2022 Chevrolet Express Passenger Van Review: A Modern Relic

A lot happened in 1995, with movies such as Waterworld, Toy Story, and Pocahontas all being brought to the silver screen. It was the year of the Mexican bailout, and it was the year in which OJ Simpson was pronounced not guilty. It was also the year in which the Chevrolet Express Passenger Van went on sale in the USA, and while most manufacturers tend to update and replace their passenger haulers over time, Chevy has seemingly forgotten about the Express altogether in its 26-year history. Sure, there have been a few engine updates along the way, leaving us with gasoline V6 and V8s today developing up to 401 horsepower, and there's a nifty 181-hp turbo-diesel too, but that's a band-aid on an amputated leg as the big bruising Express battles on into another year. Every review of the Chevrolet Express Passenger Van and its competitors you're likely to read will mention its prehistoric origins and agricultural feel in relation to far newer rivals. It wouldn't all be so bad if other passenger vans were approaching the same age, but with the new Ford Transit and Mercedes-Benz Sprinter to contend with, the Chev Express is better off dying hard with a vengeance… yet another thing that's been around as long as the Express.

What's the Price of the 2022 Chevrolet Express Passenger Van?

The range's starting MSRP and the price for every one of the new Chevrolet Express Passenger Van's models and trims have remained the same this year. The 2500 LS with the regular wheelbase is at the bottom of the 2022 Chevrolet Express Passenger Van's price list and comes in at $37,200, followed by the 2500 LT at an MSRP of $39,300. The 3500 LS' price is $38,400 with the regular wheelbase, while the LT costs $40,100. 3500 extended-wheelbase models are priced at $39,200 for the LS and $40,900 for the LT.

Prices vary when adding the optional engines, although the turbodiesel is the most expensive engine. On the base 2500 LS, the V8 will add $1,695 to the price, and the turbodiesel will cost you an additional $3,995. The price of the Chevrolet Express Passenger Van excludes tax, registration, and licensing fees, as well as a destination charge of $1,695.

2022 Express Passenger Van Exterior

Dimensions

2022 Express Passenger Van Performance

2022 Chevrolet Express Passenger Van Handling and Driving Impressions

As one can imagine, a large, metal lunch tin on tiny 16-inch wheels isn't going to be very agile; its expansive size and heft are expected encumbrances to its ride quality and handling dynamics, which are more bus-like than car-like. Even so, its strapping powertrain propels it around easily and predictably, with controlled and smooth acceleration - and a decent turn of speed with the powerful V8. Its steering is sloppy and excessively vague, however, but that's something typical to the class. Considering the van's dimensions and impressive towing capacities, its brakes perform admirably, delivering effective stopping power and with responses that are easy to modulate.

There's plenty of body roll exhibited around turns and the van definitely feels top-heavy. Fortunately, considering its purpose for routine passenger hauling, it probably won't ever be driven around corners very fast, which is probably for the best. Despite all this, its suspension still manages to properly absorb most minor road abrasions and common undulations; however, larger obstacles will have to be taken on cautiously. It's a firm ride, but with a few passengers on board, the heavy-duty suspension soak shocks up decently, even if road noise echoes through the cabin.

2022 Express Passenger Van Interior

2022 Express Passenger Van Trunk and Cargo Space

Warranty

US NHTSA Crash Test Result

Verdict: Is The 2022 Chevrolet Express Passenger Van A Good Minivan?

The new 2022 Chevrolet Express Passenger Van is, of course, not new at all. It has limited standard safety features, rudimentary infotainment, and a greater focus on cramming people in than on keeping them safe. But beyond this, the Express isn't all that great. Sure, it might be able to tow a fair amount, and the engines are versatile, but it drives like a van from the '90s with slow steering, poor body control, and little to no sound deadening. Praise should be given to Chevrolet for the optional driver-assistance features available, but the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter and Ford Transit offer those too, along with vastly more comprehensive infotainment suites, higher levels of comfort and convenience, and driving dynamics that are far less demanding on the driver. Once upon a time, the Express may have been viable, but now it's just a big engine and a whole lot of old, and we'd recommend looking elsewhere.

What 2022 Chevrolet Express Passenger Van Model Should I Buy?

There's really no right or wrong answer when it comes to vans as you buy the one that suits your needs. Need to tow a lot? Get the big V8 - it's only $1,695 extra for an additional 125 hp. Need 12 seats? Get the standard wheelbase. Need to seat the maximum number of passengers? Then get the extended wheelbase. How much you'll pay is very much a function of how you spec it. The only thing we can recommend is paying extra for the LT, as the LS is really too bare for any level of comfort from a driving perspective. The rest is up to you and your needs, but regardless of which trim you end up going for, we do recommend throwing in the blind-spot monitor, as maneuvering the large van isn't the easiest task.

So, to keep things sensible, we would opt for a 2500 LT trim with the standard V6 engine, which is adequate for normal passenger hauling. We'd also add the upgraded radio (requires a three-month SiriusXM subscription), Bluetooth (requires the leather-trimmed steering wheel), keyless entry, and blind-spot monitoring (requires rear parking sensors). This brings the total to a reasonable $42,245, including destination.