Choosing between the Chevy Silverado 1500 Custom Trail Boss and LT Trail Boss comes down to how much off-road capability you want and how much comfort you expect from your truck. Both belong to the same family, but they serve different buyers. Here's a quick breakdown of each to help you decide which one makes more sense for 2026.
Key Takeaways
- As of 2026, Chevy makes the Realtree Special Edition a dealer-installed Realtree Appearance Package with wider availability across the lineup.
- As of December 1, 2026, pricing is between $38,145 and $65,495.
- Max towing capacity for the Silverado 1500 is 13,300 pounds.
Chevy keeps things mostly quiet in terms of changes for 2026. The biggest adjustment is how Chevy offers the Realtree Special Edition; it's now installed at the dealer level instead of being tied to a specific factory build, which gives buyers a lot more flexibility.
Aside from that, the color list gets a quick refresh. Two shades roll off the order sheet, Iridescent Pearl Tricoat and Slate Gray Metallic, and two new hues join the mix: White Sands and Polar White Tricoat.
Here's how pricing lines up for each trim:
- Work Truck: $38,145
- Custom: $43,645
- LT: $49,145
- RST: $52,545
- Custom Trail Boss: $54,045
- LTZ: $60,595
- LT Trail Boss: $60,845
- High Country: $65,495
The 2026 Silverado 1500's Powertrain Options
Chevy keeps the lineup versatile, with engines aimed at different kinds of buyers. The turbocharged 2.7-liter four-cylinder delivers 310 horsepower, giving you solid torque and improved efficiency. The 5.3-liter V8 steps things up to 355 horsepower, which is the classic "truck engine" feel most people expect. If you want the strongest gas option, the 6.2-liter V8 delivers 420 horses. There's also a 3.0-liter Duramax diesel with 277 horsepower.
Towing and Mileage in the 2026 Silverado 1500 Lineup
The 6.2-liter V8 remains the top performer in terms of towing, at 13,300 pounds, but the 5.3-liter still handles serious loads of up to 11,500 pounds. Even the turbo four-cylinder has enough muscle for everyday trailering, rated up to 9,500 pounds.
In terms of mileage, the diesel continues to be the long-haul standout with highway numbers of 26 mpg when paired with rear-wheel drive, while the 6.2-liter V8 (with off-road tires) gets in the mid-teens.
The Custom Trail Boss is the more focused of the two trims as an off-road-ready truck without stepping too deep into the upper trims. It comes standard with the turbocharged four-cylinder and four-wheel drive, though you can opt for the 5.3-liter V8 or Duramax diesel. The big draw is its off-road hardware: a two-inch factory lift, the Z71 suspension setup, skid plates, hill-descent control, a two-speed transfer case, an automatic locking rear differential, recovery hooks, and a beefier air filter.
The LT Trail Boss builds on that foundation with even more comfort and convenience. It adds larger 20-inch wheels, LED exterior lighting, and trailering tech (like a built-in trailer brake controller). Inside, you get a noticeable jump in amenities, including a 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster, a 13.4-inch infotainment screen with Google-based navigation, heated front seats, a heated leather-wrapped steering wheel, dual-zone climate control, and a power-adjustable driver's seat. It's still fully capable off-road, but it feels equally as polished as a daily driver.
Choosing Between 2026 Silverado Custom Trail Boss and LT Trail Boss Trims
Whether you lean toward the Custom Trail Boss for its off-road focus or the LT Trail Boss for its mix of capability on the trail or pavement, you'll get plenty of strength and personality no matter your choice! When you're ready to climb in and see how they feel back-to-back, our team is ready to help! Contact Banner Chevrolet today!