2012 Chevrolet Express 3500: What's New, Specs & Features
Last updated August 4, 2026
The 2012 Chevrolet Express 3500 was mostly a carryover. The main change was on the Base trim, which added a natural-gas powertrain and dropped its gas-only powertrain.
About the 2012 Chevrolet Express 3500
1st generation Express/Savana van (1996-2025), late-cycle year of the long-running 2003-up body style.
The 2012 Express 3500 is a traditional full-size van built around simple hardware, big enclosed space, and heavy-duty capability. Cargo versions serve as blank-canvas work vans for contractors, delivery fleets, and upfitters; passenger versions focus on moving large groups with straightforward controls and durable interiors. Its main advantages versus newer rivals were proven V8 power, available diesel torque, multiple wheelbases and seating layouts, and a body-on-frame design that fit commercial use well.
The 2012 Express 3500 lineup covers basic cargo vans, long-body work vans, and passenger models aimed at shuttle and large-group duty. Diesel versions use a 6.6-liter turbo-diesel V8, extended cargo vans provide up to 313.8 cubic feet of space, and LT passenger trims add cloth upholstery, rear climate control, and power features.
What changed, by category
2012 Chevrolet Express 3500 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, 6.6 Liter | V8, Turbo Diesel, 6.6 Liter | 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, Turbo Diesel, 6.6L | V8, Turbo Diesel, 6.6 Liter | V8, Turbo Diesel, 6.6 Liter |
| Transmission | Auto, 6-Spd HD w/OD | Auto, 6-Spd HD w/OD | Auto, 6-Spd HD w/OD | Automatic, 6-Spd HD w/Overdrive | 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 | Auto, 6-Spd HD w/OD | Auto, 6-Spd HD w/OD |
| Drivetrain | RWD | RWD | RWD | RWD | RWD | RWD | RWD | RWD | RWD | RWD | RWD | RWD |
| Fuel Type | Flexible Fuel | Flexible Fuel | Natural Gas / Flexible Fuel | Diesel | Flexible Fuel | Diesel | Diesel | Flexible Fuel | Flexible Fuel | Diesel | Diesel | Diesel |
| MPG City | 10–11 mpg | 10–11 mpg | 10 mpg | 10 mpg | 10–11 mpg | 10–11 mpg | ||||||
| MPG Highway | 15–17 mpg | 15–17 mpg | 14 mpg | 14 mpg | 15–17 mpg | 15–17 mpg | ||||||
| Horsepower | 280–324 hp | 280–324 hp | 280–324 hp | 260 hp | 280–324 hp | 260 hp | 260 hp | 280–324 hp | 280–324 hp | 260 hp | 260 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 | 525 lb-ft | 295–373 lb-ft | 295–373 lb-ft | 525 lb-ft | 525 lb-ft | 525 lb-ft |
| Max Towing | 9700 lb | 9700 lb | 10000 lb | 10000 lb | 10000 lb | 10000 lb | 10000 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
Was the 2012 Chevrolet Express 3500 redesigned?
No. The 2012 Express 3500 remained part of the same long-running generation and received no major styling, structural, safety, or technology update.
What changed from the 2011 to the 2012 Chevrolet Express 3500?
The main change was limited to the Base trim: a natural-gas powertrain was added, while the gas-only powertrain was dropped. The rest of the lineup was largely unchanged.
Was a diesel engine still offered in the 2012 Chevrolet Express 3500?
Yes. Diesel cargo and passenger versions used a 6.6-liter Duramax turbo-diesel V8 with B20 biodiesel capability and a six-speed automatic transmission.
Did the 2012 Chevrolet Express 3500 get new safety features?
No model-wide safety feature was added for 2012. Passenger versions retained StabiliTrak stability control and head-curtain side airbags covering the first three rows.
Is the 2012 Chevrolet Express 3500 a major upgrade over the 2011 model?
No. The two years are very similar unless the Base trim's fuel type matters to the buyer, because 2012's only confirmed lineup change was the Base powertrain adjustment.