2019 Chevrolet Express Passenger

Starting at $30,745, the Chevrolet Express 2500 is the ultimate utilitarian van, whose main priority is to get the job done, without overcomplicating stuff. Although, if you're spending all day hauling passengers around the city, you'd start to notice the shortcomings like the maneuverability, accessibility issues and the lackluster infotainment.

The competition in this segment may not seem cutthroat from an outsider's point-of-view, but with the reliable Mercedes Sprinter and the feature-rich Ford Transit at its tail, the minimalist Chevy may have a hard time maintaining its grasp on the market. Let's compare them and see how the Express fares.

Many of the features added by the LT are available on LS models as well with a 6.5-inch touchscreen and other stand-alone options like power-adjustable heated mirrors, rear parking sensors, a blind-spot monitor, a heavy-duty locking rear differential, remote engine start, a sliding rear door, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, power-adjustable front seats and satellite radio.

Model	LT	LS
MSRP	$36,095	$37,695
Key Features	16-inch steel wheels 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 Rearview camera Driver information display Vinyl upholstery and floor covering 4G LTE Wi-Fi hotspot	Front and rear chrome bumpers Remote locking and unlocking Lane departure warning Forward collision alert Cloth upholstery Carpeted flooring Tilt-only steering wheel Cruise control

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Some features and packages are available only when the appropriate body type is selected. The Paratransit package for extended-wheelbase 3500 models removes the rear seat and reverts to vinyl floor coverings. It is best to choose the body type first before you decide which trim to have.

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. - Edmunds

Engine and Transmission

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.

Models	Ram ProMaster 2500	GMC Savana 2500 regular wheelbase van	Chevrolet Express 2500 van	Mercedes Benz Sprinter 150 standard roof van	Ford Transit 150 low roof van	Nissan NV2500 HD S van
MSRP	$33,895		$32,490	$33,790	$34,530	$29,340
Engine	3.6L V6 Regular Unleaded	4.3L V6	4.3L V6	2.0L i4 Intercooled Turbo Premium Unleaded	3.7L V6 Regular Unleaded	4.0L V6 Regular Unleaded
Transmission	6 Speed automatic	8 Speed automatic	8 Speed automatic	9-G Tronic	6 Speed automatic	Continuously variable automatic
Horsepower	280 hp@ 6400rpm	276 hp@ 5200rpm	276 hp@ 5200rpm	188 hp@ 5000rpm	275 hp@6000rpm	261 hp@ 5600rpm
Torque	260 ft-lbs@ 4400rpm	298 ft-lbs@ 3900rpm	298 ft-lbs@ 3900rpm	258 ft-lbs@ 2500rpm	260 ft-lbs@ 4000rpm	281 ft-lbs@ 4000rpm

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 NV3500 HD comes with a 261 hp V6.

Acceleration

With the revamped engine, the passenger 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.

Models	Ram ProMaster 2500	GMC Savana 2500 regular wheelbase van	Chevrolet Express 2500 van	Mercedes Benz Sprinter 150 standard roof van	Ford Transit 150 low roof van	Nissan NV2500 HD S van
0-60 MPH	N/A	7.8 sec	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A
Quarter mile	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A
Engine	3.6L V6 Regular Unleaded	4.3L V6	4.3L V6	2.0L i4 Intercooled Turbo Premium Unleaded	3.7L V6 Regular Unleaded	4.0L V6 Regular Unleaded
Emission (Tons/yr of CO2 Emissions @ 15K mi/year)	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A

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 and 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 flipside, 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 Transit has a much more modern driving style.

Braking

The massive passenger 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.

Model	Ram ProMaster 2500	GMC Savana 2500 regular wheelbase van	Chevrolet Express 2500 van	Mercedes Benz Sprinter 150 standard roof van	Ford Transit 150 low roof van	Nissan NV2500 HD S van
Brake Front (in.)	11.8	12.8	12.8	N/A	12.1	14.2
Brake Rear (in.)	11	13.0	13	N/A	12.1	14.4
Curb Weight (lbs.)	4644	5158	5225	4696	2788	5819
60-0 MPH (ft.)	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A

N/A

Unlike many in this segment, the Chevrolet Express offers seating for up to 15 passengers. (Most others max out at 12.) Unfortunately, a high roof is not on the options list. Compared to rival vans, passengers will have to duck more as they enter and exit the vehicle. - Edmunds

Seating and Comfort

The utility-focussed van has 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 the Ford has added a plethora of features to make the Transit relevant for 2019.

Infotainment System

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.

Cargo Capacity

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.

Model	Ram ProMaster 2500	GMC Savana 2500 regular wheelbase van	Chevrolet Express 2500 van	Mercedes Benz Sprinter 150 standard roof van	Ford Transit 150 low roof van	Nissan NV2500 HD S van
Passenger capacity	12	15	15	12	15	12
Front (Head/Shoulder/Leg) (In.)	38.8/74.8	39.8/68.8/41/3	39.8/68.8/41/3	-	40.8/67.9/41.3	42.8/65.7/42.0
Second (Head/Shoulder/Leg) (In.)	-	-	-	-	-	-

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.

Design and Dimensions

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 optional swing out ladder rack, improve the passenger bay's accessibility by a wide margin.

Model	Ram ProMaster 2500	GMC Savana 2500 regular wheelbase van	Chevrolet Express 2500 van	Mercedes Benz Sprinter 150 standard roof van	Ford Transit 150 low roof van	Nissan NV2500 HD S van
Curb weight (lbs.)	4644	5158	5225	4696	2788	5819
Length(in)	213.1	224.1	224.1	233.5	219.9	240.6
Width(in)	80.7	79.2	79.2	92.3	81.3	99.5
Height(in)	88.7	84.6	84.6	96.3	83.6	83.9
Ground clearance (in)	6.9	7.1	7.1	N/A	N/A	N/A
Wheelbase (in)	136	135.0	135.0	144	129.9	146.1
Track width (in) F/R	71.3/70.5	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	68.7/68.9

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 capacity.

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
• Tire Pressure Monitoring System

Chevrolet Express 2500 vs Ford Transit

The archaic passenger van is no match for the Ford which comes with modern styling, a futuristic infotainment and huge interior cabin. The seats are more comfortable and spacious in the Ford as well as easy accessibility puts the Transit ahead of the Chevrolet Express. However, if you're going to haul a trailer, the Chevrolet has better towing capacity.

Chevrolet Express 2500 vs Nissan NV3500 HD

The NV3500 is Nissan's answer to the passenger van segment primarily dominated by the American manufacturers like Ford, RAM and GMC. However, the 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 flipside, the interior on the Nissan are done right, much more so compared to the Chevy.

The 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 Spriner if you're going to spend a lot of time in the cabin.