Vehicle Overview
Chevrolet’s full-size Express is available as a passenger or cargo van and is offered in 1500, 2500 and 3500 duty levels. The Express competes with other full-size vans, including the Ford E-Series, Nissan NV and Mercedes-Benz Sprinter. The GMC Savana is closely related to the Express.
New for 2013
New options for 2013 include a backup camera, rear park assist and a radio with navigation.
Exterior
Overall height and length of the Express and its competitors vary among different models, with variables like longer wheelbases and extended roofs. Half-ton Express models get standard 17-inch wheels. Standard flat and convex exterior mirrors on each side provide a wider field of vision. Exterior features include:
- 1500 versions come on a regular-length wheelbase (135 inches)
- 2500 and 3500 also available in extended-wheelbase form (155 inches)
- Swing-out rear doors
- Optional Express Access Package adds three side-panel storage areas
- Optional Chrome Appearance Package
Interior
A driver information center in the instrument cluster displays instructions for maintenance and warnings, such as if the vehicle’s transmission overheats or if a theft attempt has taken place. A fuel-operated heater is available on vans with the 6.6-liter Duramax diesel engine to heat the interior quickly in cold weather. The system features a self-contained, pressurized auxiliary coolant heater that uses diesel fuel to generate heat. Interior features include:
- Standard vinyl seats; cloth upholstery optional
- Optional power front seats
- Optional backup camera
- Optional Bluetooth cellphone connectivity
- Optional CD stereo
- Optional radio with navigation
- Optional bulkhead dividers (cargo van)
- Optional 60/40-split left-side entry/load door for regular-length vans
Under the Hood
Five available engines range from a 4.3-liter V-6 to a turbo-diesel 6.6-liter V-8. All engines have air-filter and oil-life monitors. The 6.0-liter V-8 has a fast-idle option that makes it easier to run accessories while the vehicle is idling. Vans equipped with the turbo-diesel 6.6-liter V-8 have a standard 3.73 axle ratio and an optional locking rear limited-slip differential.
Properly equipped, the Express can tow up to 10,000 pounds. The heavy-duty G3500 is available for RV and commercial cutaway applications; it has an even longer wheelbase and a gross vehicle weight rating of up to 14,200 pounds. The 1500 has a GVW of up to 7,300 pounds; it’s 8,600 pounds for the 2500 and 9,600 pounds for the 3500. Mechanical features include:
- 195-horsepower, 4.3-liter V-6 with 260 pounds-feet of torque (cargo van only)
- 280-hp, 4.8-liter V-8 with 296 pounds-feet of torque
- 310-hp, 5.3-liter V-8 with 334 pounds-feet of torque
- 323-hp, 6.0-liter V-8 with 373 pounds-feet of torque
- 280-hp, 6.0-liter V-8 with 320 pounds-feet of torque (compressed natural gas model)
- 260-hp, turbo-diesel 6.6-liter V-8 with 525 pounds-feet of torque
- Four- or six-speed automatic transmission
- 31-gallon fuel tank
- Optional remote start
Safety
All Express cargo and passenger vans have a standard electronic stability system. Side curtain airbags are standard in all passenger vans and available in cargo models. Other standard safety features for all models include:
- Four-wheel-disc antilock brakes
- Lap/shoulder belts for all center seats
- Optional rear park assist
