Chevrolet Silverado LT Trail Boss drops base engine, price rises

Chevrolet discontinues the 2.7-liter TurboMax in the Silverado LT Trail Boss, making the 5.3-liter V8 standard and raising the starting price to around $65,000.
Chevrolet is repositioning its Silverado LT Trail Boss pickup by discontinuing the base 2.7-liter TurboMax engine. Once the remaining approximately 200 vehicles are sold, the model will come standard with a 5.3-liter V8, automatically raising the starting price to around $65,000. This shift comes as the company prepares for a new generation set to launch in 2027.Previously, the Silverado LT Trail Boss offered a 310-horsepower, 430 Nm torque four-cylinder TurboMax. That option served as the entry point into Chevrolet’s off-road pickup segment.Now, the base engine becomes a naturally aspirated 5.3-liter V8 producing 355 horsepower and 519 Nm of torque. Despite the higher power output, it delivers less torque than the previous engine but better aligns with the full-size pickup image.Beyond the 5.3 V8, more powerful options remain in the lineup. These include a 6.2-liter V8 with 420 horsepower and 624 Nm, plus a 3.0-liter Duramax diesel generating 305 horsepower and 671 Nm.The model retains its Trail Boss off-road focus, featuring all-wheel drive, increased ground clearance, and preparation for challenging conditions. However, dropping the base engine makes entry into this version significantly more expensive.Chevrolet’s decision fits a broader trend: manufacturers increasingly abandon cheaper versions in favor of more profitable configurations. Simultaneously, the company is preparing a new Silverado generation, expected to launch in October 2026 as a 2027 model. In practice, this means the current changes are part of preparing for a full lineup refresh.