2020 Chevrolet Express Cargo Pros vs Cons

Those who have never driven or ridden in a cargo/passenger van might have some stereotypical beliefs about it. For example, they may think it's nothing but a shell around a stripped-down interior. Another misleading opinion is this type of vehicle has no power or proper suspension.

Those may have been true in the past, but not with today's vehicles. Take the 2020 Chevrolet Express Cargo van as a consideration. Not only does it provide comfort to passengers when needed, but it also has the power for internal storage as well as towing. With this in mind, is it the vehicle consumers or business owners need?

What's New for 2020?

Nothing has changed in the current model year for the Chevrolet Express Cargo. What was new in the previous year is now a standard option.

Ten Reasons You May Like the 2020 Chevrolet Express Cargo – The Pros

1. A Legacy Design

When a consumer looks at an image of the 2020 Chevrolet Express Cargo and one from its introduction in 1996, they'll see very little difference in design. This is a legacy cargo van that has been in service for over two decades. Though its designers have adjusted many of the interior and exterior features throughout its time on the market, they have gone with the "If it's not broken, don't fix it" way of design. In other words, if consumers are happy with it, then there's no need to apply significant changes.

2. Multiple Trims Available

Granted, multiple in this case means two trims; however, it still means options for the buyer. The 2500 and 3500 trims are primarily the same in both standard and extended wheelbase versions. The main difference between the pair is in payload capacity. Here, the 3500 trim of the 2020 Express Cargo carries over two tons of material at any one time.

3. Multiple Powertrain Options

The 2020 Chevrolet Express Cargo van is built very similar to a pickup truck when it comes to storing and towing payloads. Thus, it requires significant powertrains to handle the loads. Hence, the reason why both the 2500 and 3500 trims have four engine options available.

The standard is the 4.3-liter 4-cylinder powertrain with 276 horsepower and nearly 300 pound-feet of torque. The 6.0-liter 8-cylinder engine comes in two forms - one that runs on standard fuel and another that is compatible with liquified natural gas. Both have 341 horsepower and 373 pound-feet of torque.

The last option is the 2.8-liter, four cylinder turbo diesel. This provides 369 pound-feet of torque. In addition, it offers a towing capacity of 3.5 tons.

4. High Numbers for Towing and Storing Cargo

When it comes to loading up on cargo, passengers, or both, the 2020 Chevrolet Express Cargo does the job. Regardless if consumers choose the standard 135-inch wheelbase or the extended 155-inch model, the combined towing capacity is close to 16,000 pounds. This includes 3,000 pounds of payload for the 2500 trim and 4,000 for the 3500.

5. Advanced Driver Assist Features

Because it needs plenty of space to travel, especially when towing equipment, the 2020 Chevrolet Express Cargo van has several advanced driver assist features.

In the 2019 model year, Chevrolet added forward collision alerts and lane departure warnings. These were placed in a package that already included a necessary rear view camera and blind zone alarm. While the driver should always be alert when transporting heavy loads, these assist tools implement another layer of protection.

6. Portable Charging Options

Normally, standard passenger vehicles contain USB ports to charge devices. Higher-end autos may also include a 120-volt power outlet to keep equipment ready to go. As the 2020 Chevrolet Express Cargo van tends to be used at workplaces, these options are also available.

The 120-volt power and dual USB ports come standard. Two auxiliary outlets are also available if you or other passengers require additional charging options.

7. Ample Storage Space

They don't call it a cargo van for nothing. The main purpose of the 2020 Chevrolet Express Cargo is to store products for both drop-off and pick-up. In some situations, this may also include passengers. Thus, a significant amount of space is required.

The Express Cargo has that. From the front seats to the back doors, the vehicle has over 154 inches of capacity. Should the consumer purchase the either trim with an extended wheelbase, the amount of space is increased to 173 inches.

8. Decent Price Point for a Cargo Van

For those who need to purchase several vans for their business, the 2020 Chevrolet Express Cargo is one of the best ways to go. It's starting MSRP is approximately $31,000. Add on an extended wheelbase and extra driver assist options, then the cost is somewhere around $41,000. Throw in incentives that some dealerships might provide for the purchase of multiple vehicles, and the Express Cargo can be a reasonable choice.

9. Seating for over a Dozen Passengers

Should the 2020 Chevrolet Express Cargo be used to transport people instead of material, it can do so quite well. It has the ability to seat up to 15 passengers. This number may decrease somewhat if, for instance, the van is used to drop-off and pick-up airport passengers. Nevertheless, it's a lot of space that can help reduce the number of trips.

10. Large Gas Tank

Vans like the 2020 Chevrolet Express Cargo are exempt from reporting their fuel efficiency to the EPA. Nevertheless, even if it was in the average of 16 mpg in the city and 20 mpg on the highway, the 31-gallon tank means a lot of journeys without stopping for a fill-up. For an estimated mpg of 18, the Express Cargo could get nearly 560 miles on one tank.

Reasons You May Not Like the 2020 Chevrolet Express Cargo – The Cons

1. Outdated Exterior

On the opposite end of the "If it isn't broke ..." argument is the opinion that it doesn't matter. No matter how reliable or popular it is, the vehicle still needs to be redesigned once in a while to stay relevant. These consumers who believe this are the ones who turn to European models for a modern look to their cargo and passenger vans.

2. Drab Interior

What goes for the exterior is the same for the interior. Where other utility models like the Chevrolet Silverado feature stylized, even premium, interior designs, the Express Cargo has stayed the same for over two decades. Even the optional infotainment package that provides a 6.5-inch touchscreen feels outdated. Other than this, there aren't any packages to upgrade seat upholstery or roofline/floor coverings. It is an amazingly basic design.

3. No High Roof Option

One of the benefits of other cargo vans is the ability to choose a model with a high roof. This allows not only for enormous storage capacity lengthwise but also in height. There is no such option available in the Express Cargo. And while its standard and extended wheelbase models work well for flat items, it may require several trips to complete a delivery.

4. Driver Assist Tools are Optional

Driver Assist Tools should be a must standard for the Chevrolet Express Cargo. Yet, they are part of an optional package that costs over two thousand dollars to install. Consumers who don't feel these are necessary will not even consider them. In turn, the risk of accidents and vehicle damage increases.

How It Stacks Up to the Competition:

The 2020 Chevrolet Express Cargo is a reliable vehicle with strong storage capacity and a long history. However, while it wins with those items, it doesn't stack up in other categories. For instance, design.

When paired against the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter, the Chevrolet Express definitely lags behind. The 2020 Sprinter has a new design that boasts a modern look as well as a high cargo roof. Where the Express Cargo edges it out is in starting MSRP, which is lower than its European competition.

Closer to home, the Chevrolet is about even with the Ford Transit in price. Yet, again the Express Cargo is behind in not only its design but also standard driver assist features.

Conclusion

The 2020 Chevrolet Express Cargo is the 24th version of this reliable first-generation cargo/passenger van. Consumers looking for such a vehicle should consider it for several reasons. Reliability and power are two of them. The powertrain options are also another consideration, as all of them allow for towing of extensive weight. For these capabilities, the Express Cargo is offered at a fairly inexpensive starting MSRP.

Though these reasons can certainly entice buyers, they may get turned off by an interior and exterior that are quite outdated. In fact, some may say the Express Cargo hasn’t changed since the vehicle was introduced in the 1996 model year. Another item that might turn them away is the lack of a cargo roof option like those in the Fort Transit or Mercedes-Benz Sprinter.

Overall, reading through the pros and cons of the Chevrolet Express Cargo is only the first step. Seeing one in person and taking a test drive are the best ways for consumers to determine if this vehicle will be right as part of their company's cargo or passenger fleet.