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- Highs Powerful V-8, 4280-lb max payload, 10,000-lb tow capacity.
- Lows Designed in the stone age, diesel’s demise, the MSRP is up to what?
- Verdict The antediluvian Express stretches the “if it ain’t broke” axiom to absurd lengths, but even at retirement-home age the Chevy van somehow remains a reasonably competent workhorse and people-mover.
Overview
Like its corporate twin—the GMC Savana—the veteran Chevy Express is a full-size van built for labor, well-adapted to everything from hauling equipment to transporting up to 15 passengers at once. It’s propelled by conventional, robust gasoline engines, including a 4.3-liter V-6 and a 6.6-liter V8, which are backed by an eight-speed automatic and a heavy-duty six-speed automatic, respectively. While the Express was available with all-wheel drive back when a 1500 model was offered, the current 2500 and 3500 models are rear-wheel drive only—a change that seems like a downgrade given that we praised the AWD system way back when we tested it in 2003. That’s right; this truck has been around for a long, long time. The cargo and passenger body configurations first hit the market in the 1996 model year. Ancient it may be, but it’s still capable of meeting the demands of shoppers who might be comparing the Express to its modern rivals, namely the Ford Transit, Mercedes-Benz Sprinter, and Ram ProMaster.
Where This Vehicle Ranks
What's New for 2023?
Chevy has axed the 2.8-liter Duramax in-line four-cylinder diesel engine for the 2023 model year. That also means the deletion of the exhaust-brake feature and radiator grille cover that accompanied the oil-burning engine. Also gone is the auxiliary heat generator that was added to diesel vans equipped with the Cold Climate Package. Everything else remains the same.
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 a 4.3-liter V-6; a beefier 6.6-liter V8 is optional. 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 is 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 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. Most full-size vans go for long intervals between redesigns. This Chevy takes that to a new record in longevity: it’s till in its first generation after hitting the market way back in 1996. Its age is evident in its dated, downmarket cabin design. The Mercedes-Benz Sprinter, for instance, was redesigned in 2019 and 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 prehistoric.
Safety and Driver-Assistance Features
The 2023 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 van's warranty coverage is solid, but rivals such as the Ram ProMaster and Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 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
