Select a year
- Highs Robust towing and payload capacity, both diesel and gas powertrains available, useful range of driver-assistance features.
- Lows Cabin design is behind the times, infotainment interface is less than modern, no high-roof cargo option.
- Verdict The Express delivers the versatility and utility required from a full-size van, but it's showing its age compared with fresher models.
Overview
When you're ferrying numerous passengers or toting lots of cargo, a full-size van such as the 2020 Chevrolet Express may be the best choice. Available as either a passenger van or cargo van, the Express is built to get the job done in situations that call for exceptional utility. This Chevy can tow heavy trailers and accommodate weighty payloads, and it comes with an engine lineup that offers the power needed to get the job done without missing a beat. The Express's most notable weakness is its dated cabin design. Though this Chevy is a decent choice, we'd recommend taking a look at the recently redesigned Mercedes-Benz Sprinter and Ford Transit before making a buying decision.
What's New for 2020?
The Chevy Express enters 2020 with no notable changes.
Pricing and Which One to Buy
The base-model Chevrolet Express 2500 Cargo Van is a good place to start if you're purchasing this vehicle for the purpose of hauling freight. The standard wheelbase is 135 inches; the extended wheelbase stretches to 155 inches. The Express 2500 rides on 16-inch steel wheels, and it comes standard with halogen headlights. Within the cabin, there's an AM/FM stereo with MP3 compatibility and two front-door speakers as well as a backup camera. We'd recommend upgrading with the available Safety package ($2315), which adds amenities such as blind-spot monitoring, rear parking sensors, and heated power-adjustable sideview mirrors. With this package included, the Express 2500 Cargo Van has a total price of $34,860.
Engine, Transmission, and Performance
Chevy's Express gives buyers a choice of powertrains. There's a 4.3-liter V-6 good for 276 horsepower and 298 lb-ft of torque, and it's mated with an eight-speed automatic transmission. For those seeking a bit more muscle under the hood, there's a 6.0-liter V-8. It produces 341 horsepower and 373 lb-ft of torque, and it's teamed with a six-speed automatic gearbox. The most fuel-efficient pick is a 2.8-liter four-cylinder diesel engine. Governed by an eight-speed automatic, it generates 181 horsepower and 369 lb-ft of torque. This van is capable of towing up to 7000 pounds, and it can accommodate a payload of up to 4250 pounds. The Express handles like the big vehicle that it is. Still, its engine lineup is competent, generating the power needed to tackle the task of towing a trailer or hauling a full load of passengers.
Fuel Economy and Real-World MPG
Full-size vans such as the Express are exempt from federal fuel-economy standards. As a result, this van hasn't been tested by the EPA, and Chevy hasn't made its fuel-economy figures available.
Interior, Comfort, and Cargo
The Express passenger van seats up to 15 passengers. As is typical for full-size vans, the Express tends to go for very long intervals between redesigns. This Chevy is still in its first generation, and it hit the market way back in 1996. Its age is evident in its cabin design, which looks dated by modern standards. The Mercedes-Benz Sprinter, which was redesigned in 2019, offers a cabin that looks much more premium and contemporary. Unfortunately, a high-roof cargo option isn't available with the Express, so be prepared to slump and stoop if you're placing goods in the rear of the van.
Infotainment and Connectivity
The base-model Express comes with an AM/FM stereo, and all models are Wi-Fi capable. On the options list, there's a Communications package that adds Bluetooth connectivity. This bundle also includes SiriusXM satellite radio and a CD player. The list of available features also includes a 6.5-inch color touchscreen and a navigation system. Relative to the interface offered by other Chevy vehicles, the available touchscreen looks and feels long in the tooth.
Safety and Driver-Assistance Features
The 2020 Chevy Express hasn't been crash-tested by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) or the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). However, it comes with a reasonably up-to-date range of optional driver-assistance features designed to help keep you safe on the road.
Key safety features include:
- Available rear parking sensors
- Available blind-spot monitoring
- Available lane-departure warning
- Available forward-collision warning
Warranty and Maintenance Coverage
The Express's warranty coverage is solid, but rivals such as the Nissan NV provide longer protection.
- Limited warranty covers 3 years or 36,000 miles
- Powertrain warranty covers 5 years or 60,000 miles
- Complimentary maintenance is covered for 1 year or 1 visit
