MSRP: $42,200
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Overview
The 2026 Chevrolet Express full-size van is being put back on life support for yet another model year, and soldiers on in Cargo and Passenger configurations, with two naturally aspirated engine choices – a 276-hp 4.3L V6 and a 401-hp 6.6L V8. Both are linked to an 8-speed automatic and rear-wheel drive, with no option for AWD or high-roof body configurations, only two body lengths, with the Passenger Van able to accommodate up to 15 people in the 3500 extended-wheelbase configuration. The Cargo Van has either two or five seats with an upfit-ready cargo area behind. The Express has been sold for more than 30 years on the trot, and has now fallen way behind more modern and efficient rivals.
What’s New for 2026
Essentially nothing changes, and the 2025 Express carries over for 2026 in Cargo and Passenger Van configurations, and with the same powertrains.
Exterior
The Express is a box on wheels in the manner of ’90s American vans, because that’s what it is. There are two body lengths, but only one roof height, whereas all its rivals can be had in various roof heights. The Cargo Van has swing-out double side doors, but a sliding door is available, and the rear double doors swing out too. Regular and extended wheelbase configurations are available on 2500 and 3500 models. The LT Passenger Van is a little more smartly finished than the LS, with a chromed front grille and bumper. It stretches up to 243.95 inches long in Extended Wheelbase format, and is 79.25 inches wide.
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Chevrolet
Chevrolet
Interior
The interior of the 2026 Express takes you back 30 years, with a basic instrument panel devoid of features or touchscreens; there’s only an AM/FM radio with Bluetooth and a 3.5-millimeter auxiliary jack. The Cargo van comes with vinyl upholstery, but the Passenger Van gets cloth. Basic air conditioning is fitted, with rear AC available on the Passenger Van. In Extended Wheelbase, the 3500 Passenger LT provides five rows of seating for up to 15 people. The Cargo Van has a flat cargo floor with various tie-downs and available bulkhead partitions. Excellent upfit compatibility means the Express remains popular with delivery services and tradespeople.
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Chevrolet
Price Range and Best Value Trim
The 2026 Chevrolet Express’s price is still lower than that of all its rivals. Various configurations of both Cargo and Passenger models across the 2500 and 3500 series are available.
| Trim Level | Price |
| Base trim: 2500 Cargo Van | $42,200 |
| Top trim: 3500 Passenger LT Extended V8 | $53,790 |
| Best value trim: 2500 Cargo Van | $42,200 |
The base 2500 Cargo Van undercuts the Ram ProMaster, Ford Transit, and Mercedes-Benz Sprinter by thousands of dollars. Fleet buyers benefit from widespread parts availability and simple maintenance.
Key Specs
Powertrain
| Engine | HP | Torque | Transmission | Drivetrain |
| 4.3L EcoTec3 V6 | 276 hp | 298 lb-ft | 8-speed Auto | RWD |
| 6.6L V8 (available) | 401 hp | 464 lb-ft | 8-speed Auto | RWD |
Fuel type: Regular unleaded (V6) / Regular unleaded (V8).
Fuel Economy
The Express is not EPA-rated because it’s a commercial vehicle. Owners typically report that they get between 14 and 20 MPG, depending on engine, load, and driving conditions.
Dimensions and Capacity
| Spec | Cargo Van | Passenger Van |
| Seating | 2 – 5 | Up to 12 (2500) / 15 (3500 Ext) |
| Width | 79.25 in | 79.25 in |
| Wheelbase | 135.2 in (regular) | 135.2 / 155.1 in (extended) |
| Curb Weight | 5,261 to 5,757 lbs | 5,991 to 6,525 lbs |
| Max Payload | Up to 4,280 lbs (3500) | Varies by configuration |
| Max Towing | 9,600 lbs (V8) | 9,600 lbs (V8) |
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Warranty
| Coverage | Term |
| Basic | 3 years / 36,000 miles |
| Powertrain | 5 years / 60,000 miles |
| Complimentary Maintenance | First visit |
| Corrosion | 6 years / 100,000 miles |
| Roadside Assistance | 5 years / 60,000 miles |
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Lowest starting price of all full-size vans
- Up to 9,600 lbs towing and 4,280 lbs payload
- Proven body-on-frame durability over decades
- Available 401-hp V8 for heavy loads
- Extensive aftermarket upfit support
Cons:
- Platform unchanged since 1996
- No high-roof option available
- No touchscreen infotainment system
- No modern driver-assistance technology
- Fuel economy trails newer competitors
Verdict
The Chevrolet Express is a bare-bones workhorse, and that’s the only reason for its continued existence. It offers almost nothing in the way of refinement, driving dynamics, contemporary design, or modern technology, but it does offer a low price, straightforward serviceability, a tough body-on-frame platform that operators have trusted since the ’90s, and proven reliability. At its base price, the Express still makes sense, thanks to these advantages, but if you need a vehicle with modern safety tech, the option of an electric powertrain, an infotainment system, or a high roof, you’d have to spring for one of its far more advanced rivals.
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Competitors
- Mercedes-Benz Sprinter
- Ford Transit
- Ram ProMaster
- GMC Savana
About the author
Cobus F. Potgieter
Reviews and Features Editor