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- Highs Strong V-8 option, available diesel, good towing and payload capacity.
- Lows Looks old inside and out, lacks tech features, no option for a high roof.
- Verdict Chevy's cargo and passenger van offerings are aging when compared to newer, more modern rivals, meaning they are workhorses and nothing more.
Overview
There isn't much to say about Chevy's workaday full-size van that you don't already know, as it's been around for decades without major changes. But it gets the job done, with both cargo- and passenger-van configurations available and a wide variety of powertrains. Engine choices include a gas-powered V-6 and V-8 as well as a diesel inline-four. There are also two wheelbase lengths and either 2500 or 3500 models to choose from. The passenger van can hold up to 15 people. It's worth noting that other vans including the Ford Transit and Mercedes-Benz Sprinter are far more modern than the Chevy and its twin, the GMC Savana.
What's New for 2022?
Chevy hasn't made any changes to the Express for 2022 (or since the early 2000s, for that matter).
Pricing and Which One to Buy
There are nicer, more modern vans and SUVs on the market for carrying passengers, so we recommend the Express to buyers looking for a strong-like-bull work vehicle for hauling tools, equipment, or cargo. The base-model 2500 Cargo Van is a good place to start. 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.
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 pound-feet 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 6.6-liter V-8. It produces 401 horsepower and 464 pound-feet of torque, and it's teamed with a six-speed automatic gearbox. The most fuel-efficient pick is the 2.8-liter four-cylinder diesel engine. Governed by an eight-speed automatic, it generates 181 horsepower and 369 pound-feet of torque. This van can tow up to 7000 pounds and accommodate a payload of up to 4280 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 2022 Chevy Express comes with a reasonably up-to-date range of optional driver-assistance features designed to help keep you safe on the road. For more information about the Express's crash-test results, visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) websites. Key safety features include:
- 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 three years or 36,000 miles
- Powertrain warranty covers five years or 60,000 miles
- Complimentary maintenance is covered for the first visit
