Late Last Year, We Test Drove The 2026 Chevrolet Silverado EV Trail Boss... So You Don't Have To
•February 26, 2026
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Why It Matters
The review highlights critical design flaws that could deter buyers from Chevrolet’s flagship EV truck, impacting its market share in the rapidly growing electric pickup segment.
Key Takeaways
- •Trail Boss suffers poor visibility and blind‑spot design
- •Off‑road tires and lift feel mismatched for daily use
- •Suspension feels harsh, causing stressful driving experience
- •Seats uncomfortable, reducing long‑haul practicality
- •Compared unfavorably to Rivian R1T, hurting brand image
Pulse Analysis
The electric pickup market is heating up, with manufacturers racing to combine utility and sustainability. Chevrolet entered the arena with the Silverado EV, positioning the Trail Boss as an off‑road‑focused variant intended to attract adventure‑seeking consumers. By adding a suspension lift, beefier tires, and a dedicated off‑road mode, the company aimed to differentiate its offering from rivals like the Rivian R1T and Ford F‑150 Lightning. However, the execution appears to have missed key user expectations, especially for a vehicle that must balance rugged capability with everyday practicality.
In the hands of Transport EV’s reviewers, the Trail Boss revealed a series of ergonomic and performance shortcomings. Visibility issues and blind‑spot blinders made lane changes hazardous, while the oversized tires and lift contributed to a stiff, jarring ride that amplified road imperfections. The suspension, tuned more for off‑road theatrics than comfort, left drivers feeling tense rather than confident. Interior ergonomics suffered as well; the seats lacked adequate cushioning, diminishing the truck’s suitability for long trips. These flaws collectively eroded the vehicle’s appeal, positioning it as a niche product rather than a mainstream EV pickup.
The implications for Chevrolet are significant. As consumers weigh EV options, perceived quality and usability will drive purchase decisions. A poorly received flagship model can tarnish brand credibility and slow adoption of future electric trucks. To stay competitive, Chevrolet must address the Trail Boss’s design missteps—refining visibility, calibrating suspension for mixed‑use, and improving interior comfort—while leveraging its extensive dealer network to rebuild consumer confidence. Success in the EV pickup segment will hinge on delivering a vehicle that feels both capable off‑road and comfortable on daily commutes.
Original Description
Usually, when we test drive a vehicle on this channel, the team walks away with a range of opinions — about how it drives, what it does well (and badly), and where it fits in the broader EV marketplace.
And we work hard to set aside our personal biases. Especially when it comes to oversized SUVs, massive pickup trucks, or eye-wateringly expensive models we’d never buy ourselves.
That’s our job.
A year ago, we test-drove the Chevrolet Silverado EV RST, which at the time was the most expensive version of Chevrolet’s all-electric truck. It was big. It was powerful. It was expensive.
And while we respected what it was trying to do, we admitted we actually preferred the more practical — and far more affordable — Work Truck variant.
Later, when we were in Los Angeles for the launch of the Chevrolet Bolt EV, several members of Chevrolet’s press team told us we’d probably enjoy driving the Trail Boss more. It had replaced the RST at the top of the Silverado EV lineup, and it promised something a little different: a suspension lift, beefier tires, and a dedicated off-road mode.
On paper, it sounded interesting, if not exactly our usual cup of tea. We were interested to give it a go.
But after just one week behind the wheel, our usual spectrum of opinions — the debates, the disagreements, the “yes, but” conversations — vanished. For the first time in a long while, we all agreed that this is terrible and, by a long way, our least favorite EV of 2025.
⏱️ Chapter Breakdown:
00:00 — Introduction
01:45 — Turning Off the Noise
02:13 — The Truck That Made Everyone Angry
03:10 — Things It Actually Gets Right
04:30 — Visibility Is a Serious Problem
06:53 — Tire Choices That Ignore Common Sense
08:29 — Driving Modes
09:35 — It Lifts Off — Literally
10:22 — A Surprisingly Stressful Drive
11:17 — Suspension Feel
13:16 — A Mind of Its Own
14:58 — All-Wheel Steer
15:21 — The Nice Bits (We Promised)
17:10 — Don’t Take It on Bumpy Roads
18:47 — The Different Variants (Finally)
21:03 — This Is Not a Rivian R1T
21:54 — More on the Blind Spot Problem
23:01 — Are the Seats Really Comfortable?
25:38 — Closing Thoughts
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🌱 Electric Vehicle Association - https://www.myeva.org
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🎙️ Credits:
Hosts: Nikki Gordon-Bloomfield, Kate Walton-Elliott
Camera, Edit, Color: Vi Horton
Art & Animation, Chase Truck: Erin Carlie
Producer: Nikki Gordon-Bloomfield
Music: via Artlist.io
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