Used 2021 Chevrolet Express 2500 Cargo

The 2021 Chevrolet Express has a reputation for being a strong and dependable full-size van. It earned this status over 25 years of hauling cargo and passengers in its two basic forms (there’s also a cutaway chassis version). The Express launched in 1996, and this is still its first generation, along with its GMC twin, the Savana.

Not a shining example of modernity, then. But most buyers have other requirements. Like the ability to transport up to 15 people or deliver a load of packages. Which the Express can do. And since it’s a Chevrolet, spare parts should be easy to obtain almost anywhere in the United States.

Buyers with specific needs that might only be met by upfitting — the installation of specialist equipment by specialist technicians — should make sure that the standard roof height of the Express is going to work, since it doesn’t offer a high-roof variant like the Ford Transit and Mercedes-Benz Sprinter. Both of those rivals, incidentally, are derived from European vans, along with the Ram ProMaster (based on a Fiat).

This year, versions of the Chevy Express with the standard V6 engine have an increased gross combined weight rating (GCWR) of 15,000 pounds. As well as a V6, the Chevy Express also offers a 2.8-liter turbodiesel and a new-for-2021 6.6-liter gasoline V8. The only other van with an optional V8 is the Nissan NV.

Whereas more modern rivals drive with some precision, the Chevy Express has vague steering and unsophisticated ride quality. Nor does maneuverability compare well to something like the Ford Transit or Ram ProMaster. The Mercedes-Benz Sprinter and Ford Transit also have all-wheel drive on their options lists. The Express is rear-drive only.

However, the Express can offer a V8 with plenty of thrust — 464 lb-ft of torque — to get people and/or cargo moving. The same 6.6-liter V8 is used in the Chevy Silverado HD pickup.

Although the diesel alternative doesn’t make much horsepower, it develops a useful 369 lb-ft of torque while being the most fuel-efficient engine of the 2021 Express range.

A commercial driver’s license (CDL) isn’t necessary to operate a 15-seater. A valid regular license will do. But a CDL and some experience are recommended by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).

The Cargo version of the 2021 Express full-size van is more or less an empty shell, waiting for whatever specialized equipment the buyer wants to install, or perhaps the optional spray-in protective liner will be all that’s required. A second seating row is also on the options list.

In its standard form, the Passenger version has seating for 12. The full complement of 15 seats is available with the 3500/extended-wheelbase model. The 3500 has a maximum payload of 4,090 pounds.

Rear air conditioning is available in the Express Passenger van. But side curtain airbags only extend to the first three rows. Rivals offer headrests and armrests. And neither Express version offers a higher roof, unlike the Transit and Sprinter.

Paint choices go beyond the usual black and white to include red and silver. And although the 2021 Express has 16-inch steel wheels without even offering alloy rims, they’re still as attractive as they need to be for a commercial vehicle.

The Cargo van has metal panels, of course, and the Passenger van has windows on both sides. Both offer a sliding passenger-side door and split rear doors with or without windows.

6.6-LITER V8
New for 2021. This engine makes 401 horsepower and 464 lb-ft of torque. That’s 60 horsepower and 91 lb-ft more than the 6.0-liter V8 it replaces. Maximum towing ability is raised by 100 pounds to 10,000 pounds. Any buyers planning to work their new Express really hard should definitely think about putting this V8 under the hood.

DRIVER ASSISTANCE FEATURES
It would have been better if at least a couple of driver aids were standard at the entry level, but it’s worth spending some extra cash on blind-spot monitoring, forward-collision alert, lane departure warning, and rear parking sensors. Not just because they could prevent harm, but also because a van in the shop being repaired is not a van out there earning its keep.

The WT trim of the 2021 Express Cargo van is basic, but that’s how things are in the full-size van world. The Express has vinyl flooring, air conditioning, power windows/locks, a 120-volt outlet, AM/FM radio, and an auxiliary audio input.

Chevrolet has installed Wi-Fi, though, which is a smart addition. Communications and connectivity between drivers, the office, and the wider world can be more sophisticated than just using mobile phones.

In the safety department, every 2021 Express van comes with a rearview camera, hill start assist, stability control, two airbags up front, self-dimming rearview mirror, and anti-lock brakes with discs at each wheel. Side curtain airbags cover the Passenger van’s first three seating rows.

Chevy keeps the standard Express basic, so buyers have greater choice over what goes into their new vans. And how big their vans are going to be. Cargo versions can have the extended wheelbase in 2500 form; Passenger models only offer that longer wheelbase with the heavier-duty 3500 setup. Which is also when the 15-seat configuration becomes available.

The alternative engines are available in every version. Other extras include a hotel shuttle package, ambulance package, paratransit package, sliding passenger-side door, 6-way power-adjustable front seats, driver assistance features, rear parking sensors, Bluetooth, satellite radio, navigation, and OnStar Commercial Link fleet tracking.

Chevrolet will also ship a new Express from its Wentzville, Missouri plant to a selection of upfitters.

A 4.3-liter V6 is the base engine for the 2021 Express. It generates 276 horsepower and 298 lb-ft of torque. This is completely respectable and adequate for many applications.

Chevrolet does offer a couple of alternatives, however. The aforementioned 401-horsepower 6.6-liter V8 and a diesel-fueled turbocharged 2.8-liter 4-cylinder unit producing 181 horsepower and a gutsy 369 lb-ft of torque.

Rear-wheel drive is standard with every engine; there’s no option for all-wheel drive. The gasoline V6 and turbodiesel both connect to 8-speed automatic transmissions. The 6.6-liter V8 comes with a heavier-duty 6-speed automatic transmission.

Neither the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) nor Chevrolet provides any fuel consumption estimates for the 2021 Express.

4.3-liter V6
276 horsepower @ 5,200 rpm
298 lb-ft of torque @ 3,900 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: N/A

2.8-liter turbocharged diesel inline-4
181 horsepower @ 3,400 rpm
369 lb-ft of torque @ 2,000 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: N/A

6.6-liter V8
401 horsepower @ 5,200 rpm
464 lb-ft of torque @ 4,000 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: N/A