2018 Chevy Express Cargo Review
2018 Chevy Express Cargo Review





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Edmunds' Expert Review

byKurt Niebuhr
Senior 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. He's driven and photographed hundreds, if not thousands, of vehicles all over the world, so Kurt's library of automotive experiences would certainly make for a good book. When not dreaming about getting his racing license or trying to buy out-of-date film for his cameras, Kurt can usually be found cursing at his 1966 Mustang.
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Last year's base 4.8-liter V8 has been replaced by a 4.3-liter V6 with similar horsepower and torque ratings.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.
Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2018 Chevrolet Express Cargo 2500 3dr Van (4.3L 6cyl 8A) 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 for Express Cargo 2500
Express Cargo 2500
vs
$320/mo
Avg. Midsize Van
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.
By default, the rear-wheel-drive Express Cargo is powered by a 4.3-liter V6 (276 horsepower, 298 pound-feet of torque) paired to an eight-speed automatic transmission. Alternate powertrains are available if the standard V6 doesn't meet your requirements, including a 6.0-liter V8 (341 hp, 373 lb-ft) matched to a six-speed automatic and a 2.8-liter four-cylinder diesel engine (181 hp, 369 lb-ft) with an eight-speed auto.
The WT's standard features include 16-inch steel wheels, 60/40-split opening doors on the right side, a driver information display, air conditioning, power windows and locks, vinyl upholstery and floor covering, LED cargo lighting, six D-ring cargo tie-downs, a 120-volt outlet, a rearview camera, a 4G LTE Wi-Fi hotspot, GM's OnStar communications, and a two-speaker audio system with AM/FM radio and an auxiliary jack.
Major equipment packages include the Convenience package, which adds a tilt-adjustable steering wheel and cruise control, and the Chrome Appearance package, which brings chrome bumpers and grille. The Hotel Shuttle package adds the Chrome Appearance items plus the 6.0-liter V8, a sliding rear passenger door, heated power mirrors, a second row of seating, tinted glass and rear cargo windows. Meanwhile, the Safety package adds the contents of the Convenience package, the V8 engine, power-adjustable mirrors, rear parking sensors with backup alarm and blind-spot monitoring, while the Ambulance package uses the V8, a heavy-duty locking differential and a more powerful battery and alternator. A separate bundle adds a 6.5-inch touchscreen, navigation, Bluetooth, a CD player and a USB port.
Some of the above features can be added as stand-alone options. Other options include all-terrain tires, remote locking and unlocking, remote engine start, rear parking sensors, a backup alarm, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, cloth upholstery, power-adjustable front seats, satellite radio, a spray-in cargo liner, and rear air conditioning and heating.
Consumer reviews
Read what other owners think about the Used 2018 Chevrolet Express Cargo.
5 star(26%)
4 star(30%)
3 star(22%)
2 star(7%)
1 star(15%)
27 reviews
Trending topics in reviews
Most helpful consumer reviews
4.5 out of 5 stars
WOW
wow 360K, 12/17/2009
2005 Chevrolet Express Cargo 2500 Rwd 3dr Ext Van (4.8L 8cyl 4A)
All I can say is 360K with no troubles. Engine/ trans /brakes/ electrical all exceptionally reliable. I am religious about maintenance and clean fluids which I believe has paid off. Drives great and very comfortable with seat mounted arm rests and cruise. I would consider no other after the service this vehicle has given me. This vehicle is a 2500, 4.8, 480el, semi floating 8 bolt … axle, extended wheel base. It is worked everyday hauling hardwood flooring.
3.38 out of 5 stars
Mike's cargo van
Mike, 11/15/2007
2005 Chevrolet Express Cargo 2500 Rwd 3dr Ext Van (4.8L 8cyl 4A)
I own a 2005, but the 08' is identical. I own a carpet cleaning business and the van has 1 ton+ of equipment mounted inside. It has had perfect reliability. The Ford is a very old design. The Sprinter was weird, expensive, and underpowered. It also wouldn't fit in my garage. I cheaped out & didn't get PW/PM/PL. Get the power accessories as walking around to unlock the doors is a pain! I … think for the money this is by far the best cargo van. One gripe: GM seems to tune their gen-2 small-block V8's for power rather than low-rpm torque. I have the 4.8 w/3.73 axle. With all the weight I'm hauling it's barely enough. You may have to special order it, but get the 4.10 axle if you have the 4.8
4.25 out of 5 stars
A good van.
Happy Owner, 12/29/2008
2005 Chevrolet Express Cargo 2500 Rwd 3dr Van (4.8L 8cyl 4A)
For a van it handled well and was very comfortable to drive. Overall excellent reliability. A few glitches in the side door hinges and with a couple of the interior lights. Fuel economy varied dramatically by driving habits. Ranged from 12 to 22 mpg city to highway. Drivetrain reliability was excellent, with minimal expenses for maintenance or repairs in about 50K miles.
4.88 out of 5 stars
Express Van Workhorses
Joe Flash, 02/03/2009
2005 Chevrolet Express Cargo 3500 Rwd 3dr Ext Van (4.8L 8cyl 4A)
I own two express vans that is use for my business, A 99, (170k miles) and 2005, (143k miles) 3500 ext vans. I have owned Ford vans prior to the Chevys. Ford makes a good van but my Express vans have more headroom, (no need for a sprinter van) and are more comfortable and durable. I load a lot of weight on my vans and they handle it without a problem. I think they are quality built. I … have not had any problems with minor things breaking. But, then again, I do not abuse my vehicles. I work them hard, but I also maintain them. I would just like to say that I am very satisfied with my Chevy Express vans.
We have a limited number of reviews for the 2018 Chevrolet Express Cargo, so we've included reviews for other years of the Express Cargo since its last redesign.
2018 Express Cargo Highlights
2500
Base MSRP | $31,295 |
---|---|
Engine Type | Gas |
Seating | 2 seats |
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place | 239.7 cu.ft. |
Drivetrain | rear wheel drive |
Warranty | 3 years / 36,000 miles |
Safety
Our experts like the Express Cargo models:
- Rear Vision Camera
- Displays a view of the area immediately behind the Express in the rearview mirror.
- Rear Park Assist
- Sounds an alert when the Express is close to an object behind the van.
- Backup Alarm
- Sounds an exterior alert to pedestrians and other motorists when the Express is put in Reverse.
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