2011 Chevrolet Express 3500: What's New, Specs & Features
Last updated August 4, 2026
The biggest change for the 2011 Chevrolet Express 3500 is the addition of a 6.6L Duramax turbo-diesel V8 to passenger vans. Otherwise, this is a light update rather than a redesign.
About the 2011 Chevrolet Express 3500
2nd generation Express (introduced for 2003); 2011 is a late-cycle update year, not a redesign.
The 2011 Express 3500 is Chevrolet’s heavy-duty full-size van for buyers who need space, seats, towing strength, and simple long-haul durability more than modern styling or a tall-roof layout. Chevrolet presents it as a flexible tool: cargo versions for trades and delivery work, passenger versions for shuttle duty, large families, churches, and commercial fleets. Its main advantages are strong V8 or diesel power, regular or extended wheelbases, and the ability to carry a lot of people or equipment in one straightforward package.
The 2011 Express 3500 remains a work-focused cargo van and a heavy-duty people mover for fleets, shuttles, and large groups. Passenger models seat 12 people in the regular body or 15 in the extended body, while LT versions add rear heating and air conditioning. Diesel models emphasize stronger pulling power, and extended cargo vans provide up to 284.4 cubic feet of cargo room.
What changed, by category
2011 Chevrolet Express 3500 specs and features by trim
| Feature | ||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | V8, Flex Fuel, 6.0 Liter | V8, Flex Fuel, 6.0 Liter | V8, 6.0 Liter / V8, Flex Fuel, 4.8 Liter / V8, Flex Fuel, 6.0 Liter | V8, Turbo Diesel, 6.6 Liter | V8, Flex Fuel, 4.8 Liter / V8, Flex Fuel, 6.0 Liter | V8, Turbo Diesel, 6.6 Liter | V8, Turbo Diesel, 6.6 Liter | V8, Flex Fuel, 6.0 Liter | V8, Flex Fuel, 6.0 Liter | V8, Turbo Diesel, 6.6 Liter | V8, Turbo Diesel, 6.6 Liter | V8, Turbo Diesel, 6.6 Liter |
| Transmission | Automatic, 6-Spd HD w/Overdrive | Automatic, 6-Spd HD w/Overdrive | Automatic, 6-Spd HD w/Overdrive | Automatic, 6-Spd HD w/Overdrive | Automatic, 6-Spd HD w/Overdrive | Automatic, 6-Spd HD w/Overdrive | Automatic, 6-Spd HD w/Overdrive | Automatic, 6-Spd HD w/Overdrive | Automatic, 6-Spd HD w/Overdrive | Automatic, 6-Spd HD w/Overdrive | Automatic, 6-Spd HD w/Overdrive | Automatic, 6-Spd HD w/Overdrive |
| Drivetrain | RWD | RWD | RWD | RWD | RWD | RWD | RWD | RWD | RWD | RWD | RWD | RWD |
| Fuel Type | Flexible Fuel | Flexible Fuel | Gas / Flexible Fuel | Diesel | Flexible Fuel | Diesel | Diesel | Flexible Fuel | Flexible Fuel | Diesel | Diesel | Diesel |
| MPG City | 11 mpg | 11 mpg | 10 mpg | 10 mpg | 11 mpg | 11 mpg | ||||||
| MPG Highway | 16 mpg | 16 mpg | 16 mpg | 16 mpg | 16 mpg | 16 mpg | ||||||
| Horsepower | 324 hp | 324 hp | 280–324 hp | 260 hp | 280–324 hp | 260 hp | 260 hp | 324 hp | 324 hp | 260 hp | 260 hp | 260 hp |
| Torque | 373 lb-ft | 373 lb-ft | 295–373 lb-ft | 525 lb-ft | 295–373 lb-ft | 525 lb-ft | 525 lb-ft | 373 lb-ft | 373 lb-ft | 525 lb-ft | 525 lb-ft | 525 lb-ft |
| Max Towing | 9700 lb | 9700 lb | 10000 lb | 10000 lb | 10000 lb | 9900 lb | 9900 lb | 9300 lb | 9300 lb | 10000 lb | 9700 lb | 9700 lb |
| Trunk/Cargo | 216.2 cu-ft | 216.2 cu-ft | 270.4 cu-ft | 270.4 cu-ft | 313.9 cu-ft | 216.2 cu-ft | 216.2 cu-ft | 252.8 cu-ft | 252.8 cu-ft | 313.9 cu-ft | 252.8 cu-ft | 252.8 cu-ft |
| Rear Legroom | 36.6 in | 36.6 in | 36.6 in | 36.6 in | 36.6 in | 36.6 in | 36.6 in | 36.6 in | ||||
| Seats | 12 | 12 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 12 | 12 | 15 | 15 | 2 | 15 | 15 |
| Doors | 3 | 3 | 3 | 3 | 3 | 3 | 3 | 3 | 3 | 3 | 3 | 3 |
| Cruise Control | ||||||||||||
| Privacy Glass | ||||||||||||
| Roof Rails | ||||||||||||
| Bluetooth | ||||||||||||
| Navigation System | ||||||||||||
| Satellite Radio | ||||||||||||
| USB Ports | ||||||||||||
| Dual Power Front Seats | ||||||||||||
| Folding Rear Seat | ||||||||||||
| Rear Air Conditioning | ||||||||||||
| Power Driver Seat | ||||||||||||
| Power Locks | ||||||||||||
| Power Windows | ||||||||||||
| Remote Start | ||||||||||||
| Remote Keyless Entry | ||||||||||||
| Third Row Seat | ||||||||||||
| Tilt Wheel | ||||||||||||
Frequently asked questions
What is the biggest change to the 2011 Chevrolet Express 3500?
The biggest change is the arrival of the 6.6L Duramax turbo-diesel V8 in Express 3500 passenger vans. It gives the people-carrying models a diesel option aimed at stronger pulling and towing performance.
Was the 2011 Chevrolet Express 3500 redesigned?
No. The 2011 Express 3500 is a late-cycle update of the second-generation van introduced for 2003, not a full redesign. Its basic body styles and heavy-duty layout carry over.
Which 2011 Express 3500 passenger vans have the Duramax diesel?
The Duramax diesel is found in four 2011 passenger models: LS Diesel, LS Diesel Extended, LT Diesel, and LT Diesel Extended. Regular-body versions seat 12 people, while extended versions seat 15.
Did the 2011 Express 3500 receive any safety updates?
Yes. StabiliTrak electronic stability control became standard across both cargo and passenger vans for 2011. It helps the driver maintain control when the van begins to skid or veer from its intended path.
What changed on the 2011 Express 3500 cargo diesel?
The cargo van’s 6.6L Duramax turbo-diesel V8 was updated to 260 horsepower and 525 lb-ft of torque. Standard StabiliTrak was also added.