Used 2019 Chevrolet Express 2500 Base for sale 

There is only one trim in the Chevrolet Express van but you have 4 engine options to choose from as well as an extended wheelbase version if you plan on hauling a lot of cargo. 

Chevrolet has clearly focused on offering more engines than features with the Express Cargo Van. However, it has added some useful on the go work features like the 120 Volt power outlet.

Which trim should you buy?

You should choose the turbodiesel engine option in the Chevrolet Express for the best balance between power and efficiency. You can also choose between the 2500 and 3500 versions for added payload capacity. The extended wheelbase model adds a few cubic feet to the cargo bay.

Equipped with a 4.3L V6 engine mated to a new 8-speed automatic transmission, the Chevrolet Express 2500 makes 276 hp and 298 lb-ft. In lieu of the basic engine, you could choose a 341 hp and 373 lb-ft 6.0-Liter VORTEC V8 engine. You can also choose a 181 hp and 369 lb-ft 2.8L inline-4 turbo diesel engine for using the Van as a fleet vehicle which comes paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission as well.

The Chevrolet Express and the GMC Savana vans are essentially rebadged twins from General Motors, have the same engine and powertrain. The Ford Transit van isn't far behind with just 1 horsepower less than the Chevy and GMC.

The Nissan NV2500 comes with a 261 hp V6, while the Mercedes Sprinter lags behind with a 2.0L inline-4 engine making merely 188 hp.

How fast is the 2019 Chevrolet Express 2500 Cargo Van>>

With the revamped engine, the cargo van has gotten unquestionably quicker than than it used to be. Instead of taking 8.5 seconds like it used to the 0-60 sprint now takes 7.8 seconds, despite the drop in power. The rest of the vans in the segment complete the sprint to 60 in the same ballpark, except for the Sprinter with the tiny engine.

There is not much data available in terms of acceleration as cargo vans are not meant to go fast. However, the Express 2500 Cargo Van, offers the most grunt in its class.

Ride and Handling

The Chevrolet Express agility is similar to that of a boat. Moving around in tight spaces like parking lots and city streets, may not be an easy job. The outdated multi-leaf spring at the back is the main culprit for the dull handling characteristics. If you're too enthusiastic with the accelerator pedal through the corners, the body roll from the van is extreme.

Speeding around tight corners was never the purpose for this vehicle, but on the flip side, neither is the Chevy Express a comfortable place to be in. The suspension could be revamped with better dampers and vibrations travel through to the cabin. The competitors like the Sprinter and the Transit has a much more modern driving style.

Braking performance

The massive cargo van weighing over 5000 lbs is quite a task to stop once the momentum builds up, but the 12.8-inch discs up front and 13s at the back make the job much easier.

The smooth and linear brake pedal works great in conjunction with the in-built trailer braking to keep the hauler in control even on inclines.

Chevrolet has focused a lot on offering the grunt to get any work done with the Express 2500 Cargo Van. Thus, it lags behind in terms of fuel economy. While its fuel economy figures within the city are still acceptable, the highway efficiency is certainly not up to the mark. The old and heavy chassis of the cargo van lets it down. With 14 mpg in the city and 17 mpg over the highway, the Express 2500 Cargo Van certainly needs an update in terms of engine efficiency.

While it might not offer the best in class fuel economy, it does offer the largest fuel tank capacity. This means you don’t have to stop that often for fuel if you plan on taking a long-distance journey.

The utility-focussed van has a basic and functional cabin starting with plastic interiors to cloth upholstery, and no sign of premium materials.

The high seating position means great visibility through the huge front windshield as well as easier parking and maneuvering. However, a few issues like a low roofline and lack of a door behind the driver plague the practicality aspect of the van.

In contrast, the new Sprinter has much better headroom and legroom compared to the Chevy Express, with an ergonomically better designed interior. Even Ford has added a plethora of features to make the Transit relevant for 2019.

The mediocre cargo volume will help you out in most of your transportation needs, but if you feel the storage is lacking, you can opt for an extended wheelbase version of the van. The Express competes well with the vans like the Ford and the Nissan, but it can't hold a candle against the Mercedes Sprinter, whose cargo bay is almost 90 cu-ft more than the rest.

What's there to keep you entertained?

Despite the lack of an infotainment system with the 2019 Chevrolet Express 2500, it comes with a standard AM/FM radio reception and an auxiliary jack. A USB port, a CD player, and a satellite radio are available as optional features.

Though there is also an optional upgrade available for adding a touchscreen interface, it is not as user-friendly as you'd hope. Moreover, the system is quite archaic compared to what other Chevrolet rides has to offer.

With looks resembling the GMC Savana, the rebranded Chevy too hasn't received an update for 2019. Instead of the basic black front and rear bumpers, you can opt for chrome-clad bumpers for a little more premium looks.

The front grille has a chevy badge replacing the GMC, along with huge composite headlamps. The 60/40 opening passenger side doors, or a sliding doorway with an optional swing-out ladder rack, improve the cargo bay's accessibility by a wide margin.

Although the Chevrolet Express has a narrower profile than most of the competition, the low roof height is the real issue. It makes the van difficult to stand up straight in, for taller users. However, the extended wheelbase version of the Express 2500 adds a few more cubic feet of cargo capacity.

Express offers only a few of today's latest safety and technology features. Forward collision alert and lane departure warning are new safety options for 2019.

Safety feature

• StabiliTrak, traction assistance and vehicle stability
• Brake/transmission shift interlock for automatic transmissions
• Hill Start Assist
• Door beams, steel-side
• Daytime Running Lamps
• Rear Vision Camera
• Air bags, frontal, driver and right-front passenger
• Air bag deactivation switch, frontal passenger side
• OnStar and Chevrolet connected services capable
• Child seat anchors

Chevrolet Express 2500 vs Mercedes-Benz Sprinter

On the timeline, the Chevrolet is stuck in the paleolithic age compared to the Sprinter from the 21st century. With not just a better cabin and infotainment, but also a larger cargo bay, the Sprinter seems far ahead of the Express, however, Mercedes has decided to go with a tiny 2.0L inline-4 with the 2019 model with barely manages to make 188 hp compared to the 276 hp V6 in the Chevrolet. So if you're hauler does not need too much power, the Sprinter is a good option to consider.

Chevrolet Express 2500 vs Ford Transit

The Ford Transit has a much more modern outlook toward the cargo haulers and has a much more tech-rich infotainment for the user. The cabin is comfortable for long rides and the ride is smoother and compliant, compared to the springy suspensions on the Express 2500. In terms of pure hauling power, however, the Chevrolet pulls ahead.

Chevrolet Express 2500 vs Nissan NV2500

The NV3500 is Nissan's answer to the passenger van segment primarily dominated by American manufacturers like Ford, RAM and Chevrolet. However, Nissan fails to compare against them.

The Chevrolet Express is a workhorse with a sturdy build and plenty of raw power to haul cargo, unlike the Nissan. On the flip side, the interior on the Nissan is done right, much more so compared to the Chevy.

The 2019 Chevrolet Express 2500 survives the cutthroat competition against the Mercedes and the Nissan by doing one thing right, plenty of power and capacity. At the end of the day that's all that matters in a van. You can glance over high-end features and comfort if you're choosing the Chevy as a fleet vehicle. However, it would be better to get the Sprinter if you're going to spend a lot of time in the cabin.