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Chevrolet Silverado 1500 Trail Boss

Chevrolet Silverado Trail Boss models are off-road-oriented variants that slot above and build on the Z71 sub-brand. The performance-enhanced pickups made their debut with the arrival of the fourth-generation Chevy Silverado 1500 for the 2019 model year.

Chevrolet Silverado 1500 Trail Boss Quick Facts
Available Models: Silverado 1500
Model Year Availability 2019 – Present
Engine(s) 4.3L LV3 V6, 5.3L L82 V8, 5.3L L84 V8, 6.2L L87 V8
Transmission(s) 6-Speed Auto, 8-Speed Auto, 10-Speed Auto
Drive Wheels Four-Wheel-Drive
Availability U.S.A., Canada, Mexico, Middle East

Overview

The Trail Boss sub-brand applies to two Silverado 1500 trim levels: the Custom Trail Boss and LT Trail Boss. For both trim levels, the Trail Boss moniker meant the pickup truck was equipped with off-road components, including a 2-inch suspension lift and the Z71 Off Road Package (see Z71 vs Trail Boss comparison) with a locking rear differential, skid plates, Rancho shocks, 18-inch wheels and Goodyear Duratrac off-road tires.

For the 2019 model year, Custom Trail Boss models came equipped with the 4.3-liter LV3 V6 engine and the 5.3-liter L82 was available. Meanwhile, the LT Trail Boss came standard with the 5.3-liter L84 V8, which featured the same 355 horsepower and 383 pound-feet of torque as the L82, but with Dynamic Fuel Management.

Then, for the 2020 model year, Chevy allowed buyers to pair the more powerful 6.2-liter L87 V8 – which had an output of 420 horsepower and 460 pound-feet of torque – with the Trail Boss models. “The Trail Boss models are already some of the most popular in the Silverado franchise,” said Sandor Piszar, director of Chevrolet Truck Marketing. “Adding the available 6.2L V-8 will ratchet that excitement up even further. Starting under $44,000 for the Custom Trail Boss, Chevrolet offers enthusiasts an affordable truck with serious performance on and off road.”

2021 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 Trail Boss models saw minor changes and updates, including OnStar as a standard feature for Custom Trail Boss models (2020 Silverado LT Trail Boss models already included this standard feature), and the Convenience Package with Bucket Seats became standard on LT Trail Boss models. See detailed 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 changes, updates and new features here: 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 change log.

For the 2022 model year, the light-duty Silverado Trail Boss models are expected to receive minor changes and updates.

While the two models offer similar equipment, there are notable differences as shown in the table below.

2020 Chevrolet Silverado Trail Boss Comparison
Custom Trail Boss LT Trail Boss
Standard Powertrain
Engine 4.3L V6 LV3 – 285 hp / 305 lb-ft torque 5.3L V8 LV4 – 355 hp / 383 lb-ft torque
Transmission 6-speed auto N/A
Axle 3.42 N/A
Exhaust Single side exit, polished Dual integrated
MSRP $43,495 $50,095
Optional Powertrain 1
Engine 5.3L V8 L82 – 355 hp / 383 lb-ft torque 6.2L V8 L87 – 420 hp / 460 lb-ft torque
Transmission 6-speed auto 8-speed auto
Axle 3.23 3.23 or 3.421
Exhaust Dual integrated Dual integrated
MSRP $44,890 $52,590
Optional Powertrain 2
Engine 6.2L V8 L87 – 420 hp / 460 lb-ft torque N/A
Transmission 10-speed auto N/A
Axle 3.82 or 3.722 N/A
Exhaust Dual integrated N/A
MSRP $46,365 N/A
Exterior
Headlights Halogen LED or high-intensity LED3
Tail lights LED with signature LED with signature
Mirrors Black High-gloss Black
Standard wheels 18" x 8.5" High gloss Black painted aluminum 18" x 8.5" High gloss Black painted aluminum
Optional wheels 1 20" x 9" painted aluminum with machined face and Gray accent pockets 20" x 9" painted aluminum with machined face and Gray accent pockets
Optional wheels 2 N/A 20" x 9" Black painted aluminum
Wheelhouse liners N/A Optional4
Interior
Cockpit configuration 1 40/20/40 split-bench seat Front 40/20/40 bench seat with covered armrest storage and under-seat storage
Cockpit configuration 2 N/A Front bucket seats with center console
Seating materials Cloth only Cloth or leather
  1. With Max Trailering Package.
  2. With Custom Max Trailering Package.
  3. With Midnight Edition.
  4. Included and only available with Bed Protection Package.
  5. All prices listed include destination charge but exclude tax, title, license, dealer fees and optional equipment. See dealer for details.

Ultimately, the Trail Boss Custom is set apart by a less powerful standard engine, halogen lighting, and cloth seating. By comparison, the Silverado Trail Boss LT is a more premium truck – with a more powerful standard engine (plus a 10-speed automatic transmission), LED headlights, and available front bucket seats as well as leather (see Custom Trail Boss vs LT Trail Boss comparison).

Gallery

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Discussion

Discuss Chevrolet Trail Boss models in our Chevrolet forum.

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