2017 Chevy Express Cargo Review
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Edmunds' Expert Review
byCameron Rogers
Manager, News
Cameron Rogers has worked in the automotive industry since 2013. He has tested and reviewed hundreds of vehicles over the course of his career.Pros
- Powerful V8 engines
- Towing and payload capabilities are near or at the top of the class
Cons
- Less cargo space than many competitors
- V8 engines are thirstier than competitors' V6 offerings
- No high-roof cargo option
- Dated interior styling and touchscreen interface
What’s new
The optional diesel V8 has been replaced by a four-cylinder diesel. The compressed natural gas (CNG) fuel conversion option is no longer available. Otherwise, the Express Cargo carries forward unchanged.
Vehicle overview
Full-size vans are fantastic vehicles for contractors and small-business owners for their expansive cargo areas and substantial payload and towing capabilities. The 2017 Chevrolet Express is one of these versatile equipment-haulers, with class-leading towing figures and a reasonable starting price. But its numerous drawbacks should lead you to consider one of its many rivals instead.
Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2017 Chevrolet Express Cargo 2500 3dr Van (4.8L 8cyl 6A) 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 Virginia.
Monthly estimates based on costs in Virginia
Not Available
Express Cargo 2500
vs
$345/mo
Avg. Midsize Van
The primary knock against the Express is its age. For reference, the Express launched before Bill Clinton mounted his re-election campaign, and it has received only sporadic refreshes and updates since then. As such, the cabin is positively dour against the rest of the class, and the Express offers none of the latest safety and technology features of its competitors. Although offered in standard and extended wheelbases, the Express has less cargo volume than other vans due to its single, low roof height. (Others offer two to three roof configurations to allow for tall storage racks.) And though towing and payload capabilities are near or at the top of the class, its thirsty V8s will put a larger dent in the monthly fuel bill than competitors' V6 engines. Given the strength of the competition and lack of distinctive advantages, it's difficult to recommend the Chevrolet Express for any reason.
Edmunds' Expert Rating
Full-size cargo vans have changed drastically in the last decade, with many trading raw towing and hauling ability for fuel efficiency and versatile cargo areas. The ancient 2017 Chevrolet Express Cargo has not participated in this renaissance. We recommend buying a newer rival van instead.
Trim tested
Edmunds 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.
Interior
The interior looks exceptionally dated in comparison with the rest of the class. The old-school vibe continues with the engine covering that protrudes into the driver and passenger footwell. Getting into the cargo area is hampered by a low roof and the lack of a door behind the driver.
Utility
Cargo volume behind the front seats measures 239.7 cubic feet in the short-wheelbase (SWB) Express, increasing to 284.4 cubes in the long-wheelbase (LWB) model. Cargo capacity in the SWB model is in line with similar vans, but the LWB's volume is lacking. Rivals offer taller roofs and longer bodies.
Technology
The standard radio comes only with AM/FM radio reception and an auxiliary jack. You'll have to pay more for a CD player, satellite radio, a USB port and an ancient touchscreen interface that is several generations removed from what's used in other Chevrolets.
Which Express Cargo does Edmunds recommend?
Since the 2017 Chevrolet Express is only available in one equipment trim, which load, engine and wheelbase configuration you should buy depends on your cargo needs. If it were up to us, we'd start with the long-wheelbase van to make up for the Express' comparatively small cargo area. We'd also go with the four-cylinder diesel engine for its fuel economy and the 2500 load rating to keep costs down.
2017 Chevrolet Express Cargo models
The 2017 Chevrolet Express Cargo is a full-size van with two seats and an expansive cargo area (its Express Passenger sibling fills this space with additional rows of seating). Two load ratings are available: 2500 (max payload 3,234 pounds) and 3500 (max payload 4,192 pounds). Each can be ordered in a standard or extended wheelbase, which increases cargo volume from 239.7 cubic feet to 284.4 cubes. No matter which starting configuration you choose, the Express Cargo comes only in a single modestly equipped WT trim. Numerous stand-alone options are available.
