As we are in the middle of an historic event, it’s time we get a vehicle that’s ready for the occasion. It should be all-weather capable, comfortable, and apparently able to haul vast quantities of toilet paper. As an Eagle Scout, I can dig a trench and wipe with leaves, but many seem to need a pickup for their aft-ward tidiness. No matter what comes, the 2020 Chevy Silverado Trail Boss is prepared.
It looks the part of a warrior with its big black grille, 18” black alloy wheels, off-road tires, black window trim, and dual exhaust outlets. Body color air blades on the front aid aerodynamics while connecting the Silverado to sportier Chevys like the Camaro. I was no fan of this truck’s design when it debuted a couple of years ago. Elegant, it is not. But, there’s a toughness in the big façade, sculpted fenders, and chiseled hood that I’ve come to appreciate. The longer cab looks good and provides ample rear passenger space.
Designers deleted step bars because they tend to bang on rocks and logs off-road, but they would certainly make for an easier climb inside. Once there, critics might say Chevrolet didn’t do enough to update the interior during the most recent redesign, but others will point out it works pretty well. The infotainment touchscreen plus auxiliary climate and audio controls are housed in a center cluster that looks like a Star Wars mask. It’s all easy to use, though. Proper volume and tuning knobs add convenience.
Tally the luxuries. Heated seats, automatic climate control, and navigation are appreciated – as are the crisp Bose audio, thick leather-wrapped steering wheel, and a dance floor’s legroom in the back. My daughter was enamored with the power sliding rear window. Despite all of the amenities, the truck still has the feeling it can be easily cleansed after a hard day at play…or to keep viruses from taking up residence.
Let’s keep moving. There’s an optional 6.2-liter V8 for the Trail Boss, but ours came with the smaller 5.3-liter V8 that delivers 355 horsepower, 383 lb.-ft. of torque, and 16/21-MPG city/highway. Fuel economy is not especially impressive, but is optimized by the smooth-shifting 10-speed automatic transmission and auto stop/start that pauses the engine while at rest. I don’t love stop/start, but it can be defeated with a switch on the console.
And, it is ready for almost any adventure you care to pursue. Monotube shocks, skid plates for the sensitive bits, locking rear differential to balance power, and push-button four-wheel-drive are part of the deal. All of that gear may seem like overkill for the daily commute, but the thick off-road tires and shocks do a great job of soaking up potholes and rough pavement. You can drive it with near reckless abandon and know it is up to the challenge.
It’s reassuring to know you’re driving a vehicle that can do almost anything. From its enhanced all-terrain capability to its roomy bed, powerful engine, and comfortable interior, the Silverado Trail Boss is prepared for the worst while looking for the best. Silverados start at $28,300, but our big boy came to $55,040, making it competitive with the Ram Rebel, GMC Sierra AT4, and Ford F-150 Raptor.
Storm Forward!
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