2018 Chevy City Express Review

Name: 2018 Chevrolet City Express Review
Brand: Chevrolet
Price: 16627 USD

2018 Chevrolet City Express LT Cargo Minivan Exterior. Options Shown.

2018 Chevrolet City Express LT Cargo Minivan Exterior

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Edmunds' Expert Review

byCalvin Kim^{Vehicle Test Engineer
Calvin Kim is an automotive journalist at Edmunds.}

Pros

More maneuverable than bigger, standard-size cargo vans
Fuel-efficient powertrain
Low cost of entry

Cons

Offers less power and cargo space than rivals
Interior materials feel low-quality and plain
Requires a long distance to stop in panic-braking situations

What's new

Bluetooth connectivity and rearview camera are standard on LS and LT models
Part of the first City Express generation introduced for 2015

The 2018 Chevrolet City Express is a compact cargo van that's designed for small businesses or fleet operators that don't need the behemothlike girth of a full-size van and would rather prioritize maneuverability and cost effectiveness. But that doesn't mean the City Express can't get the job done. Its cargo area's total interior volume is 122.7 cubic feet, and it can handle up to 1,500 pounds of load capacity.

Cost to Drive^{Cost to drive estimates for the 2018 Chevrolet City Express LS 4dr Minivan (2.0L 4cyl CVT) 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 $3.36 per gallon for regular unleaded in Ohio.}

Monthly estimates based on costs in Ohio

$169/mo

$178/mo

Avg. Compact Minivan

Calculate my fuel costs

But there's more to work-time practicality than just interior volume. There are numerous cargo tie-down points, and the rear doors can open up to 180 degrees so you can back up to a loading dock or deck. The center console bin is sized for files, so operators can keep essential paperwork at hand. Should you need a work surface, the passenger seatback folds forward, revealing a plastic panel for you to set a laptop or write upon.

Moving all of this is a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine that produces 131 horsepower and 139 pound-feet of torque. This power output is on the low side for the small cargo van segment, but the City Express beats the competition where it counts: the bottom line. The City Express has a lower MSRP and better fuel economy.

Still, take a look at your requirements since the Ram ProMaster City offers more power and payload capacity and the Ford Transit Connect is available in more configurations. Also note that this is the last year for the City Express. After 2018, Chevy will be discontinuing it.

Edmunds' Expert Rating

6.7 / 10

Chevrolet's 2018 City Express won't win any performance accolades, but it'll win over the minds of small-business owners looking for a reliable, economical and easy-to-drive cargo van. It's small enough to not get in the way when you have to make a delivery or repair.

Trim tested

Each vehicle typically comes in multiple versions that are fundamentally similar. The ratings in this review are based on our full test of the Chevrolet City Express (2.0L inline-4 | CVT automatic | FWD).

Scorecard

Overall	6.7 / 10
Driving	7.0
Comfort	6.5
Interior	7.0
Utility	7.0

Driving

7.0

It's little surprise that the City Express is most suited for city driving. Quick turn-in, light steering and a tight turning radius remove stress from daily driving. At higher speeds the van is highly susceptible to crosswinds. Acceleration and braking are similar to that of many subcompact cars.

Acceleration

7.5

The 131-hp engine gets by for most city driving. More power would be nice for carrying larger loads, and the CVT automatic's rev-happy nature makes this more clear. In our tests the City Express covered 0-60 mph in 10.2 seconds.

Braking

5.0

The front-disc, rear-drum brake combo works fine in normal daily driving conditions. In a simulated panic-stop at our test track, the van needed 143 feet to stop from 60 mph, and that's without any extra weight. We consider that to be poor.

Steering

7.5

Steering weight is lighter at lower speeds and increases appropriately as speeds pick up. Overall, the steering works fine, especially considering its purpose as a work vehicle.

Handling

6.0

The City Express is calm and predictable in normal driving. It leans considerably through corners, amplified by a high center of gravity, but in most situations you won't notice how soft it is.

Drivability

7.5

The high-profile, boxy shape of this van makes it susceptible to crosswinds. Initial steering turn-in is quick, helpful when making low-speed parking lot maneuvers. The turning radius is 36.7 feet, which is decent for a van.

Comfort

6.5

The minimalist nature of the City Express negatively impacts comfort. The driver's seat offers few adjustments. The steering wheel doesn't telescope. Ride quality is acceptable as a work van but nothing more. The rear cargo area amplifies road noise when empty.

Seat comfort

6.0

A lack of steering wheel adjustment means some will never find their driving position sweet spot. The sloping door panel design makes for a poor armrest. Only the driver gets a center armrest. The seats have reasonable support.

Ride comfort

7.0

The ride quality is average for a work van. The ride will also be affected if you load the van to its maximum payload rating.

Noise & vibration

6.0

This cargo version is a two-seater. With no back seats, there's a cavernous storage area that tends to be quite boomy when empty. Load it full of gear and the noise gets muffled considerably.

Interior

7.0

The LT is a cosmetic step up from the interior of the base City Express. The radio and most controls are simple and easy to use. Most will find the front seat very accessible. A low load floor in the cargo area is a plus. Visibility is a serious minus, even with a rearview camera.

Ease of use

7.0

Instrument panel gauges are basic. Air conditioning and fan controls are dial-operated, radio functions are a mix of small buttons and knobs. The fuel filler neck is strangely low. Six-footers will need to bend down awkwardly to refuel.

Getting in/getting out

8.5

Front doors open to nearly 90 degrees for great access to the seats. Sliding cargo doors on either side open fully for load area access. Rear cargo doors also open about 180 degrees.

Roominess

7.5

The rear cargo loading area is 4.7 feet wide by 3.9 feet tall by 6.7 feet deep, measured by way of the rear cargo doors. Sliding doors grant access from both sides of the van. There are cargo mounting points inside the storage area.

Visibility

5.5

Large front windows with additional lower peek-a-boo windows increase forward/side views, as do the large side mirrors with blind-spot bubbles. Visibility is otherwise limited by windowless side panel doors.

Quality

6.0

A squeaky work van is forgivable to a point, especially when it is empty. Some exterior trim pieces flex when door handles are pulled.

Utility

7.0

Center console storage consists of two medium-depth trays and a large, laptop-size bin. None are covered. Door pockets are too narrow for cupholders. Behind the front seats is 122.7 cubic feet of cargo space. Max payload is 1,500 pounds.

Technology

The City Express' standard head unit features AM/FM reception, a CD slot, Bluetooth connectivity, and aux-in, playing through two door-mounted speakers.

2018 Chevrolet City Express models

The 2018 Chevrolet City Express is a small cargo van that's mechanically related to the Nissan NV200. It comes in two basic trim levels: LS and LT. It's powered by a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine that produces 131 horsepower and 139 pound-feet of torque, and is paired to a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT) that drives the front wheels. The LS is fairly bare-bones, with the LT including a few more convenience options to make life in the City Express easier.

Standard equipment on the LS trim includes 15-inch steel wheels, 40/60-split rear cargo doors, sliding rear side doors, power front windows, power door locks, keyless entry, cloth upholstery, vinyl flooring, a height-adjustable driver's seat with manual lumbar adjustment, a fold-flat passenger seat, a tilt-only steering wheel, air conditioning, Bluetooth connectivity, a rearview camera, and a two-speaker sound system with a CD player and an auxiliary audio jack. Cruise control and rear parking sensors are available as stand-alone options for the LS.

The LT includes all of the above, plus heated power mirrors, an additional rear 12-volt power outlet, cruise control, and rear parking sensors.

Optional on both the LS and LT are two Glass packages and an Appearance package. The Glass packages add privacy glass to the rear and passenger-side windows, as well as a rearview mirror and a rear defroster. The Appearance package adds wheel covers, a chrome grille with black accents, and body-colored bumpers, mirrors and door handles.

The Technology package is available only on the LT trim and adds a 5.8-inch touchscreen display (a Nissan system, not Chevrolet MyLink), a navigation system, satellite radio, and a USB audio jack.

Reliability Ratings by RepairPal

3/5Average

#5 out of 24 among Commercial Vans

RepairPal Reliability Ratings are based on the actual cost, frequency, and severity of unscheduled repairs and maintenance on make/model data for select 2008-2022 vehicles. The reliability of a specific vehicle may vary depending on its maintenance and driving history, model year, trim, and features.

Cost

^{The average total annual cost for unscheduled repairs and maintenance across all model years of the Chevrolet City Express from 2008-2022.}

$797/yr

vs. $851/yr
for Average Commercial Van

Frequency

^{The average number of times this model is brought into the shop for unscheduled repairs and maintenance in a single year. RepairPal calculates this metric by tracking millions of unique vehicles over multiple years to determine an average number of visits per year (omitting small routine visits, e.g., oil changes).}

1.74x/yr

vs. 1.96x/yr
for Average Commercial Van

Severity

^{The probability that a repair will be a major issue, meaning the repair costs 3x the average annual repair cost for all models. This threshold will be higher for vehicles that have higher labor rates and parts costs (such as a premium brand).}

15.3%

vs. 17.8%
for Average Commercial Van

powered by RepairPal ^{Based on RepairPal reliability data as of 8/23/2023. Ratings are provided by RepairPal and Edmunds is not responsible for their accuracy.}

Consumer reviews

Read what other owners think about the Used 2018 Chevrolet City Express.

5 (14%)

4 (43%)

3 (0%)

2 (29%)

1 (14%)

3.1

7 reviews

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Most helpful consumer reviews

Junk

Chase, 04/23/2019

2015 Chevrolet City Express LT 4dr Minivan (2.0L 4cyl CVT)

I have had mine brand new through my company since 2015. The electric locks no longer work on either front doors. Avoid every pot hole, because it feels like the wheels are coming off and prepare to have the front end aligned every other pot hole. Also be prepared for your butt to continuously be puckered on the interstate. I recommend getting a brighter headlight bulb, sticks suck. My …

Great van -camper

Keith E. Meaux, 10/12/2018

2017 Chevrolet City Express LS 4dr Minivan (2.0L 4cyl CVT)

Great for cross country vacation ,in the rocky mountains,12000 feet up; all the way to Washington State from south Louisiana ; great for camping inside the van camper, with all the gear ,needed for 2 people, inside & on the roof rack if needed; enough motor power; handles great & comfortable; great gas mileage {next trip to Niagara Falls & Maine area}

DRIVING CROSS COUNTRY IN CITY EXPRESS

Patrick, 01/02/2018

2017 Chevrolet City Express LS 4dr Minivan (2.0L 4cyl CVT)

This is my second City Express. Flew 800 miles to buy, since price was right and van had windows for better visibility than my first City Express. Like my first van, it accelerates aok, but driver rides high and in an emergency at high speed, confidence at swerving an obstacle or avoiding an accident without flipping the van is low. Ride quality at 70 mph on a bumpy road is harsh with …

NOT My Astro Replacement Van! Nissan Junk!

singdrumsteve, 06/18/2015

2015 Chevrolet City Express LS 4dr Minivan (2.0L 4cyl CVT)

My Chevy City Express van front end died at 16k easy miles! Van was versatile with utility, great gas mileage (30 mpg combined!) as long as you do not stomp at take off like most people but was used very gingerly, babied and still front end parts fell apart! The 4 cylinder engine is just powerful enough with a full 1500 lb. load! Gas sipper. 30 mpg combined! Manueverability is …

We have a limited number of reviews for the 2018 Chevrolet City Express, so we've included reviews for other years of the City Express since its last redesign.

See all 7 reviews of the Chevrolet City Express

Write a vehicle review

2018 City Express Highlights

Trim:

Base MSRP Excludes Destination Fee	$22,855
Engine Type	Gas
Combined MPG	25 MPG
Cost to Drive	$169/month
Seating	2 seats
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place	122.7 cu.ft.
Drivetrain	front wheel drive
Warranty	3 years / 36,000 miles

See all features & specs

Safety

Our experts like the City Express models:

Rear Park Assist: Warns you if you get too close to an obstacle while reversing.
Rear Vision Camera: Helps mitigate a reversing accident by displaying a rearview video image on the infotainment screen.
Brake Force Distribution: Maximizes braking force by sending power to the wheels with the most grip.