2019 Chevy Express Cargo Review

　　

zzdcar' Expert Review

byDan FrioReviews Editor

　　Dan spent many years covering the go-fast, look-good, get-loud corners of the automotive universe. First, he served as editor of enthusiast magazines AutoSound and Honda Tuning, then as executive editor at SEMA News, the publishing arm of the trade group that produces the annual SEMA Show (yes, that show). As a contributor to zzdcar, he now likes to keep the volume low and the speed limit legal, providing expert car-shopping advice to drivers looking for the perfect match.

　　

What's new

Lane departure warning and forward collision alert are now availablePart of the first Express generation introduced for 1996

　　Expansive cargo space and robust hauling and towing ability make full-size vans ideal for contractors, small-business owners and weekend enthusiasts who like to venture afield with motorcycles, watercraft and sand toys.

　　

Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2019 Chevrolet Express Cargo 2500 3dr Van (4.3L 6cyl 8A) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of N/A undefined in North Dakota.

Monthly estimates based on costs in North Dakota

　　Not Available  for Express Cargo 2500

　　Express Cargo 2500

　　2500 3dr Van (4.3L 6cyl 8A) (Most Popular) - $31,900 MSRP2500 3dr Ext Van (4.3L 6cyl 8A) - $33,800 MSRP3500 3dr Van (4.3L 6cyl 8A) - $35,000 MSRP3500 3dr Ext Van (4.3L 6cyl 8A) - $35,800 MSRP

　　vs

　　$283/mo

　　Avg. Midsize Van

　　The 2019 Chevrolet Express is one of today's most well-known equipment haulers. It offers a strong engine lineup, excellent towing capacity, an optional extended-wheelbase model, and a reasonable starting price.

　　But unless you prefer its styling, the Express is the last full-size van we'd recommend. The Express is an old design, essentially the same van it was when introduced in 1996, with only minor interior and exterior refreshes to help keep it current. The cabin is severely dated compared to the rest of the class, and the Express offers only a few of today's latest safety and technology features.

　　Offered in standard and extended wheelbases, the Express has less cargo volume than other vans due to its single available low roof height. Its competitors all offer multiple roof height configurations. And while the Express' towing and payload capabilities are commendable, its inefficient V8 — which you'll need to maximize the van's capabilities — requires more fuel than the more modern V6 engines of the competition.

　　The Express Cargo van's abilities and affordable entry price remain strengths, but it's hard to recommend it given the wealth of better choices available.

　　

zzdcar' Expert Rating

　　

Trim tested

　　zzdcar has not yet driven any version of this vehicle. The following is our first take on what's significant about it and what you can expect.

　　

Driving

　　Even the standard-wheelbase Express is a large vehicle, and it drives like one. Tidy handling and accurate steering are not among the big Chevy's marching orders. The upgraded V8 engine is responsive, though, and it easily gets the van up to highway speeds, even with a full load of cargo.

　　

Comfort

　　The driver and front passenger are divided by an enormous center bulge covering some of the engine and transmission, the width of which causes the driver to feel squeezed even in this large vehicle. The basic controls are easy to find and simple to use, but comforts are few.

　　

Interior

　　The interior looks exceptionally dated compared to the rest of the class. The old-school vibe continues with the engine covering that protrudes into the driver and passenger footwell. Getting into the cargo area is hampered by a low roof and the lack of a door behind the driver.

　　

Utility

　　Cargo volume behind the front seats measures 239.7 cubic feet in the short-wheelbase (SWB) Express, increasing to 284.4 cubes in the long-wheelbase (LWB) model. Cargo capacity in the SWB model is in line with the space in similar vans, but the LWB's volume is lacking. Rivals offer taller roofs.

　　

Technology

　　The standard radio comes only with AM/FM radio reception and an auxiliary jack. You'll have to pay more for a CD player, satellite radio, a USB port, and an ancient touchscreen interface that is several generations removed from what's used in other Chevrolets.

　　

Which Express Cargo does zzdcar recommend?

　　The 2019 Chevrolet Express is only available in WT trim, so the best engine and wheelbase configuration depends on your cargo-hauling needs. We'd start with a long-wheelbase model to maximize cargo space otherwise compromised by the low roof. We'd also go with the four-cylinder diesel engine for its superior fuel economy.

　　

2019 Chevrolet Express Cargo models

　　The 2019 Chevrolet Express Cargo is a full-size van with two seats and an expansive cargo area (for people-hauling duties, consider the Express Passenger van, reviewed separately).

　　Two load ratings are available: 2500 and 3500. Each can be ordered in a standard- or extended-wheelbase configuration. No matter which starting configuration you choose, the Express Cargo comes only in a single, modestly equipped WT trim. Numerous stand-alone options are available.

　　By default, the rear-wheel-drive Express Cargo is powered by a 4.3-liter V6 (276 horsepower, 298 pound-feet of torque) paired to an eight-speed automatic transmission. Alternate powertrains are available if the standard V6 doesn't meet your requirements, including a 6.0-liter V8 (341 hp, 373 lb-ft) matched to a six-speed automatic and a 2.8-liter four-cylinder diesel engine (181 hp, 369 lb-ft) with an eight-speed auto.

　　The WT's standard features include 16-inch steel wheels, 60/40-split opening doors on the right side, a driver information display, air conditioning, power windows and locks, vinyl upholstery and floor covering, LED cargo lighting, six D-ring cargo tie-downs, a 120-volt outlet, a rearview camera, a 4G LTE Wi-Fi hotspot, GM's OnStar communications, and a two-speaker audio system with AM/FM radio and an auxiliary jack.

　　Major equipment packages include the Convenience package, which adds a tilt-adjustable steering wheel and cruise control, and the Chrome Appearance package, which brings chrome bumpers and grille.

　　The Hotel Shuttle package adds the Chrome Appearance items plus the 6.0-liter V8, a sliding rear passenger door, heated power mirrors, a second row of seating, tinted glass, and rear cargo windows.

　　Meanwhile, the Safety package adds the contents of the Convenience package, the V8 engine, power-adjustable mirrors, rear parking sensors with a backup alarm, and blind-spot monitoring, while the Ambulance package uses the V8, a heavy-duty locking differential, and a more powerful battery and alternator. A separate bundle adds a 6.5-inch touchscreen, navigation, Bluetooth, a CD player and a USB port.

　　Some of the above features can be added as stand-alone options. Other options include all-terrain tires, remote locking and unlocking, remote engine start, rear parking sensors, a backup alarm, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, cloth upholstery, power-adjustable front seats, satellite radio, a spray-in cargo liner, and rear air conditioning and heating. Forward collision alert and lane departure warning are new safety options for 2019.

　　

2019 Express Cargo Highlights

Trim: 250035002500

　　

Base MSRP	$31,900
Engine Type	Gas
Seating	2 seats
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place	239.7 cu.ft.
Drivetrain	rear wheel drive
Warranty	3 years / 36,000 miles