2018 Chevy Express 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
- Towing and payload capabilities are at or near the top of the class
- V8 and diesel engines have plenty of power
Cons
- Poor fuel economy with the V8
- 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Last year's base 4.8-liter V8 has been replaced by a 4.3-liter V6 with similar horsepower and torque ratings.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.
Vehicle overview
A full-size passenger van is really the only choice if you're looking to transport a large number of people. The 2018 Chevrolet Express is one option, with versatile seating arrangements that can carry eight, 12 or 15 passengers. But unless you like the styling or are comforted by the wide availability of spare parts, we suggest you look elsewhere.
The age of the Express is the primary knock against it. Though it has undergone minor interior and exterior refreshes over the years, today's Express is essentially the same as the one that launched way back in 1996. All other competitors have been fully redesigned since then. Rivals also offer high-roof variants to allow for better passenger entry and exit. Although used-parts availability and an established track record might be potential draws, overall we can't recommend the Chevrolet Express Passenger given the many strengths of its competition and lack of competitive advantage.
Edmunds' Expert Rating
If you're considering a 2018 Chevrolet Express Passenger, you might want to consider something else. While it's a capable and versatile van, the Express offers no distinct advantages compared to more modern rivals that are more versatile.
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 passengers.
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
Most vehicles in this class max out at 12 seats, but the Express (along with its GMC Savana twin and the Ford Transit) offers seating for up to 15. A high roof is not on the options list, so passengers will have to duck as they enter and exit.
Utility
The cargo area behind the rear seats measures an impressive 92.1 cubic feet, leaving plenty of room for carry-on luggage. All seats behind the first row are removable should you need to store extra cargo, increasing the area to 252.8 cubes in the long-wheelbase model.
Technology
The Express isn't the most tech-forward van on the market, with just a two-speaker sound system, AM/FM radio and an auxiliary port as standard. Additions such as a USB port, CD player and navigation are available. The optional touchscreen's user interface is dated compared to those in other Chevys.
Which Express does Edmunds recommend?
Recommending any one version of the 2018 Chevrolet Express Passenger is tricky since the wheelbase and load rating you should choose will largely depend on your needs. If you intend to regularly carry eight or more people or tow a trailer, consider the 3500 for its increased payload and towing capabilities.
2018 Chevrolet Express models
The 2018 Chevrolet Express Passenger is a full-size van with abundant seating configurations and room for up to 12 people. (Its Express Cargo sibling retains the front two seats and uses the rest of the interior as an expansive cargo area.) It's available in two load ratings, 2500 and 3500, and in two trims, base LS and LT. Additionally, the 3500 can be ordered with a long wheelbase, which increases the length of the cargo area by about 20 inches. The additional room allows for another row of seats if you desire.