The 2019 Chevrolet Express lasts around 200,000 miles, with some alternator and A/C issues reported. At $24,975 to $39,975, it’s a decent value for a practical old-school full-size van if you need to haul a lot of people or cargo.
Is the 2019 Chevrolet Express a Good Used Van?
- Overall Rating 7/10 – 2019 is a good year for the Chevy Express van since it’s capable of hauling a lot of cargo with reasonable running costs. Owner reviews praise the reliable engines, large fuel tank, along with the ability to convert it to a camper van.
- Interior, Comfort & Cargo 6/10 – Interior materials are extremely basic but designed to be durable, the seats are reasonably comfortable, cargo space is also fantastic.
- Reliability 8/10 – There are no major problems found on the 2019 Express van. Models from 2013 have some engine problems, while newer models from 2014–2022 are all good choices.
- Performance 7/10 – Performance is average from all of the engine choices, but the towing capacity is higher than many competitors.
- Safety 6/10 – The 2019 Express only earns 3 out of 5 stars in government crash tests, but comes standard with a rearview camera and OnStar. Optional upgrades include lane departure warning along with forward collision alert.
- Gas Mileage 7/10 – Fuel economy is okay at up to 20 MPG, offering 620 miles of range out of the 31 gallon tank. Gas costs are similar to other vans, at $369 per month.
- Value 8/10 – The 2019 Chevrolet Express is cheaper than a lot of other full size vans with reasonable depreciation rates, making it an attractive value.
Positive Owner Reviews
Negative Owner Reviews
What Do Critics Say About the Chevy Express?
- Consumer Reports says the 2019 Chevrolet Express offers excellent capabilities for hauling a lot of cargo or passengers, with good owner satisfaction scores.
- Edmunds rates the 2019 Express at 3.7/5, praising the strong V8 engines, but doesn’t like that there’s no high-roof cargo option available.
- Kelley Blue Book users give the Express a 4.2/5, enjoying the proven track record of reliability, but owners don’t like that it’s very outdated compared to other vans.
What Common Problems Does the 2019 Chevrolet Express Have?
Common problems found on the 2019 Chevy Express include dead batteries, a weak A/C system, along with delayed gear changes. Overall, these problems are similar to other large vans on the market, leading to average repair costs as an Express van ages.
Dead batteries are the most widespread complaint from 2019 Express van owners, showing up at around 25,000 miles. The alternator is a known weak point in the Express, which will not charge the battery when it fails. Replacing the alternator costs around $400, depending on local labor rates.
A weak A/C system has also been mentioned by some 2019 Express owners within the first 35,000 miles. The blower motor tends to wear out relatively quickly, and it leads to reduced airflow. Changing out the blower motor costs around $550, since it’s a fairly labor-intensive task.
Delayed gear changes show up on some Express vans as well, usually within the first 1,000 miles. There are transmission control module software updates available which improve the performance of the transmission. Most dealerships will install these updates for free, while others charge around $100 for labor.
There are four recalls on the 2019 Chevy Express, which is similar to other large vans from the same year. The most serious recall covers the backup camera image, which may be reversed. Chevy will update the software to fix the problem for free on affected models. Other recalls include the quarter window glass, seat belt sensors, along with tires. Chevy will fix all of these issues for free as well.
How Long Will the 2019 Chevrolet Express Last?
A well-maintained 2019 Chevrolet Express can last around 200,000 miles, which is similar to other commercial vans like the Nissan NV. Regular annual maintenance costs are high, but close in price to other vans, at around $815 per year, according to data provided by Repair Pal.
As a used 2019 Chevy Express reaches 100,000 miles, and depending on the vehicle history report, owners should be prepared to replace the drive belt idler pulley for $150, fuel tank pressure sensor costing $300, along with the brake booster, which costs around $800.
How Is the Technology?
The standard technology is extremely basic and only includes a small display screen for the camera, and a two-speaker audio system. Optional upgrades include a larger 6.5-inch touchscreen along with Bluetooth and a more powerful stereo.
Standard safety technology features are outdated compared to other vans, and only include a rearview camera. Optional upgrades include lane departure warning and forward collision alert.
Is the 2019 Chevrolet Express a Good Value?
Yes, the 2019 Chevy Express is a good value if you’re in the market for a large van that’s built to carry cargo or a lot of passengers. The blue book fair purchase price ranges from $24,975 to $39,975, making it less than a Mercedes Sprinter or Ford Transit. When new, the price range was $33,950 to $45,850. Depreciation is similar to other vans, losing about 10% of its current value per year.
What are the Different Models of the Chevy Express?
There are two main models of the 2019 Chevrolet Express offered from the entry-level LS through to the LT. All models come standard with rear-wheel drive and can be configured as either a 12 passenger van, 15 passenger van, or cargo van.
LS is the entry-level model with:
- 16-inch steel wheels
- 60/40-split opening passenger door
- 12-passenger seating configuration (2-3-3-4 with 50/50-split back row)
- Standard air conditioning
- Power windows and locks
- Driver information display
- Vinyl upholstery and floor covering
- GM’s OnStar communications equipped
- Rearview camera installed
- Two-speaker audio system with AM/FM stereo and auxiliary port
- Tilt-only steering wheel (standard on 3500 models, optional on 2500)
- Cruise control (standard on 3500 models, optional on 2500)
- Extended-wheelbase 3500 option comes with rear air conditioning (also available as a separate option for other LS models)
- Many LT features available as stand-alone options
- Available bundle: 6.5-inch touchscreen, Bluetooth, CD player, USB port, and navigation system
- Optional rearview camera with display in rearview mirror (for non-touchscreen vehicles)
- Stand-alone options include:
- Power-adjustable heated mirrors
- Rear parking sensors
- Heavy-duty locking rear differential
- Remote vehicle start
- Leather-wrapped steering wheel
- Power-adjustable front seats
- Satellite radio
- 4G LTE Wi-Fi hotspot
LT is a step up, adding:
- Chrome front and rear bumpers
- Remote locking and unlocking feature
- Cloth upholstery
- Carpeted flooring
- Rear air conditioning
- Tilt-only steering wheel and cruise control (standard for 2500 models)
- New for 2019: Forward collision alert and lane departure warning
- Most features available for LS as stand-alone options
- Touchscreen bundle availability: 6.5-inch display, Bluetooth, CD player, USB port, and navigation
- Rearview camera option with display in rearview mirror (for non-touchscreen vehicles)
- Additional options:
- Power-adjustable heated mirrors
- Rear parking sensors
- Remote vehicle start
- Leather-wrapped steering wheel
- Power-adjustable front seats
- Satellite radio
- 4G LTE Wi-Fi hotspot
- Paratransit package for 3500 extended-wheelbase models: removes rear seat and reverts to vinyl floor coverings
- Body style-specific features:
- 15-passenger configuration (2-3-3-3-4 seating) for extended-wheelbase 3500
- 8-passenger configuration (2-3-3) for standard-wheelbase 2500 and 3500 models
What Engines Come In the Chevy Express?
- 4.3L V6 Engine: The base model of the 2019 Chevy Express comes with a 4.3L V6 engine. This engine delivers a solid 276 horsepower and 298 lb.-ft. of torque. It’s paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission.
- 6.0L V8 Gasoline Engine: For those requiring more power, the 6.0L V8 gasoline engine is a robust option. It churns out an impressive 341 horsepower and 373 lb.-ft. of torque. This engine is mated to a six-speed automatic transmission.
- 2.8L Four-Cylinder Diesel Engine: There’s a more efficient 2.8L V8 diesel engine, which produces 181 horsepower and 369 lb.-ft. of torque at up to 17 MPG and has an eight-speed automatic transmission.
What Colors Does the Chevy Express Come In?
How Comfortable Is the Chevy Express?
The 2019 Chevy Express is primarily designed with functionality and durability in mind, given its primary role as a work-oriented vehicle. However, it doesn’t entirely neglect comfort. Inside the cabin, drivers and passengers can expect a basic yet reasonably comfortable environment. The seats, while not luxurious, offer adequate cushioning and support for short to moderate drives. The front row provides ample legroom and headspace for most individuals.
Depending on the chosen configuration, the Express can accommodate multiple passengers, and while the rear seating can be somewhat spartan, it is suitable for transporting people over short distances. The vehicle’s suspension is geared towards carrying heavy loads, so while it is stable and robust, it may not offer the plush ride comfort found in passenger-oriented vans or SUVs. Additionally, while the basic trim levels come with minimal amenities, higher trims do offer some upgrades, such as improved upholstery and climate control, enhancing overall comfort. In summary, the 2019 Chevy Express provides a functional and straightforward comfort level in line with its utilitarian purpose.
How Much Storage Space Does the Chevy Express Have?
The 2019 Chevy Express is a versatile and roomy full-size van that’s designed to handle a variety of cargo needs. Depending on the model and configuration chosen, the Chevy Express can provide up to 313.9 cubic feet of cargo space. This immense capacity allows it to accommodate large items such as furniture, bulk supplies, and equipment.
For context, that’s enough room to fit several bicycles, a full-size mattress, or stacks of storage boxes. The Express also offers numerous small storage areas throughout its cabin, including door pockets, an overhead storage shelf, and center console compartments, which are ideal for keeping tools, documents, personal items, and other essentials organized and within easy reach. Whether you’re running a business or simply need ample space for hauling, the 2019 Chevy Express offers a robust solution.
What Are the Differences Between Years?
The Chevrolet Express full-size van was launched in 1996, and is still in production, making it one of the oldest new vehicles on the market today.
2015: The 1500 series was discontinued, leaving only the 2500 and 3500 series models.
2016: Optional Chevy MyLink stereo system available, standard airbags.
2017: Four cylinder diesel engine replaces the older V8 diesel, CNG engine no longer offered.
2018: New 4.3L V6 replaces the 4.8L V8 engine, OnStar and a Rearview camera are now standard.
2019: More safety technology available than other years.
2020: Better eight-speed automatic transmission on models with a diesel engine.
2021: New 6.0L V8 engine replaces the 6.6L V8, navigation system no longer offered.
How Does the Chevy Express Compare to the Competition?
The 2019 Chevrolet Express is a good full-size van if you need to haul a lot of people or cargo, although it’s very outdated compared to some of the other competitors on the market.
The Ford Transit is another large van available for about $3,500 more. Standard technology is better in the Ford Transit, while the Chevy Express has a higher maximum towing capacity. We recommend the Ford Transit since it offers a high-roof version which is more practical, although both are good van choices.
The Nissan NV200 is a competitor, which can be found for about $1,000 more. The cabin is nicer in the Nissan NV200, while the Chevy Express offers more cargo or seating space. We recommend the Chevy Express since it’s more practical, although it’s worth looking at both to see which you prefer.
