Boss hog
Nothing screams “land of the free, home of the brave” quite like a double cab truck. Such is the case with the Chevrolet Silverado.
It has been a few years since the Chevy bowtie started to sell its iconic truck through General Motors Specialty Vehicles’ New Zealand dealerships. Buyers could choose between the heavy duty 2500 HD or the slightly smaller 1500 LTZ. Now, a new version of the Silverado has landed, and it is by far the most affordable.
Called the 1500 LT Trail Boss, it retails at $119,990 plus ORC which is $22K less than the regular 1500 LTZ. As its not-so-subtle name suggests, this Chevy is about hauling loads off the beaten track.
These loads can also be of a substantial size thanks to its 6.2L Ecotech3 V8 and payload of 752kg. Oh, and you can also tow 3.5 tonnes.
Rather than blind us with flashy bits and chrome trim, the Trail Boss projects a rugged image with all terrain rubber adorning black 18-inch alloys to go with blacked out grill and accents. As the Trail Boss doesn’t come with factory side steps, you must prop yourself up sharpish to reach the cabin.
Once inside you are greeted with durable and incredibly spacious surroundings. There are also a tonne of hidey holes and storage bins, one of which could quite easily hold a 12-pack of refreshing beverages. The Trail Boss gets a reversing camera, parking sensors front and rear, power down tailgate, lane departure warning and Apple CarPlay/Android Auto
Fire up and you don’t get a big thunderous growl, but more of a background burble. This V8 is all about subdued noise and power under control.
“The Chevrolet Silverado LT Trail Boss is certainly not for everyone. Then again, it was never supposed to be.”
The latter of these becomes blindingly obvious once you get going. Despite kitted out in all-terrain rubber, tyre roar is kept minimal. Put your foot down and you ride a wave of seamless torque up to a gentle cruise.
So relaxing is the Trail Boss you could even drive it with your thumb and index finger. You just need an arm out the window and Waylon Jennings on your Spotify.
The Chevrolet Silverado LT Trail Boss is certainly not for everyone. Then again, it was never supposed to be. What it will do though is make heading down the highway, with the biggest load of firewood imaginable, a laugh. It makes no excuses for what it is, and the result is a drive you won’t forget in a hurry. Just don’t try and park it in town.
