2022 Chevrolet Express Cargo Van Review: Outdated Workhorse

Well past its prime, the 2022 Chevrolet Express Cargo Van is kind of like the weird old uncle at the party, passed out on the lawn chair in the backyard - he isn't really worrying anyone, so nobody's bothered asking him to leave. Sure, the van gets a decent array of engines, especially the latest 6.6-liter V8 that develops 401 horsepower and 464 lb-ft of torque. The RWD Express has an impressive maximum towing capacity of 10,000 pounds, and it can handle payloads of up to 4,280 lbs. But, that's where it's strengths end. Yes, hauling cargo is what vans are meant to do, but rivals in the USA like the Ford Transit Cargo Van can handle similar payloads, while still offering significantly more cargo space. They are also far more up-to-date with what modern buyers are looking for in a purchase, with proper infotainment suites, more standard and available safety features, and enough basic comforts that you won't have to worry about your workers wanting to exact their revenge on you in your sleep. And considering all this, Chevrolet still expects you to pay as much as you would for a class-leading van.

What’s the Price of the Chevrolet Express Cargo Van?

You'd expect a van well into its second decade to have a more vintage price tag, but the Chevrolet Express is still moderately pricey for a work van. The base model 2500, in its regular-wheelbase guise and equipped with the standard V6 engine, will cost you $33,000. The extended wheelbase adds $1,900 to the bill, while the V8 engine adds $1,770 and the diesel engine $4,070. With the same body and engine options available, the 3500 WT starts at an MSRP of $36,100 in the US. These prices don't include tax, registration, licensing, or Chevrolet's $1,295 destination charge. The price for the Chevrolet Express Cargo Van starts at just under $2,000 less than the Ford Transit.

2022 Express Cargo Van Exterior

Dimensions

2022 Express Cargo Van Performance

Handling and Driving Impressions

The Express is little more than a horseless wagon and, in many ways, it handles like one. Acceleration is solid, if uninspiring, but the van's extremely limited handling dynamics mean you don't want to be moving in anything but a straight line when going fast. Try to take a corner without slowing considerably, and the van rolls heavily.

Still, steering is responsive enough for town driving, even if feedback is non-existent. The suspension is very basic, too, so the van doesn't do much to smooth over bumps in the road. Loading it up does help, though. Overall, comfort isn't that great, and the seats and upholstery don't do the Express any favors. Road noise is handled relatively well, but the engines will let you know their displeasure when forced to lug around heavy loads at any degree of speed.

2022 Express Cargo Van Interior

2022 Express Cargo Van Trunk and Cargo Space

Warranty

Verdict: Is the 2022 Chevrolet Express Cargo Van A Good Van?

As a cargo van, the Chevy Express performs its function just fine. But when considered as part of a larger market, it's hardly adequate. Sure, it gets some decent powertrains, and it actually has pretty impressive towing capacity, but most cargo haulers aren't looking for a van that can tow well - that's what pickups are for. What buyers want is a van that can get the most cargo from one place to another as quickly and safely as possible.

With a maximum cargo capacity of just 319.9 cubic feet, the Express struggles against leading rivals like the Ford Transit or Ram ProMaster Cargo Van, which each beat it by over 100 cubic feet. Both vans are also far more up-to-date, with more refined powertrains, more modern styling, and a boatload of better standard features.

Chevrolet seems to have abandoned the Express Cargo Van, with no truly significant updates made over the last two decades. If the manufacturer puts so little effort into the van, then why should you, as a consumer, give it any consideration, either? So, no, the Chevy Express simply isn't a good vehicle for the segment it competes in, and it certainly isn't worth the asking price. There are better options out there for the same price, or less.

What Chevrolet Express Cargo Van Model Should I Buy?

In terms of standard features, there is no difference between the 2500 and the 3500. However, the 2500 does offer more available packages to make up for this weakness. Still, if you don't really care about anything more than hauling cargo around town, you'll probably want the more capable 3500 WT. With its extended wheelbase, the van can load up to 319.9 cubic feet.

2022 Chevrolet Express Cargo Van Comparisons

2022 Chevrolet Express Cargo Van vs Ford Transit Cargo Van

While there doesn't appear to be much difference between the Ford Transit and Chevy Express when you look at their base engines, that's where the similarities end. The Ford van is significantly more modern than the Express, and recently underwent a mid-cycle refresh, too. While the Transit's base engine isn't any more powerful than the Chevrolet's, it's far more refined. However, even with its most capable twin-turbo V6, the Transit can't tow as much as the Express, maxing out at 6,900 lbs. The Ford's maximum payload capacity is 5,174 lbs, surpassing that of the Chevy's. Correctly configured, the Ford can pack a whole lot more in the back, with a maximum cargo capacity of 487.3 cubic feet. With more features, more variety, more cargo space, and a starting price not that much higher at $35,925, the Ford Transit doesn't even consider the Chevy Express to be competition.

2022 Chevrolet Express Cargo Van vs GMC Savana Cargo Van

Sharing a parent company means that the GMC Savana and Chevrolet Express have many things in common, for better or worse. They each get the same engine options, which means their performance figures are nearly identical, including the impressive maximum towing capacity of 10,000 lbs. However, they share the same weaknesses, such as subpar cargo capacity, limited body options, as well as a shamefully sparse list of standard features and horribly outdated styling. With neither van making a particularly good case for itself, your choice will likely come down to brand loyalty.