The 2021 Chevrolet Express will remain mostly unchanged over the 2020 model -but General Motors will make one very important change under the hood of the popular full-size van.
The automaker’s new heavy-duty 6.6L L8T V8 gasoline engine will replace the 6.0L LC8 V8 and 6.0L L96 V8 engines in the Express from 2021 onward. The L8T V8 was introduced in the 2020 Chevrolet Silverado 2500 HD and 3500 HD trucks and is good for 401 horsepower and 464 pound-feet of torque in the Express.
In a statement, GM said the L8T V8’s wider torque band will give drivers “more on-demand power and confidence, especially with heavy payloads.” About 70 percent of current Express owners or fleet buyers select one of the available V8 engines and Chevrolet is hoping to L8T will help garner “the same or increased take rate,” for the optional V8 engine.
RPO Code | Freshness | Configuration | Fuel | Power (hp / kW @ RPM) | Torque (lb-ft / Nm @ RPM) | Transmission | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
4.3L V6 LV1 | LV1 | Carryover | V6 OHV | Gasoline | 276 / 206 @ 5200 | 298 / 404 @ 3900 | 8-speed auto M5U |
2.8L I4 LWN | LWN | Carryover | I4 DOHC | Diesel | 181 / 135.0 @ 3400 | 369 / 498.2 @ 2000 | 8-speed auto MQD |
6.6L V8 L8T | L8T | New for 2021 | V8 OHV | Gasoline | 401 / 299 @ 5200 | 464 / 629 @ 4000 | 6-speed auto MYD |
6.0L V8 L96 | L96 | Discontinued after 2020 | V8 OHV | Gasoline | 341 / 254.3 @ 5400 | 373 / 503.6 @ 4200 | 6-speed auto MYD |
GM’s 4.3L LV1 EcoTec3 V6 engine, rated at 276 horsepower and 296 pound-feet of torque, will remain the base engine in the 2021 Chevrolet Express. The automaker’s 2.8L Duramax LWN four-cylinder engine, which is good for 181 horsepower and 369 pound-feet, is also available in the van in addition to the L8T V8. The L8T V8 is paired with a six-speed automatic transmission, while the 4.3L V6 and 2.8L Duramax are linked up to an eight-speed automatic.
Demand for full-size commercial vans like the Chevrolet Express has been on the rise, with commercial fleet sales for the Chevy van increasing 12 percent year over year in 2019. This has been partly fueled by increased demand from Amazon and delivery companies, which are busier than ever due to online shopping habits.
Ed Peper, U.S. vice president, GM Fleet, says the recent sales success of the Express line can also be attributed to the quality of the product and the work of the GM Fleet team.
“Our commercial fleet sales growth is a result of excellent product and an even better team,” said Ed Peper, U.S. vice president, GM Fleet. “The changes for Express, Low Cab Forward and medium-duty trucks are great examples of the team’s commitment to helping customers with their fleet vehicle needs. With the product changes for 2020, we are on track for another year of strong commercial growth.”
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Comments
OK GM….now PLEASE give us a diesel option in the cutaway chassis again
Also give us the option for at high roof option, or at least a mid-roof. Something so you can at least stand up in if you’re around 6ft tall!!
This is great. How about a high roof option? Even if they keep the decades old design a high roof would increase sales as it could appeal to those seeking a proven familiar design but also the increased cargo capability and user convenience.
The last keeper of the LS flame. And now his watch has ended.
On the bright side, depending on how they did the platform adaptation, it might make LT-era V8’s more easily transplanted to LS-era V8 cars.
Will be interesting to see the ECU/TCM setup on this one.
Really GM?, I’d already have to race the late/high/drunk construction contractors, angry transportation drivers in these vehicles and the answer?, Mohr Powwaah?…. At least a heavy-cycle 5.3 would work.
Lol, don’t get mad if you guys get smoke by a 6.6 Express in ice cream van or kidnapper cargo van guise…
Guestt, you sound like a product of someone who watches CNN. Trump told you, it’s Fake news. Kidnapper cargo vans? LOL.
Probably can’t wait for the boss to buy one, don’t forget he’ll have the “how’s my driving” number on the bumper incase you late coming back from a “liquid lunch” break…😉
Hard agree – everyday I see at least one Express van on my commute drive like a BMW stereotype who also somehow seems to think their LWB is the same size as a Miata.
They’re phasing out the L96/LS2 engines – this was the last vehicle it was used in at least domestically… and the 6.6L is a direct drop-in.
The L83 would have been an option, I presume they went with the the L8T because it will last longer in the lineup and give them a design win over competitors.
I’d get that the 6.0 isn’t financially feasible anymore, also IIRC a lower output 6.6 for the MD is available also. I just don’t see the point of 400 hp in an old van unless GMC offering a A-Team version of the Savanna.
The problem is Express is very heavy and now competing with FCA FWD vans with Pentastar V6’s.
Nobody driving a cargo van is concerned about HP. Trucks are all about low RPM torque.
I can see it being the go to motor of the future for restomod fans, not to mention high boost HP fans, GM needs to produce an “alu mini um” version for those who want to turn as well as burn.
It is too bad the aftermarket does not have a vast reasonably priced accessories for the genv I realize the popularity of gen 3/4 is for the people who do not have a unlimited budget for a build but the genv is a decade old now
A new Cargo Van would be much better. Thanks GM
They have a 10+ year old platform generating over 100k units a year in sales, why would they replace it?
If you are saying they need to introduce the successor to the Astro van? I would agree.
Need a new platform for sure
What other vans compete with the Express? It would be nice to see an article that compares the 2019 sales of the Express versus those of the competition.
Ask, and you shall receive:
https://gmauthority.com/blog/2020/02/chevrolet-express-sales-numbers-figures-results-fourth-quarter-q4-2019/
Thank you!
The biggest advantage of the 6.6 liter L8T gas engine is the very high compression ratio, compared to the 6.0 liter. The 10.8 to one CR will allow better gas mileage on regular 87 octane fuel. Also the huge jump up from the 9.7 to one CR on the 6.0 liter, means a much better fuel to CR with propane because of the 104 octane rating of LPG. Expect a 15 percent better MPG with propane on the 6.6 gas engine compared to the old 6.0, just because of the much higher compression ratio. The same thing with better MPG applies to CNG natural gas, as the ultra high 120 octane rating of CNG can never be fully utilized because the perfect CR for CNG is 15 to one CR. NASCAR engines run in that same 14 or 15 to one CR with the 115 octane race gasoline.
Could you please tell me if the 2021 6.6L Express V-8 can be converted to propane?
if you carefully watch the gm’s 2039 video, you will see this same van in the future utopia.
lmao
This Van could be the ultimate sleeper.
What’s the hesitation to adding a high roof version?
I agree that the 6.6L diesel should return to the cutaway models.
Probably that Express is using a very old body on frame platform, and any modifications to that platform would not meet GM specification requirements today.
Which is also why they probably put the 6.6L V8 in. They’re locking down the design because internal rules could prohibit any more changes – but if it’s already built… they can let it sojourn on until VSS and BEV3 arrive.
they have diesel production issues for the high profit HDs
Chevy Express: “Hey Energizer Bunny, eat my dust!”
Why not replace the 2.8 I4 with more powerful 3.0 I6?
production issues + will it fit?
Here Here, I agreee
What are mpg of the new engine vs the old?
How about coming up with a way to keep the paint from coming off… I have 12 of these vans, and paint is peeling on at least 11 of them.
Mine too. They are notorious on the road. Oh look, there goes another peeling Chev van.
If there was a hi roof or medium roof version, I would buy over a Ford Transit.
In a heartbeat 😃
How does the 4.3 perform if you don’t have a fully loaded van? I drove the 4.8 and it was pretty peppy
It should be as good or better than the 4.8. A bit better specs and a bit better mpg.
It will be just fine for flower shop deliveries or similar
Why would you waist the money it’s time for and update the passenger vans are obsulet no room
We’re not buying another old style Chevy van will switch to a transit
They won’t get a nickel of my money. Peeling paint issues since 1995 on 10’s of thousands of their cargo vans. No Thanks!
They deserve a special place in car hell for that but I don’t think that’s happened for a long time (?). The paint job on my 2010 van has been fantastic. In fact, it’s the best paint job of any car that I’ve had.
2013. Peeling.
My 2011 express 2500 started peeling about a year ago on the hood. Now the side doors are starting to peel. I’ve owned a lot of vehicles in my time. I’ve never owned one that peeled like this. It’s clearly poor preparation. After GM was sued for it you might think there’d correct the problem. In true GM fashion. They don’t care.
That’s terrible.I heard the argument was made that the peeling paint was so ugly and so visible that GM should fix every vehicle but the bean counters turned that idea down.
GM lands in the all time hall of shame for this one.
Im driving the Savannah Version, 2006 Duramax , Just turning over to 775,000 Ks and yes lots of peeling issues, Its been a great Truck Original Tranny and Engine
Im glad they still make this van. If you have a larger family and need to tow, this is literally the last domestic option. The Transit Passenger van has an abysmal tow capacity, only around 4200 pounds on a single wheel passenger vs 10000 pounds for the express. For foreign options, you’ve got the sprinter passenger capped at 5000 pounds and the Nissan NV around 8900 pounds which is not bad, either. This van could survive unchanged for another 20 years for this reason alone.
Eat more chicken 🐔
Everybody wanting a high roof option there are companies that produce fiberglass toppers. Just buy a GM van that’s reliable and can tow, then get a fiberglass topper put on it. Instead of buying these cheaply made Euro style vans that spend more time in the shop than on the road. I can’t wait for the 6.6 I’m going to buy one for sure. I just hope they come out with another color options instead of white/black/silver/red.
Only thing is what MPG will you get with 6.6 – 12 maybe? I was looking at getting the 4.3 with the 8 speed for personal use, but if it only gets 15 or so it will cost a fortune to drive it if gas continues to rise.
Like I said before it doesn’t matter to me what they do with there cargo van as long as they redsign there 15 passenger vans there not romme enough and terrible seats in the rear
I currently drive a 2018 express 2500 short wheel base with the 4.3 v6 and 8 speed trans. Van is loaded with ladders, electrical wire, tools etc. I average about 15.5L/100km. I have a 70’s dodge van with 318/727 3 speed auto trans and get the same gas mileage. If MPG is a concern you shouldn’t be buying a full size van, or even a truck. If it is a deal breaker stick with the 2.8 duramax. Probably gets better mileage but factor in the DEF fluid, and extra maintenance that comes with a diesel and turbo. Probably would end up costing you more in the long run.
That’s what I think more room in the passenger vans the back seats are only for two people and stop forman the seats
how about a couple more inches leg room and wider more center drivers seat.
I would where buy a Ford Transit over this any day of the week. its 2020 and you still don’t get a dually option. what the heck GM.
I still think it’s time for a new platform on the passenger vans
But are they gonna detune the 6.6 in the express?
My 6.0 in my 15′ 2500hd has 360hp. A 6.0 in a 15′ express has 342hp
Probably. Customers don’t need that power in a van and it will add to the engines lifespan. Even so, it’ll have a ton of power.
I still think it’s time for a update on the passenger vans terrible seats no leg room Ponders has had there vans for 26 years but if they don’t change it want be another one
Its pretty bad the tech in this van still the same from 2000
No Bluetooth audio no touch screen aux jack . They need to remember most phones 2020 + don’t have audio jack. They really need to get rid of that jack and add USB ports to this van
There is a Bluetooth option and USB port option as well. No touch screen but the aftermarket sector had you covered.
Well there isn’t much I can do since its a corp van and I check it’s only the passenger vans that get the USB ports and Bluetooth audio I shouldn’t have to spend 500 for aftermarket stuff
If it’s a corp van they won’t want you playing with a touch screen. Trust me I know, work work work. On the online builder I can select a cargo van and add the Bluetooth and usb option. Planning to buy a full cargo van with the new 6.6 in the spring to customize as a road trip vehicle and hauler.
The USB and Bluetooth audio should be standard across the board imo its time they ditch the aux ack lol
Oh I agree, it’s not very useful anymore. I drive a company van also, it has no Bluetooth (glad the boss can’t call me when im on the road however). I do use a Bluetooth dongle plugged into the aux Jack for tunes.
I tried that most of the time you gotta keep it charge and you gotta hear that annoying sound so I gotta keep my jbl boom box in my van. Hopefully I get in a Nissan next year
It’s not a perfect world. Mines plugged into a cig lighter socket 24/7. Nissan has discontinued their van.
I’m aware the smaller van i might get
The next Chevy van will probably be out next year…Given the maintenance issues I’m leery of the Transit, the Promaster and the Sprinter.