Why I’m Not Buying One of the First 2027 Silverado Trail Boss Trucks in Texas
The first 2027 Silverado Trail Boss trucks to reach Texas are bound for Reliable Chevrolet in Richardson, and I’ve stared at each Silverado Trail Boss sticker more than once. One is White Sands, the other is Sterling Gray Metallic, and both pack tech I’d love to have. Still, I’m not buying either one.
Instead, I’m sticking with the 2027 Silverado Custom Trail Boss we ordered for our year-long test. So, here’s why, starting with the wheels and ending with the bottom line.
The First Silverado Trail Boss Window Stickers in Texas
As we covered in our 2027 Silverado shipping story, GM went from 12 trucks in transit to 294 in just four days. Two of those early trucks are Trail Boss models bound for Reliable Chevrolet, just outside Dallas. Better yet, the dealer has agreed to alert us when they arrive, so you’ll see them on our YouTube channel soon.
Specifically, both trucks are 4WD crew cab short beds with the new 5.7-liter V8 and a 10-speed automatic. Aside from paint, their window stickers are identical, right down to the $68,925 total.
What’s on the Silverado Trail Boss Window Sticker
To start, let’s break down each Silverado Trail Boss sticker line by line. The Trail Boss starts at $61,200 before options and destination, and both trucks add the same $4,930 in extras.
| Window sticker item | Price |
|---|---|
| 5.7L V8 | $2,690 |
| 20-inch High Gloss Black painted aluminum wheels | $1,100 |
| Assisted Driving Package | $645 |
| Underbody cameras | $350 |
| Memory settings | $200 |
| Trailer Technology Package | $140 |
| Power-adjustable, power-folding heated mirrors | $100 |
| All-terrain tires | Credit of $295 |
| Total options | $4,930 |
| Destination | $2,795 |
| Total vehicle price | $68,925 |
Notably, the sticker rates both trucks at 15 MPG city, 18 highway, and 16 combined, the same numbers we reported in our 2027 Silverado V8 fuel economy story. Both also carry the standard 24-gallon tank rather than the 34-gallon option from our 2027 Silverado fuel tank breakdown.
Why the 20-Inch Wheels Are a Dealbreaker
Now, here’s my biggest issue. Both trucks swap the standard 18-inch wheels for 20-inch High Gloss Black aluminum wheels, and that change brings a different tire with it.
According to the GM order guide, the Trail Boss comes standard with 18-inch Dark Android aluminum wheels wrapped in 285/70R18 On-Off road tires. However, the optional 20-inch wheel pairs with a 275/65R20 all-terrain tire instead. That’s why the window sticker shows a $295 tire credit on top of the $1,100 wheel charge.
| Spec | 18-inch (standard) | 20-inch (on these trucks) |
|---|---|---|
| Wheel | 18 x 8.5 Dark Android aluminum | 20 x 9 High Gloss Black painted aluminum |
| Tire | 285/70R18C On-Off road | 275/65R20 SL all-terrain |
| Tread width | 285 mm | 275 mm |
| Sidewall height | About 7.9 inches | About 7.0 inches |
| Load range | C (light truck) | SL (standard load) |
| Overall diameter | About 33.7 inches | About 34.1 inches |
| Net cost | Standard | $805 |
In other words, you pay $805 more for a bigger wheel, a narrower tire, and nearly an inch less sidewall. For off-roading, though, that sidewall matters. After all, a taller sidewall gives you more cushion over rocks and more room to air down on sand or mud. Plus, the C-rated On-Off road tire holds up better than a standard-load all-terrain.
Of course, the 20-inch setup may ride a bit quieter on the highway. Still, I want a lifted Silverado to play in the dirt, and our Custom Trail Boss keeps the 18-inch wheels and the more aggressive tires.
And yes, I know I can swap out wheels and tires, but my goal is to keep this truck as stock as possible for the first year.
The Tech I’d Miss, Starting With Underbody Cameras
To be fair, these Trail Boss trucks have a lot I’d love. For starters, both include the $350 underbody cameras, which show exactly what’s under the truck on the trail. Unfortunately, that’s a feature our Custom Trail Boss can’t get at all, as we noted in our Custom Trail Boss V8 and bench seat story.
In addition, both trucks carry the $200 memory settings. Holli would especially love that one, since we swap drivers constantly and she’d never have to readjust her seat again.
On top of that, the Trail Boss brings standard heated front seats, a heated steering wheel, dual-zone automatic climate control, an eight-speaker Bose stereo, and wireless charging as standard equipment. Meanwhile, the Assisted Driving Package adds HD Surround Vision, Traffic Sign Recognition, and an interior camera.
White Sands Is Sharp, but Trillium Green Is Ours
I’ll give credit where it’s due. White Sands looks great on the new Silverado, and it’s also the color on one of the two Trail Boss trucks bound for Reliable.
Still, I’m partial to the Trillium Green Metallic we ordered. Green is finally back on Chevy trucks, and it’s the one extra-cost color I was happy to pay $395 for.
Value and Volume Is Why We Ordered the Custom Trail Boss
When I ordered our long-term Silverado, I wanted a value and volume truck, both in trim and engine. Chevy has told me on multiple occasions that the 5.7 will be the volume engine. Meanwhile, the Custom Trail Boss delivers the lift, the 4WD hardware, and the off-road tires without the extra markup.
Above all, that’s where the math really matters. Our Custom Trail Boss, with the 5.7-liter V8, Trillium Green paint, Assisted Driving Package, and Protection Package, comes to $62,015 including destination. By comparison, each Silverado Trail Boss sticker at Reliable totals $68,925.
| Estimate | Our Custom Trail Boss | Reliable Trail Boss |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP with destination | $62,015 | $68,925 |
| Texas sales tax (6.25%) | $3,876 | $4,308 |
| Total before title, registration, and dealer fees | $65,891 | $73,233 |
As a result, either Trail Boss lands well over $70,000 out the door once fees are added. In contrast, our Custom Trail Boss should come in roughly $7,000 cheaper. For a family truck that will rack up miles, that’s real money for tires, accessories, or a few road trips.
Our Take on the Silverado Trail Boss Window Sticker
Make no mistake, these are great trucks, and I can’t wait to film them when they land at Reliable. If you want the cameras, memory seats, and creature comforts, the Silverado Trail Boss sticker price may be worth it. However, I’d order mine on the 18-inch wheels and tires.
Ultimately, for our family, the Custom Trail Boss still hits the sweet spot of price, capability, and the V8 we wanted. In the meantime, follow along with Cheyenne’s journey, and sign up for our newsletter using the form at the bottom of this page.
