2021 Chevy Express
2021 Chevrolet Express Review
- Powerful V8 and diesel engines
- Towing and payload capabilities are near or at the top of the class
- Less cargo space than many competitors
- No high-roof cargo option
- Dated interior styling
- Poor highway ride compared to unibody rivals
- 6.0-liter V8 replaced by 401-horsepower 6.6-liter V8 engine
- Optional navigation system no longer available
- Part of the first Express generation introduced for 1996
For more than 25 years, the Chevrolet Express has maintained the same basic design, providing lots of seating and impressive towing capability. Unfortunately, when you compare it to passenger van rivals, it's clear that the Express has fallen desperately behind the times. The Express (also known as the Express Passenger) uses body-on-frame construction, much like a modern pickup truck, which helps it provide tow ratings as high as 9,600 pounds. Unfortunately, this body-on-frame design also means that the Express has an uncomfortable ride, both on the highway and in the city.
Rivals such as the Ford Transit are much more likable and much more comfortable. The Transit, along with vans including the Nissan NV and the Ram ProMaster, are considerably more modern than the Express. They offer updated interiors, a wider variety of configurations, and high-roof options that will give your passengers the room to walk around between the seats without having to crouch. With the Express, there's no medium or high roof to speak of. An Express might be appealing if you want a highly utilitarian vehicle with room for up to 15 passengers, but we recommend looking at some of the competition first.
Which Express does Edmunds recommend?
Chevrolet Express models
The 2021 Chevrolet Express comes in both the standard cargo van and the Express Passenger. This review covers the passenger van. In terms of capability, there's the standard 2500 and the heavy-duty 3500, which offers a higher GVWR (gross vehicle weight rating, or the weight of your vehicle plus any passengers and cargo). A longer 3500 extended-wheelbase version offers more space for seats or cargo. The longer wheelbase also means that the 3500 increases seating capacity from 12 to 15 passengers.
2021 Chevrolet Express pricing
in Ashburn, VA
Features & Specs
- Total MSRP
- $38,495
- MPG & Fuel
- Fuel Tank Capacity: 31.0 gal. capacity
- Seating
- 12 seats
- Drivetrain
- Type: rear wheel drive
- Transmission: 8-speed shiftable automatic
- Engine
- V6 cylinder
- Horsepower: 276 hp @ 5200 rpm
- Torque: 298 lb-ft @ 3900 rpm
- Basic Warranty
- 3 yr./ 36000 mi.
- Dimensions
- Length: 224.0 in. / Height: 84.5 in.
- Overall Width without Mirrors: 79.3 in.
- Curb Weight: 5991 lbs.
Safety
Our experts’ favorite Express safety features:
- Forward Collision Warning
- Sounds an alert if the system detects an imminent front collision.
- Rear Park Assist
- Sounds an alert when the rear of the Express is close to an object.
- OnStar
- Provides third-party assistance in the event of a collision, vehicle theft or other emergency.
Chevrolet Express vs. the competition
2021 Chevrolet Express
2021 Nissan NV Passenger
Chevrolet Express vs. Nissan NV Passenger
The Nissan NV is a good matchup for the Chevy Express — both are built with body-on-frame construction and have hefty towing capability. The Nissan is available with more modern equipment than the Express, though, with items including navigation and satellite radio. The Express, for its part, does offer a fuel-efficient diesel engine, and the NV doesn't.
Chevrolet Express vs. Ford Transit Passenger Van
The Ford Transit is one of the most refined vans you can buy today. Available with a number of engines, roof heights and interior configurations, you can pretty much have a Transit any way you want it. The Chevrolet Express Van offers a higher towing capability, but it's a stark contrast between the two vans when it comes to comfort, build quality and available modern tech. The Transit wins this one hands down.
Chevrolet Express vs. Ram Promaster Window Van
The Express Passenger is a dated van, but it offers a simple appeal. Its robust tow rating and no-nonsense approach to van life are easy to understand. The Ram ProMaster is similar in the simplicity of its approach. It offers three wheelbase options, one engine, and a few options for buyers to choose from. But the lack of optional engines may steer buyers away, especially those who regularly tow.
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FAQ
Is the Chevrolet Express a good car?
What's new in the 2021 Chevrolet Express?
According to Edmunds’ car experts, here’s what’s new for the 2021 Chevrolet Express:
- 6.0-liter V8 replaced by 401-horsepower 6.6-liter V8 engine
- Optional navigation system no longer available
- Part of the first Express generation introduced for 1996
Is the Chevrolet Express reliable?
Is the 2021 Chevrolet Express a good car?
How much should I pay for a 2021 Chevrolet Express?
The least-expensive 2021 Chevrolet Express is the 2021 Chevrolet Express LS 2500 3dr Van (4.3L 6cyl 8A). Including destination charge, it arrives with a Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) of about $37,200.
Other versions include:
- LS 2500 3dr Van (4.3L 6cyl 8A) which starts at $37,200
- LS 3500 3dr Van (4.3L 6cyl 8A) which starts at $38,400
- LS 3500 3dr Ext Van (4.3L 6cyl 8A) which starts at $39,200
- LT 2500 3dr Van (4.3L 6cyl 8A) which starts at $39,300
- LT 3500 3dr Van (4.3L 6cyl 8A) which starts at $40,100
- LT 3500 3dr Ext Van (4.3L 6cyl 8A) which starts at $40,900
