2009 Chevrolet Express 1500: What's New, Specs & Features
Last updated August 4, 2026
The 2009 Chevrolet Express 1500 is largely a carryover, with no meaningful mechanical, styling, safety, or technology updates. The main change is the addition of Base, LS, and LT trim listings for the cargo and passenger versions.
About the 2009 Chevrolet Express 1500
2003 redesign generation, late-cycle model year; effectively the second year after the 2008 interior and passenger-safety update.
The Express 1500 is Chevrolet’s old-school full-size van for buyers who need space, towing ability, and simple mechanical hardware more than modern packaging tricks. In passenger form, it is a straightforward people mover with V8 power and a truck-based feel. In cargo form, it is a work van built around easy upfitting, large load space, and available AWD on 1500 models. Its core appeal is durability, familiarity, and doing big-van jobs without complexity.
The Base model is a straightforward two-seat work van with 225.1 cubic feet of cargo room, while the LS is an eight-passenger van with a 5.3-liter V8, stability control, and head-curtain airbags. The LT keeps the passenger-van layout and adds conveniences such as rear climate controls, power windows and locks, cruise control, and remote keyless entry.
2009 Chevrolet Express 1500 specs and features by trim
| Feature | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | V8, 5.3 Liter | V8, 5.3 Liter | V6, 4.3 Liter / V8, 5.3 Liter |
| Transmission | Automatic, 4-Spd w/Overdrive | Automatic, 4-Spd w/Overdrive | Automatic, 4-Spd w/Overdrive |
| Drivetrain | RWD | AWD | RWD / AWD |
| Fuel Type | Gas | Gas | Gas |
| MPG City | 13 mpg | 13 mpg | 13–15 mpg |
| MPG Highway | 16 mpg | 16 mpg | 18–20 mpg |
| Horsepower | 301 hp | 301 hp | 195–301 hp |
| Torque | 325 lb-ft | 325 lb-ft | 260–325 lb-ft |
| Max Towing | 6200 lb | 6000 lb | 6700 lb |
| Trunk/Cargo | 217.3 cu-ft | 217.3 cu-ft | 267.3 cu-ft |
| Rear Legroom | 37.6 in | 37.6 in | |
| Seats | 8 | 8 | 2 |
| Doors | 3 | 3 | 3 |
| Cruise Control | |||
| Stability Control | |||
| Traction Control | |||
| Alloy Wheels | |||
| Privacy Glass | |||
| Roof Rails | |||
| AM/FM Radio | |||
| Dual Power Front Seats | |||
| Rear Air Conditioning | |||
| Leather-Wrapped Steering Wheel | |||
| Power Driver Seat | |||
| Power Locks | |||
| Power Windows | |||
| Remote Keyless Entry | |||
| Third Row Seat | |||
| Tilt Wheel | |||
Frequently asked questions
Was the 2009 Chevrolet Express 1500 redesigned?
No. The 2009 Express 1500 was not redesigned and carried over the body, cabin, core powertrains, and major safety equipment from 2008.
What was the main change to the 2009 Chevrolet Express 1500?
The main change was the addition of Base, LS, and LT trim listings. Beyond that lineup adjustment, there were no meaningful updates to performance, styling, safety, or technology.
Is the 2009 Chevrolet Express 1500 different from the 2008 model?
Only slightly. The 2009 model adds Base, LS, and LT trim listings, but its major hardware and design carry over from 2008.
Which 2009 Chevrolet Express 1500 trim carries passengers?
The LS and LT are passenger vans with eight-passenger seating and a 5.3-liter V8. The Base model is the two-seat cargo van intended for work use.
Did the 2009 Chevrolet Express 1500 get new safety features?
No. The passenger van’s stability control and head-curtain side airbags were already part of the earlier update, so 2009 brought no major lineup-wide safety change.