2026 Chevrolet Silverado Trail Boss Review

The 2026 Chevrolet Silverado is the last of this generation, as a redesigned version is on its way next year.

That means prospective shoppers will have to decide whether to wait for the next one, which will offer two new V8 engines, or stick with the outgoing version that’s likely to cost a little less — although that doesn’t mean it’s cheap. In crew cab, like the one pictured here, the 2026 Silverado starts at $57,799, including a non-refundable delivery fee of $2,700; and runs to the off-road-ready ZR2 at $95,999. The Trail Boss tested here starts at $74,299, although options and extras — including a diesel engine — can add quite a bit to the bottom line.

Design: 8/10

The Silverado’s trims are differentiated by styling cues, and this Trail Boss was further distinguished with optional 20-inch wheels and dark exterior accents. Inside, the handsome cabin has an appealing and functional look to it thanks to the wise decision to include hard buttons and dials for many functions — something that carries over to the next-gen model.

Safety: 7/10

The United States National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) gave the 2026 Silverado its top five-star rating in crash tests. The non-profit Insurance Institute for Highway Safety wasn’t as impressed, though.

It received “Acceptable” in side crash; “Marginal” in small front overlap; and “Poor” in the updated moderate front overlap, which now assesses potential injury to a rear-seat passenger as well as to those in front. Its headlight performance was “Poor,” it received “Acceptable” for how its front crash mitigation recognizes pedestrians, and “Marginal” for how easy it is to use its child-seat tethers.

Standard driver-assist technologies include emergency front braking, lane-keep assist, teen driver controls, and the back-up camera that’s mandatory on all new vehicles. Optional or standard items on higher trims include blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic braking, front and rear parking sensors, surround-view cameras, safety alert seat, and adaptive cruise control or Super Cruise hands-free driving assist.

Equipment: 7/10

Standard features in the Trail Boss include a 13.4-inch centre touchscreen with a Google-based infotainment system and wireless phone connectivity (Android Auto and Apple CarPlay), remote engine start, dual-zone climate control, a 10-way power-adjustable driver’s seat, heated front seats, and a Z71 off-road package, which lifts the truck by 50 mm (2.0 in) and made me thankful for the running boards. But some options you might expect for the price, including adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, and an integrated garage door opener, are bundled into pricey packages.

User Friendliness: 8/10

Most trucks still have physical buttons alongside their screens, and this one is no exception; and that helps reduce distraction, especially in a vehicle where drivers may be concentrating on towing. Everything is easy to use, including the screen and its intuitive menus. But I could live without the Trail Boss’s bulging hood, which cuts into visibility for shorter drivers.

Everyday Usability: 9/10

Depending on trim, Chevrolet rates the Silverado crew cab’s maximum towing capacity with the diesel engine at between 4,082 and 4,218 kb (9,000 and 9,300 lb). That’s pretty much in line with other engines, but with a maximum-capacity package it can go as high as 6,033 kg (13,300 lb). It falls a bit shy of the others for payload, with a maximum between 871 kg (1,920 lb) and 780 kg (1,720 lb), mostly due to the diesel engine’s weight.

The so-called “Multi-Flex” tailgate, a $510 option, can be configured as a step, load stop, and more. Inside, the rear seat cushions flip up to reveal a bin underneath; the rear seatbacks can be optioned with hidden compartments; and there’s lots of small-item storage up front, including two gloveboxes.

Comfort: 8/10

For something with an off-road suspension, the Silverado Trail Boss has a smooth ride and a surprisingly quiet cabin. The seats are supportive, and their heating function can be the full seat or just the backrest.

Powertrain: 8/10

The Silverado offers four engine choices, including a turbocharged 2.7L four-cylinder, and 5.3- and 6.2L V8s. The 3.0L inline six-cylinder diesel tested here has the lowest horsepower rating (305 hp) but the most torque (495 lb-ft), and is mated to a 10-speed automatic transmission. It’s a really satisfying engine to drive, with very smooth acceleration, and plenty of power at highway speeds for passing. The Silverado and its mechanical-twin GMC Sierra are currently the only light-duty pickup trucks available with a diesel, as Ford and Ram have both discontinued theirs; but both offer turbocharged engines with more torque.

Driving Dynamics: 8/10

The Silverado is a big truck and you never forget its size, although the steering is quick and responsive. It’s confident around corners, at least within reasonable parameters for a lifted pickup. The four-wheel-drive system includes an automatic setting along with high- and low-range gearing for off-road and selectable rear-wheel drive.

Efficiency: 9/10

In addition to their generous low-end torque, diesels are also prized for their fuel economy. This one is rated by Natural Resources Canada (NRCan) at 10.7 L/100 km in the city, 9.3 on the highway, and 10.1 combined; and in my week with it, I averaged 10.9 L/100 km. By comparison, the Silverado’s four-cylinder is rated at 12.8 combined, and the V8 engines go as high as 14.1. And while the turbocharged six-cylinders in the Ram 1500 and Ford F-150 make more torque than this diesel, they’re rated at 11.7 and 12.8 combined, respectively.

Value for Money: 7/10

The diesel might be a slam-dunk choice for its fuel savings, until you consider its other costs. Depending on trim, which determines which base engine it’s replacing, it can cost an extra $1,195 to $4,420. In this case it was the latter, pushing the as-tested price to $89,188 before taxes. Diesel is also often pricier than gasoline; oil changes are more expensive; and the truck needs diesel exhaust fluid (DEF) for its emissions system. Consider all of this before you make your engine choice.

The Verdict

The redesigned 2027 Silverado will come with numerous updates, including two new engines, as well as new features, but the diesel will continue unchanged. If that’s on your wishlist, you might want to get it now before the inevitable price jump of the new truck. Just be sure to consider pros and cons of compression ignition before you decide.