The 2026 Silverado EV Trail Boss Makes a Strong Case for Off-Road Electric Trucks

Miami Herald

05-06-2025

Off-roading and electric trucks have generally been a mixed bag, but one automaker plans to rectify that for the 2026 model year. The Chevrolet Silverado EV is a top contender among electric trucks, but a new trim level will take the American manufacturer's pickup off the beaten path like never before. Much like on the Colorado and Silverado pickups, the Trail Boss trim provides consumers interested in a Silverado EV with a model dedicated to off-roading, and plenty of range to boot.
"The Silverado EV Trail Boss delivers similar capability expected with other Chevy Trail Bosses," said Joe Roy, chief engineer for the Silverado EV. "It's an impressive truck that will meet the needs of our customers looking to get off-trail and still have all the features customers have come to love about Silverado EV, including range and off-road power."
The Chevrolet Silverado EV is already plenty capable and customizable, with three trims and battery packs to choose from. For the 2026 model year, Chevrolet is retiring the RST trim, with the Trail Boss taking its place atop the lineup. The Trail Boss model offers a higher level of capability in off-road conditions, with 24% higher ground clearance than the standard Silverado EV. Terrain mode is exclusive to the Trail Boss trim, providing drivers with more control over torque and traction at low speeds.
While Sidewinder mode might seem ideal for parallel parking over all else, the system could prove useful in off-road adventures. Sidewinder mode turns all four wheels in the same direction, allowing the truck to move diagonally, albeit at low speeds. That can be especially useful if you happen to get stuck on the trails. When equipped with the Max Range battery pack, the Silverado EV Trail Boss boasts up to 725 horsepower and 775 lb-ft of torque, with the capability to tow up to 12,500 lbs. and haul 2,100 lbs.
The 2026 Chevrolet Silverado EV Trail Boss features several trim-exclusive features that help the electric truck look the part while adding a touch more versatility. In addition to a two-inch lift, the EV rides on 18-inch wheels wrapped in 35-inch all-terrain tires complemented by a high-angle approach front fascia. The off-road electric pickup has a 19.2-degree breakover angle, 25.1-degree departure angle, and a total of 10 inches of ground clearance. Red front tow hooks add to the truck's utility, and a unique interior matches the athletic aesthetic.
The 2026 Chevrolet Silverado EV comes in three trim levels, with the base Work Truck (WT) starting at $54,895 MSRP. At that price, the Silverado EV boasts up to 286 miles of range, while upgrading to the Extended battery pack boosts range to 424 miles. Opting for the Max battery pack increases the Silverado EV WT's range to 493 miles on a single charge, but it'll cost you $76,295 MSRP. Regardless of the battery pack, the Silverado EV WT features 510 horsepower. When equipped with the standard battery pack, the base Silverado EV WT produces 490 lb-ft of torque, while upgrading the battery increases torque to 580 lb-ft.
The LT trim starts at $62,995 MSRP and features a 283-mile range. The mid-tier Extended battery increases range to 410 miles on a single charge. When equipped with the Max battery, the Silverado EV LT can go up to 478 miles, but it'll cost you $91,295. In terms of power, the LT-Max battery combination tops out at 760 horsepower and 765 lb-ft of torque. The Trail Boss trim tops the lineup and starts at $72,095 MSRP. Unlike in the WT and LT models, the Trail Boss comes with a standard Extended battery pack and a 410-mile range. Upgrading to the Max battery increases range to 478 miles to the tune of $88,695 MSRP.
Regardless of trim level, all Silverado EV models feature up to 10.2 kW of off-board power. A 17.7-inch infotainment display comes standard on all three trim levels, as does an 11-inch driver information display. The LT and Trail Boss trims are available with a multi-flex midgate and WOW mode (Wide Open Watts) that maximizes performance. The Chevrolet Silverado EV also features DC fast charging up to 350 kW, with the capability to charge up to 100 miles in 10 minutes.
Electric trucks offer a blend of innovation, capability, and performance, but not all models can compete with the best. Ford and Chevrolet are iconic in the American pickup scene, and their legacy in truck manufacturing is unmatched. While there are other emerging automakers making steady progress, Chevrolet and Ford are still the truck segment's fiercest rivals.
The base Ford F-150 Lightning starts at $62,995 MSRP. At that price, the F-150 Lightning XLT features dual electric motors that generate 452 horsepower and a towing capacity that tops out at 7,700 lbs. when properly equipped. As far as range goes, the F-150 Lightning XLT can travel an EPA-estimated 240 miles on a single charge. At its most capable, the F-150 Lightning Lariat features 580 horsepower, a 320-mile range, and a 10,000-lb. maximum towing capacity. That versatility will cost you just shy of $77,000, though.
By all accounts, the Chevrolet Silverado EV has the F-150 Lightning on the ropes. Not only does Chevy's electric pickup undercut Ford's offering by $8,100, but it also offers 286 miles of range and 510 horsepower in base form. With the introduction of the Trail Boss trim, the Chevy Silverado EV tacks on another win over the F-150 Lightning, which lacks a dedicated off-road model. The base Trail Boss model starts at $72,095 with 625 horsepower and a 410-mile range.
Electric trucks have come a long way in just a few years, and with a range nearing 500 miles on a single charge, the Chevrolet Silverado EV may end up leading its segment for years to come. The introduction of the Trail Boss trim marks another major milestone for Chevy's electric truck, with versatility that only a few rivals can match. At this point, there's little doubt that the American automaker's continued innovation is raising the standards as to what consumers can expect in an electric pickup.
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