Chevrolet Colorado ZR2 vs Ford F-150 Raptor

The 2019 Chevrolet Colorado Z71, especially the Midnight Edition, was known for its all-black exterior, making it striking yet tricky to keep clean. Buyers had numerous trims and choices, ranging from a basic extended cab starting at $22,395 to a rugged ZR2 crew cab peaking at over $52,000. My test vehicle, a triple-black, 4WD Colorado Z71 crew cab, priced at $41,765, struck a balance between these extremes. The truck featured a clean, balanced design except for the functionally-styled ZR2. Inside, simplicity with practical materials was evident, though plastic panels were prone to scuffing. Unique to the Midnight Edition were 265/65R17 Goodyear Wrangler Duratrac tires, adding a robust look and functionality to the truck.

The 2019 Ford F-150, redesigned in 2015, had an ill-fated yet pioneering use of aluminum in its body panels. Carved out trim levels like XL, XLT, Lariat, King Ranch, Platinum, Raptor, and Limited offered choices ranging from bare-bones work trucks to luxury behemoths. Ford faced criticism yet success for its innovative designs like the F-150's aluminum body and newer aluminum components in competitors' trucks reaffirmed this approach. Driving the King Ranch, the truck’s robust, luxurious interior underlined its pedigree. Its opulent Camel Back upholstery and the "flying W" embroidered console were notable features. Each trim level added unique touches, culminating in the Limited's luxury offerings like 22-inch wheels and massaging seats.

Performance, a significant differentiator, saw the Colorado offering three engines. The entry-level 2.5-liter 4-cylinder produced 200 hp and 191 lb-ft of torque. More prevalent was the 3.6-liter V6 with 308 hp and 275 lb-ft. The powerful 2.8-liter turbo-diesel 4-cylinder, available in higher trims, churned out 181 hp and an impressive 369 lb-ft. The Colorado's maximum tow rating reached 7,700 pounds with the turbo-diesel, and the V6 managed up to 7,000 pounds. Despite a sluggish throttle and heavy steering, the V6 offered robust acceleration and dependable performance with an 8-speed automatic transmission, averaging around 18.6 mpg.

The F-150 sported an extensive range of engines. New for 2019 was the 3.0-liter Power Stroke turbodiesel V6 with 250 hp and 440 lb-ft of torque, capable of towing 11,400 pounds. Base engines included a 3.3-liter V6 providing 290 hp and 265 lb-ft. The twin-turbo 2.7-liter EcoBoost V6 offered 325 hp and 400 lb-ft, while the larger 3.5-liter EcoBoost V6 ranged from 375 hp to 450 hp in the Limited trim. The powerful 5.0-liter V8 with 395 hp and 400 lb-ft was available for V8 enthusiasts. The 10-speed automatic transmission ensured smooth, confident acceleration across all engines. Fuel economy varied, with the diesel engine offering up to 25 mpg combined, showcasing impressive efficiency.

The Colorado emphasized practicality with intuitive controls, ample storage, and a commanding driving position. Power-adjustable front seats with durable leatherette and cloth trims were comfortable. Rear seats, although cramped, included useful features like USB ports and a power outlet but missed AC vents, affecting rear passenger comfort on hot days. Cargo utility was highlighted by corner-step bumpers, an EZ Lift and Lower tailgate, and a protective spray-in bed liner. Its payload capacity reached 1,557 pounds, making it a functional choice for various tasks.

The F-150's versatile bed and cab configurations, including single, extended SuperCab, and full 4-door SuperCrew, catered to various needs. The SuperCrew offered an enormous cabin with abundant front storage and expansive rear legroom. The rear bench's fold-up feature provided a vast load floor for cargo. Compared to the Colorado's maximum 7,700-pound towing and 1,557-pound payload, the F-150's configurations allowed greater flexibility, especially with its higher towing capacity when equipped with the diesel engine.

Tech-wise, the Colorado's Chevrolet Infotainment 3 system, simple yet functional, won users over with its 7- or 8-inch display, Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and OnStar with a 4G LTE WiFi hotspot. Optional upgrades included navigation, a Bose sound system, and wireless phone charging. The infotainment's tuning knob design was a notable drawback, often leading to user frustration. Buttons on the steering wheel proved more practical for tuning.

The F-150's base XL included a basic Sync infotainment with a 4.2-inch screen and Bluetooth, while higher trims featured the more advanced Sync 3 system with an 8-inch touchscreen. Sync 3's compatibility with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, particularly the new support for third-party map apps like Google Maps, was a significant win. The King Ranch trim added perks like a Wi-Fi hotspot and a B&O Play premium sound system by Harman, elevating the F-150’s tech game.

Safety features on the Colorado were basic, with standard equipment including a reversing camera and Teen Driver monitoring. Advanced safety tech like forward-collision warning and lane-departure warning was optional only on the LT trim. OnStar’s Safety & Security plan added services like automatic crash response. The Colorado earned a 4-star federal crash test rating, with a 3-star rollover resistance rating and a less impressive performance in IIHS safety tests.

In contrast, the F-150 included standard front- and side-impact airbags, traction control, and a reversing camera. Its 360-degree camera system (standard on Limited, optional elsewhere) offered enhanced visibility with multiple angles, making parking and maneuvering easier. Available driver-assistance features such as blind-spot monitoring, forward-collision avoidance, adaptive cruise control, and rear cross-traffic alert underscored the F-150’s commitment to safety.