The Chevrolet Silverado is a key offering in the company’s line-up. Not only is it one of the highest-selling Chevrolet models, but it’s also the 4th top-selling trucks of all time. The truck has proven to be successful right since it was introduced in 1999. To give you an idea of just how popular this truck is, Chevy sold an incredible 10 million units by 2014. When companies have products that enjoy such a high level of success, they have to ensure that it always remains competitive in their space.

In 2019, Chevrolet launched the 4th-generation Silverado. This release was of huge importance as each generation has to serve for many years. The 4th-generation truck also arrived when the segment was undoubtedly at its most competitive stage. As the truck isn’t only going up against its conventional rivals, but technologically advanced electric trucks as well. To retain its popularity, the company had to make several improvements which it did while also adding a bit of spice in the form of the Chevy Silverado Trail Boss package.

Highlights of the 4th-generation Chevy Silverado

The 4th-generation Chevy Silverado had quite the launch event. GM had the latest Silverado 1500 airlifted on the stage with a helicopter. As expected, the event had the media, truck enthusiasts, and special guests present. Chevrolet also had previous generations of the popular truck on display. However, the most interesting detail from the launch event is the fact the 4th-generation truck that took center stage was a Chevy Silverado Trail Boss.

This comes as no surprise considering the lineup on the other side of the ring where Ford F150 sits in its numerous variants. However, before we discuss everything that makes it special, we must summarize the updates the 4th generation introduced. The truck was available in a total of eight versions which featured 6 different engine and transmission configurations. 

The 4th-gen truck was completely redesigned and made larger in every way possible. The biggest improvement this change introduced was more interior space and larger cargo capacity. In addition to being larger, the latest Chevy Silverado is also considerably lighter than the previous generation — by around 450 lbs. The company managed to achieve this with the help of mixed materials and a fully boxed steel frame. Despite the use of lighter materials, the bed is still quite strong thanks to it being made of roll-formed, high-strength steel. There’s also a 340 lb payload increase for crew cab models.

Other improvements the 4th-gen Silverado introduced were a power tailgate, a 120-volt power outlet, 12 fixed tie-downs, and more. GM also made improvements to the front and rear suspension on the truck. The brakes on the truck have also been improved with larger rotors and brake pads. The Silverado also gets cylinder deactivation to improve overall fuel efficiency. 

Speaking of electronics, there’s a new drive mode selector, a long list of safety features, and HD cameras for the surround and reverse functions. The Chevy Silverado also got the company’s latest infotainment system.

What Makes the Chevy Silverado Trail Boss Special?

With the highlights of the 4th-gen Chevrolet Silverado out of the way, let’s move on to the Trail Boss package. The Chevy Silverado Trail Boss package can be had in two variants — Custom Trail Boss and LT Trail Boss. While both these versions feature upgrades that enhance their performance off-road, there are quite a few things that separate them.

Engine Options

When it comes to engine options, both versions get the company’s new 2.7 turbocharged inline-four-cylinder as standard. This engine makes 310 HP at 5,600 RPM and 430 lb-ft of torque at 3,000 RPM. This engine comes paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission on both versions. The engine options on both versions remain the same with a 5.3 V8 producing 355 HP and 383 lb-ft and a 3.0 inline-six diesel making 277 HP and 460 lb-ft of torque. Both these engine options are available with 10-speed automatic transmissions on both versions of the Chevy Silverado Trail Boss.

The LT Trail Boss has the option to be equipped with the company’s Electronic Precision Shift function. This system is available with the 5.3 V8 and 3.0 diesel. As its name suggests, it lets you shift gears electronically by pushing or pulling buttons, rather than using a traditional mechanical connection.

Chassis

Both variants of the Chevy Silverado Trail Boss package get identical equipment when it comes to the chassis. This is where the Trail Boss package really shines. It has many upgrades that include the 2-inch lift mentioned above along with other tweaks like off-road monotube shocks. Silverados equipped with the Trail Boss package also get 18-inch wheels wrapped in mud-terrain tires. The Trail Boss can be equipped with optional 20-inch wheels, but don’t expect them to be as rugged as the standard wheels.

The Chevy Silverado Trail Boss is only available as a 4×4 and comes with an auto-locking rear differential and electronic transfer case. The truck also gets several electronic features that one can expect from a modern 4×4. An additional 4,000 will buy you the Trail Boss Premium package which adds a spray-on bed liner, perimeter lighting, power tailgate and more improving its overall versatility. The Chevy Silverado Trail Boss gets a heavy-duty air filter that’s designed to perform during off-road usage.

Styling

Trucks of today aren’t as utilitarian as they used to be. Styling elements are an important part of these machines. When it comes to the Custom Chevy Silverado Trail Boss it gets an emblem that says “Chevrolet” on the grille, while the LT Trail Boss gets the bowtie logo. The grille is flanked by halogen headlights on the Custom Trail Boss, while the LT version features LED units. As mentioned earlier, both versions get 18-inch wheels finished in gloss black as standard with an option to upgrade to a 20-inch unit.

Interior

There’s not a lot that’s different in terms of the interior on the two versions of the Chevy Silverado Trail Boss. The Custom version gets a split bench-like seat, while the LT uses bucket seats with a center console. Both versions get cloth seats as standard, but equipping the aforementioned Chevy Silverado Trail Boss Premium package will add leather elements to the LT version. This includes a leather-wrapped steering wheel. 

GM recently made a big change to the interior. The company ditched the smaller 8-inch display and analog gauges for a 13.4-inch infotainment system and a 12.3-inch display for instrumentation. Chevrolet also had to redesign the dashboard to accommodate these two large screens. What is quite nice though is the fact that the Chevy Silverado Trail Boss continues to use physical controls for the AC, volume, and other functions. 

Let’s Discuss Pricing 

When comparing the two versions of the Chevy Silverado Trail Boss, it’s quite clear that the LT version has the advantage. The LT Chevy Silverado Trail Boss is comparatively more premium and its price reflects that. It has a starting price of around $65,000, while the lower-spec Custom version starts at $59,000. These are prices for trucks equipped with the standard engine option which is the 2.7 turbocharged inline-four cylinder engine. More powerful engine options will increase the price. What it comes down to between the two versions is whether or not you want the additional equipment on offer with the LT version of the Chevy Silverado Trail Boss.

Moving on to the bigger question which is whether the Trail Boss package is worth it over the standard versions. The difference between the standard Custom trim level and the Custom Trail Boss, there’s a gap of just $2,000. The additional amount required for LT Trail Boss, meanwhile, is close to $5,000. With all things considered, the additional amount is worth it especially if you were looking at getting a lift kit and off-road wheels and tires in the first place.

4th-Generation Chevy Silverado Recalls

The 4th-generation Chevy Silverado has had two recalls. The first recall issued by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) stated that select 2018-2021 Chevrolet Silverado models equipped with either 18-, 20-, or 22-inch wheels left the factory with an incorrect 17-inch spare. The recall states that these incorrect spare wheels can stop the ABS from working correctly.

There has also been another recall for the Silverado to address an issue that affected trucks are equipped with the accessory Sport Bar. This component features an integrated high-mounted brake light that could malfunction. What makes it worse is that it can block the vehicle’s existing factory high-mounted brake light.

We Have Chevy Parts!

We hope the guide above helped you make your decision concerning the Chevy Silverado Trail Boss. Whether it was decided between the two trim levels or getting an idea of what the truck is all about. 

We would like to let you know that we are sellers of OEM quality parts for the Chevy Silverado Trail Boss and a long list of other trucks as well. If you require any spare parts, we recommend browsing our Shop before making your purchase!