2021 Chevrolet Express Cargo Van

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2021 Chevrolet Express Cargo Van Review: Is The Golden Bowtie Losing That Shine?

by Aiden Eksteen

Having been introduced to the US market all the way back 1996, one would expect the 2021 Chevrolet Express Cargo Van to be a far more improved and very different vehicle to what it was those 25 years ago. However, Chevrolet hasn't even brought this urban hauler past its first-generation form as yet, with only a minor style update all the way back in 2003. Because of this, the Express Cargo Van is often overshadowed by its more modern competitors, most of which supply more car-like handling dynamics for easier maneuverability in urban settings and better fuel economy - both important in such daily errand runners. Automakers have also found ways to boost value and better utilize interior space in their newer cars. So, while the 2021 Chevrolet Express Cargo Van can haul and tow a fairly good amount of cargo at a time and its price looks good, other cargo vans like the Ram ProMaster, Ford Transit, and even the Mercedes-Benz Metris are superior in just about every regard.

Chevy puts the Express forward with a good selection of engines, including a dependable V6, a pragmatic turbodiesel four-pot, and 401-horsepower powerhouse V8, each empowering the Express with the performance potential it needs to be a decent ute. The Express may be all you need, but you can't ignore the fact that you can get a significant amount more by investing your money elsewhere.

Read in this review:

6.6
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2021 Chevrolet Express Cargo Van Changes: What’s The Difference vs The 2020 Express Cargo Van?

For 2021, Chevrolet has replaced the previously optional 6.0-liter gas engine with a more powerful 6.6-liter V8 unit. Compared with the former engine, specs have increased from 341 hp and 373 lb-ft of torque to 401 hp/464 lb-ft. V6-engined models now have a gross combined weight rating (GCWR) that has increased to 15,000 pounds, making vans with this engine a bit more capable than before.

Pros and Cons

  • Three very competent engine options
  • Impressive payload and towing capacities
  • Reasonably thrifty fuel economy returns
  • Still a relatively cheap choice
  • Cosmetically and mechanically outdated
  • Rivals offer more body and door configurations
  • Cargo area room is far below average

What's the Price of the 2021 Chevrolet Express Cargo Van?

Best Deals on 2021 Chevrolet Express Cargo Van

2021 Chevrolet Express Cargo Van Trims

See trim levels and configurations:

Trim Engine Transmission Drivetrain Price (MSRP)
2500
4.3L V6 Gas
8-Speed Automatic
Rear-Wheel Drive
$33,000
3500
4.3L V6 Gas
8-Speed Automatic
Rear-Wheel Drive
$36,100
See All 2021 Chevrolet Express Cargo Van Trims and Specs

2021 Express Cargo Van Exterior

2021 Chevrolet Express Cargo Van Front Angle View Chevrolet
2021 Chevrolet Express Cargo Van Front Angle View 1 Chevrolet
2021 Chevrolet Express Cargo Van Side View Chevrolet
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Dimensions

  • Length 224.1 in
  • Wheelbase 135.2 in
  • Height 84.8 in
  • Max Width 79.3 in

2021 Express Cargo Van Performance

2021 Chevrolet Express Cargo Van Front View Driving Chevrolet
2021 Chevrolet Express Cargo Van Side View 1 Chevrolet
2021 Chevrolet Express Cargo Van Rear Angle View Chevrolet

Engine and Transmission

  • Engines
    2.8L Turbo Inline-4 Diesel, 4.3L V6 Gas, 6.6L V8 Gas
  • Transmissions
    6-Speed Automatic, 8-Speed Automatic
  • Drivetrain
    RWD

2021 Express Cargo Van Interior

2021 Chevrolet Express Cargo Van Gauge Cluster Chevrolet
2021 Chevrolet Express Cargo Van Central Console Chevrolet
2021 Chevrolet Express Cargo Van Central Console 1 Chevrolet
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Seating and Interior Space

  • Seating capacity
    2-seater
  • Front Leg Room 41.4 in
  • Front Head Room 40.9 in

2021 Express Cargo Van Trunk and Cargo Space

2021 Chevrolet Express Cargo Van Trunk Space Chevrolet
2021 Chevrolet Express Cargo Van Trunk Space 1 Chevrolet
2021 Chevrolet Express Cargo Van Maximum Cargo Space Chevrolet

2021 Express Cargo Van Safety and Reliability

Warranty

  • Warranty Note:
    Preliminary 2021 Warranty \ 
  • Basic:
    3 Years \ 36,000 Miles
  • Drivetrain:
    5 Years \ 60,000 Miles
  • Drivetrain Note:
    Qualified Fleet Purchases: 5 Years \ 100,000 Miles
  • Rust-Through:
    6 Years \ 100,000 Miles
  • Corrosion:
    3 Years \ 36,000 Miles
  • Roadside Assistance:
    5 Years \ 60,000 Miles
  • Roadside Assistance Note:
    Qualified Fleet Purchases: 5 Years \ 100,000 Miles
  • Maintenance Note:
    1 Year \ 1 Visit

US NHTSA Crash Test Result

NHTSA safety ratings are not available at this time.

Verdict: Is the 2021 Chevrolet Express A Good Cargo Van?

Most automakers in the US have been keeping their utility vans up to date in terms of styling, construction, and mechanical capabilities. With the Chevrolet Express Cargo Van having not been redesigned or meaningfully updated since 1996, it's really fallen behind its contemporaries in a noticeable way. It just wouldn't make any sense to spend your money here when you could get something far better at the 2021 Chevrolet Express Cargo Van's price or less.

Yes, all three powertrains Chevy puts forward provide plenty of power and avail the van with a decent enough towing capacity, but most rivals are more interested in being able to haul large payloads and in being able to get around town quickly and with at least a sense of convenience and safety. The 2021 Chevrolet Express Cargo Van hasn't undergone review for an official safety rating and it comes with barely any driver assists. It has, however, maintained a fairly decent track record for reliability.

However, both the Ford Transit and Ram ProMaster cargo vans offer over 100 cubic feet more cargo space than the Express does. They bear more modern designs, too, and a far better selection of standard and optional features that do a lot to improve comfort and convenience, which can really improve morale on those extra-long work days.

What Chevrolet Express Cargo Van Model Should I Buy?

If you're looking for a straight-up workhorse that has no frills or distractions, the 3500 WT with its reinforced frame and extended wheelbase is the Express cargo van to go for. This variant offers 319.9 cubic feet of cargo room and can support up to 4,280 pounds of cargo. The 2500 is otherwise the van to go for if you just need a nifty everyday ute for your small business. It's also offered with some desirable options that improve its livability and safety levels. The Safety Package is certainly worth adding., but it requires the V8 engine. It adds a tilting steering wheel column, cruise control, blind-spot alert, and rear parking sensors. If you're going to be doing a lot of driving, you may want to also opt-in the Communications Package, which adds a leather-wrapped steering wheel, Bluetooth audio streaming, and SiriusXM radio connectivity.

Check out other Chevrolet Express Styles

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