up. The F-150 focused on functionality rather than form. While lower trims featured hard plastics, higher trims introduced soft-touch materials and leather, but it still lagged behind the Ram 1500's luxurious feel. This emphasis on durability suggested the F-150 cabin could withstand significant use.

Available trims ranged from the work-focused XL to the luxurious Limited. Features included steel wheels, air conditioning, and forward automatic emergency braking on the XL, to the King Ranch’s Western-themed saddle-leather upholstery and Bang & Olufsen premium sound system, and the Platinum’s massaging seats. The off-road-focused Raptor featured big fenders, a wider body, and specialized running gear. The Limited trim topped the range with premium leather upholstery and a dual-panel moonroof.

The 2019 Chevrolet Colorado offered three engine choices. The base engine was a 200-horsepower, 2.5-liter 4-cylinder with 191 pound-feet of torque. The most common engine was the 3.6-liter V6, producing 308 hp and 275 lb-ft of torque. An available 2.8-liter turbo-diesel 4-cylinder engine churned out 181 hp and an impressive 369 lb-ft of torque. The maximum tow rating was 7,700 pounds with the turbo-diesel, while the V6 could handle up to 7,000 pounds. The maximum payload was 1,557 pounds.

Chevy’s Autotrac system offered selectable drive modes, including RWD, Automatic 4WD, 4-Hi, and 4-Lo. Despite its off-road capabilities, the Z71 model felt sluggish with heavy and numb steering, though acceleration was strong once underway. Fuel economy averaged 18.6 mpg, aligning closely with the EPA’s rating of 19 mpg. On twisty roads, the Z71 managed well, with body roll kept in check and brakes performing reliably, even after extensive use.

The 2020 Ford F-150 provided numerous powertrain options. The base 3.3-liter V6 made 290 hp and 265 lb-ft of torque. A 2.7-liter EcoBoost V6 offered 325 hp and 400 lb-ft of torque, while the 5.0-liter V8 produced 395 hp and 400 lb-ft of torque. The most powerful engine was the 3.5-liter EcoBoost V6, delivering 375 hp and 470 lb-ft of torque. A 3.0-liter turbodiesel V6 added 250 hp and 440 lb-ft of torque.

The XL and XLT trims came with a 6-speed automatic transmission, while higher trims received a 10-speed automatic with drive mode selectivity for varying conditions. The F-150 outperformed in towing capacity, capable of hauling up to 12,300 pounds. The base V6 sufficed for daily driving, while higher-capacity engines excelled in towing and provided impressive acceleration.

The Raptor variant included adaptive suspension and specific drive modes tailored for off-roading. The ride quality for the F-150 across other trims remained refined, with responsive steering and manageable turning radius, delivering a smooth experience on highways and back roads.

Functionality was a priority in the 2019 Chevrolet Colorado. The cabin featured easily accessible controls, ample storage, and a commanding driving position. Front seats had power adjustments, and the leatherette upholstery was durable with firm cushioning. The rear bench seat was cramped but included cup holders, USB ports, and a power outlet. A notable omission was rear air conditioning vents, affecting comfort on hot days.

Utility features included corner-step bumpers, an EZ Lift and Lower tailgate, a spray-in bed liner, and an overhead cargo light. The maximum payload capacity was 1,557 pounds, and while not luxurious, the Colorado met the essential needs of utility.

The 2020 Ford F-150 offered three cab sizes: Regular Cab, SuperCab, and SuperCrew, and bed sizes of 5.5, 6.5, and 8 feet. The SuperCrew excelled in cabin space, especially in rear legroom with seats that could flip up for additional load floor space. The F-150 had numerous in-cabin storage options, including a large center console bin.

The F-150 also featured a bed step for easier access, though GM’s integrated corner bed steps offered a simpler, low-maintenance alternative. The F-150’s towing capacity excelled at 12,300 pounds, providing significant utility for those needing to tow heavy loads.

The 2019 Chevrolet Colorado featured the Chevrolet Infotainment 3 touchscreen system, praised for its simplicity and similarity to smartphones. The system included a 7- or 8-inch display, Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and voice recognition. Upgrades offered navigation, a Bose premium sound system, and a wireless phone-charging pad. However, the tuning knob’s counterintuitive operation was a drawback, making it cumbersome to switch radio stations.

The 2020 Ford F-150’s base XL trim had a basic AM/FM radio with an optional SYNC infotainment system. The XLT and higher trims featured the user-friendly SYNC 3 system, housed in an 8-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, enhanced voice recognition, and smart-charging USB ports. FordPass offered a 4G WiFi modem and mobile app functionalities, including remote start and vehicle status checks. Higher trims provided a B&O sound system by Bang & Olufsen, noted for its excellent sound quality.

The 2019 Chevrolet Colorado’s standard safety features were limited, including a reversing camera and a Teen Driver monitoring system. Only the LT trim offered forward-collision warning and lane-departure warning systems. OnStar subscription added features like automatic crash response and emergency services. The Colorado received mixed ratings from IIHS and a 4-star overall rating from NHTSA, with a 3-star rollover resistance rating.

The 2020 Ford F-150 came standard with a comprehensive suite of airbags, roll stability control, and an anti-theft system. Ford’s Co-Pilot360 suite included features like automatic emergency braking, blind-spot warning, lane-departure warning, and adaptive cruise control. Pro Trailer Backup Assist simplified towing maneuvers. The F-150 SuperCrew received top crash test ratings from both NHTSA and IIHS, making it a strong contender in safety.