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!

Silverado 1500 Makes Appearance on Car and Driver “Pickups from Top To Bottom” List

Just as we claim on our main manufacturer web portal, combining a century of truck building know-how with 7 million miles of testing, you are not going to end up with just any old average truck. The end result is amazingly stronger, bigger, and even lighter than what was offered during previous generations. Offering up a large variety of choices so you can get the capability you need, the Silverado is built upon the legacy of the most resilient and durable pickups out there on the road, yesterday and today.

Car and Driver has long been a print and web-based portal where you can go to get the scoop on any car or truck in existence, and see what some of the most seasoned test drivers and past engineers think of each one. This past week they ran a feature that went down the proverbial list of what is available out there in the truck climate, to properly prepare anyone who is looking for a new hauling machine or daily driver to take care of business. The first thing they got righteously excited about is the addition of a new turbocharged 4-cylinder engine, joining the range of V-8's and V-6's as a power source that is poised and ready to be a great addition to your New Year's fleet!

Check with us here at West Chevy of Knoxville to see about all of the perks you get as a current GM owner and Lessee: there are price reductions and Loyalty Purchase rewards for those of you who have been by our side through multiple vehicles. There are 8 trim choices now, with each one offering unique designs and capabilities, and providing you the means to easily find the truck right for you. The exclusive grille and center bar with two-tone Bronze and finish is part of the High Country trim's allure, while the LT Trail Boss provides useful features such as the 2-inch factory suspension lift with Z71 Off-Road Package.

The “Work Truck” trim is where so many Knoxville-area preferences lie: it comes with the super-cool Chevy Graphic grille and tailgate, as well as the blacked-out bumpers, trim, and grille. Powered by the Ecotec2 4.3-Liter V6 engine, it also incorporates the modern genius of Active Fuel Management. The Durabed features 12 standard tie-downs, enabling you to get through any demanding haul or tow with ease: this is three times more than any competitor. The Silverado now offers the most functional bed of any pickup, and boasts the available industry-first power up/-down tailgate. With best-in-class bed width and up to 20% more cargo volume than the competition, all of us here at West Chevy were excited to once again see this year's Silverado featured within a first-rate publication, and are just as excited for you to come take one of these trusty warriors for a winter's spin!