When looking at different trucks on the market, it’s easy to focus on the big picture and just look at details for an entire lineup or particular model. Sometimes, however, it’s fun to consider a specific trim of a certain model and what that trim offers that makes it unique. For example, consider the 2019 Chevy Silverado Trail Boss and what it brings to the table regarding Chevy’s star full-size pickup.
There are actually two different Trail Boss trim levels available and both of them are variations on other trim levels. There is the Custom Trail Boss, which builds upon the Silverado Custom trim level, as well as the LT Trail Boss, which builds on the Silverado LT. In both cases, however, the Trail Bosses have something in common: they are designed for taking the Silverado off-road.
At the end of the day, that’s what these trims come down to, the off-road experience. We’ll look at their engines and options and how these impressive trucks all come together, but in the end you’ll see that they serve this one goal and do so quite well. A Trail Boss is your best option if you want to take the 2019 Chevy Silverado where no other truck dares go.
The 2019 Chevy Silverado Custom vs. Custom Trail Boss
First things first, there are actually eight different trim levels available for the 2019 Chevy Silverado, starting with the Work Truck and going all the way up to the High Country. Right now, however, we’re only interested in four trims – the Custom and LT and their Trail Boss variations. So, let’s see what the Custom has available and then compare that to the 2019 Chevy Silverado Trail Boss version of it.
The Silverado Custom features a 4.3L EcoTec3 V6 engine standard, which offers up to 285hp and 305 lb.-ft. of torque. There is also an available 5.3L EcoTec3 V8 engine with the Custom, which provides up to 355hp and 383 lb.-ft. of torque. The same engine and available engines can be found with the 2019 Chevy Silverado Custom Trail Boss; however, the Trail Boss includes a 2-speed Autotrac transfer case, while the standard Custom does not. It’s also worth noting that the Custom can be purchased with either 2WD or 4WD, while the Custom Trail Boss is only available with 4WD.
The 2019 Chevy Silverado Custom Trail Boss comes with an automatic locking rear differential, which is available on the basic Custom trim level but is not standard. The Custom Trail Boss also includes a high-capacity air filter, hill descent control, and skid plates, none of which are available on the regular Custom model. The standard Custom comes with 20-inch all-season tires, while the Custom Trail Boss features 18-inch Mud Terrain Goodyear Wrangler DuraTrac tires for better off-road performance.
Of particular note is that the Custom Trail Boss includes a Z71 suspension with a 2-inch factory lift, which is not available on the standard Custom model. Interior features and available options are essentially the same between the 2019 Chevy Silverado Custom Trail Boss and the standard Custom model. Though the Trail Boss includes the trailering package and hitch guidance, which are available with the basic Custom trim version but not standard.
Safety features are similarly identical between the two models. So, overall, they are quite similar with a few notable features on the 2019 Chevy Silverado Custom Trail Boss designed to make it exceptional for taking off-road. The suspension and 2-speed Autotrac transfer case are likely the stand-out features here.
The 2019 Chevy Silverado LT vs. LT Trail Boss
Now, let’s have a look at the Silverado LT and the LT Trail Boss variant. It’s worth noting that this is a higher trim level than the Custom, so we should expect to see some superior features and options overall. Once again, however, the major differences with the Trail Boss are probably going to be things aimed at making it ideal for going off-road.
At first glance, there are actually some major differences between these two trim levels, more than with the Custom models. The Silverado LT features a 2.7L Turbo engine standard, with an available 5.3L EcoTec3 V8 engine with DFM and a 3.42 rear axle ratio, with an available 10-speed automatic transmission. By comparison, the 2019 Chevy Silverado LT Trail Boss comes with the 5.3L EcoTec3 V8 engine, has a 3.23 rear axle ratio, a 2-speed Autotrac transfer case, with no option for a 10-speed automatic transmission. Much like the Custom, however, the LT Trail Boss has an automatic locking rear differential standard, while it is an available option on the LT.
The LT Custom also has dual-outlet exhaust, a high-capacity air filter, hill descent control, and skid plates all standard, none of which are available on the basic LT. The LT features 17-inch all-season tires, while the LT Trail Boss has the same 18-inch Mud Terrain Goodyear Wrangler DuraTrac tires as the Custom Trail Boss. The LT Trail Boss has a black bowtie front grille, which is not available on the standard LT, cargo bed LED lighting, LED fog lamps, and LED taillamps, none of which are standard on the LT. Plus, the LT Trail Boss has a tailgate with EZ Lift assist and power locks & release, which is an option for the standard LT.
As you might expect, the 2019 Chevy Silverado LT Trail Boss also has a Z71 suspension with a 2-inch factory lift, much like the Custom Trail Boss, which is not available on the LT. The interior of the LT and LT Trail Boss are quite similar, with the Trail Boss including a few features such as a rear 12v outlet, under-seat storage, keyless open and start, and the trailering package with hitch guidance, all of which are available on the LT but not standard.
Safety features are essentially the same between the LT and LT Trail Boss, with the same included and available options. Overall, as expected, the Trail Boss gives you more included features and has some things specifically designed and tuned for going off-road that the basic LT lacks. It’s nice to see that safety features are the same since some manufacturers might have skipped safety features on an “off-road” model to try to cut costs or project a rugged image.
So Who, Exactly, is the Boss?
Ultimately, I would say you are the boss when it comes to the 2019 Chevy Silverado Trail Boss editions and their basic counterparts since you get to decide on what you want. I really like how Chevy handles this. A lot of other pickup trucks have one trim level that is the dedicated “off-road” model with all the features intended for going off-road. That trim typically lacks some other things that comparably priced models of that truck will include, particularly safety features and interior tech options.
With Chevy’s approach, however, you can look at two different base models: the Silverado Custom and the Silverado LT, and decide on which better meets your needs. Then, if you want a pickup for going off-road, you simply upgrade from that baseline to the appropriate Trail Boss model and you can call it a day. You don’t lose out on anything by making that shift, and instead, gain numerous features ideal for off-roading while still retaining the style and sophistication of the other Silverado models.
It’s a great approach that puts all the power for picking the perfect vehicle in your hands. Now all you have to do is go get one!
