2026 Silverado EV Trail Boss: Chevrolet's Off-Road Electric Contender Arrives This Summer

Chevrolet's electric truck lineup expands this summer with the arrival of the 2026 Silverado EV Trail Boss, the brand's first dedicated off-road electric truck variant. The Trail Boss brings rugged capability to the electric truck segment, building on the success of Chevrolet's existing Silverado EV lineup while adding purpose-built features for enthusiasts who demand performance beyond paved roads.

The announcement comes as Chevrolet showcases its electric off-road racing prowess with the Silverado EV ZR2 race truck concept at the legendary Mint 400. This racing concept—built with 98% production parts—demonstrates how Chevrolet's electric truck platform delivers exceptional capability in the most demanding terrain, directly informing the development of models like the upcoming Trail Boss.

Off-Road Ready From The Factory

The 2026 Silverado EV Trail Boss stands apart from standard models with a factory-installed lift, providing immediate ground clearance advantages. The truck rides on 18-inch wheels wrapped in aggressive 35-inch all-terrain tires, giving drivers the footprint needed to tackle loose surfaces with confidence.

Red tow hooks not only add a distinctive visual element but serve as practical recovery points for off-road adventures. These features come standard on the Trail Boss, eliminating the need for aftermarket modifications that might affect warranty coverage or electric system performance.

Terrain Mode: New Technology For Tight Spaces

A standout feature of the Trail Boss is the new Terrain Mode, giving drivers increased maneuverability in confined spaces. This technology builds on Chevrolet's experience with features like the Silverado EV RST's Sidewinder system, which enables diagonal movement at speeds up to 32 km/h by turning all four wheels in the same direction.

Racing Development Informs Production

The Trail Boss benefits from Chevrolet's racing program, where the Silverado EV ZR2 race concept showcases electric off-road performance at its most extreme. With 1,100 horsepower and 11,500 lb-ft of torque from its tri-motor electric propulsion system, the race truck demonstrates the performance potential of electric powertrains in off-road applications.

"There is no better proving ground to test the limits of our vehicles than competitive racing," said Scott Bell, vice president, Chevrolet. "The Silverado EV ZR2 race truck concept showcases some of the best of Chevrolet to produce a beyond-capable pickup."

Building On The Silverado EV Foundation

The Trail Boss joins a strong Silverado EV lineup that already includes Work Truck, LT, and RST variants. The current 2025 models offer impressive capabilities, with the Max Range Work Truck delivering up to 792 km of range on a full charge—the highest in the electric truck segment.

The Trail Boss is expected to balance off-road capability with practical range and charging capabilities. While specific range figures haven't been announced, the Trail Boss will likely build on the extended range technology found in the current lineup, which includes 300 kW DC fast charging capability.

Proven Off-Road Heritage

Chevrolet's approach to the Trail Boss follows the successful ZR2 formula established with the Colorado ZR2 and Silverado ZR2. This includes specialized suspension tuning, advanced damper technology, locking differentials, and underbody protection.

The existing partnership with Hall Racing has been instrumental in developing Chevrolet's off-road technologies. The race team has finished 53 of 54 races entered since 2017, with Chad Hall noting: "What we learn from racing is applied to vehicles consumers can buy. An off-road race like The Mint 400 is equivalent to a lifetime of vehicle wear and tear."

Full specifications and pricing for the 2026 Silverado EV Trail Boss will be released closer to its summer launch. For more information about the upcoming Trail Boss or the current Silverado EV lineup, visit Strickland's GMC.