2024 Chevrolet Express Expert Review
Reviewed by Alex Leanse
Built for the express (heh) purpose of carrying cargo or many passengers, the Express is Chevrolet's commercial van. Available in cargo, passenger, and various cutaway cab configurations, the Express provides an alternative to pickup trucks. The Express has soldiered on essentially unchanged for many years, but 2024 brings a few powertrain updates. Aside from its grille design, it's identical to the GMC Savana . Competitors include the Ram ProMaster, Ford Transit, and Mercedes-Benz Sprinter .
What's New
- Old six-speed automatic transmission replaced by eight-speed for V-6 engine
- V-8 engine becomes available on passenger van
What We Think
Commercial vans aren't expected to do much more than work hard, which the 2024 Chevrolet Express does—but competitor vans offer more style, driving refinement, and useful features, along with strong utility.
The Express finds a niche in its size, which is relatively smaller than some tall, boxy rivals. It also offers a V-8 engine, a rarity in the segment. Some buyers might also appreciate its bare-bones simplicity.
Even so, the Express is clearly behind the times. The competition does all the work the Express can do while being nicer to drive and live with. We think it's better to choose a van that isn't this Chevrolet.
V-6 and V-8 Engines
Regardless of engine, every 2024 Express van uses an eight-speed automatic transmission—an upgrade from the six-speed used with the V-6 previously—to send output to the rear wheels. AWD is not available.
The standard 4.3-liter V-6 produces 276 hp and 298 lb-ft of torque; the new eight-speed transmission should improve its fuel economy from last year. An available 6.6-liter V-8 makes 401 hp and 464 lb-ft of torque. A turbodiesel I-4 engine was offered until the 2023 model year.
Chevrolet Express EV?
Like many vehicle segments, there's been a recent shift among commercial vans toward electrification. The Mercedes-Benz eSprinter, Ford E-Transit, and Ram ProMaster EV all offer commercial drivers the benefits of an all-electric powertrain. Could Chevrolet be working on an all-electric Express? Reports indicate that this generation of Express will depart after 2025, to be replaced by an electric equivalent in 2026. Until then, parent company General Motors already has an electric van in the BrightDrop Zevo, based on the Ultium EV platform.
Express Wheelbase Options
The Express cargo and passenger vans' standard wheelbase is 135.2 inches, which supports a body measuring 224.1 inches long overall. The available long wheelbase is 155.2 inches, with a 244.1-inch body on top of it.
For the Express cutaway, three wheelbase lengths are offered: 139.0 inches for 247.2-inch overall length, 159.0 inches for 276.2-inch overall length, and 177.0 inches for 285.3-inch overall length.
Express Cargo Capacity and Passenger Space
Given its cargo-carrying focus, the Express cargo van has only two seats in front. Behind those, the cargo area is 126.8 inches long with the standard wheelbase, or 146.8 inches long with the extended wheelbase. Either way, the cargo hold is 52.5 inches wide and 53.8 inches tall. This results in capacity of 239.4 and 283.6 cubic feet of space for the short- and long-wheelbase vans, respectively.
The Express passenger van is equipped with four rows of seats for 12-person capacity with the short wheelbase, or five rows of seats for 15-person capacity with the long wheelbase.
Safety Features
Even compared to other commercial vans, the 2024 Express is light on driver assist and active safety features. Forward collision warning, lane departure warning, blind-spot monitoring, and basic cruise control are optional or included depending on specification.
Technology
In comparison to most modern vehicles, the Express is about as high-tech as a floppy disk. Standard equipment includes a head unit with MP3 player functionality and AM/FM radio, controlled via a small LCD display. Regulations dictate that all new vehicles must be equipped with a backup camera, so the Express hides a tiny LCD display inside its rearview mirror, which activates when reversing. Optional upgrades include a USB port, Bluetooth, and satellite radio with steering-wheel-mounted controls.
