2026 Chevrolet Silverado EV Trail Boss: Battery Power Goes Off the Grid

Chevy is charging into the off-road EV space with the 2026 Chevrolet Silverado EV Trail Boss, and Chris Teague got behind the wheel to see if this electric truck delivers on its bold promises. Built on GM’s Ultium platform, the Trail Boss version stands apart with a 2-inch lift, 35-inch all-terrain tires, and 24% more ground clearance than its base sibling. The off-road upgrades are more than cosmetic. The unique suspension tuning, hydraulic rebound control, and dedicated driving modes like Terrain and Sidewinder make this EV surprisingly capable when the pavement ends.

Power? There’s plenty. With the Max Range battery pack, the Trail Boss pumps out up to 725 horsepower and 775 lb-ft of torque, offering towing up to 12,500 pounds and a 2,100-pound payload. It’s not just brawn, though. The Silverado EV Trail Boss is loaded with tech, from its 17.7-inch touchscreen and Super Cruise hands-free towing to a Multi-Flex Midgate that opens up interior cargo flexibility. Does it live up to the hype? Chris will offer his view in this episode.

While Chris put the Silverado EV Trail Boss through its paces in Maine, Jack Nerad took the 2026 Honda Passport TrailSport Elite on a week-long test at the other end of the country. And while the Passport TrailSport doesn’t pretend to be a full-on rock-crawler, it delivers an interesting balance of off-road capabilitiesand suburban charm. Powered by a 3.5-liter V6 offering 280 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque paired with a nine-speed automatic, the TrailSport features Honda’s i-VTM4 torque-vectoring AWD, intelligent traction management, and retuned suspension for better trail performance.
Visually, the TrailSport Elite offers some blacked-out trim, 18-inch machined alloy wheels wrapped in all-terrain rubber, and subtle badging. Inside, it’s all about comfort with leather-trimmed heated seats, a moonroof, acoustic glass, tri-zone climate, and an 8-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Comfortable? Yes, but is this a vehicle to conquer the Rubicon? Jack and Chris will have the answer.

This week’s guest, industry insider Sam Fiorani, Vice President of Global Vehicle Forecasting at AutoForecast Solutions, will have the answer on what will happen with the end of federal EV tax credits, which expire in a little over a week. We’ll discuss what it all means for consumers, automakers, and the overall electric vehicle adoption rate.

Ram Drops Full-EV Plans, Bets on Range-Extended REV

Stellantis has canceled its battery-electric Ram pickup project, instead refocusing on a range-extended Ram 1500 REV that blends electric drive with a gas engine for longer range and better towing. The move reflects weakening demand for full-size EV trucks and a pivot toward flexibility in powertrains.

Toyota Recalls Nearly 700,000 Vehicles, Including All BEVs

Toyota issued two major recalls. One involves nearly 600,000 vehicles with potentially faulty 12.3-inch displays and the other covers 95,000 electric vehicles like the Toyota bZ4X and Lexus RZ with malfunctioning defrosters.

Congress Pushes Catalytic Converter Theft Legislation


The U.S. House has reintroduced the PART Act, aiming to reduce catalytic converter theft by requiring VIN stamping on new catalytic converters. Lawmakers hope it will deter thieves and aid police recovery efforts as the black-market value of stolen converters continues to rise.

Lucid and Uber Team Up on Robotaxis

Lucid Motors and Uber have signed a $300 million deal to develop a robotaxi using Lucid’s EV tech and Nuro’s Level 4 autonomous system. The goal? A 20,000-vehicle fleet based on Lucid’s Gravity SUV, set for limited deployment next year.

Carson from Erie, Pennsylvania asks, “What’s your favorite sleeper car that no one talks about? Do you think now is the time to buy a car like that?” Jack and Chris tackle this fun question with their picks for under-the-radar performance cars that don’t scream for attention but offer serious thrills behind the wheel. Tune in to hear their takes—and whether now is the right moment to buy before the world catches on.

If you enjoy America on the Road, make sure to subscribe wherever you get your podcasts, check out our YouTube and Rumble channels, and spread the word. And don’t forget to send your questions to: [email protected].

Pick up a copy of co-host Matt DeLorenzo’s terrific new book How to Buy an Affordable Electric Car: A Tightwad’s Guide to EV Ownership.

Jack is now offering his newest crime novel, Only One Thing Stays the Same, at a pre-publication price of just $4.99. Click here to buy from Amazon at this special limited-time price.