2021 Chevrolet Express 3500

The 2021 Chevrolet Express 3500 Cargo Van has retained the same trim lineup and configurations for years. All the Express 3500 trims are focused on a strong workhorse personality and are equipped with hauling tools, equipment, or cargo. The Express 3500 starts with the base trim level. Buyers can also replace the standard wheelbase configuration with an extended wheelbase variant. 

Although the Express 3500 Cargo Van comes in only one standard trim, there are a few optional packages available. But since the Express is marketed as a commercial vehicle, these optional packages lean more on the utilitarian side of things.

Hotel Shuttle Package

• Swing-out rear cargo door windows
• Swing-out rear side door and rear door windows
• Solar-Ray deep-tinted glass
• Window security bar

Driver Convenience Package

• Tilt steering wheel
• Cruise control

Chrome Appearance Package

• Front and rear chrome bumpers
• Chrome grille

We Recommend

The Chevy Express 3500 Cargo Van is available in only a single trim level. But buyers can optimize the van as per their requirements, by opting for specialized cargo equipment or optional packages. We recommend getting the optional spray-in protective liner, and the second-row seating if you plan to fit more passengers inside.

Release Date

The 2021 Chevrolet Express 3500 Cargo Van has been released and is available for sale through your nearest Chevy dealership.

Chevy offers a standard 4.3-liter V-6 powertrain for all Express 3500 variants. To be precise, this engine manages 276 horsepower and 298 lb.-ft of torque. The cargo van utilizes an 8-speed automatic transmission unit, which is capable of transferring power to the rear wheels of the vehicle. For more performance, Chevy also offers a muscular 6.6-liter V-8, capable of generating 401 horsepower and 464 lb-ft of torque with a 6-speed automatic gearbox to handle the gear shifting duties.

Drivers who crave fuel efficiency can opt for the optional 2.8-liter four-cylinder diesel engine, rated at 181 horsepower and 369 lb-ft of torque. This engine is paired with an eight-speed automatic and is capable of towing up to 7,000 pounds and carrying a payload of 4,280 pounds. The Express feels big and brawny, and that factor is certainly evident in the speed tests. The Express 3500 clocks in a sluggish 0-60 MPH run of 8.2 seconds and a quarter-mile run of 16.5 seconds. 

In the battle of the base powertrains, the Nissan NV takes advantage of its V-8 engine, as it clocks in the fastest 0-60 MPH time and highest performance specs. However, the Express also offers a V-8 engine option, which is subsequently more powerful than the one Nissan offers. 

2021 Chevrolet Express 3500 Cargo Van Ride and Handling

The Chevrolet Express 3500 feels like a big brute while driving. Modern rivals like the Ford Transit and the RAM ProMaster have totally revamped the driving maneuverability of big cargo vans. The Express feels nowhere close to its rivals, as it offers a rather unsophisticated driving experience characterized by a vague driving feel. The Express also doesn’t offer all-wheel-drive, which might have tremendously helped in improving off-road performance. The ride quality is unremarkable, which highlights the aging design of the Express.

2021 Chevrolet Express 3500 Cargo Van Braking Performance

The Express is certainly competent in terms of braking performance, given the responsibility of hauling cargo that hangs above its shoulders. It comes equipped with 12.8 and 13-inch rotors at the front and the back. While the 60-0 MPH results are not yet known, the Express is expected to offer decent braking performance thanks to features like ABS and brake assist installed.

No manufacturer has disclosed the braking performance of its cargo vans. However, judging by the curb weight of each of these vans, the Ford Transit is expected to fare the best when it comes to deceleration. The Chevy Express is expected to end up near the bottom of the table due to its sheer curb weight.

Massive cargo vans like the Chevrolet Express 3500 usually don’t have fuel economy figures available. This is because manufacturers like Chevy are exempt from reporting their fuel economy figures once any of their vehicles cross a specific weight limit. Therefore, the fuel economy figures of the 2021 Express 3500 aren't available. Nevertheless, the cargo van has a massive 31-gallon fuel tank capacity.

Since none of the cargo vans in the segment are expected to report their fuel economy figures to the EPA, there is no scope for comparison. However, the Express sports the largest fuel tank capacity in its category, which makes it ideal for long trips.

The 2021 Chevrolet Express 3500 Cargo Van sports a largely empty shell inside its interior cabin, with only bench seating available to fit the driver and front passenger. Second-row seating is available for purchase as an option if the driver wants to fit in more passengers. The rest of the cargo van looks pretty basic, highlighting its age-old design. The seats are coated in simple vinyl, with cloth seats offered as optional on the demand of the driver. Air conditioning and power seats are also offered as optional features to enhance the comfort factor of the cabin.

The Express offers a generous 239.4 cubic feet of space to stow away all the cargo and goods behind the seats. Unfortunately, there is no high roof option available, so drivers have to stoop their heads low while filling in the cargo. The Nissan NV offers a comparable cargo capacity figure of 234.1 cubic feet. The Ford Transit and RAM ProMaster haven’t been rated officially for their cargo space figures.

Some of the key interior features available with the 2021 Chevrolet Express 3500 Cargo Van include:

• Air conditioning 
• Cloth seats
• Front seat heating
• Remote start

How intuitive is the 2021 Chevrolet Express 3500 Cargo Van’s infotainment system?

The 2021 Chevrolet Express 3500 Cargo Van features a simple infotainment system with an AM/FM stereo. Every trim level is compatible with WiFi technology. Drivers can also enable Bluetooth connectivity by opting for the Communications package. This package also adds extra features like a SiriusXM satellite radio and a CD player. For touchscreen lovers, Chevy offers a 6.5-inch color touchscreen combined with a navigation system for a seamless driving experience. Other optional features include Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Smart Key.

Some of the most notable infotainment features available with the 2021 Chevrolet Express 3500 Cargo Van include:

• 6.5-inch color touchscreen
• Bluetooth Connectivity
• Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
• Navigation
• SiriusXM satellite radio

The first generation Chevy Express 3500 still continues to roll on American streets ever since its introduction in 1996. As a result, the 2021 Chevrolet Express 3500 Cargo Van has not changed in its dimensions. The Express is one of the heaviest cargo vans in its segment, weighing a curb weight of 6,001 lbs. Additionally, it has a total length of 224 inches, and a width of 79.3 inches. With an adequate ground clearance of 8.6 inches, the Express feels stable while going over huge bumps. Chevy also offers an extended wheelbase variant to fit in more cargo. However, unlike other cargo vans in its segment, the Express doesn’t offer a high roof option.

The exterior design of the Express isn’t the most aesthetically pleasing owing to its boxy dimensions. The Transit and the ProMaster feel more modern in terms of exterior design. The Nissan has the largest exterior dimensions in the class.

Some standout exterior features include:

• Alloy wheels
• Halogen headlights
• Power windows and mirrors
• Rear defroster 
• Running boards

The 2021 Chevrolet Express 3500 Cargo Van hasn’t been safety tested by any agency like the NHTSA and IIHS. However, the cargo van comes equipped with decent optional safety features like blind spot monitoring, parking sensors, lane departure warning, and forward collision warning. The Express is equipped with standard overhead and side airbags for crash protection. The standout safety features include:

• Lane departure warning
• Blind spot monitor
• Parking sensors
• Forward collision warning

2021 Chevrolet Express 3500 Cargo Van vs 2021 Ford Transit T-250 Cargo Van

The Ford Transit T-250 is undoubtedly the Express 3500’s closest competitor. The Chevy starts at a lower base price than the Ford and offers the option of a V-8 engine too which the Ford doesn’t. The Express is also more capable in terms of towing and payload capacity. However, the Transit steals the show with its array of technology and safety features. The Transit also feels more modern compared to the archaic Express.

2021 Chevrolet Express 3500 Cargo Van vs 2021 RAM ProMaster 3500 Cargo Van

The RAM ProMaster 3500 is another close rival to the Chevy Express, although it is a bit pricier. The Chevy offers a more powerful V-8 engine option, as well as better towing specs. Both the RAM and Chevy cargo vans feature an almost identical equipment list. The Chevy has the advantage of having more versatile options. Hence, in terms of workhorse ability, the Chevy Express 3500 takes advantage here.

2021 Chevrolet Express 3500 Cargo Van vs 2021 Nissan NV 3500HD Cargo Van

The Nissan NV 3500HD offers similar features compared to the Chevy Express 3500, including the base V-8 engine under its hood. This engine is much more powerful compared to Chevy’s base V-6 and is faster on the road. The Express is the go-to option here for immense towing and hauling capability. The Nissan NV comes close in terms of capability and is dimensionally bigger than the Chevy Express. 

The 2021 Chevrolet Express 3500 Cargo Van is an old-school choice for every commercial driver who wants to haul big cargo loads. The Express is an easy cargo van to maintain, and it contains loads of features to assist you in your cargo-hauling duties. However, the Express has long been under criticism for its archaic design and interiors, which take a hit compared to its modern rivals like the Ford Transit. The Express also feels shabby to drive and less secure because of its lack of standout safety features. For a better driving experience, there are much better options out there than the basic Chevy Express 3500.