The 2019 Chevy Colorado stands out as a versatile mid-size pickup truck, appealing to a wide range of drivers for both work and everyday use. For those considering the 2019 Chevy Colorado, understanding its safety performance is crucial. This comprehensive guide delves into the safety ratings and crash test results for the 2019 Chevy Colorado, providing a detailed analysis to help you make an informed decision. We’ll explore how the 2019 Chevy Colorado performed in various crash scenarios, from small overlap front impacts to side collisions and roof strength tests, all based on rigorous evaluations.
Small Overlap Front Crash Test: Driver-Side
The small overlap front crash test simulates a collision where only a small portion of the vehicle’s front end impacts an object, like a tree or pole. This is a particularly challenging test as it concentrates crash forces on a smaller area, bypassing the main energy-absorbing structures of the vehicle.
Driver-Side Performance
The 2019 Chevy Colorado, when equipped with structural enhancements introduced starting in 2017 models, demonstrated robust driver-side protection in the small overlap front crash test.
| Evaluation criteria | Rating |
|---|---|
| Overall | Good (G) |
| Structure and safety cage | Acceptable (A) |
| Driver injury measures – Head/Neck | Good (G) |
| Driver injury measures – Chest | Good (G) |
| Driver injury measures – Hip/Thigh | Good (G) |
| Driver injury measures – Lower Leg/Foot | Good (G) |
| Driver restraints and dummy kinematics | Good (G) |
The 2019 Chevy Colorado earned a “Good” rating overall in the driver-side small overlap test. Key strengths included “Good” ratings for all driver injury measures, indicating a low risk of significant injuries to the head, neck, chest, hip, thigh, and lower leg/foot in a real-world crash of this type. The structure and safety cage were rated “Acceptable,” suggesting that while occupant space was reasonably maintained, there’s room for structural improvement.
Analysis of the dummy’s position post-crash reveals that the driver’s survival space was maintained effectively. The frontal and side curtain airbags deployed correctly and worked in coordination to protect the head from contacting жесткие structures or external objects.
Intrusion into the driver’s side occupant compartment was controlled well, minimizing the risk of leg and foot injuries.
Technical Measurements – Driver-Side Small Overlap Test
| Measures of occupant compartment intrusion | Measurement (cm) |
|---|---|
| Lower hinge pillar max | 12 |
| Footrest | 14 |
| Left toepan | 9 |
| Brake pedal | 11 |
| Parking brake | 15 |
| Rocker panel lateral average | 3 |
| Steering column | 5 |
| Upper hinge pillar max | 13 |
| Upper dash | 11 |
| Lower instrument panel | 9 |
| Driver Injury Measures | Measurement |
|---|---|
| Head HIC-15 | 79 |
| Neck Tension (kN) | 1.0 |
| Neck Extension bending moment (Nm) | 5 |
| Maximum Nij | 0.21 |
| Chest maximum compression (mm) | 19 |
| Left Femur force (kN) | 2.7 |
| Right Femur force (kN) | 2.0 |
| Left Knee displacement (mm) | 5 |
| Right Knee displacement (mm) | 9 |
| Left Maximum tibia index | 0.39 |
| Right Maximum tibia index | 0.74 |
| Left Foot acceleration (g) | 98 |
| Right Foot acceleration (g) | 67 |
Small Overlap Front Crash Test: Passenger-Side
While the driver-side of the 2019 Chevy Colorado was reinforced for small overlap crashes starting in 2017, the passenger-side did not receive the same structural upgrades. This difference is reflected in the passenger-side small overlap test results.
Passenger-Side Performance
| Evaluation criteria | Rating |
|---|---|
| Overall evaluation | Marginal (M) |
| Structure and safety cage | Poor (P) |
| Passenger injury measures – Head/Neck | Good (G) |
| Passenger injury measures – Chest | Good (G) |
| Passenger injury measures – Hip/Thigh | Good (G) |
| Passenger injury measures – Lower Leg/Foot | Marginal (M) |
| Passenger restraints and dummy kinematics | Good (G) |
The 2019 Chevy Colorado’s passenger-side small overlap performance is rated “Marginal” overall. The “Poor” rating for structure and safety cage is a significant concern, indicating that the passenger survival space was not well maintained.
The dummy’s position after the test confirms that the passenger survival space was compromised. Despite “Good” ratings for head, neck, chest, and hip/thigh injury measures, the “Marginal” rating for lower leg/foot injury risk highlights a potential vulnerability. Airbags performed well in protecting the head.
However, extensive intrusion in the footwell area increased the risk of lower leg injuries.
Technical Measurements – Passenger-Side Small Overlap Test
| Measures of occupant compartment intrusion | Measurement (cm) |
|---|---|
| Lower hinge pillar max | 26 |
| Footrest | 24 |
| Right toepan | 13 |
| Center toepan | 9 |
| Rocker panel lateral average | 0 |
| Center dash | 15 |
| Upper hinge pillar max | 21 |
| Upper dash | 19 |
| Right lower dash | 17 |
| Passenger Injury Measures | Measurement |
|---|---|
| Head HIC-15 | 113 |
| Neck Tension (kN) | 1.3 |
| Neck Extension bending moment (Nm) | 12 |
| Maximum Nij | 0.22 |
| Chest maximum compression (mm) | 17 |
| Left Femur force (kN) | 4.9 |
| Right Femur force (kN) | 5.2 |
| Left Knee displacement (mm) | 15 |
| Right Knee displacement (mm) | 15 |
| Left Maximum tibia index | 0.88 |
| Right Maximum tibia index | 1.14 |
| Left Foot acceleration (g) | 70 |
| Right Foot acceleration (g) | 123 |
| Driver Injury Measures | Measurement |
|---|---|
| Head HIC-15 | 50 |
| Neck Tension (kN) | 0.5 |
| Neck Extension bending moment (Nm) | 6 |
| Maximum Nij | 0.13 |
| Chest maximum compression (mm) | 23 |
| Left Femur force (kN) | 0.0 |
| Right Femur force (kN) | 0.1 |
| Left Knee displacement (mm) | 0 |
| Right Knee displacement (mm) | 0 |
| Left Maximum tibia index | 0.14 |
| Right Maximum tibia index | 0.20 |
| Left Foot acceleration (g) | 34 |
| Right Foot acceleration (g) | 29 |
Moderate Overlap Front Crash Test
The moderate overlap front crash test involves a larger portion of the vehicle’s front end impacting a deformable barrier. This test is more representative of common frontal collisions.
Performance
The 2019 Chevy Colorado achieved a “Good” rating in the moderate overlap front crash test.
| Evaluation criteria | Rating |
|---|---|
| Overall evaluation | Good (G) |
| Structure and safety cage | Good (G) |
| Driver injury measures – Head/Neck | Good (G) |
| Driver injury measures – Chest | Good (G) |
| Driver injury measures – Leg/Foot, Left | Good (G) |
| Driver injury measures – Leg/Foot, Right | Good (G) |
| Driver restraints and dummy kinematics | Good (G) |
The “Good” ratings across all categories indicate a high level of protection for the driver in this type of frontal crash.
Technical Measurements – Moderate Overlap Front Test
| Measures of occupant compartment intrusion | Measurement (cm) |
|---|---|
| Footrest | 4 |
| Left Footwell | 5 |
| Center Footwell | 6 |
| Right Footwell | 6 |
| Brake pedal | 2 |
| Left Instrument panel rearward movement | 0 |
| Right Instrument panel rearward movement | 0 |
| Steering column upward movement | -1 |
| Steering column rearward movement | -4 |
| A-pillar rearward movement | 0 |
| Driver Injury Measures | Measurement |
|---|---|
| Head HIC-15 | 210 |
| Neck Tension (kN) | 1.0 |
| Neck Extension bending moment (Nm) | 16 |
| Maximum Nij | 0.22 |
| Chest maximum compression (mm) | 26 |
| Left Femur force (kN) | 2.2 |
| Right Femur force (kN) | 0.7 |
| Left Knee displacement (mm) | 9 |
| Right Knee displacement (mm) | 2 |
| Left Maximum tibia index | 0.60 |
| Right Maximum tibia index | 0.25 |
| Left Tibia axial force (kN) | 2.4 |
| Right Tibia axial force (kN) | 1.8 |
| Left Foot acceleration (g) | 90 |
| Right Foot acceleration (g) | 63 |
Side Impact Crash Tests: Original and Updated
Side impact crashes are another significant real-world collision type. The 2019 Chevy Colorado was subjected to both the original and updated side impact tests. The updated test is more stringent, using a heavier barrier and higher impact speed to better reflect modern vehicle fleets and more severe side crashes.
Original Side Impact Test Performance
In the original side impact test, the 2019 Chevy Colorado earned “Good” ratings across all evaluation criteria, demonstrating excellent side impact protection.
| Evaluation criteria | Rating |
|---|---|
| Overall evaluation | Good (G) |
| Structure and safety cage | Good (G) |
| Driver injury measures – Head/Neck | Good (G) |
| Driver injury measures – Torso | Good (G) |
| Driver injury measures – Pelvis/Leg | Good (G) |
| Driver head protection | Good (G) |
| Rear passenger injury measures – Head/Neck | Good (G) |
| Rear passenger injury measures – Torso | Good (G) |
| Rear passenger injury measures – Pelvis/Leg | Good (G) |
| Rear passenger head protection | Good (G) |
The side curtain airbags effectively protected both front and rear occupants’ heads from impacting жесткие structures.
Technical Measurements – Original Side Impact Test
| Driver-Side Occupant Compartment Intrusion | Measurement (cm) |
|---|---|
| B-pillar to longitudinal centerline of driver’s seat | -21.0 |
| Driver Injury Measures | Measurement |
|---|---|
| Head HIC-15 | 183 |
| Neck Tension (kN) | 1.3 |
| Neck Compression (kN) | 0.7 |
| Shoulder Lateral deflection (mm) | 34 |
| Shoulder Lateral force (kN) | 1.2 |
| Torso Maximum deflection (mm) | 36 |
| Torso Average deflection (mm) | 34 |
| Torso Maximum deflection rate (m/s) | 4.25 |
| Torso Maximum viscous criterion (m/s) | 0.57 |
| Pelvis Iliac force (kN) | 1.6 |
| Pelvis Acetabulum force (kN) | 2.3 |
| Pelvis Combined force (kN) | 3.8 |
| Left Femur L-M force (kN) | 0.9 |
| Left Femur L-M moment (Nm) | 43 |
| Left Femur A-P moment (Nm) | 18 |
| Passenger Injury Measures | Measurement |
|---|---|
| Head HIC-15 | 85 |
| Neck Tension (kN) | 0.2 |
| Neck Compression (kN) | 0.3 |
| Shoulder Lateral deflection (mm) | 42 |
| Shoulder Lateral force (kN) | 2.1 |
| Torso Maximum deflection (mm) | 35 |
| Torso Average deflection (mm) | 30 |
| Torso Maximum deflection rate (m/s) | 4.33 |
| Torso Maximum viscous criterion (m/s) | 0.62 |
| Pelvis Iliac force (kN) | 0.8 |
| Pelvis Acetabulum force (kN) | 1.2 |
| Pelvis Combined force (kN) | 1.5 |
| Left Femur L-M force (kN) | 0.3 |
| Left Femur L-M moment (Nm) | 106 |
| Left Femur A-P moment (Nm) | -40 |
Updated Side Impact Test Performance
The 2019 Chevy Colorado also performed well in the more challenging updated side impact test, maintaining an overall “Good” rating.
| Evaluation criteria | Rating |
|---|---|
| Overall evaluation | Good (G) |
| Structure and safety cage | Acceptable (A) |
| Driver injury measures – Head/Neck | Good (G) |
| Driver injury measures – Torso | Good (G) |
| Driver injury measures – Pelvis | Acceptable (A) |
| Driver head protection | Good (G) |
| Rear passenger injury measures – Head/Neck | Good (G) |
| Rear passenger injury measures – Torso | Good (G) |
| Rear passenger injury measures – Pelvis | Good (G) |
| Rear passenger head protection | Good (G) |
While the structure and safety cage achieved an “Acceptable” rating in the updated test, injury measures for the head, neck, and torso remained “Good” for both driver and rear passenger. Driver pelvis protection was rated “Acceptable,” while rear passenger pelvis protection remained “Good.” Head protection for both front and rear occupants was “Good.”
Technical Measurements – Updated Side Impact Test
| Driver-Side Occupant Compartment Intrusion | Measurement (cm) |
|---|---|
| B-pillar to longitudinal centerline of driver’s seat | -16.0 |
| Driver Injury Measures | Measurement |
|---|---|
| Head HIC-15 | 69 |
| Neck Tension (kN) | 0.6 |
| Neck Compression (kN) | 0.4 |
| Shoulder Lateral deflection (mm) | 19 |
| Shoulder Lateral force (kN) | 0.9 |
| Torso Maximum deflection (mm) | 27 |
| Torso Average deflection (mm) | 24 |
| Torso Maximum deflection rate (m/s) | 4.09 |
| Torso Maximum viscous criterion (m/s) | 0.35 |
| Pelvis Combined force (kN) | 4.1 |
| Passenger Injury Measures | Measurement |
|---|---|
| Head HIC-15 | 171 |
| Neck Tension (kN) | 0.2 |
| Neck Compression (kN) | 0.9 |
| Shoulder Lateral deflection (mm) | 39 |
| Shoulder Lateral force (kN) | 1.6 |
| Torso Maximum deflection (mm) | 32 |
| Torso Average deflection (mm) | 20 |
| Torso Maximum deflection rate (m/s) | 3.84 |
| Torso Maximum viscous criterion (m/s) | 0.34 |
| Pelvis Combined force (kN) | 3.1 |
Roof Strength Test
Roof strength is critical in rollover accidents. A strong roof can prevent roof crush and provide vital protection for occupants.
Performance
The 2019 Chevy Colorado demonstrated excellent roof strength, earning a “Good” rating.
| Overall evaluation | Good (G) |
|---|---|
| Curb weight | 4,162 lbs |
| Peak force | 21,460 lbs |
| Strength-to-weight ratio | 5.16 |
The strength-to-weight ratio of 5.16 significantly exceeds the minimum requirement, indicating a robust roof structure.
Head Restraints & Seats
Head restraints and seats play a crucial role in preventing neck injuries, particularly in rear-end collisions.
Performance
The 2019 Chevy Colorado’s head restraints and seats were rated “Good” overall, both for dynamic performance and geometry.
| Overall evaluation | Good (G) |
|---|---|
| Dynamic rating | Good (G) |
| Seat/head restraint geometry | Good (G) |
Technical Measurements – Head Restraints & Seats
| Geometry | Measurement |
|---|---|
| Backset (mm) | 26 |
| Distance below top of head (mm) | 34 |
Headlights
Headlight performance is an essential safety feature, particularly for nighttime driving. The 2019 Chevy Colorado headlight ratings vary depending on the trim level.
Headlight Ratings
The 2019 Chevy Colorado has two different headlight variations, and both received a “Poor” overall rating.
Trim Levels: Z71 trim & LT trim with Luxury package
| Evaluation criteria | Rating |
|---|---|
| Overall rating | Poor (P) |
| Low-beam headlight type | Halogen projector |
| High-beam headlight type | Halogen reflector |
| Curve-adaptive? | No |
| High-beam assist? | No |
Trim Levels: Base trim, WT trim, & LT trim
| Evaluation criteria | Rating |
|---|---|
| Overall rating | Poor (P) |
| Low-beam headlight type | Halogen reflector |
| High-beam headlight type | Halogen reflector |
| Curve-adaptive? | No |
| High-beam assist? | No |
Both headlight systems on the 2019 Chevy Colorado were deemed “Poor” due to inadequate illumination on curves and, in some cases, excessive glare from the low beams (Z71 & LT with Luxury package trims).
Front Crash Prevention: Vehicle-to-Vehicle
Front crash prevention systems can significantly reduce or mitigate the severity of frontal collisions.
System Details and Rating
The 2019 Chevy Colorado offers an optional Forward Collision Alert system as part of the Safety Package.
| Overall evaluation | Basic |
|---|---|
| Forward Collision Warning | Yes |
| Autobrake | Not available |
The system meets the requirements for forward collision warning, earning a “Basic” rating. However, automatic emergency braking (autobrake) is not available.
Child Seat Anchors (LATCH)
Child seat anchors (LATCH) ease the installation of child safety seats, making them more secure.
LATCH System Rating
The 2019 Chevy Colorado’s LATCH system received a “Marginal” rating.
| Overall evaluation | Marginal (M) |
While the vehicle has LATCH hardware in multiple rear seating positions, the system was rated “Marginal” due to issues with anchor location and usability. Specifically, tether anchors were hard to find and could be confused with other hardware, and lower anchors were deeply recessed in some positions.
LATCH Details by Seating Position
| Position | Tether Anchor Rating | Lower Anchor Rating |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Marginal (M) – hard-to-find, confusing hardware | Acceptable (A) – too deep, but manageable force and maneuverability |
| 2 | Marginal (M) – hard-to-find, confusing hardware | Not Available |
| 3 | Marginal (M) – hard-to-find, confusing hardware | Acceptable (A) – too deep, but manageable force and maneuverability |
Conclusion: 2019 Chevy Colorado Safety Performance
The 2019 Chevy Colorado presents a mixed bag in terms of safety performance. It excels in moderate overlap front, original and updated side impact, and roof strength tests, achieving “Good” ratings in these critical areas. Head restraints and seats also earned a “Good” rating. However, the passenger-side small overlap performance is “Marginal,” and headlight ratings are “Poor” across all trims. The LATCH system is also rated “Marginal” due to usability issues.
For potential buyers of the 2019 Chevy Colorado, it’s essential to weigh these safety ratings and consider the specific needs and priorities of drivers and passengers. While the truck offers solid protection in many crash scenarios, the passenger-side small overlap and headlight performance are areas of concern. Understanding these details is crucial for making an informed decision about the 2019 Chevy Colorado’s safety.
