The Chevrolet Colorado, reintroduced in 2015 after a brief market absence, has undergone rigorous testing to ensure driver and passenger safety. This report delves into the safety ratings of the 2020 Chevrolet Colorado, providing a comprehensive analysis based on evaluations conducted by safety organizations. We will examine performance across various crash scenarios, including small overlap front, moderate overlap front, side impacts, roof strength, and head restraint effectiveness.
Small Overlap Front Crash Test: Driver-Side
The driver-side small overlap front test evaluates the vehicle’s structural integrity and occupant protection in a collision where only a small portion of the vehicle’s front end impacts a barrier.
| 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 2017-2022 Chevrolet Colorado models, including the 2020 variant, benefit from structural reinforcements implemented in the A-pillar, door lower hinge pillar, and door sill. These enhancements were designed to bolster occupant safety in small overlap frontal crashes. The test results for the driver side are encouraging, with “Good” ratings across most injury measures and overall evaluation.
The action shot from the driver-side small overlap frontal crash test visually represents the impact scenario and the vehicle’s initial response.
Post-impact, the dummy’s position relative to the door frame, steering wheel, and instrument panel indicates that the driver’s survival space was maintained reasonably well. This is a crucial factor in minimizing potential injuries.
The frontal and side curtain airbags deployed effectively, working in tandem to protect the driver’s head from contacting hard structures or external objects during the crash.
Intrusion into the driver’s compartment was reasonably controlled, suggesting a low risk of injuries to the legs and feet.
Technical Measurements – Driver-Side Small Overlap Front Test
| Measures of occupant compartment intrusion on driver side | 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 |
| Neck Maximum Nij | 0.21 |
| Chest maximum compression (mm) | 19 |
| Femur Left (kN) | 2.7 |
| Femur Right (kN) | 2.0 |
| Knee displacement Left (mm) | 5 |
| Knee displacement Right (mm) | 9 |
| Maximum tibia index Left | 0.39 |
| Maximum tibia index Right | 0.74 |
| Tibia axial force Left (kN) | 3.9 |
| Tibia axial force Right (kN) | 2.2 |
| Foot acceleration Left (g) | 98 |
| Foot acceleration Right (g) | 67 |
Small Overlap Front Crash Test: Passenger-Side
The passenger-side small overlap test mirrors the driver-side test but evaluates the safety performance for the front passenger.
| 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) |
| 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) |
It is important to note that while structural enhancements were made to the driver side starting in 2017, the passenger side of the Chevrolet Colorado did not receive similar reinforcements. This difference is reflected in the “Marginal” overall rating for the passenger-side small overlap test, primarily due to a “Poor” rating for structure and safety cage.
The passenger-side small overlap frontal crash test image shows the impact dynamics from the passenger’s perspective.
The dummy’s position post-crash indicates that the passenger’s survival space was not as well maintained compared to the driver’s side, primarily due to structural issues.
Despite structural deficiencies, the frontal and side curtain airbags still performed effectively in protecting the passenger’s head.
Extensive intrusion into the passenger’s space, particularly in the dashboard and toepan area, contributed to a higher risk of lower leg and knee injuries.
Technical Measurements – Passenger-Side Small Overlap Front Test
| Measures of occupant compartment intrusion on passenger side | 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 |
| Neck Maximum Nij | 0.22 |
| Chest maximum compression (mm) | 17 |
| Femur Left (kN) | 4.9 |
| Femur Right (kN) | 5.2 |
| Knee displacement Left (mm) | 15 |
| Knee displacement Right (mm) | 15 |
| Maximum tibia index Left | 0.88 |
| Maximum tibia index Right | 1.14 |
| Tibia axial force Left (kN) | 3.2 |
| Tibia axial force Right (kN) | 5.7 |
| Foot acceleration Left (g) | 70 |
| Foot acceleration Right (g) | 123 |
Moderate Overlap Front Crash Test
The moderate overlap front test assesses vehicle safety when a significant portion of the vehicle’s front end impacts a barrier. Ratings for the Chevrolet Colorado are based on tests conducted by General Motors and assessed by the Institute.
| 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 2020 Chevrolet Colorado achieved a “Good” rating in the moderate overlap front test, indicating robust protection in this common type of frontal collision.
Technical Measurements – Moderate Overlap Front Test
| Measures of occupant compartment intrusion on driver side | Measurement (cm) |
|---|---|
| Footrest | 4 |
| Left Footwell | 5 |
| Center Footwell | 6 |
| Right Footwell | 6 |
| Brake pedal | 2 |
| Instrument panel rearward movement Left | 0 |
| Instrument panel rearward movement Right | 0 |
| Steering column movement Upward | -1 |
| Steering column movement Rearward | -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 |
| Neck Maximum Nij | 0.22 |
| Chest maximum compression (mm) | 26 |
| Femur force – Left (kN) | 2.2 |
| Femur force – Right (kN) | 0.7 |
| Knee displacement – Left (mm) | 9 |
| Knee displacement – Right (mm) | 2 |
| Maximum tibia index – Left | 0.60 |
| Maximum tibia index – Right | 0.25 |
| Tibia axial force – Left (kN) | 2.4 |
| Tibia axial force – Right (kN) | 1.8 |
| Foot acceleration Left (g) | 90 |
| Foot acceleration Right (g) | 63 |
Side Impact Crash Tests
The Chevrolet Colorado has undergone both original and updated side impact tests.
Side Impact: Original Test
| 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) |
In the original side impact test, the 2020 Chevrolet Colorado achieved “Good” ratings across all categories for both driver and rear passenger safety.
This image shows the vehicle and the deformable barrier just after impact during the original side crash test.
This view, with doors removed, highlights the deployment of side airbags and the extent of damage to the occupant compartment following the side impact.
Greasepaint on the side curtain airbag indicates effective head protection for the driver during the side impact.
Greasepaint on the side airbag shows the rear passenger’s head was also well-protected in the original side impact scenario.
Technical Measurements – Original Side Impact Test
| Measures of occupant compartment intrusion on driver side | 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 |
Side Impact: Updated Test
| 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) |
In the updated side impact test, the 2020 Chevrolet Colorado continues to perform well, maintaining an overall “Good” rating.
This image captures the 2020 Chevrolet Colorado at the moment of impact in the updated side crash test.
This view, with doors removed, illustrates the side airbag deployment and the structural integrity of the occupant compartment in the updated test.
Greasepaint indicates the side airbags effectively protected the driver’s head in the updated side impact scenario.
Similarly, greasepaint confirms the rear passenger’s head was also protected by the side airbag in the updated test.
Technical Measurements – Updated Side Impact Test
| Measures of occupant compartment intrusion on driver side | 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
| Overall evaluation | Good (G) |
|---|---|
| Curb weight (lbs) | 4,162 |
| Peak force (lbs) | 21,460 |
| Strength-to-weight ratio | 5.16 |
The 2020 Chevrolet Colorado earned a “Good” rating in roof strength, indicating its ability to withstand forces in a rollover scenario.
Head Restraints & Seats
| Overall evaluation | Good (G) |
|---|---|
| Dynamic rating | Good (G) |
| Seat/head restraint geometry | Good (G) |
The head restraints and seats in the 2020 Chevrolet Colorado are rated “Good” for dynamic performance and geometry, providing effective protection against whiplash in rear-end collisions.
Technical Measurements – Head Restraints & Seats
| Seat type | Power cloth seat |
|---|---|
| Backset (mm) | 26 |
| Distance below top of head (mm) | 34 |
| Max T1 acceleration (g) | 11.5 |
| Head contact time (ms) | 60 |
| Max neck shear force (N) | 15 |
| Max neck tension (N) | 414 |
Headlights
The headlight performance of the 2020 Chevrolet Colorado varies depending on the trim level. Both headlight variations tested received a “Poor” overall rating.
Headlight Variation 1: Z71, LT (Luxury Package), ZR2 trims
| 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 |
This headlight configuration, available on Z71, LT with Luxury package, and ZR2 trims, provides “Fair” to “Good” visibility on straightaways and right curves with low beams, but “Inadequate” visibility on left curves. High beams offer “Good” visibility on the right straightaway but are “Inadequate” on the left straightaway and most curves. Glare from low beams is “Excessive”.
Headlight Variation 2: Base, WT, LT trims
| 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 |
The base headlight configuration, found on Base, WT, and standard LT trims, provides “Inadequate” visibility across all low-beam and most high-beam scenarios. Glare from low beams is within acceptable limits.
Front Crash Prevention: Vehicle-to-Vehicle
| Overall evaluation | Basic |
|---|---|
| System details | Optional Forward Collision Alert |
| Package name | Optional Safety Package |
The 2020 Chevrolet Colorado offers an optional Forward Collision Alert system, earning a “Basic” rating for front crash prevention. This system meets forward collision warning requirements, but automatic emergency braking is not available.
Child Seat Anchors (LATCH)
| Overall evaluation | Marginal (M) |
|---|---|
| Vehicle trim | LT |
| Seat type | cloth |
The LATCH system in the 2020 Chevrolet Colorado receives a “Marginal” rating. While there are two seating positions with complete LATCH hardware and an additional position with a tether anchor, usability is compromised by hard-to-find tether anchors and lower anchors that are deep in the seat.
LATCH Details by Seating Position
| Position | Tether Anchor Rating | Lower Anchor Rating |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Marginal (hard-to-find, confusing hardware) | Marginal (too deep, but manageable force) |
| 2 | Marginal (hard-to-find, confusing hardware) | Not Available |
| 3 | Marginal (hard-to-find, confusing hardware) | Marginal (too deep, but manageable force) |
Conclusion
The 2020 Chevrolet Colorado demonstrates strong performance in several crash tests, particularly in driver-side small overlap, moderate overlap front, and side impacts. However, the passenger-side small overlap test and headlight ratings are areas needing improvement. The availability of a forward collision warning system is a plus, although automatic emergency braking is not offered. The LATCH system usability is rated as “Marginal,” which could present challenges for installing child seats. Prospective buyers should consider these safety ratings in conjunction with their individual needs and priorities.
