Chevrolet is turning up the heat in the electric truck world with something bolder, tougher, and ready for the trail. Meet the 2026 Silverado EV Trail Boss—a rugged new addition to Chevy’s electric lineup that’s designed for more than just daily driving. If you’ve been holding out for an electric pickup that can actually get dirty and still pack serious tech, this one’s worth a closer look.
Designed for the Trail, Not Just the Street
The Trail Boss is more than a badge—it’s purpose-built for off-road use. It features a factory 2-inch lift, providing it with 24% more ground clearance than the standard Silverado EV. That added height translates to being able to drive on rough trails, not just prowl mall parking garages. Chevy equipped it with a special suspension that features hydraulic rebound control and dressed up 35-inch all-terrain tires around custom 18-inch wheels.
You’ll recognize it right away thanks to its high-approach front fascia, red tow hooks, and Trail Boss-exclusive touches both inside and out. It looks tough because it is tough.
Power and Performance with Serious Muscle
Under the hood—or rather, under the floor—the Trail Boss packs real muscle. With the extended-range battery, it can tow up to 12,500 pounds and carry a payload of 2,100 pounds. Go for the Max Range batter, and you’re looking at up to 725 horsepower and 775 lb-ft of torque. That’s no joke.
It also introduces some smart driving tricks. Trail Boss-only Terrain mode makes crawling over rough terrain easier with increased control. And Chevy’s four-wheel steering makes tight quarters a cinch. The coolest thing is Sidewinder mode, which enables all four wheels to turn in the same direction so the truck can travel diagonally—a godsend on bouldery trails or narrow city streets.
Smart Tech Meets Serious Capability
Inside, the Trail Boss is filled with Chevy’s top technology. It features the latest version of Super Cruise, GM’s hands-free driving technology. Now linked with Google Maps, Super Cruise can automatically change lanes, center you, and maintain traffic speed. And when you’re towing, it performs equally as well. On the dash, you have a big 17.7-inch center display and an 11-inch driver screen. Both are standard and look as futuristic as you’d hope from a next-gen EV truck.
Range, Price, and Trim Options
Here’s the way the numbers add up. The Trail Boss begins at $72,095 with the extended battery, which delivers an EPA-estimated 410 miles of range. Want the Max Range battery and up to 478 miles? That’ll cost you $88,695. To give you some perspective, the base Work Truck model begins at $54,895 and the LT trim at $62,995. With Chevy eliminating the RST launch edition, the Trail Boss now takes top honors among its core mainline Silverado EV models.
The Reality Check: Range vs. Off-Roading
Of course, it’s not all sunshine and rainbows. The Trail Boss, like every electric off-roader, has to deal with a plain fact: off-roading is power-hungry. Those 35-inch tires and that suspension lift are cool, but they create more drag and rolling resistance. And that hurts, e—particularly when you get off the pavement.
EVs become heavier, too, with larger batteries, so they are more costly. That’s why, despite all the tech and potential, cheap electric off-roaders still haven’t reached the mainstream. Car experts have noted this very problem. Raising and putting on large tires is wonderful for the trail, but hard on efficiency. Air suspension assists by lowering on highways and raising on trails, but even with that, the range will still plummet due to those large, chunky tires.
Nevertheless, a Bold Step Forward for Chevy’s EV Game
Even with the pitfalls, the Trail Boss is a statement. It illustrates that Chevy isn’t simply putting electricity into their trucks—they’re considering what owners of EVs need. Whether it’s the capability to tow, the equipment to discover, or the technology to make the experience more agreeable, this truck is full of possibilities.
If you’re into off-road adventures and want an EV that can handle more than a daily commute, the Silverado EV Trail Boss is worth a test drive. Sure, it’s not perfect, and yes, it’s pricey—but it’s also a glimpse into where electric trucks are headed next.