2019 Chevrolet Colorado vs 2020 GMC Sierra 1500

The 2019 Chevrolet Colorado delivered a clean and balanced design that managed to avoid exaggerated cues unless opting for the rugged ZR2 trim. The Midnight Edition, with its triple-black aesthetic, created a striking appearance but proved difficult to keep clean. While other trims offered configurations to suit various budgets and purposes, my test truck, a 4WD Colorado Z71 crew cab, started at $37,000. The Midnight Edition package, plus side-step running boards, pushed the price to $41,765.

Inside, the Colorado favored simplicity with basic materials and an organized layout perfect for both work and play. Plastic panels, though practical, were prone to scratches, diminishing their visual appeal over time. As part of the Midnight Edition, the truck came equipped with 265/65R17 Goodyear Wrangler Duratrac tires, enhancing its purposeful look.

For the 2020 GMC Sierra 1500, the design carried over from its 2019 redesign, reminiscent of the "GMT 400" trucks of the late '80s and '90s, embodying a timeless and stoic aesthetic. The interior layout remained familiar, drawing a parallel to the 2018 model while featuring a flatter dash with a more peculiar, jukebox appearance. Available in six trims—Base, SLE, Elevation, SLT, Denali, and AT4—the Sierra catered to varied tastes and needs.

Our AT4 test model showcased less chrome and more rugged features than the chromed-out Denali trim. With all-terrain tires and red tow hooks, the AT4 presented a blend of luxury and off-road capability. Inside, black leather seats with brown accents lent an upscale yet rugged feel, capturing the essence of modern trucks.

The 2019 Chevrolet Colorado offered three engine choices. The base 2.5-liter 4-cylinder delivered 200 horsepower and 191 lb-ft of torque. The more common 3.6-liter V6 engine provided 308 hp and 275 lb-ft. For serious towing needs, the 2.8-liter turbo-diesel 4-cylinder, available on LT, Z71, and ZR2 trims, produced 181 hp and an impressive 369 lb-ft of torque. Towing capacity peaked at 7,700 pounds with the turbo-diesel engine, while the V6 could tow up to 7,000 pounds. Payload capacity topped out at 1,557 pounds. Despite off-road capabilities, the Z71's deep spoiler and optional side-step rails weren't ideal for serious trails but performed well on moderate off-road terrains.

On the pavement, the V6's throttle response required deliberate action, making the truck feel somewhat sluggish initially. However, once in motion, the 8-speed automatic transmission shone, and the steering provided strong on-center stability. In terms of fuel efficiency, the Colorado delivered 18.6 mpg during testing.

In contrast, the 2020 GMC Sierra 1500 offered an array of five engines. The base 4.3-liter V6 produced 285 hp and 305 lb-ft of torque. A new addition was the 2.7-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder, outputting 310 hp and 348 lb-ft. The 3.0-liter Duramax turbodiesel delivered 277 hp and 460 lb-ft. Two V8 options, a 5.3-liter (355 hp, 383 lb-ft) and a 6.2-liter (420 hp, 460 lb-ft), provided powerful alternatives. Our AT4 test model, with the 6.2-liter V8, showcased commanding acceleration, capable of towing up to 12,100 pounds.

The 10-speed automatic transmission and column shifter added a classic touch. The 4WD featured beefed-up skid plates, hill-descent control, and Rancho off-road shocks, making the AT4 trail-ready. However, the robust off-road setup resulted in a rougher on-road ride. Fuel economy for the AT4 was rated at 15 mpg city, 19 highway, and 17 combined.

Utility and functionality defined the 2019 Chevrolet Colorado. The layout offered easy access to controls and plentiful storage spots. The front seats, with power adjustments and durable upholstery, provided comfort, though the rear bench was cramped. Features like cup holders, USB ports, a power outlet, and corner-step bumpers enhanced practicality. The EZ Lift and Lower tailgate and spray-in bed liner facilitated loading and unloading. However, the rear lacked air conditioning vents, a noticeable absence in hot weather.

In the 2020 GMC Sierra 1500, buyers had choices ranging from a single cab with a long bed to a full crew cab with either a standard or short bed. Our test model featured GMC's carbon-fiber bed, reducing weight for better fuel economy. The MultiPro tailgate offered six configurations, doubling as a bed-extender or steps. Although convenient, the button-release mechanism was less intuitive than traditional handles.

The Sierra's cabin boasted numerous storage solutions, with cubbies and cup holders aplenty. The rear seats could fold upward, providing additional in-cabin storage for valuable items. The Sierra aimed to maximize utility, balancing it with innovative features.

The 2019 Chevrolet Colorado wasn't a high-tech marvel, but it catered to essential needs. The Chevrolet Infotainment 3 system, introduced in 2019, mirrored the simplicity of modern smartphones. It featured a 7- or 8-inch display with Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and voice recognition. Optional upgrades included navigation, a Bose premium sound system, and a wireless charging pad. The main drawback was the tuning knob, which hindered user experience, urging users to rely on steering-wheel controls instead.

The 2020 GMC Sierra 1500 offered a straightforward infotainment system with clear graphics, large icons, and sensible menus. Enhanced by tactile controls, it avoided over-reliance on touchscreen inputs. The AT4 trim included an HUD, wireless charging, and multiple USB ports and outlets. It eschewed massive touchscreens in favor of a balanced approach, maintaining a blend of digital and manual controls.

Safety features in the 2019 Chevrolet Colorado were basic. Standard equipment included a reversing camera and Teen Driver monitoring system. Crew cab models also featured a rear-seat reminder. The Colorado LT offered optional forward-collision and lane-departure warnings. OnStar services provided additional safety measures like automatic crash response and emergency services. In crash tests, the Colorado earned a 4-star overall rating from NHTSA but scored poorly in certain areas according to IIHS.

The 2020 GMC Sierra 1500 came with standard safety features such as a reversing camera and traction control. Our AT4 test model included advanced features like a surround-view camera, parking sensors, forward-collision warning, lane-departure warning, automatic high beams, adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, lane-keeping assist, and rear cross-traffic alert. The rear camera mirror system, projecting a digital image on the rear-view mirror, further enhanced visibility and safety.