LS 3dr Passenger Van (4.3L 6cyl 8A)
LS 3dr Passenger Van (4.3L 6cyl 8A)
LS 4dr Passenger Van (6.0L 8cyl 341 hp CNG 8A)
LS 3dr Passenger Van (6.0L 8cyl 342 hp FFV 6A)
LS 4dr Passenger Van (6.0L 8cyl 341 hp CNG 8A)
LS 3dr Passenger Van (4.3L 6cyl 8A)
LS 3dr Passenger Van (6.0L 8cyl 342 hp FFV 6A)
LS 3dr Passenger Van (4.3L 6cyl 8A)
LS 4dr Passenger Van (6.0L 8cyl 341 hp CNG 8A)
LS 4dr Passenger Van (6.0L 8cyl 341 hp CNG 8A)
LS 3dr Passenger Van (4.8L 8cyl 6A)
LS 4dr Passenger Van (6.0L 8cyl 341 hp CNG 8A)
LS 3dr Passenger Van (4.8L 8cyl 6A)
LS 3dr Passenger Van (4.3L 6cyl 8A)
Don’t want to go far?
Find all cars near me?LS 3dr Passenger Van (6.0L 8cyl 342 hp FFV 6A)
LS 3dr Passenger Van (6.0L 8cyl 342 hp FFV 6A)
LS 3dr Passenger Van (4.8L 8cyl 6A)
LS 3dr Passenger Van (4.8L 8cyl 6A)
LS 3dr Passenger Van (4.3L 6cyl 8A)
LS 4dr Passenger Van (6.0L 8cyl 341 hp CNG 8A)
LS 3dr Passenger Van (4.3L 6cyl 8A)
LS 3dr Passenger Van (6.0L 8cyl 342 hp FFV 6A)
LS 3dr Passenger Van (6.0L 8cyl 342 hp FFV 6A)
LS 4dr Passenger Van (6.0L 8cyl 341 hp CNG 8A)
Overall Rating
Starting at $30,745, express cargo is a cheap option and a reliable one too. Thirty years down the line and there is nothing new to observe in this van, not even a cosmetic facelift. There are some engine upgrades, express cargo is now available with a 4.8L V8, which can churn 285hp of power and 295ft-lbs of torque.
Chevrolet’s cargo van is that old man from your neighborhood who can bench more than the fit muscle-heads could not. Express cargo is now an experienced contender, providing the best with very few upgrades. There is no doubt that there are much better options, but reliability is one key factor that is keeping the Chevy alive. It is exactly like its sibling from GMC, the Savanna in both capability and design.
Powering the van is a powerful naturally aspirated V-8 that puts up 295 horsepower and 295 foot-pounds of torque. It has the exceptional towing capability, and although the driving quality is not up to what some modern competitors offer, the Express Cargo has brilliant pulling power. The van competes against the likes of the Ford Transit Van, the RAM Promaster Cargo, and the Nissan NV Cargo.
Express cargo is available in only one trim but with different engine and wheelbase options. The recommendation in this segment depends on the usage and that differs from user to user. We would anyway recommend choosing the more fuel-efficient 4 cylinder engine and the extended-wheelbase model to make up for less cargo space.
LS 4dr Passenger Van (6.0L 8cyl 341 hp CNG 8A)
LS 3dr Passenger Van (4.8L 8cyl 6A)
LS 3dr Passenger Van (4.8L 8cyl 6A)
LS 3dr Passenger Van (6.0L 8cyl 342 hp FFV 6A)
LS 3dr Passenger Van (4.3L 6cyl 8A)
LS 4dr Passenger Van (6.0L 8cyl 341 hp CNG 8A)
Starting at $30,745, express cargo is a cheap option and a reliable one too. Thirty years down the line and there is nothing new to observe in this van, not even a cosmetic facelift. There are some engine upgrades, express cargo is now available with a 4.8L V8, which can churn 285hp of power and 295ft-lbs of torque.
Chevrolet’s cargo van is that old man from your neighborhood who can bench more than the fit muscle-heads could not. Express cargo is now an experienced contender, providing the best with very few upgrades. There is no doubt that there are much better options, but reliability is one key factor that is keeping the Chevy alive. It is exactly like its sibling from GMC, the Savanna in both capability and design.
Powering the van is a powerful naturally aspirated V-8 that puts up 295 horsepower and 295 foot-pounds of torque. It has the exceptional towing capability, and although the driving quality is not up to what some modern competitors offer, the Express Cargo has brilliant pulling power. The van competes against the likes of the Ford Transit Van, the RAM Promaster Cargo, and the Nissan NV Cargo.
Chevy's cargo van is available in only one trim, the WT trim. However, Chevrolet offers an extended version of its WT trim. For 2018, the Chevrolet Express Cargo only the 4.3L V-8 engine is offered, the larger V-8 and the Duramax diesel are not currently offered on new cars.
Model |
Regular wheelbase |
Extended wheelbase |
---|---|---|
MSRP |
$33,795 |
$35,695 |
Key Features |
Low curb weight 5,261 lbs |
Extended cargo area |
Higher payload capacity 3,280 lbs |
Increased cargo storage area |
|
Power steering |
Power steering |
|
Transmission/ brake shift interlocks |
Transmission/ brake shift interlocks |
|
Hill-start assist |
Hill-start assist |
|
12 V power outlet |
12 V power outlet |
|
4G LTE Wifi hotspot capable (optional) |
4G LTE Wifi hotspot capable (optional) |
|
Electronic theft detection system |
Electronic theft detection system |
Buying Advice
Express cargo is available in only one trim but with different engine and wheelbase options. The recommendation in this segment depends on the usage and that differs from user to user. We would anyway recommend choosing the more fuel-efficient 4 cylinder engine and the extended-wheelbase model to make up for less cargo space.
The van & minivan segment is not a segment for weak engines, you need powerful large V-8s with the towing capability to be competitive. Chevy used to provide its van the powerful Duramax V8 though the diesel motor will not be available now. The van is powered by a 4.3L V-6 gasoline motor, which makes 276 horsepower and 298 foot-pounds of torque
.
The motor is mated to a capable and reliable 8-speed automatic gearbox, which offers overdrive, engine braking, Tow/Haul mode, and other features. The power is sent only to the rear wheels, which helps in the vans towing character.
Models |
Chevrolet Express Cargo |
Ford Transit Van |
Ram Promaster Cargo Van |
Nissan NV Cargo |
---|---|---|---|---|
MSRP |
$30,745 |
$34,590 |
$34,295 |
$27,730 |
Engine |
4.8L V8 |
3.7L V6 |
3.6L V6 |
4.0L V6 |
Drivetrain |
RWD |
RWD |
FWD |
RWD |
Transmission |
8-speed automatic |
6-speed shiftable automatic |
6-speed automatic |
5-speed automatic |
Horsepower |
276 hp @ 5200 rpm |
275 hp @ 6000 rpm |
280 hp @ 6400 rpm |
261 hp @ 5600 rpm |
Torque |
298 ft-lbs. @ 3900 rpm |
260 ft-lbs. @ 4000 rpm |
260 ft-lbs. @ 4175 rpm |
281 ft-lbs. @ 4000 rpm |
The 4.8L V8 Vortec is the default engine in express cargo and the output this engine provides is best-in-class. The neck-to-neck competition in this segment makes it clear that there is a wide spectrum of options to choose from. Ford and Ram being expensive than Chevy, fail to provide better output.
Chevy's cargo van might have been in production without any major updates unlike the Ram Promaster or the Ford Transit, but it retains a powerful and responsive powertrain. This van by Chevy with its 4.8L V8 takes 8.5sec to reach the 60mph mark, this might not be the best in class but it proves that despite getting old it can keep up with its competitors.
Models |
Chevrolet Express Cargo |
Ford Transit Van |
Ram Promaster Cargo Van |
Nissan NV Cargo |
---|---|---|---|---|
0-60 MPH |
8.5sec |
7.5sec |
8.0sec |
9.6sec |
Quarter mile |
16.6sec |
15.9sec |
16.2sec |
17.4sec |
Engine |
4.8L V8 |
3.7L V6 |
3.6L V6 |
4.0L V6 |
Emission (Tons/yr of CO2 Emissions @ 15K mi/year) |
- |
- |
- |
- |
Quickest in this segment is the Ford, which takes just 7.5sec to reach 60mph. Even the RAM Rpomaster is quite fast off the mark and reaches the quarter-mile a tad bit quicker. The Nissan NV is the most gradual in its acceleration amongst the competitors.
The van itself is quite boxy and difficult to handle. Most of the competitors offer better electrically assisted steerings that feel akin to passenger cars, though the Express retains the old hydraulic system, which can be a bit fatiguing after long use. The van has a hefty bit of body roll when hitting corners, and even crosswind on open stretches.
The engine itself is quite responsive, and the throttle gets the van going. Though in acceleration terms, we wouldn't expect much from the car, as even when it builds up speed it is without any burst of motion, and rather a gradual and slow motion. Overall the van does what it intends to, with minimal fuss.
Vans are not made for sudden braking as the consequences are a bit rough. Maybe this was the reason most of Chevy's rivals are equipped with features like brake assist and ABS, but express was neglected with these upgrades. Although like most other vans, the gearbox will automatically employ engine braking to slow the van down. The brae itself feels quite hefty and is one of the older feeling bits in the van.
Model |
Chevrolet Express Cargo |
Ford Transit Van |
Ram Promaster Cargo Van |
Nissan NV Cargo |
---|---|---|---|---|
Brake Front (in.) |
11.14 |
12.1 |
11.8 |
14.2 |
Brake Rear (in.) |
N/A |
12.1 |
11.0 |
14.4 |
Curb Weight (lbs.) |
5,345lbs. |
4,866lbs. |
4,883lbs. |
5,984lbs. |
60-0 MPH (ft.) |
N/A |
N/A |
N/A |
N/A |
The lighter frames on the Transit and the Promaster prove more effective in stopping. Transit in the modern era has almost passenger cars like brakes, which seem much more reliable and easier to operate.
Cargo vans are rarely used for towing, but if you require extra space and cannot fit anything inside, find a trailer attached to Chevy's express cargo. Express cargo can tow up to 10,000lbs. of load and that is one best-in-class figure.
Model |
Chevrolet Express Cargo |
Ford Transit Van |
Ram Promaster Cargo Van |
Nissan NV Cargo |
---|---|---|---|---|
Towing Capacity (lbs.) |
10,000lbs. |
7,500lbs. |
5,100lbs. |
6,900lbs. |
The towing capacity of Ford is also impressive but it is nothing compared to what Chevy has to offer. Similarly, the Ram Promaster has even lower capability considering that it is an FWD car. The Nissan NV also has a lower towing capability as compared to the Express Cargo.
Despite being heavy and rather mediocre in its looks this van is not a gas-guzzler. It can chew up to 24 miles in just one gallon of gas and on highways it can cram 26 miles in just one gallon. Vans are mostly used by businesses situated in urban or semi-urban regions, Chevy won't burn a hole in small business owner's pockets. Although Chevrolet has decided to retire the cheaper and more efficient CNG engine option for the Express from 2018 onwards.
Model |
Chevrolet Express Cargo |
Ford Transit Van |
Ram Promaster Cargo Van |
Nissan NV Cargo |
---|---|---|---|---|
MPG (city) |
24mpg |
20mpg |
21mpg |
N/A |
MPG (highway) |
26mpg |
27mpg |
28mpg |
N/A |
MPG (combined) |
25mpg |
23mpg |
24mpg |
N/A |
Fuel Capacity (gallons) |
31 |
25.0 |
24.0 |
28.0 |
The Express Cargo and even the GMC Savan have a comparably large fuel tank on them. While even without the tank, these vans have a great fuel economy. The range for the Express can be expected to be the most amongst its competitors.
There is not much to notice inside express cargo, the blacked-out interiors with awkwardly placed buttons. The cheap plastic inside represents the amount of time Chevrolet invested in designing the interiors of the Express, although that is expected as the van is intended to be a commercial vehicle.Â
Model |
Chevrolet Express Cargo |
Ford Transit Van |
Ram Promaster Cargo Van |
Nissan NV Cargo |
---|---|---|---|---|
Passenger capacity |
2 |
2 |
2 |
2 |
Front (Head/Shoulder/Leg) (In.) |
41.70/54.10/42.60 |
40.8/67.9/39.7 |
N/A/74.8/38.8 |
42.8/65.7/42.0 |
At least on the front bench, the Express Cargo Van has the best-in-class legroom. but it is overshadowed by the tiny shoulder room the van offers, particularly with the 3seat configuration at the front. The RAM Promaster offers some of the best space even in its front seats.
Express cargo van is fitted with a relatively small infotainment screen for a van or even for a car. The infotainment system is available with AM/FM radio and comes with an auxiliary jack. CD players are not standard and that can be labeled as an upgrade because CDs are now history and most would prefer using their phones. Satellite radio is also optional, while the speakers seem adequate for the cabin, there are only two of them right at the front. Some standout features in infotainment are:
Cargo vans are meant to stack huge racks of cargo and these are probably the only numbers that matter while buying a cargo van. Chevy's express cargo is not a good performer in this category, the competitors all offer better storage in their loading bay.
Model |
Chevrolet Express Cargo |
Ford Transit Van |
Ram Promaster Cargo Van |
Nissan NV Cargo |
---|---|---|---|---|
Cargo Volume (ft.3) |
239.7 |
246.0 |
456.0 |
234.1 |
Chevy can load up to 239.7ft3 of cargo which is not great for a small business owner, the absence of the taller roof also takes away points from usability. There is an extended wheelbase version that makes up for it but even with an extended wheelbase it just cannot keep up with what Ram has to provide, 456ft3 of cargo space.
The express van was released when Bill Clinton was elected as the President for the second time, and from that era, there are not many face-lifts to this cargo van. The same old design is still in production, it might enliven the old-faithful consumers of Chevrolet, but not the younger generations. The bland and unimpressive styling is not very persuasive and not that great in terms of practicality. The car features normal incandescent bulbs on both headlamps and taillamps with no LED DRLs.
Model |
Chevrolet Express Cargo |
Ford Transit Van |
Ram Promaster Cargo Van |
Nissan NV Cargo |
---|---|---|---|---|
Curb weight (lbs.) |
5,345lbs. |
4,998 |
4,883lbs. |
5,806 |
Length(in) |
224.1in. |
217.8 |
236.0in. |
240.6 |
Width(in) |
79.2in. |
81.3 |
82.7in. |
79.9 |
Height(in) |
84.6in. |
100.8 |
101.0in. |
83.6 |
Ground clearance (in) |
7.1in. |
6.9in. |
8.1/8.1 |
N/A |
Wheelbase (in) |
135.0in. |
129.9 |
159.0in. |
146.1 |
Track width (in) F/R |
N/A |
68.2/68.6 |
68.7/68.9 |
N/A |
The Van has quite a long wheelbase and length even in the smaller wheelbase version. Although it is quite narrow. The most notable part about the exterior is that bar the Nissan NV, the Chevrolet Express’s aging frame is the heaviest in the class.
The Chevrolet Express Cargo is intended only for commercial use, and as such, neither the NHTSA nor the IIHS has rated the crashworthiness of the vehicle. Chevrolet also loads the van with some of the most basic safety features like hill-descent assist, braking assist, tow/haul assist, and so on. Some standout safety features in the van are:
Ford's Transit van's popularity amongst small business owners and cargo shipment firms says a lot about its reliability. Ford might not be performing better than Chevy but it keeps a ton of safety and convenience features under its sleeve, making it a popular van. The all-new Transit van is priced a bit higher than Chevy and provides a lot more added benefits.
Promaster cargo is the only cargo van in this segment that can provide up to 456ft3 of cargo space and that makes Ram a more practical option than its competitors. Mediocre power output and fuel economy are some positive aspects of this van. Overall, the van is much more expensive than Chevy and does not offer any added features to it.
The cheapest and the weakest option in this segment, this Japanese is not what van buyers have in mind. Nissan's cargo van cannot keep up with its rivals in terms of cargo space and towing capacity, the best-in-class legroom sure does keep the driver comfortable. There are extended roof options that can improve cargo capacity.
The 2018 Chevrolet Express Cargo Van is a practical cargo van with not many fancy features. Its fuel economy and best-in-class towing capacity provide this cargo van with an added advantage. But after looking at the competition, Chevy is not the choice to consider.