Chevrolet Express

Full-sized commercial vans are usually upgraded or redesigned after long intervals. The 2023 Chevrolet Express is no different. In fact, it’s still in the first generation that was launched in 1996. The age is now evident, and the interior of the Chevrolet Express is dated and downright bland compared to most of its newer rivals. The dashboard and features are very basic. The cabin is spacious and unexciting. Chevrolet hasn’t devoted much time to bringing the Express van to par with its peers.

What are the color options available for the 2023 Chevrolet Express?

The van is available in Black, Silver Ice Metallic, Red Hot, and Summit White color options.

Passenger and boot space

The 2023 Chevrolet Express 3500 LT, can accommodate up to 15 passengers. The passenger cabin is spacious, with ample headroom and legroom. The fabric seats are comfortable for short-distance travelling. The seats themselves are very basic, and there’s not much back support, and highway travelling is often tiring. The 2500 LT can carry 12 passengers, and there’s still a lot of space to carry cargo. The suspension is a bit on the harder side, and some bumps and thuds are felt inside the cabin. Noise insulation isn’t particularly good. Chevrolet wasn’t really interested in enhancing the van’s comfort quotient.  

Comfort and entertainment

Like the rest of the cabin, the 2023 Chevrolet Express has a very basic infotainment system. There’s an AM/FM stereo with Wi-Fi support. The optional Communications package comes with Bluetooth, CD player, and SiriusXM satellite radio. There’s nothing high-tech in the cabin. The rotary controls are easy to use. The manual air-conditioning isn’t very powerful but cools the cabin fast. 

The exterior of the 2023 Chevrolet Express is pretty much the same as it has been all these years. But it isn’t unattractive for a cargo van. It comes with halogen headlights and large turn indicators. The black bar bisected grille hosts the Chevrolet golden bowtie. Daytime running lights (DRLs) are now standard and the taillights are positioned high to ensure optimal visibility for cars behind. Like most of its rivals, the 2023 Chevrolet Express comes with multiple wheelbases, and a short-body or long-body options. But there’s no high-roof or medium-roof option. The van gets two doors for front passengers, two cargo doors at the back, and two passenger-side doors for loading and unloading cargo.

What are the dimensions of the 2023 Chevrolet Express AT?

The van measures 5.7m in length, 2.0m in width, and 2.14m in height. Its wheelbase is of 3.43mm.

Commercial vans aren’t meant to be fuel efficient. The Chevrolet Express returns a mileage of around 7kmpl in city conditions.

The Chevrolet Express van is like a big box on wheels. It’s meant to transport cargo from one point to another. The 6.6-litre motor emits enough power. The steering wheel is on the heavier side and is not engaging at all. But it is nicely balanced and doesn’t take much effort to maneuver the large van around town or park in cramped spaces. Highway driving is unexciting. Due to high ground clearance, there’s significant body roll. Handling of the Chevrolet Express is, at best, average.

How much ground clearance does the 2023 Chevrolet Express AT have?

The van comes with 220mm of ground clearance. 

The 2023 Chevrolet Express is available in four versions in UAE. All are equipped with an eight-cylinder, 6.6-liter petrol engine that produces 410PS maximum power and 630Nm peak torque. The engine is paired with a six-speed automatic transmission (AT). For 2023, Chevrolet has dropped the four-cylinder, 2.8-liter Duramax diesel engine from its lineup. 

What is the difference between the 2500 AT and the 3500 AT?

The basic features of both models remain the same. The Chevrolet Express is a commercial van and not meant for personal driving pleasure. But while the 2500 AT can carry up to 3,900kg and tow up to 1,470kg, the 3500 AT can carry up to 4,500kg and tow up to 1,900kg.

Is the 2023 Chevrolet Express available in diesel?

No. The van is available only with a 6.6-liter petrol motor.

The standard safety equipment of the 2023 Chevrolet Express comprises stability control and anti-lock brakes. The passenger van has power-adjustable mirrors, forward-collision detector, and lane-departure warning, blind-spot monitoring, rear parking sensors, and hill-start assist. The cargo van is less equipped in terms of safety and driver-assist features. A rear camera can be added to the van along with a touchscreen system.

How many airbags does the 2023 Chevrolet Express have?

The car comes with only the driver's and front passenger's airbags.

Value for money

The 2023 Chevrolet Express is mostly used as a basic van for moving cargo. The 6.6-litre petrol engine is powerful and has great towing capacity. But while other commercial vans are both modern and more affordable, the Chevrolet Express struggles to stand out. It’s a value proposition for those who want a solid-build van. For them, the Express may be a worthy choice

What other vans can be compared to the 2023 Chevrolet Expresss?

Ford Transit, Nissan Urvan and Toyota Hiace are the closest rivals of the Chevrolet Express.

Verdict

Vans are a niche segment in the commercial vehicle space. Sooner or later, Chevrolet has to upgrade the Express to withstand competition. It’s still as basic as a van can be. The passenger van model of the Express is reputed for its dependability, space, and comfortable seating of up to 15 passengers. While rivals are modern and offer easier handling, the Chevrolet Express is the most spacious in class.