2019 Chevy Express 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

　　What the minivan is to the local youth soccer league, the full-size passenger van is to your local semi-pro club: a means to get the talent from point A to B. And when you need to move several talented bodies, a full-size passenger van like the 2019 Chevrolet Express is really your only choice.

　　

Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2019 Chevrolet Express LS 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 LS 2500

　　Express LS 2500

　　LS 2500 3dr Van (4.3L 6cyl 8A) (Most Popular) - $34,900 MSRPLT 2500 3dr Van (4.3L 6cyl 8A) - $36,500 MSRPLS 3500 3dr Van (4.3L 6cyl 8A) - $37,200 MSRPLS 3500 3dr Ext Van (4.3L 6cyl 8A) - $38,000 MSRPLT 3500 3dr Van (4.3L 6cyl 8A) - $38,400 MSRPLT 3500 3dr Ext Van (4.3L 6cyl 8A) - $39,200 MSRP

　　vs

　　$283/mo

　　Avg. Midsize Van

　　With versatile seating arrangements, the Express can carry eight, 12 or 15 passengers. A choice of V6, stout V8 or fuel-thrifty four-cylinder diesel engine means there's a power configuration to suit most passenger needs, not to mention two available payload ratings, and an extended wheelbase if you need absolute maximum passenger and cargo capacity.

　　But unless you like the Chevy's styling, or you're reassured by the wide availability of spare parts, we suggest looking elsewhere. 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.

　　Even then the Express falls short since most of its competitors offer more modern technology and better handling and even have high-roof versions that allow for better passenger entry and exit. Used-parts availability and an established track record might be potential draws, but they're not enough to make us recommend the Express Passenger van without reservation. Its competitors are simply that much better overall. 

　　

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 easily gets the van up to highway speeds, even with a full load of passengers.

　　

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 in despite the immensity of this vehicle. The basic controls are easy to find and simple to use, but comforts are few.

　　

Interior

　　Most vehicles in this class max out at 12 seats, but the Express (along with its GMC Savana twin and the Ford Transit) offers seating for up to 15. A high roof is not on the options list, so passengers will have to duck as they enter and exit.

　　

Utility

　　The cargo area behind the rear seats measures an impressive 92.1 cubic feet, leaving plenty of room for carry-on luggage. All seats behind the first row are removable should you need to store extra cargo, increasing the area to 252.8 cubes in the long-wheelbase model.

　　

Technology

　　The Express isn't the most tech-forward van on the market, with just a two-speaker sound system, AM/FM radio and an auxiliary port as standard. Additions such as a USB port, CD player and navigation are available. The optional touchscreen's user interface is dated compared to what's used in other Chevys.

　　

Which Express does zzdcar recommend?

　　Which Chevrolet Express Passenger is best for you depends on how many people you'll routinely carry and whether the van will also be loaded up with cargo, luggage or goods. If you intend to regularly transport eight or more people or tow a trailer, consider the 3500 for its increased payload and towing capabilities.

　　

2019 Chevrolet Express models

　　The 2019 Chevrolet Express Passenger is a full-size van with versatile seating configurations and room for up to 12 people. (Its Express Cargo sibling retains the front two seats and uses the rest of the interior as an expansive cargo area.) It's available in two load ratings, 2500 and 3500, and in two trims, the base LS and the LT. Additionally, the 3500 can be ordered with a long wheelbase, which increases the length of the cargo area by about 20 inches. The additional room allows for another row of seats (15-passenger seating) if you desire.

　　The LS is powered by a 4.3-liter V6 (276 horsepower, 298 pound-feet of torque) paired to an eight-speed automatic transmission. Standard features include 16-inch steel wheels, a 60/40-split opening passenger door, 12-passenger seating (2-3-3-4 with a 50/50-split back row), air conditioning, power windows and locks, a driver information display, vinyl upholstery and floor covering, GM's OnStar communications, a rearview camera, and a two-speaker audio system with an AM/FM stereo and an auxiliary port.

　　A tilt-only steering wheel and cruise control are standard on 3500 models and optional for the 2500. Opting for the extended-wheelbase 3500 adds rear air conditioning, which is available as a separate option for the other LS models.

　　Stepping up to the LT adds front and rear chrome bumpers, remote locking and unlocking, cloth upholstery, carpeted flooring and rear air conditioning. This trim also adds the tilt-only steering wheel and cruise control to the 2500. Forward collision alert and lane departure warning are now standard features on the LT trim for 2019.

　　Many of the features added by the LT are available on LS models as well. A bundle containing a 6.5-inch touchscreen with Bluetooth, a CD player, a USB port and a navigation system is available for any Express Passenger model.

　　A rearview camera with the display located in the rearview mirror can be ordered on any vehicle without the touchscreen. Other stand-alone options include power-adjustable heated mirrors, rear parking sensors, forward collision alert, lane departure warning, a heavy-duty locking rear differential, remote vehicle start, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, power-adjustable front seats, satellite radio, and a 4G LTE Wi-Fi hotspot.

　　Some features and packages are available only when the appropriate body type is selected. The Paratransit package for 3500 extended-wheelbase models removes the rear seat and reverts to vinyl floor coverings. This body style can also be ordered in a 15-passenger (2-3-3-3-4 seating) configuration. Standard-wheelbase 2500 and 3500 models can be ordered in an eight-passenger (2-3-3) configuration.

　　Two additional powertrains are offered on any body style. For hauling a large number of people, consider the 6.0-liter V8 (341 hp, 373 lb-ft) matched to a six-speed automatic transmission. If fuel efficiency is a priority, check out the 2.8-liter four-cylinder diesel engine (181 hp, 369 lb-ft) paired to an eight-speed automatic.

　　

2019 Express Highlights

Trim: LS 2500LT 2500LS 3500LT 3500LS 2500

　　

Base MSRP	$34,900
Engine Type	Gas
Seating	12 seats
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place	92.1 cu.ft.
Drivetrain	rear wheel drive
Warranty	3 years / 36,000 miles