Chevrolet Colorado ZR2 vs Ford F-250 Super Duty Platinum

The 2019 Ford F-250 Super Duty was a testament to the grandeur of full-size trucks, with its imposing presence and robust design. Its massive dual-bar grille and squared-off headlights gave it a commanding front-end appearance. The truck was available in six trims, each with its own distinct personality, ranging from the no-nonsense XL with its 17-inch steel wheels to the luxurious Limited, which came with a panoramic moonroof and every conceivable feature. The interior was spacious and practical, with ample storage and a second-row bench that flipped up to reveal a self-contained locker. The Lariat trim, which was recommended by CarGurus, offered a blend of comfort and upscale features, including leather upholstery and dual-zone climate control.

In contrast, the 2019 Chevrolet Colorado Z71 with the Midnight Edition package presented a sleek, all-black aesthetic that was difficult to maintain. The Colorado offered a range of trims, from a basic extended cab with a 4-cylinder engine to a fully loaded ZR2 crew cab with 4WD. The Z71 trim, priced at $41,765 with the Midnight Edition, struck a balance between the base and high-end models. The Colorado's design was clean and balanced, with functional styling changes in the rugged ZR2 version. Inside, the truck emphasized practicality with basic materials and an organized layout, though the plastic panels were prone to scuffing. The Midnight Edition added aggressive tires, enhancing the truck's purposeful appearance.

The 2019 Ford F-250 Super Duty was equipped with a choice of V8 engines, starting with a 6.2-liter V8 producing 385 horsepower and 430 pound-feet of torque, paired with a 6-speed automatic transmission. The more powerful option was the 6.7-liter Power Stroke turbodiesel V8, delivering an impressive 450 horsepower and 935 pound-feet of torque. Despite its power, the truck's acceleration was moderate due to the 6-speed transmission. The F-250 excelled in towing and hauling, with a maximum towing capacity of 18,000 pounds and a payload capacity of 4,270 pounds. However, its ride was somewhat ungainly without a load, and it averaged just over 17 miles per gallon in combined driving.

The 2019 Chevrolet Colorado offered three engine choices, starting with a 200-horsepower 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine. Most models featured a 3.6-liter V6 with 308 horsepower and 275 pound-feet of torque, while a 2.8-liter turbo-diesel 4-cylinder was available for certain trims, providing 181 horsepower and 369 pound-feet of torque. The Colorado's 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, equipped with off-road suspension and 4WD, performed well off-road but felt sluggish on pavement due to its throttle response and steering. It averaged 18.6 miles per gallon, close to the EPA's rating of 19 mpg.

The 2019 Ford F-250 Super Duty offered various cab and bed configurations, including a regular cab with an 8-foot bed, a Super Cab with a long or standard bed, and a Crew Cab with both bed options. The Lariat test truck featured a standard bed with a spray-in bed liner, LED lights, and an adjustable tie-down system. The truck's integrated tailgate step was useful, though some preferred the simpler steps on GMC and Chevy trucks.

The 2019 Chevrolet Colorado emphasized functionality with easy-to-use controls and ample storage. The front seats offered power adjustments, and the leatherette upholstery was durable. The rear bench seat was cramped, but Chevrolet provided cup holders, USB ports, and a power outlet. The absence of rear air conditioning vents was noticeable. The Colorado's utility was enhanced by corner-step bumpers, an EZ Lift and Lower tailgate, and a spray-in bed liner. Its maximum payload rating was 1,557 pounds, and an extensive accessories catalog was available.

The 2019 Ford F-250 Super Duty featured the SYNC infotainment system across all trims, with the XL and XLT offering a basic version with a 4.2-inch screen. Higher trims included SYNC 3 with an 8-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. The system was user-friendly, though it lacked a consistent home button. The Lariat trim and above featured a B&O premium audio system, while higher trims offered voice control and navigation.

The 2019 Chevrolet Colorado's Infotainment 3 system was straightforward, with a 7- or 8-inch display, Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. It supported OnStar services, including a 4G LTE WiFi hotspot. Upgrades included navigation, a Bose sound system, and wireless charging. The tuning knob's functionality was frustrating, but steering-wheel buttons offered a better alternative for changing stations.

The 2019 Ford F-250 Super Duty came with standard safety features such as front and side airbags, a reversing camera, traction control, and trailer-sway control. Higher trims added features like automatic high beams, lane-departure warning, and adaptive cruise control. Optional features included a 360-degree camera system, parking sensors, and blind-spot monitoring, which were essential for maneuvering the truck.

The 2019 Chevrolet Colorado offered limited advanced safety technologies. Standard features included a reversing camera and a Teen Driver monitoring system. The LT trim could be optioned with forward-collision and lane-departure warnings. OnStar services provided additional safety features. The Colorado received a 4-star overall rating from the NHTSA, with good side-impact protection but a 3-star rollover resistance rating. The IIHS rated its headlights poorly and gave it a Marginal score for front passenger safety.