2020 Chevrolet Express Cargo Trim Levels with Comparisons & Configurations.

Cargo vans are changing the way people work. And cargo vans themselves are changing. Just take the 2020 Chevrolet Express Cargo for example. The Express has been around since 1996 and has seen quite a few alterations since then. For the new model year, the Express has some of the biggest payload and towing capacities in this segment, and the diesel and V8 engine options are nothing short of powerful. And, of course, the Express is fitted with all kinds of tech-y gadgets and gizmos.

The downside? Its cargo space is not that massive compared to a lot of other cargo vans. Without a high roof option, that leaves even less room for you to walk around in the rear. For some folks, that alone will be a deal-breaker. But, for some, there will be enough positive attributes to make them choose to add the 2020 Chevrolet Express Cargo van to their fleet.

So, is this the right vehicle for your company? Or should you look at something else? Knowing what to expect from the 2020 Chevrolet Express Cargo's different configurations might help you make that decision. That's why you should read through to the end of this trim level review. By the end, we will have gone over all of the trim levels for this model year and will declare which one we think offers the best overall deal for most consumers.

Note that we will compare these vans by wheelbase since they do not technically have trim levels. Before we do that, though, we're going to tell you about the different engines that can be equipped on any of these vehicles. You can choose between the standard 4.3-L V6 engine, a 6.0-L Vortec V8 engine, a 6.0-L gaseous CNG/LPG capable V8, and a 2.8-L Duramax turbodiesel 4-cylinder engine. The 4.3-L is a direct injection that gets 276 hp and 298 lb-ft of torque, and an 8-speed automatic comes equipped. YOu can opt for a diesel specific version or a 6-speed automatic. The 6.0-L gets 341 hp and 373 lb-ft of torque and has electronic fuel injection. It gets paired with the 6-speed while the 8-speeds are both optional. The 6.0-L gaseous version has the same set-up. The 2.8-L turbodiesel gets 181 hp and 369 lb-ft of torque. The diesel specific 8-speed automatic transmission comes standard. Rear wheel drive is standard.

Compare the 2020 Chevrolet Express Cargo 2500 Regular Wheelbase vs 2500 Extended Wheelbase. What is the difference?

Now that we know more about the vehicle's different powertrains, we can look at the wheelbases more in-depth. The 2020 Chevrolet Express Cargo starts off with a 2500 Regular Wheelbase but also offers the 2500 Extended Wheelbase. A 105-amp alternator is standard issue on both, as are a 31-gallon fuel tank, 4-wheel anti-lock disc brakes, and an aluminized stainless steel muffler and tailpipe. Other standard mechnical features on both include hill start assist, a ladder-type frame, and power steering.

Both vehicles ride atop 16-inch wheels, and there are no options for bigger wheels. The side mirrors are manually adjustable and done in black, but there is a chic Chrome Appearance Package available if you want to look a little bit more flashy. Steel side door beams, halogen headlights, daytime running lights, intermittent windshield wipers up front, power windows and doors, light-tinted glass, and a passenger side door that swings out are standard as well. There are plenty of options that will let you customize the van's exterior, such as a security screen, deep-tinted glass, and a removable roof rack.

So, what do these vehicles have in common on the inside? Is there anything that makes them so different? These 2500 wheelbases both have 12-volt power outlets on their dashboards, a 120-volt power outlet, 4G LTE WiFi hot spot connectivity (which is super helpful when you need to log or access information while on the road), an MP3 player with the AM/FM stereo, air conditioning, and assist handles. For some reason, Bluetooth connectivity is left optional, whereas many competitors have made it standard since it is so desirable to use. A cloth headliner, cargo tie-downs, three front cupholders, and a front and side window defogger are included in the list of standard features. You can also get OnStar and Chevrolet Connected Services on either wheelbase, and they are helpful should you need them. The rear view camera also will come in handy, but you might want to opt for the side blind zone alert as well. This is a big vehicle with a lot of blind spots.

Interior options also include an 8-point digital compass, a USB port up front, auxiliary lighting, a bulkhead divider with a door, forward collision alert (which comes highly recommended), a leather-wrapped steering wheel, upgraded vinyl or cloth seat trim, and remote keyless entry (again, something that is recommended). As you can see, it is easy to go all-out on customizing these vehicles. Just be sure you check out the packages in full detail and get a feeling for what will best meet your needs. These options will make prices jump right up.

Now, about the dimensions and towing and hauling capabilities, since this is where these two configurations differ. The 2500 Regular Wheelbase has a max payload capacity of 3,280 pounds while the Extended Wheelbase's is 3,060 pounds. The Regular Wheelbase measures in at 135.15 inches while the Extended comes in at 155.15 inches. The Regular's cargo area length is 154.70 inches from floor to console, but the Extended's is 173.65 inches. The Extended obviously has a heavier curb weight and is about 300 pounds heavier than the Regular. These are some differences that you will need to consider before making your choice.

Compare the 2020 Chevrolet Express Cargo 3500 Regular Wheelbase vs 3500 Extended Wheelbase. What is the difference?

Let us move on to the 3500 Regular and Extended Wheelbases. Just how do they vary? Are they much different than the 2500 versions? Time to find out.

First and foremost, the 3500 has a lot of the same standard mechanical features. It does, however, open up options for HVAC system auxiliary provisions on the Extended. Also, the Ambulance Package (which has a front headliner, dual note horn, and cruise control) opens up on the 3500 Extended. You can choose to add the Convenience Package as well, which gives you a tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel - something that is definitely worth having as it gives you more room to adjust and sit comfortably in the driver's seat.

Again, all of the creature comforts come in different packages on the 3500 models. These get expensive, so just be mindful and get only what you know you need.

Now, onto towing and payload ratings. The 3500 Extended has a payload rating of 4,060 pounds while the 3500 Regular has a payload rating of 4,250 pounds. The wheelbases measure the same as their respective 2500 counterparts, so keep that in mind. Same for the cargo space measurements. On the 2500, you can get up to 10,000 pounds maximum in towing, and the max payload is 3,323 pounds. The 3500 maxes out its towing capacity at 10,000 pounds as well, but the maximum payload capacity is beefed up to 4,282 pounds. Essentially, it really depends on how much you are going to have in payload. But consider your towing needs too when selecting from the different 2020 Chevrolet Express Cargo variants.

Of course, these are all cargo vans, so they will only seat two people up front if you get the standard seating arrangement. However, there is a 5-seat configuration available if you need to take a small crew around.

2020 Chevrolet Express Cargo: Which Trim to Choose?

Here comes the hard part - making the choice of which (if any) 2020 Chevrolet Express Cargo configuration you want to buy. For most people, the Regular Wheelbase is going to be the best fit for their needs. It allows a decent max towing and payload capacity, but it really is far from being the best in its class.

Also, as far as engines go, you might want to entirely skip over the 4.3-L. It performs okay, but the 6.0-L V8s are impressively strong, and we like the turbodiesel engine for its excellent balance of power and fuel efficiency. If you really want to go all out, go for the turbodiesel. But the 6.0-L V8s are extremely strong, and they will make driving the 2020 Chevrolet Express Cargo feel a little bit more exciting.

It would be nice to see Chevy offer an all wheel drive option for these vans, but one is not available. You will have to stick with rear wheel drive regardless of which configuration you select. All wheel drive would be lovely for those of you who have to drive in places that get a lot of nasty inclement weather conditions.

If you plan on hauling a lot of freight, keep with the Regular Wheelbase options. Also, you might want to shell out an extra $2,315 for the Safety Package, as that gives you the added benefit of handy features like side blind zone warning, power adjustable side mirrors that are heated, and parking sensors for the rear of the van. Adding lane departure warning and forward collision warning might also be a good idea.

You might also want to consider adding the Communications Package. This will give the van Bluetooth connectivity, a CD player, and SiriusXM Satellite Radio. You should probably also add the 6.5-inch full color touchscreen monitor as well as the built-in navigation system. This touchscreen is kind of small, but it shows graphics well enough, and the navigation system should prove to be helpful when getting you where you need to go, especially if you do not wish to rely on your cellphone's navigation app.

Also, you need to consider the warranty. All of the 2020 Chevrolet Express Cargo vans get the same warranties, but Chevy has some competitors (such as Nissan) who offer way more generous warranties on their cargo vans. With the Express Cargo, you get a 3-year or 30,000-mile limited warranty, a 5-year or 60,000-mile powertrain warranty, and a 1-year or 1-visit complimentary maintenance coverage. So, yeah, you could get a lot more out of another automaker's warranties.

But there are a lot of good things about the 2020 Chevrolet Express Cargo, especially when it comes to power. You get several great powertrain options and a lot of room for customizing the mechanical aspects. Unfortunately, Chevy is going to have to find a way to make the Express more modern and inclusive. Reserving some key features (like blind spot monitoring and Bluetooth connectivity) for optional packages is not going to be a good selling point for the 2020 Chevrolet Express Cargo.