Chevy Just Made the Best EV Truck Even Better
Image Credit: Chevrolet.
I've always had a bit of a soft spot for pickup trucks, but I can't really explain why. I never owned one because I just don't have the need for it, but I like them. A lot. And especially the electric ones that don't forget their roots. I might have even, in a moment of electrified zeal, called the regular Chevy Silverado EV the best EV in the world. A bold claim, I know, especially when the ink is barely dry on the EV revolution. But now, Chevy's gone and done something that makes me smile even more – they've given the electric Silverado the "Trail Boss" treatment.
"Trail Boss." It's a name that brings up images of conquering untamed wilderness, of laughing in the face of muddy ruts and rocky inclines. Sure, for some, it might just mean looking rather commanding in the Whole Foods parking lot. Either way, Chevrolet insists this isn't just some sticker pack and a slightly more aggressive frown. They're promising actual, real-deal off-road chops for their 2026 Silverado EV Trail Boss. And my ears, predictably, perked right up.
Image Credit: Chevrolet.
What's the secret sauce for turning an already rather large electric pickup into a trail-taming titan? First off, they've hoisted it up by a good two inches. Chevy claims this is a 24 percent increase in ground clearance over its more tarmac-inclined sibling. Two inches might not sound like much if you're, say, an NBA player, but in the world of off-roading, it's the difference between scraping your expensive battery bits on a grumpy rock and sailing over it like a silent, electric eagle. At least, that's the theory.
To complement the new altitude, Chevy apparently fiddled with the suspension, specifically the coil springs and the hydraulic rebound control system. This, in layman's terms, means it should be less like a bouncy castle and more like a slightly less bouncy castle when you're navigating the rough stuff. They've also thrown in something called "Terrain Mode." This, and I quote with a raised eyebrow, acts "almost like a low-speed off-road-focused cruise control." Intriguing. Is it a genuinely clever bit of tech that'll make novices look like seasoned explorers, or is it just another button to press before you inevitably get stuck? The jury is out, probably enjoying a packed lunch somewhere on a moderately challenging incline.
Image Credit: Chevrolet.
And because you can't be a "Boss" without looking the part, Chevy has slapped on some appropriately beefy 35-inch all-terrain tires wrapped around unique 18-inch wheels. There's a "high-angle approach" front fascia - sounds very technical, but it only means the chin is less likely to introduce itself to the scenery. And, of course, you get the obligatory red tow hooks. Nothing, and I mean nothing, says "I'm adventurous" quite like brightly colored rescue points. The cabin also gets "its own unique touches," which means easily wipeable surfaces for when the Terrain Mode doesn't quite live up to its cruise-control-for-cliffs billing.
The electric Silverado comes with two battery pack options – "Extended" and "Max." If you go for the Max pack (love the name - sounds like something you'd order at a superhero-themed diner), you're looking at a rather impressive 725 horsepower and a stump-pulling 775 lb-ft of torque. That's enough grunt to rearrange small geological features, or at least ensure you're never late for your Pilates class, even if it's up a mountain. The Max pack promises up to 478 miles of EPA-estimated range. Not too shabby for something that probably has the aerodynamic profile of a charming brick.
Image Credit: Chevrolet.
Opt for the Extended pack, and the range dips slightly to a still-respectable 410 miles. However, this pack flexes its muscles in the hauling department, offering up to 12,500 pounds of towing capacity and a payload of 2,100 pounds. That 12,500-pound towing figure is serious business. That's enough to tow another electric truck and its charging station, probably. I must confess, the original spec sheet I saw mentioned "12,500 lb-ft of towing," which would be a measure of torque, not capacity, and would be enough to tow the moon. Thankfully, common sense (and a quick double-check) prevailed, and it's indeed pounds. Always read the fine print, folks, especially when it's written by marketing departments.
So, what's the damage to your wallet for all this electric, off-road boss-ness? The Trail Boss with the Extended pack kicks off at $72,095. If you want the Max pack with all the ponies and the biggest range number, you'll be forking over $88,695. That's nudging perilously close to ninety grand, which, last I checked, is a fair stack of cash. It positions it just under the now-discontinued RST trim, which is being put out to pasture. For 2026, your Silverado EV choices will be the Work Truck (starting at a more palatable $54,895 for the 286-mile standard range), the LT, and this new Trail Boss. So, they're simplifying things, which is nice.
Image Credit: Chevrolet.
Chevy also mentioned that Super Cruise, their hands-free driving assist, is getting an upgrade with Google Maps integration. It'll now help keep you centered in your lane and adjust to the car ahead, even with your hands (supposedly) off the wheel. A green light on the steering wheel tells you when it's "safe" to pretend you're not actually driving. How will this integrate with the "Terrain Mode" when you're halfway up a goat track? I don't know, but I would love to try - just for giggles.
Look, I'm an enthusiast for this electric stuff; I truly am. The idea of a silent, powerful truck that can scamper up a hillside without coughing out noxious fumes is genuinely appealing. And the Silverado EV, in its standard guise, is a mighty impressive piece of kit. This Trail Boss version, with its added clearance and rugged looks, certainly sounds the business. Will it make you an instant off-road hero? Probably not. Will it be incredibly capable? Almost certainly. Will it cost a pretty penny? Absolutely.
The real question is whether the added "boss-ness" justifies the price tag and whether that impressive range holds up when you're actually using those 35-inch mud pluggers to, you know, plug through the mud. As always, the proof will be in the dirt.
