The latest GM sales numbers for Q2 2019 are in, and they’re looking good for the Chevrolet Silverado Trail Boss 1500 models. Demand for the new, off-road-oriented trim level has eclipsed GM’s initial expectations, so the automaker will double production in response.
One important change taking place for the 2020 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 is that the Trail Boss models will now be offered with the 6.2L L87 V8 engine, which is rated at 420 horsepower and 460 pound-feet of torque. Mated to the new 10-speed automatic transmission, the L87 is the range-topping gasoline powerplant of the Silverado 1500 range. For the 2019 model year, the most potent engine available for the Silverado Trail Boss was the 5.3L V8, in two configurations:
- Silverado Custom Trail Boss is available (optional) with the 5.3L V8 L82 EcoTec3 with Active Fuel Management. It makes 355 horsepower and 383 pound-feet of torque. The base engine on the Custom Trail Boss model is the 4.3L V6 LV3 EcoTec3 with Active Fuel Management making 285 horses and 305 pound-feet of torque. Both engines are mated to GM’s 6-speed automatic transmission.
- Silverado LT Trail Boss comes standard with the 5.3L V8 L84 EcoTec3 with Dynamic Fuel Management. It makes 355 horsepower and 383 pound-feet of torque. The engine is mated to GM’s 8-speed automatic transmission.
These configurations are still available for 2020, but what changes is that the 6.2L V8 L87 will become available in both the Custom Trail Boss and the LT Trail Boss.
Engine: | 4.3L V6 LV3 AFM | 5.3L V8 L82 AFM | 5.3L V8 L84 DFM | 6.2L V8 L87 DFM |
---|---|---|---|---|
Transmission: | 6-speed auto | 6-speed auto | 8-speed auto | 10-speed auto |
Horsepower: | 285 | 355 | 355 | 420 |
Torque: | 305 | 383 | 383 | 460 |
Availability: | Standard on Custom Trail Boss | Optional on Custom Trail Boss | Standard on LT Trail Boss | Optional on Custom Trail Boss and LT Trail Boss |
With an additional high-spec V8 engine option under the hood, GM will surely attract even more customers to the Silverado Trail Boss. Rivals in this segment include the Ram 1500 Rebel and Nissan Titan Pro-4X. Ford currently doesn’t have a contender in this space, unless it brings the new Tremor package that debuted last week for the F-Series Super Duty to its F-150 models.
The Silverado Trail Boss is Chevrolet’s first full-size pickup equipped with a two-inch lift from the factory, which is courtesy of Rancho mono-tube off-road shocks. Additional upgrades include a locking rear differential, skid plates, and 18-inch wheels paired with Goodyear Duratrac off-road tires. The 2020 Chevrolet Silverado Trail Boss Custom with the 6.2L V8 L87 engine starts at $43,865. Meanwhile, pricing for the 2020 Silverado LT Trail Boss with the 6.2L V8 is currently unknown, though we imagine it will be around the $50,000 mark.
While the Silverado Trail Boss is gaining, cumulative Silverado sales figures are down 8.4 percent to 142,464 units during the second quarter. Breaking those out, Silverado 1500 sales saw a decline of 5.9 percent to 109,930 units, Silverado HD sales (2500HD and 3500HD) decreased 15.9 percent and Silverado MD (4500HD, 5500HD, 6500HD) sales totaled 1,038 units.
Chevrolet Silverado Sales Breakdown - Q2 2019
Model | Q2 2019 / Q2 2018 | Q2 2019 | Q2 2018 | YTD 2019 / YTD 2018 | YTD 2019 | YTD 2018 |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Total | -8.4% | 142,464 | 155,529 | -11.8% | 256,777 | 291,074 |
Silverado LD | -6.9% | 109,930 | 118,077 | -9.4% | 194,426 | 214,603 |
Silverado HD | -15.9% | 31,496 | 37,452 | -20.2% | 61,037 | 76,471 |
Silverado MD | * | 1,038 | 0 | * | 1,314 | 0 |
The decline in Silverado 1500 and Silverado HD sales volume during the quarter is attributable to the launch of the all-new models, with full inventories of the Silverado 1500 going online during the third quarter (July, August, September) of the year. As such, second-quarter sales represent partial inventory/availability of the all-new pickup.
The Trail Boss model is new to the Silverado franchise, having only been introduced on the T1 generation of the light-duty model for the 2019 model year.
Subscribe to GM Authority for more Chevrolet Silverado news, Chevrolet news, and around-the-clock GM news coverage.
Comments
lol surprise surprise the model people begged for is selling. Now how about a true Raptor fighter that should have come in 2014 when the then new trucks were released.
And dont stop there, rollout an SS again with 6.2 or 3.6TT and an Intimidator SS with the S/C 6.2 at 650hp 650lb-ft
There are many automobile consumers out there that love having some extra performance and this article is a testament to that. The Trail Boss is a sharp looking truck and you get some added perf. parts as well. Allowing the 6.2L as an option is also a welcomed addition. That engine really runs! Well done, GM!
Now I want a stock Pro-Charger edition
This is good news from a usually bleak area. A short bed two door and available extra cab 454SS or 427SS would be really nice.
Great news, GM is building what the customer wants! The 2020 with the 6.2 is going to be a beast! I am seeing TrailBosses everywhere now in Canada ??
6.2 has the 10 speed
It’s because it doesn’t cost over 60k like the raptor!!!! Claim all you want that it’s not a raptor competitor, but idk anyone who uses all 400hp off road.
lol i don’t know many people who use a Raptor, or Trailboss/AT4 for offroading beyond a dirt road or “that one time through muddy water”. If you’re primary vehicle is an S Class, maybe then you take your $60k brand new truck offroading since it’s your “toy”.
The only engine with the 8 speed for 2020 is the 2.7 I4 all others either have the 10 speed or the 6 speed auto.
and that will be the worst selling version
How about making a LT double cab Trail Boss…
RST with a 6.2L perfect but where is the adaptive cruise? Default feature on a VW Golf and a Honda Civic. Trucks spend a lot of time on tarmac. GM/Chevy have to get this option on the RST for next year. You have it on the LT, same truck just different bumpers and colors.
That’s good to hear but there’s still a lot of standard features that are missing on a vehicle at this price point
@SIlverado King of Trucks
Great point! The de-contented Trail Boss Custom and lack of interior color choice is the only reason I have not got one yet. Trail Boss has been the only model in this otherwise disappointing new generation truck that I like, BUT, I really like it!! I’m not willing to pay $46k for a Custom where you cannot even get storage in the fold down armrest/seat back. It’s little things like that which have put this truck in third place in sales, not a slow launch. We’ve had this truck in our area since last August and even had regular cabs since March! The first one I saw in person was a black LT Trail Boss last September! GM has taken some shortcuts with this truck overall but the Trail Boss was a legend right out of the box!
Never really thought about this until now but if you look at Fiat/Dodge and Ford, both have Male CEOs and both have moved more performance oriented vs Chevy which has really disappointed lately on features people actually want. GM happens to have a Women as a CEO. I am not sexist by any means however women in general do not have the same taste in vehicles as men when it comes to purchasing and definitely have a different design taste.
This is a hot selling product and people like it.
It’s too bad that Barra will discontinue the Silverado Trail Boss to focus more on front drive V6 crossovers and “as yet to be seen” EV’s.