Chevy Silverado High Country Vs. Trail Boss – Which Is Right For You?

Just because you've settled on the model pickup truck you want doesn't mean that your work is finished. There are multiple trim levels within each model, each with a unique purpose. If you are trying to decide between the Chevy Silverado High Country and the Trail Boss, we can help you. We researched the Chevy Silverado from multiple professional sources so that you can make an informed decision on which one is best for you.

The Chevy Silverado High Country is a higher tier trim level than the Trail Boss. This gives it more engine options, more standard interior features, and greater performance. However, this also adds quite a bit to the price tag. To determine which trim level is right for you, balance the features of each that we'll explore below with the budget you have available. 

Now that we know that the price difference between the High Country and the Trail Boss is substantial, we'll take a closer look at the features that divide these two popular pickup trucks. You might also be wondering if the Trail Boss is being discontinued or what "High Country" means for Chevy. For the answers to these questions and more, read ahead in this post to see what we've uncovered in our research.

Comparison between Chevy Silverado High Country and Trail Boss, Chevy Silverado High Country Vs Trail Boss - Which Is Right For You?

Comparing the features and specs of the High Country to the Trail Boss

As the Trail Boss is a lower trim level than the High Country, you can expect to see some immediate differences. Let's take a closer look at the standard features of each, so you will be able to know which one is right for your needs.

Trail Boss

The 2022 Trail Boss has a 2.7L Turbo in-line 4 engine and an eight-speed automatic transmission. It is available as a four-wheel drive. It has 310 horsepower and 430-foot pounds of torque.

On the interior, the following are standard features:

  • satellite radio
  • blue tooth compatibility
  • smartphone integration
  • wi-fi hotspot
  • power mirrors
  • cruise control
  • keyless entry
  • remote start
  • back up camera
  • rear parking aid
  • lane-keeping assist
  • stability control
  • traction control
  • cloth upholstery

The maximum trailering capacity of this trim level is 9,200 pounds.

High Country

The 2022 Chevy Silverado High Country comes standard with a 5.3L V8 engine. It can be configured as a two-wheel drive [rear] or a four-wheel drive and has a 10-speed automatic transmission. The engine is capable of 355 horsepower with 383-foot pounds of torque.

The interior features that are standard in the Trail Boss are also standard with the High Country trim level. In addition to those features, the High Country also comes standard with the following:

  • leather steering wheel
  • sunroof
  • heads up display
  • steering wheel audio controls
  • adaptive cruise control
  • climate control
  • heated and cooled front seats
  • heated steering wheel
  • multi-zone air conditioning
  • seat memory
  • heated rear seats
  • universal garage door opener
  • cross-traffic alert
  • blind-spot monitor 
  • leather trim upholstery 

The maximum trailering capacity of this trim level is 9,500 pounds, slightly more than the Trail Boss trim.

Different trim levels have different amenities. Knowing what each one has available as a standard helps determine what is right for you. Weighing the differences and seeing how each will impact your budget will be useful information before heading to the dealership.

Is Chevy discontinuing the Trail Boss?

Chevrolet Silverado ZL1 Trail Boss truck at the North American International Auto Show

Late in 2021, Chevy announced that it was discontinuing the Trail Boss package for the Chevy Colorado LT for the remainder of the 2022 production year. This package was also suspended for the Z71 but might be made available later in the year. This has caused some confusion among consumers who haven't differentiated between the Trail Boss package for Colorado and the Trail Boss trim level for the Silverado.

Due to high demand and supply chain issues, Chevy had to make a tough decision in canceling some Trail Boss package orders. A popular package option, Chevy hopes to offer it again in the future, as soon as they can get all of the material needed for this upgrade.

But as for the Trail Boss trim level for the Silverado, Chevy is still planning on keeping it in the lineup.

How much will the 2022 Chevy Trail Boss cost?

The 2022 Trail Boss has a starting sticker price of $50,045 when equipped with a two-wheel drive and the standard 5.3L EcoTech3 V8 engine. Upgrade to the 3.0L diesel, and the price increases to $51,090. But if you opt for a four-wheel drive, those prices climb to $52,395 and $54,890, respectively.

There are five standard colors the 2022 trim level has to offer. But you can spend another $495 for cherry red or $995 for iridescent pearl. Additionally, you can add several packages to your Trail boss. For 2022, those packages are:

  • LT Trail Boss Premium Package for $3,595
  • Midnight Edition for $1,070
  • Assist Step and Tonneau Value Package II for $1,395
  • Convenience Package II for $1,300
  • Safety Package for $890
  • Leather Package for $760
  • Bed Protection Package for $685
  • Advanced Trailering Package for $490
  • Dark Essentials Package for $305

A fully loaded 2022 Silverado Trail Boss will carry a sticker price just shy of $61,000 when you add packages. There are additional accessories that you can add as well.

Chevrolet Silverado 1500 park on the empty parking lot

How much is a 2022 Chevy Silverado High Country?

As a top-tier trim level, you can expect the sticker price to be well above the base model. But the overall cost will be determined by what upgrades and packages you select.

The 2022 two-wheel-drive Silverado High Country starts at $54,545 when equipped with the standard 5.3L EcoTech3 V8 engine. Switch to the 3.0L diesel engine, and the price climbs just a bit to $55,590. But if you change the configuration to a four-wheel drive, the price adjusts even more. The 5.3L engine has a sticker of $58,045, the 3.0L diesel is $59,090, and the 6.2L EcoTech3 V8 engine is $60,540.

This trim comes in five colors, but you can add one of two premium colors for an additional $495 for cherry or $995 for pearl. There are a variety of packages you can add to your High Country for a price. For 2022, they are:

  • High Country Premium Deluxe Package for $3,800
  • Technology Package for $1,870
  • Safety Package II for $1,095
  • Max Trailering Package for $850
  • Z21 Off-Road Package for $350
  • Dark Essentials Package for $445

There are multiple interiors and exterior features that you can add, with or without packages. A fully loaded 2022 Silverado High Country will have a sticker price of nearly $70,000. This will be higher if you select certain bed and cabin accessories.

Range of Chevrolet Colorado High Country on the front, taken within a public test drive

What does high Country mean in Chevy?

Auto manufacturers give unique names to trim levels, each of which has a meaning. Truck manufacturers, in particular, are known for this, as they realize that it gives the trim levels more recognition within their respective brands. 

For Chevy, the name High Country was given to the top tier trim level for their line of Silverado pickup trucks. As a top-of-the-line tier, it has all the standard features a consumer could hope for. High Country was given to cast the image of driving on the high plains and mountains and being above the competition.

Chevrolet Silverado 1500 display

In conclusion

Both the Chevy Silverado High Country and the Silverado Trail Boss are comfortable and reliable pickup trucks. While the High Country will cost substantially more than the lower trim level Trail Boss, it comes with a lot more standard features that consumers might find well worth the price difference. Ultimately, the consumer should let both their needs and their budgets decide which trim level is the appropriate one to purchase. Drive safe!

If you found this post on the Chevy Silverado to be helpful, we believe you'll enjoy reading the following posts on this popular pickup truck:

Chevrolet Silverado Trim Levels Explained

What Are the Biggest Tires You Can Fit On A Chevy Silverado?

Can a Chevy Silverado Be Flat Towed? Here's What Truck Owners Need to Know

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