2018 Chevy Express Cargo Review
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Edmunds' Expert Review
byKurt Niebuhr
Vehicle Test Editor
Kurt Niebuhr has worked in the automotive industry since 2005. A automotive photographer by trade, Kurt is now one of Edmunds' high-performance test drivers.Pros
- Powerful V8 and diesel engines
- Towing and payload capabilities are near or at the top of the class
Cons
- Less cargo space than many competitors
- No high-roof cargo option
- Dated interior styling and touchscreen interface
What’s new
Last year's base 4.8-liter V8 has been replaced by a 4.3-liter V6 with similar horsepower and torque ratings. General Motors' OnStar system and a rearview camera are standard. Several new packages, including the Safety, Cargo and Communications packages, are now available.
Vehicle overview
Full-size vans are great vehicles for contractors and small-business owners thanks to their expansive cargo areas and substantial payload and towing capabilities. The 2018 Chevrolet Express is one of these versatile equipment haulers, with class-leading towing figures and a reasonable starting price. But its many drawbacks should lead you to consider one of its rivals instead.
The primary knock against the Express is its age. The Express launched in 1996 and it has received only sporadic refreshes and updates since then. The cabin is positively dated 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 while others offer multiple roof configurations. And while towing and payload capabilities are commendable, its inefficient 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.
Edmunds' Expert Rating
Full-size cargo vans have evolved considerably over the last decade, with many trading raw towing and hauling ability for fuel efficiency and versatile cargo areas. Unfortunately, the aging 2018 Chevrolet Express Cargo has not evolved. We recommend buying a newer, more modern competitor 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.
Driving
Even the standard-wheelbase Express is a large vehicle, and it drives like one. 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 cargo.
Comfort
The driver and front passenger are divided by an enormous center bulge covering some of the engine and transmission, the width of which causes the driver to feel squeezed even in this large vehicle. The basic controls are easy to find and simple to use, but comforts are few.
Interior
The interior looks exceptionally dated compared to 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.
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 2018 Chevrolet Express is only available in WT trim, your cargo-hauling needs will determine which engine and wheelbase configuration is best. If it were up to us, we'd start with the long-wheelbase version to make up for the Express' height-compromised cargo area. We'd also go with the four-cylinder diesel engine for its superior fuel economy.
2018 Chevrolet Express Cargo models
The 2018 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 and 3500. Each can be ordered in a standard or extended-wheelbase configuration. 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.