2018 Chevrolet City Express Pros vs Cons
What's New for 2018?
The 2018 Chevrolet City Express gets a few new standard features, including a rearview camera and Bluetooth. Other than that, everything carries over from the outgoing 2017 lineup.
Ten Reasons You May Like the 2018 Chevrolet City Express – The Pros
1. Fuel Efficiency From the 4-Cylinder Engine
Work vans are not known for being fuel efficient. Usually, they're anything but. However, the 2018 Chevrolet City Express has a 2.0-L 4-cylinder engine that is quite a bit more fuel-efficient than many of its competitors. Paired with a CVT, this powertrain generates 131 hp and 139 lb-ft of torque. Of course, this isn't a whole ton of power, but the City Express does get 25 mpg combined (24 mpg city/26 mpg highway). So, while you're not going to go fast, you will have something that generously sips on the gas.
2. Easy to Maneuver
The City Express is surprisingly nimble for a vehicle its size. The steering only takes light effort from the driver, and the van handles tight turns on crowded streets and tight parking lots with the ease of a sedan.
3. Affordability
One of the biggest reasons to buy the 2018 Chevrolet City Express is the price. It is more affordable than a full-size work van, so if you do not need a ton of cargo space, you can cut down on costs by opting for the City Express. Also, in the long-run, it will save on the cost of gas as opposed to a full-size van.
4. Easy to Get In and Out
Getting in and out of the City Express is relatively easy. Stepping in and out of the cockpit is a breeze, even for shorter people. Loading cargo is made simple thanks to the cargo doors that open out wide, the sliding rear doors, and the low load floor.
5. A Height-Adjustable Driver Seat
Drivers of any size can easily adjust the driver seat to find a good driving position. The driver seat is height-adjustable, which makes it even simpler to find a good vantage point from behind the wheel.
6. The LT Trim's Additional Standard Features
If you can afford it, upgrade to the line-topping LT trim. It includes all of the standard features found on the base LS trim (such as keyless entry) as well as a 12-volt power outlet in the rear. It also features heated power mirrors and rear parking sensors and can be equipped with the Technology package, whereas the LS cannot.
7. The Optional Glass Packages
The optional Glass packages give the 2018 Chevrolet City Express a rear defrost and privacy glass on the passenger side and rear windows. This little bit of extra privacy can be nice while on the job.
8. The Optional Appearance Package
The Appearance package is another add-on bundle that you might want to consider buying. This package gives the City Express a chrome grille trimmed with black accents and wheel covers. It also adds mirrors, door handles, and bumpers that are the color of the body.
9. The Optional Technology Package
The Technology package is a must-have for all tech-savvy drivers. It can only be added to the LT trim, but it is well worth the price. It includes a USB audio jack, rearview camera, satellite radio, navigation, and a 5.8-inch touchscreen display panel. For someone who has to drive out to new locations frequently for work, the navigation system is truly helpful.
10. Tons of Small Item Storage Spaces
As a cargo van built for workers in various trades, you can expect to find many small item storage spaces located throughout the interior of the 2018 Chevrolet City Express. There is a storage tray located underneath the passenger seat, and there are plenty of smaller compartments and bins to be found.
Reasons You May Not Like the 2018 Chevrolet City Express – The Cons
1. Stiff Seats
Sitting in the 2018 Chevrolet City Express for an extended period of time just is not that comfortable. The seat cushions are too stiff to support the spinal column for very long, and, when coupled with an unladen ride, makes for a bumpy and all-around unpleasant ride.
2. Lacks Cargo Space
You cannot expect the City Express to have the immense cargo space that you get on full-size work vans. Still, it feels a bit cramped when gear is loaded into the cargo area. Its 122.7 cubic feet of cargo space falls shy of what you get on some of the top competitors in this segment.
3. A Tilt-Only Steering Wheel
The steering wheel is tilt-only, which hinders the driver's ability to find the perfect driving position with minimal effort. If the wheel was tilt-and-telescoping, drivers of all sizes would have no problem finding the right position since the seat is highly adjustable.
4. Sluggish Acceleration
Acceleration on the City Express is, at best class average. The LT trim manages to get from 0 to 60 mph in about 10 seconds. This isn't terrible, but it's also not great. Overall, acceleration just feels boring and sluggish.
How it Stacks up to the Competition:
2018 Chevrolet City Express vs. 2018 Nissan NV200
The 2018 Nissan NV200 provides ample cargo space and gets a fairly decent gas mileage. Also, it has a sophisticated appearance that doesn't make it look like the average work van. However, the NV200, like the City Express, doesn't get a lot of power from the engine, so getting up to speed on the highway will be a chore.
2018 Chevrolet City Express vs. 2018 Ford Transit Connect
The 2018 Ford Transit Connect provides a smooth, quiet ride and ultimately has a very sedan-like way of handling and steering. While it hosts a ton of features, the Transit Connect lacks the payload ratings seen on its competitors.
Conclusion
The 2018 Chevrolet City Express is a good, smaller-scale alternative to the full-size Chevrolet Express. Although the City Express struggles with acceleration and comfort, it handles urban roadways with ease and is loaded to the brim with utility features.
• Why buy a 2017 Chevrolet City Express? w/ pros vs cons
