2020 GMC Sierra 2500HD vs 2019 Chevrolet Colorado

The 2019 Chevrolet Colorado Z71 with the Midnight Edition option package was a striking truck, though its triple-black color scheme made it difficult to keep clean. The Colorado lineup offered a range of trims, from a basic extended cab with rear-wheel drive and a 4-cylinder engine starting at $22,395, to a fully loaded ZR2 crew cab with 4-wheel drive and the rugged Bison Package, costing over $52,000. The Z71 crew cab, priced at $37,000, struck a balance between these extremes. With the Midnight Edition treatment and side-step running boards, the price rose to $41,765. The Colorado's design was clean and balanced, with the rugged ZR2 adding functional styling changes. Inside, the cabin emphasized practicality with basic materials and an organized control layout, though the plastic panels were prone to scuffing and scratching.

The 2020 GMC Sierra 2500HD was a massive truck, prioritizing function over form. The Denali trim stood out with its extensive use of chrome, including a large chrome grille and 8-lug chrome wheels. Available in premium exterior colors, the Denali was one of the flashiest trucks from General Motors. The Sierra 2500HD lineup started with the Base trim, followed by the SLE, SLT, and the top-tier Denali. The base model came with a V8 engine and a 7-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The SLE added features like 17-inch aluminum wheels and a 4.2-inch color driver-information screen. The SLT offered more upscale features, including 18-inch aluminum wheels and a power-release tailgate. The Denali featured a full leather interior, wood-grain inserts, navigation, wireless device charging, and a Bose premium sound system. However, the Denali's cabin lacked the fit-and-finish and soft-touch materials found in competitors like the Ram 2500 Limited.

The 2019 Chevrolet Colorado offered three engine choices. The entry-level engine was a 200-horsepower, 2.5-liter 4-cylinder with 191 pound-feet of torque. Most Colorados featured a 3.6-liter V6, producing 308 hp and 275 lb-ft of torque. The LT, Z71, and ZR2 trims had an optional 181-hp, 2.8-liter turbo-diesel 4-cylinder, delivering 369 lb-ft of torque. The maximum tow rating was 7,700 pounds with the turbo-diesel engine, while the V6 could tow up to 7,000 pounds. The Z71 trim had off-road suspension tuning and Chevy’s Autotrac system, offering various drive modes. The V6 engine provided strong acceleration, though the throttle response was sluggish. The Z71 suspension made the ride bouncy on rough roads, but the truck handled well on twisty roads, with good brakes and minimal body roll. Fuel economy averaged 18.6 mpg, close to the EPA rating of 19 mpg.

The 2020 GMC Sierra 2500HD offered two 6.6-liter V8 engine options: a gas engine with 401 horsepower and 464 pound-feet of torque, and a Duramax diesel engine with 445 hp and 910 lb-ft of torque. The gas engine used a 6-speed automatic transmission, while the diesel had a 10-speed Allison transmission. The diesel engine provided immense power, making the truck feel lively despite its size. The Sierra 2500HD could tow up to 18,510 pounds with a 5th wheel or gooseneck connection and haul a payload of up to 3,979 pounds. The truck's size made it difficult to maneuver, but the reversing camera and trailering mirrors helped. Fuel economy averaged 16.5 mpg in combined city and highway driving.

The 2019 Chevrolet Colorado's interior was practical, with easy-to-use controls and ample storage. The front seats had power adjustments for height and lumbar support, and the leatherette upholstery felt durable. The rear bench seat was cramped, but cup holders, USB ports, and a power outlet were provided. The absence of rear air conditioning vents was noticeable on hot days. The Colorado had corner-step bumpers and an EZ Lift and Lower tailgate for easier loading and unloading. The maximum payload rating was 1,557 pounds, and a spray-in bed liner protected the cargo box.

The 2020 GMC Sierra 2500HD offered various bed and cab configurations, with the Denali available only in crew cab with standard or long bed. Both bed sizes had corner steps at the rear bumper and ahead of the rear wheel well. The EZ lift-and-lower tailgate had a remote release, and the MultiPro tailgate offered six configurations, including a step into the truck bed. The interior had plenty of room and storage options, with additional storage below the rear seats in SLT-and-up trims.

The 2019 Chevrolet Colorado featured the new Chevrolet Infotainment 3 system, with a 7- or 8-inch display, Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and voice recognition. Upgrades included navigation, a Bose premium sound system, and a wireless phone-charging pad. The tuning knob was frustrating to use, but favorite stations could be cycled through using steering-wheel buttons.

The 2020 GMC Sierra 2500HD came standard with a 7-inch touchscreen running GMC Infotainment 3, with customizable icons and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The SLT and Denali trims had an 8-inch infotainment screen, with navigation available. The Denali also featured an 8-inch color driver-information screen. The infotainment system was easy to use, though not as extravagant as the Ram 2500 Limited's system.

The 2019 Chevrolet Colorado had limited advanced safety features. Standard equipment included a reversing camera and a Teen Driver monitoring system. Crew cab versions had a rear-seat reminder. The Colorado LT could be optioned with forward-collision warning and lane-departure warning. OnStar subscription services added automatic crash response and emergency services. The Colorado received a 4-star overall rating in federal crash tests, with a 3-star rollover resistance rating.

The 2020 GMC Sierra 2500HD had standard safety features like front- and side-impact airbags, traction control, a reversing camera, and a tire pressure monitoring system. The Driver Alert Package I added parking sensors, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. The Driver Alert Package II included forward-collision avoidance, lane-departure warning, and automatic high beams. The truck's size made maneuvering difficult, but the cameras and trailering mirrors helped.