2012 Chevrolet Express 2500: What's New, Specs & Features
Last updated August 4, 2026
The 2012 Chevrolet Express 2500 is a light-change year, led by a factory natural-gas powertrain joining the Base cargo van while its prior gas powertrain was dropped. The rest of the range is largely unchanged.
About the 2012 Chevrolet Express 2500
2003 redesign generation (GMT610), late-cycle model year.
Chevrolet positioned the Express 2500 as a traditional full-size van built to do hard work or move large groups without fuss. Cargo versions emphasize enclosed space, durable heavy-duty hardware, and upfit flexibility; passenger versions emphasize seating flexibility, safety, and fleet-friendly durability. Compared with more car-like vans, the Express leans into simple body-on-frame toughness, familiar controls, strong towing and payload capability, and a wide range of work-ready configurations.
The 2012 Express 2500 remains a straightforward full-size work and passenger van. Regular and extended cargo models provide 239.7 or 284.4 cubic feet of space, while diesel versions use a 6.6-liter turbo-diesel V8. Passenger-focused LS and LT models emphasize group transport, with the LT adding features such as rear air conditioning, remote keyless entry, and power windows.
What changed, by category
2012 Chevrolet Express 2500 specs and features by trim
| Feature | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | V8, Flex Fuel, 4.8 Liter / V8, Flex Fuel, 6.0 Liter | V8, Flex Fuel, 4.8 Liter / V8, Flex Fuel, 6.0 Liter | V8, Cmprssd NG, 6.0L / V8, Flex Fuel, 4.8 Liter / V8, Flex Fuel, 6.0 Liter | V8, Turbo Diesel, 6.6L | V8, Flex Fuel, 4.8 Liter / V8, Flex Fuel, 6.0 Liter | V8, Turbo Diesel, 6.6L |
| Transmission | Auto, 6-Spd HD w/OD | Auto, 6-Spd HD w/OD | Auto, 6-Spd HD w/OD | Auto, 6-Spd HD w/OD | Auto, 6-Spd HD w/OD | Auto, 6-Spd HD w/OD |
| Drivetrain | RWD | RWD | RWD | RWD | RWD | RWD |
| Fuel Type | Flexible Fuel | Flexible Fuel | Natural Gas / Flexible Fuel | Diesel | Flexible Fuel | Diesel |
| MPG City | 11 mpg | 11 mpg | 10 mpg | 10 mpg | ||
| MPG Highway | 16–17 mpg | 16–17 mpg | 15 mpg | 15 mpg | ||
| Horsepower | 280–324 hp | 280–324 hp | 280–324 hp | 260 hp | 280–324 hp | 260 hp |
| Torque | 295–373 lb-ft | 295–373 lb-ft | 295–373 lb-ft | 525 lb-ft | 295–373 lb-ft | 525 lb-ft |
| Max Towing | 9800 lb | 9800 lb | 10000 lb | 10000 lb | 10000 lb | 10000 lb |
| Trunk/Cargo | 216.2 cu-ft | 216.2 cu-ft | 270.4 cu-ft | 270.4 cu-ft | 313.9 cu-ft | 313.9 cu-ft |
| Rear Legroom | 36.6 in | 36.6 in | ||||
| Seats | 12 | 12 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| Doors | 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 main difference between the 2012 and 2011 Chevrolet Express 2500?
The main difference is the Base cargo van's fuel offering: a factory natural-gas powertrain joined for 2012, while its prior gas powertrain was dropped. LS and LT passenger vans also made the third-row seat standard instead of optional.
Was the 2012 Chevrolet Express 2500 redesigned?
No. The 2012 Express 2500 continues the generation introduced for 2003, with no major body, chassis, styling, safety, or cabin-technology overhaul.
Does the 2012 Chevrolet Express 2500 LS or LT have a standard third-row seat?
Yes. The third-row seat is standard on both the 2012 LS and LT passenger vans; it was optional on those trims in 2011.
Did the 2012 Chevrolet Express 2500 get new safety or infotainment features?
No lineup-wide safety or infotainment upgrade arrived for 2012. Passenger models retain features such as head-curtain side airbags and stability control, while the LT remains the better-equipped passenger trim.