2018 Chevrolet Express Reviews, Pricing & Specs

Although the Chevrolet Express and its twin, the GMC Savana, might seem like vans that are frozen in time, the Express continues to sell...

Although the Chevrolet Express and its twin, the GMC Savana, might seem like vans that are frozen in time, the Express continues to sell well, and GM hasn’t felt the need to fix something that isn’t broken. The Express is a proven platform. For 2018, the Express gets a new 4.3-liter 6-cylinder as its base engine, a reversing camera becomes standard equipment, and a blind-spot monitor becomes an optional extra. The 2018 Chevrolet Express is available as an LS or an LT passenger model or as a commercially-oriented cargo model. Both come in the 2500 or heavier duty 3500 configurations. The Express can also be had with a longer wheelbase. Depending on trip, options, and powertrain, a 2018 Chevrolet Express will cost between $30,000 and $40,000.

Typically, the first decision for an Express buyer is the engine, and there are three of options. First choice is the new 4.3-liter 6-cylinder that is mated to a conventional 8-speed automatic and makes 276 horsepower. This engine is adequate for the usual hauling of people and a light cargo load, but it is less suited to substantial towing. Next is the proven Vortec 6.0-liter 8-cylinder that makes 341 hp and is mated to a 6-speed automatic. The V-8 Express can tow up to about 9,600 pounds. The last option is a turbodiesel 2.8-liter 4-cylinder engine, the strongest selling point being its 369 pound-feet of torque. There aren’t official fuel economy figures for the 2018 Express yet, but last year’s V-8 model achieved 11 mpg city, 16 highway, and 13 combined in 2500 form and 11, 16, and 12 in 3500 form.

The interior of the Chevrolet Express is fairly basic. The LS comes standard with power locks, Onstar, Wi-Fi, and cruise control. There are 12 seats; although, the Express can be configured to seat up to 15 people. Options include Chevrolet’s MyLink infotainment system, navigation, parking sensors, USB port, a blind-spot monitor, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, and an engine block heater for cold weather shuttling. Stepping up to the LT adds cloth seats—instead of the base vinyl—interior carpets, power mirrors, locks, and windows.

As for space, the Express has plenty. A normal length 2500 can accommodate up to 92.1 cubic feet of stuff with the seats in place or 216.2 cubic feet with them removed. The extended 3500 model can pack 127.2 cubic feet with the seats in place and 252.8 cubic feet with them removed. .

Neither the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) nor the National Highway and Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) have crash tested the Express, but the passenger models get OnStar service standard and optional extras include a blind-spot monitor, hill-start assist, and rear parking sensors. As of 2018, a reversing camera is standard equipment.