Chevy Silverado Trail Boss LT Post Road Review: “Crisp Performance, Top-Notch Handling, Perfectly Spacious”

Tim Plouff of The Ellsworth American had the chance last week to test-drive the Chevy Silverado Trail Boss LT Crew Cab and report back on his thoughts about the quality of the ride. While Chevy still builds all three cab models, crew cab trucks now dominate sales – and that goes for all brands! This newest Silverado that was upsized last year offers the roomiest cabin, largest pickup bed, and revised powertrains that should easily meet any consumer's operating needs.

The Trail Boss trim includes the Z-71 suspension favored for a long time now by many Silverado buyers. Now, it includes the under body skid plates, front tow hooks, locking rear differential, AutoTrac two-speed transfer case with automatic AWD-mode, Hill Descent Control and monotube long-travel shocks, and 2-inch chassis lift. Goodyear Wrangler DuraTrac off-road tires are mounted on gloss-black 18-inch aluminum wheels, and residing under the hood is a completely re-tuned 5.3-liter EcoTec V8 that cranks out 355 horsepower. Trail Boss buyers can choose between the 8 or 10-speed automatic transmissions, and this crew used the 10-speed that was jointly developed with Ford.

For this crew it performed flawlessly, helping to deliver crisp throttle response, very strong mid-range power, and the ability to get over the speed limit in a snap. This is where the group claimed that the Trail Boss obviously had much attention paid to it by engineers, who delved deep into gear selections, throttle mapping, and tuning the electronic throttle. There are six different engine options in the Silverado: base power is now derived from a 310-horsepower, 2.7-liter turbo-4 cylinder, or the 4.3-liter 285 horsepower V-6. There is a now a 3.0-liter Duramax diesel available, boasting 277 horsepower and the highest EPA fuel economy ratings of the group.

The very top of the line motor is the 6.2-liter V8 from the Corvette and Camaro camp, specially tuned to make 420 horsepower when teamed only with the 10-speed automatic. When its properly equipped, this engine serves up tow numbers up to 13,400 pounds. Other new goodies include a power-release tailgate, push-button start and access, teen-driver mode programming, rear-seat occupant reminder alarm, 15-view optional towing HD camera setup, rear seatback storage compartments, and a half-ton tow package with a trailer-brake controller.

The team on duty here at West Chevrolet concluded that the Trail Boss was overall very agile, and much more fun to drive than some of its sworn rivals. A radius that is ideal for tight low-speed turns and a generally more athletic stance during driving maneuvers even pleasantly left the group with the sense that there is a bit of Camaro hidden deep inside. Four years had passed already since their last extended visit with the Silverado, and the final verdict was that the interior had improved, the performance was crisper, and the ride dynamics had shot up a large positive notch to top off the experience!