The current Chevy Express is old – very old, in fact, with the 2024 Chevy Express dropping in as the 28th model year for the first-generation full-size van. Luckily, it looks as though a new generation is over the horizon, and not a moment too soon, as the Express continues to take a beating in the full-size van segment with regard to U.S. sales. All that leads us to ask – what do you want to see from the next-gen Chevy Express?
For those readers who may have missed it, U.S. sales for the Chevy Express slid to fourth place in the full-size van segment during the 2023 calendar year, with 40,660 units sold last year. That’s more than a 23-percent drop year-over-year compared to sales volume from the 2022 calendar year, during which time the Chevy Express recorded 52,888 units sold.
By comparison, the segment-leader, the Ford Transit, sold 121,337 units during the 2023 calendar year, up more than 30 percent compared to the number of units sold during the 2022 calendar year (92,882 units):
Sales Numbers - Full-Size Vans - 2023 - USA
| MODEL | YTD 23 / YTD 22 | YTD 23 | YTD 22 | YTD 23 SHARE | YTD 22 SHARE |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| FORD TRANSIT | +30.64% | 121,337 | 92,882 | 39% | 35% |
| RAM PROMASTER | +34.01% | 81,663 | 60,936 | 26% | 23% |
| FORD E-SERIES | +33.61% | 42,957 | 32,150 | 14% | 12% |
| CHEVROLET EXPRESS | -23.12% | 40,660 | 52,888 | 13% | 20% |
| GMC SAVANA | -14.79% | 21,788 | 25,569 | 7% | 10% |
| TOTAL | +16.63% | 308,405 | 264,425 |
Clearly, the Chevy Express is slipping in its old age. Which is to be expected, given it is by far the oldest model in its segment, not to mention the oldest GM vehicle currently in production. Last year’s UAW strike didn’t help either, impacting production at the GM Wentzville plant where the Express is built.
However, rumor has it that a redesigned ICE-powered Chevy Express is now in the works, providing an opportunity for improvements. Some of these improvements could include updated styling, such as with a more European design, similar to the Ford Transit, or maybe something with a longer hood line. The engine lineup could get a shake-up as well, perhaps with a new turbocharged or naturally aspirated powerplant. Both gasoline and diesel could fit the bill. And how about a GMC version, given GMC’s newfound push into the retail segment and away from fleet / commercial vehicles in the U.S.?
So, with all that covered, we want to know – what do you want to see from the next-generation Chevy Express? Tell us by voicing your opinion in the comments section, and don’t forget to subscribe to GM Authority for more Chevy Express news, Chevy news, GM business news, GM sales news, and around-the-clock GM news coverage.
Comments
Actually, its even older than the article states. Its facelift was 21 years ago. 2024 marks 29 years for the Express/Savana which entered production for the 1996 model year and went on sale in 1995.
….almost as old as the Dodge Challenger or 300.
You need to get them built faster. To long to take delivery. Lower price. More options
I’d like to see a high model that fits in an 8′ garage door while having a taller windshield like the transit also a wide drivers door for ease of getting in and out.
That was the one plant that was on strike for the entire time, had parts shortages, and a supplier fire for the van frames…
The Chevy Express and GMC savanna are the best vans on the market even though they are dated. It’s the only van with a V8 and that is very important to me and my business. Yes the v6 turbo of ford has plenty of power but constantly hauling loads I don’t think it’s going to hold up like a v8.I think the van could stay the same just update the electronics inside. The problem gm has right now is they went up to much on pricing. I was looking to order a new express right before COVID hit and the same exact van I was looking at is approximately 7500.00 more now. I still say it’s the best vans out there but with high interest rates and high increase in price I myself can’t afford to order a new one. Also on a side note that disconnected the tried and true 6.0l one of the best engines that ever made and replaced it with the 6.6l direct injection which will never come close to the 6.0l due to carbon build up on the valves that you can not clean with out taking the heads off.
As an employee at the plant that builds them I have been saying for awhile that GM needs to adopt the strategy the competitors have and create a customization option so buyers can get it built at the size they need for whatever their needs are. Clearly ol’ reliable is no longer as big a seller as it used to be. I feel that’s due in part to the companies bullheaded stance on the 1 size van fits all when clearly buyers want customization options.
Do you know the status of the 2024 Colorado production there in Wentzville? Seems like nothing has come off the line since production supposedly resumed earlier this month. Thx
They should make a mid roof better seats and a diesel
Thank you for pointing out that error, the post has been updated.
Keep the v8s, offer 4×4, and multiple sizes and high ceiling models. Also the interior needs a complete overhaul, even the current silverado md interiors from the 2016 gen trucks would be a massive improvement over the 2007 gen systems in them now.
Is it not more likely GM will drop it completely?
Headroom! It must be walk-in to compete! What idiot can’t see that?
How about building the loaded when I ordered back in 2020 and never heard another thing from GM about
“It must be walk-in to compete! What idiot can’t see that?”
Idiots who need to get these into parking ramps…
Parking ramps? Who wants to bump their head every time they get in the back?
AVAILABILITY in configuration’s business organizations actually want! Such as a gas powered V8!
They brought back the V-8. GM has serious problems understanding their customers.
msrp of less than a mercedes would be a nice start
If it is a refresh, then a grille to match the current Silverado, a refreshed dash and align the engines with the Silverado. 2.7 gas, 5.3 gas, 6.6 gas, and 3.0 diesel.
If it is a full redesign, then use the body of the Zevo 400 and offer the Silverado engines.
It will be interesting to see how far away from the current formula they are willing to stray. The existing plant is volume constrained and there is pressure from the new Colorado/Canyon for space on the production line, so you are not going to see a big bump in volume. They do have Bright Drop vans as well. The existing line is geared to a body on frame design, so I doubt they will stray from that. My guess would be a move to the current truck platforms, powertrains that mirror them as well. 2.7, 3.0 and perhaps the 5.3. They used to offer the 6.6 Duramax, but given the limited tow ratings, I would think the 3.0L would be more than enough even in HD applications. 4WD is probably a headache from a warranty standpoint but would probably sell well to certain markets. Transit and Sprinter offer 4WD options and the upfitters would probably love that as an option. As mentioned by someone else medium and high roof options would be great, but they may need to be added post production if the plant can’t handle the higher roof heights. Updated interiors would be appreciated, perhaps two levels of interiors with a premium option geared to passenger and more importantly the camper/upfitter market who buy loads of these.
AWD,V-8 gas, diesel motor, and make sure they have Bluetooth
Keep the 6.6L V8. Change everything else.
Actually the only reason it is taking a beating is because they aren’t building them. If I had 500 hit the lot today they would last maybe a month at most. I got gifted 20 last week and had them all claimed by that afternoon. Everyone they make will sell. I’m selling my Express customers Transits, Promasters and Sprinters even though they want Express vans.
What do I want to see? INVENTORY!
The Express and Savana lost market share because dealers could not order them!! It had nothing to do with the consumers not wanting them. This article is very misleading! As a dealer commercial salesperson, I am only able to order the 2024 V8 in a cutaway with dual rear wheels and that’s just silly. If I can get one, I can order a customer a 3500 extended cargo van with the tow package but only with the V6…….that’s just asking for warranty claims.
Refresh the exterior some and include towing mirrors. Interior add a center console and better dash with a towing brake controller. Otherwise the chassis and basic body are fine. I owned a 2015 Savanah 12 passenger and had a great experience with it for 5 years with the 6.0 V8. It towed a 6,000 lb RV trailer and we hauled 4 hunting dogs inside the van which I modified for their crates. 21 mpg empty and 12-13 mpg towing.
The two things this van really needs are production and its own plant away from the Colorado. Probably the only 2024 vehicle in the world that does not offer Bluetooth. GM really has hurt their loyal customers and dealers the way they fumbled the Express. A living nightmare.
My 2015 Savanah had Bluetooth. I had my phone linked to it. Did they drop it? Drove it for 5 years.
The Bluetooth is a $50 option ! Hands free talking /calling is a must . GM are thieves ! This should be as standard as a steering wheel ! Like previously mentioned, INVENTORY, 8CYL AND A HIGHER ROOF .
Build the new van at Orion and add a Canyon/Colorado competitor at Wentzville.
I meant Wrangler/Bronco competitor off of the Canyon/Colorado
On another point…. It’s built at Wentsville, along with Canyons and Colorado’s. That plant seems completely incapable of building anything close to enough mid size trucks, let alone tolerate increased capacity of a brand new model of this van… It’ll be interesting to see what GM does with this one.. sorry, still waiting on my 11th month for an AT4X….. Don’t ask me why…
Since the present IC 2025 Blazer is being discontinued (and it was nothing like a Blazer anyway), maybe marketing should use brand engineering and rename the full size van as a Blazer. Hmmm…or maybe the Trax can be the Blazer.
No let’s just keep as an express or Chevy Van if GM wants to be retro…the next thing Blazer should be is full size SUV a companion two door to the Tahoe like it used to be. The Trax is a high riding cheap to buy little wagon leave it alone.
I’d like to see a high model that fits in an 8′ garage door while having a taller windshield like the transit also a wide drivers door for ease of getting in and out.
Need more options in the build, a window van with no rear seats for one
Blue tooth , AWD and a 3.0 Duramax . I’ve owned a couple . One I drove for years put 350 K on it with no real issues . The second one I bought in 2010 gave to my crew . We all know how they take care of things . Over 400k when I traded it . Again no real issues . It’s a proven recipe don’t mess with it . I think GM could and should build an addition model to compete with the MB Sprinter and the Ford Transit .
GM has always missed the boat when it comes to the lion’s share of the cutaway market due to their pathetic front axle weight rating/payload capacities. Sure you can get a 4500 cutaway with an overall GVWR of 14,200 lbs. (still shy of Ford’s E-450 at 14,500 lbs.) but the front ends are woefully weak, even though rated at 4,600 lbs. (E-450 = 5,000 lbs). How many GM cutaway box trucks, shuttle buses, school buses, ambulances, etc. have you seen that look like the front end has literally collapsed on itself with the tires no longer riding perpendicular to the roadway surface, particularly those that were equipped with the 6.6-liter DuraMax. Everything else about these units needs to be modernized as well. I think the cargo van (standard or extended WB) and cutaways vs. the tall body models (like a Transit or ProMaster equivalent) are attractive to different buyers/vocations and should be addressed separately.
GM is reason the numbers are down, they are more focused on building the mid size pickups. The van definitely needs a better option list, all wheel drive for the 3500 would be good. The 6.6 litre is a must,also let’s make some creature comforts available as well. I spend hours a week in mine. When I ordered my 21 Gvan navigation was discontinued Wtf (WHY) get with the times.
As an employee at the plant that builds them I have been saying for awhile that GM needs to adopt the strategy the competitors have and create a customization option so buyers can get it built at the size they need for whatever their needs are. Clearly ol’ reliable is no longer as big a seller as it used to be. I feel that’s due in part to the companies bullheaded stance on the 1 size van fits all when clearly buyers want customization options.
You need to ad a side door that a forklift can pull up to and load a pallet into. Tks
It’s primarily used as a commercial vehicle. So lower operating costs and greater volume. I would like to see a PHEV for lower operating costs. Transverse 2.7 turbo with a Voltec based FWD, supplemented by the Ultium 90 hp AWD Assist motor in the rear. Dropped frame for lower step in, higher ceiling and greater payload volume. The interior space should be designed to allow current Express users to transfer their existing equipment and equipment racks to the new truck. Offer customers a choice of different battery sizes to support their specific use case. The vehicle should be equipped with 120/240 VAC inverters to support at least 10 KW of off load power from the battery or the ICE/generator for customer use.
The headlights look like the 2003-2006 pickup headlights. Those were the ugly years and exactly what the current van copies. Tons of front-end facia and grill options with LED lights to make it look less spartan. I am sure the van users would have amazing ideas without dinging the buyer too much.
Factory bulkhead in the cargo vans (like a cutaway). Could not tell you how much time we’ve spend fitting in stuff that half #ed works.
6.6 V8 with minimum 10,000 towing capacity.
And actually BUILD them. You won’t outsell anyone when orders get cancelled or they’re sitting outside the factory with unknown ETA.
If not sooner, the Next Generation Express and Savana (Retail Version) would hopefully come on board after the Next Generation Suburban and Yukon In 2026 or the 2027 MY with updated tech but maintain the Knob Controls for the A/C incase the screen blacks out or mechanicaĺly freezes up. An updated exterior is a must, gm can put nearly 30 years of an unchanged look into the History Books and move forward with new curb appeal for this successful vehicle.
Build them!!!!!!! It is impossible to even find one on the lot. Back in the ’70’s, when Vans were super hot, it only took 4 weeks to receive my factory ordered SWB No windows, cargo van. Short wheel base!!!! One can’t even buy a SWB van now days. It sucks. Again, we have to buy what GM says we want. if they are going to revamp GM vans, build what people want. Again, bring back Ala-Cart ordering. The ordering process now for ANY GM vehicle, is just plain stupid. That is why customers are moving to Ram and Ford. Even to MB. Bring back a more simpler time. GM used to be the place to buy, not so much now.
Keep the column shifter styling like the vanduras 4wd option more engine options better stereos
In regards to the power train, still offer a 8 cylinder and possibly a hybrid. AWD would be smart. Some how (I am not an engineer) do an industry first with the Express and Savana and offer an OPTIONAL bench seat behind the front two seats, aka a crew cab variant. The storage area behind the seats needs to be much taller! Maybe offer the ramps -patent I just read about last week for the Silverado-. Just throwing out some ideas!
I’ve previously had 3 Astro vans (2 RWD ,1 AWD) that I drove over 100k each. I like the ride & seating position of a van and its ease in towing. The AWD van was great in the Colorado winter. I’d like to see AWD/4×4 with similar payload as the 2500/3500 Silverado. This would be ideal for pulling my travel trailer that has a 1100lbs hitch weight. A tall version would be great as well as a Duramax option.
Pretty simple solution…since Sprinter redefined the van market now followed by Transit and Promaster, GM should copy what’s selling. If they can’t afford to build it domestically, look overseas for a solution. Don’t bother with chasing retail pricing, the Fleet guys will determine a sanction pricing.
Further refined, quieter, more options especially for recreational use and for God Sakes keep internal combustion!
Bring back Ala-Cart ordering. My husband ordered a short Chevy G20 back in the day. Took less than month to get. Had everything he wanted. Allbalck, no windows. He and our son did a solid axle 4×4 conversion. It was killer. Health forced the sale. Now, if GM is going to redo this thing, make it the way consumers will buy it. Bring back the old days.
The Chevrolet “Granite” concept was one of the most innovative designs I’ve seen.. even though it was a compact design – it could be made larger:)
How about a 4×4 ZR2 Express or even a Trailboss model. It would be nice to see a return to GM’s rv roots, just in a downsized version also. Be nice to see another good looking 4×4 van other than Mercedes.
During my younger years my Chevy van was modified with a roof that allowed you to stand up inside, this addition came with slider screened windows, GM could offer an optional aerodynamic roofline that would make contractors life easier instead of the head-tilt that exists with the current roof.
If you actually produced some for retail you could have been number one in sales
Uh 4wd and a 6.6 Duramax motor
My dream van… SWB, 6.6L V8, power sliding door, air shocks on the back, factory Cragar S/S wheels, L60-15 rear tires, “bubble” window on solid sides, interior insulation with “shag carpet ready” molding and of course, 6-track steres with Mindblower speakers. Solid dark blue and ready for a Mermaid mural! – Sammy Johns
I work part time for a logistics company that has a mixture of Chevys,Transits,and Mercades. The Chevy have Isuzu diesels. Won’t win any drag races, but once on the way they are torque monsters and get great mileage. The odd thing is that the Chevys are much easier to drive in windy conditions than the Fords and Mercades. But head room and electronics are a must.
Wow!! It seems this subject has hit a nerve, fer sure. Looks like there are a ton, of “older readers tis time. (Please, no disrespect is meant). Just seems everyone is looking back to when Chevy Vans were both nice looking AND useful. Not any longer! Like a few other peole here, my Dad had a SWB, all Black G30. It was a Pathfinder 4×4. Best “truck” we ever had. It was stolen out of a Hotel parking Lot. never did recover it. Now, if GM would build something like they used too, they would sell like hot cakes. This new stuff is just plain junk. I agree, bring Back Ala-Cart ordering. IF GM puts in something, it should be able to be put in anything we want to spend our cash on.
I have a 2013 Chevy Express work van that just turned 290,000. It doubles as my surf van in the summer. My van has the flaps that open up on the sides with a push of a button on my key fob. Two on the drivers side one on the passengers side. They raise up like wings so I can access the shelving from the outside in case I am hauling materials on the inside. I have seen only one other van like that since I have owned this van.
Make the 3.0 diesel an option and AWD!
GM had a state of the art plain Shreveport LA
That was a dedicated Colorado and Canyon plant.
When GM took bankruptcy, they closed it down and devastated Shreveport’s economy. The plant has been home to some failed ventures since then.
I bet if they offered to buy it back and produce the Colorado and Canyon there, that city would give them tax abatement for years just to put people back to work. Then just build the Express in Wentzville. They would have enough product for both lines be able to increase sales.
Even at 30 years old, the GM full size van is the best.
Full frame, V8 normally aspirated gas engine. These vehicles are bulletproof. As far as what GM should do, just do what they do with their pickups, a real truck like 4×4, a roof option would clinch the RV market. ICE V8’s I personally think the GM full size vans are much more attractive than what the competition has. GM doesn’t need to reinvent the wheel or their van, just start building them. They will come.
I would like to see one with dual rear wheels. I want a high top something I can stand up in. I still want a V-8 gas engine.
I would like to see walk in vans with a choice of front or four wheel drive. Mileage is important but not the only factor.
Multiple wheel bases and able to fit within eight foot garages doors. Able to customize for the trades i.e. plumbers, electricians, carpenters, locksmiths etc. I believe Ram and Ford Transits have it figured out.
I hope they don’t make it look like the euro / global vans.
Those things are hideous looking.
Make it look like an American van.
The Express is a fine vehicle. Lot of us stay away from the competitors vans because of them being too overly over engineered, the benz i heard bad stories with turbos or diesel cats going bad and they cost an arm and a leg. Ford too has issue with their engines from what i have read. The express just the way it is, is not a bad van. maybe GM can refine it somewhat to make it quieter, ride even better, give it a fresh dashboard and make it durable. I will replace a timing chain on a LS motor instead of an overhead cam engine any day. Please dont give us turbos, simple v8, simple rear end, full body on frame and refine it a bit. Conversion industry loves these vans as well.
Keep the 6.6L engine, add the option of all wheel drive and add proper towing mirrors.
AWD and the 3.0L LM2/LZO turbo diesel. If those specs were available in 2021, I would have ordered one. Instead, I ordered a Z71 Silverado with the LM2.
It needs to remain relatively cheap, be easy to produce and transfer upfitting like shelves from the current one. I would update the interior with an updated dash of the Silverado and good value/safety features like surround view cameras, standard cruise control, auto headlights, rearview camera mirror as an option(perfect vehicle for this). A crew cargo van would be welcome (5 seater). Keep the ICE with the 2.7T, 3.0TD, the 5.3 and 6.6 V8s, or whatever they update to next and the 10 speed. EV option would be needed to stay competitive, but do it just like Ram and Ford of you cannot tell the difference from the outside other than no exhaust/sound and have 150 mile range should be plenty for a day, but it needs to be able to charge up your tool batteries while sitting/driving. Give the ICE version a good standard inverter to charge tool batteries as well, maybe a good hybrid version would be a wise choice. Give it plenty of payload and towing capacity, make the tow package standard with a standard trailer brake controller.
Above all, it has to have a long life, be relatively cheap (less than a pickup), and highly capable. I am also not sure why they haven’t cut into the conversion van market and done higher end passenger versions from the factory, all it needs are the higher end safety feature, comfy seats, sound deadening material with carpet and headliner.
If they made a 2+3+3 “luxury” version(just comfortable seats and sound deadening material and cup holders) 2500 with the 3.0TD, I would buy one as an ultimate road trip vehicle without having to go to a conversion van upfitter because I don’t need the fancy lights or TVs, or even the last row turning into a bed, I want a comfortable vehicle that can haul everyone and plenty of cargo while towing a heavy trailer.
Are you serious? You must live on Mars! These greedy , shortsighted, unaccountable, unimaginative pencil pushers and “executives “are out of touch with the working class. I don’t mean to ridicule you . But this is a Christmas wish list! Affordability 🤣 . Not if and when they read how everyone is in love with these vans. No way will it be affordable. Look at the price trend since Covid . Up over $7000 😡🙄
I know it’s a wish list, I am just saying keep it priced similar to their WT/lower trims of the trucks, which has also increased. If the trucks are less expensive, I do not see much as reason to get a van that has limited options and is typically harder to work on.
Maybe a slightly longer hood to accommodate an inline 6 diesel? Or perhaps a small V-6 diesel to fit current size? Modernize the body a little bit but keep the same profile. I compared a Ford Transit and a GMC Savanna side by side and was shocked to see it was the same size as the Ford Transit but didn’t have that ridiculous lowered rear squished looking cargo area.
More importantly here are the thing I like about. Looks handsome the way it is and I do like that those molded floor assist step offered in the front doorways. Swing out rear cargo windows. Sliding side door and solar tinted glass option though I’m ordering the Cargo van with no windows on the side but rear only and lastly keep the same profile or it won’t fit in my garage and whatever you do, don’t make it UGHLEE like the Ford Transit (uckfing ughlee) or the RAM Pro with that super ughly profile from the side. I seen a guy in one and he looks ridiculous sitting in that tinker toy box.
4×4 even a light snow baffles them.
Lots of great suggestions here. I agree with the thought of a short wheel base Van. Not all customers want an
“Ocean Liner”. While they are at it, bring back up fitting, to four wheel drive. Just like Pathfinder did back in the day. There are several outfits doing them now. One can even get stock Silverado IFS if you want. Also, a solid axle Dana 60 with leaf springs can be had too. Oh, how great the “OLD” days were. How I miss my 4×4 Van! I agree, bring back ALA-CART ordering.
People,
Don’t eliminate a great product like the Chevy Express Cargo Van! Yes it has some issues that need to be addressed but overall it’s a great vehicle for it’s reliability, design. length and height which suits a specific purpose for a lot of Companies and individuals.
With the Chevy Express, GM has the market cornered for this design of Cargo van and the sales numbers prove that!
GM needs to add a completely new Model of Van to compete against the Ford Express, Ram Prostar, etc. Vans that are built differently with higher cargo area ceiling and different style cabs and door access.
Our Fleet has 49 Chevy Express Vans and they serve our purpose just fine!
Carry on with the Chevy Express Vans But Consider designing another completely different Model of Van to compete against the other companies!!!
Have a Great Day All!
Peter
Peter M.V.FEBRUARY 8, 2024 AT 7:36 AM
People,
Don’t eliminate a great product like the Chevy Express Cargo Van! Yes it has some issues that need to be addressed but overall it’s a great vehicle for it’s reliability, design. length and height which suits a specific purpose for a lot of Companies and individuals.
With the Chevy Express, GM has the market cornered for this design of Cargo van and the sales numbers prove that!
GM needs to add a completely new Model of Van to compete against the Ford Express, Ram Prostar, etc. Vans that are built differently with higher cargo area ceiling and different style cabs and door access.
Our Fleet has 49 Chevy Express Vans and they serve our purpose just fine!
Carry on with the Chevy Express Vans But Consider designing another completely different Model of Van to compete against the other companies!!!
Have a Great Day All!
Peter
It’s obvious to me from all the comments that this van that has been around for almost 30 years is just in need of a few modern upgrades. The biggest improvement would be a real 4X4 like with all real American pickup trucks. My 2015 short wheel base Savana with a V8 is my daily driver. It is reliable and maneuverable and has so much room. It has basically the same foot print of a standard sedan for ease of driving around town. When it comes to taking long trips or weekend outings, throw a portable toilet, mattress, cooler and some water on board and enjoy a weekend away from it all. These are the most versatile vehicles ever. Please GM, don’t reinvent the wheel, just start producing these wonderful vehicles so I can buy at least one more before my kids take away my keys. I’m 81 and my wife is 77. I love this country and want to view it through the windshield of a new GM van for as long as I can. Peace, love and rock and roll.
Don’t make it taller. I’ve heard too many stories about Sprinters and Transits that tip too easily in wintery/windy conditions. Keep the column shifter.
Mid roof same as a sprinter not as a transit so we have more head room and leg room and lot better seats and wheel drive for sure
make a 5.3 litre option, bring back 4 wheel drive. Lower the taillights like the previous van. get rid of the black plastic at the centre high mounted light. Make the weatherstripping better at the bottom of the doors so it doesn’t fall off at the first snow/ice storm. Give it better paint adhesion (so many have peeling paint just under the roof gutter).
Waiting for GM to come out with the redesigned Express van hoping they offer a raise roof as a option with V8 gas or Diesel for towing. Currently have a 2004 Express 2500 which has been a great van but had to do the aftermarket raised roof which is not even close to what the OEM can offer when you are looking at trim finish and proper A/C for the rear. We love the option of dual hinge doors both sides for access to tie down wheelchairs.