2016 Chevrolet Express 3500: What's New, Specs & Features
Last updated August 4, 2026
The most important change for the 2016 Chevrolet Express 3500 is broader standard airbag coverage for both passenger and cargo vans. This is otherwise a light-update year, not a redesign.
About the 2016 Chevrolet Express 3500
Long-running original Express full-size van generation, late-cycle 2016 model year.
Chevrolet positioned the Express 3500 as a straightforward heavy-duty van for work crews, shuttle duty, large groups, and buyers who valued towing strength and familiar hardware more than modern packaging. Its core appeal was simple rear-drive engineering, V8 powertrain choices including a torque-rich diesel, easy upfitting, and proven full-size van utility. Compared with newer rivals, the Express leaned on durability, payload, towing, and a familiar low-tech layout rather than fuel economy or cutting-edge interior design.
The 2016 Express 3500 is a work-focused full-size van offered in cargo and 12-passenger forms, with regular and extended-length bodies. Diesel versions use a 6.6-liter turbo-diesel V8 for heavy loads and towing, while extended cargo models provide 284.4 cubic feet of space. LT passenger vans add rear climate control, cloth upholstery, carpeting, cruise control, and a tilt steering wheel for more comfortable shuttle duty.
What changed, by category
2016 Chevrolet Express 3500 specs and features by trim
| Feature | ||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | V8, 4.8 Liter / V8, CNG, 6.0L / V8, FF, 6.0L | V8, 4.8 Liter / V8, CNG, 6.0L / V8, FF, 6.0L | V8, CNG, 6.0 Liter / V8, Flex Fuel, 4.8 Liter / V8, Flex Fuel, 6.0 Liter | V8, Turbo Diesel, 6.6 Liter | V8, CNG, 6.0 Liter / V8, Flex Fuel, 4.8 Liter / V8, Flex Fuel, 6.0 Liter | V8, Turbo Dsl, 6.6L | V8, Turbo Dsl, 6.6L | V8, 4.8 Liter / V8, CNG, 6.0L / V8, FF, 6.0L | V8, 4.8 Liter / V8, CNG, 6.0L / V8, FF, 6.0L | V8, Turbo Diesel, 6.6 Liter | V8, Turbo Dsl, 6.6L | V8, Turbo Dsl, 6.6L |
| Transmission | Auto, 6-Spd HD Overdrive | Auto, 6-Spd HD Overdrive | Automatic, 6-Spd HD w/Overdrive | Automatic, 6-Spd HD w/Overdrive | Automatic, 6-Spd HD w/Overdrive | Auto, 6-Spd HD Overdrive | Auto, 6-Spd HD Overdrive | Auto, 6-Spd HD Overdrive | Auto, 6-Spd HD Overdrive | Automatic, 6-Spd HD w/Overdrive | Auto, 6-Spd HD Overdrive | Auto, 6-Spd HD Overdrive |
| Drivetrain | RWD | RWD | RWD | RWD | RWD | RWD | RWD | RWD | RWD | RWD | RWD | RWD |
| Fuel Type | Gas / Natural Gas / Flexible Fuel | Gas / Natural Gas / Flexible Fuel | Natural Gas / Flexible Fuel | Diesel | Natural Gas / Flexible Fuel | Diesel | Diesel | Gas / Natural Gas / Flexible Fuel | Gas / Natural Gas / Flexible Fuel | Diesel | Diesel | Diesel |
| MPG City | 11 mpg | 11 mpg | 11 mpg | 11 mpg | ||||||||
| MPG Highway | 16 mpg | 16 mpg | 16 mpg | 16 mpg | ||||||||
| Horsepower | 282–329 hp | 282–329 hp | 282–329 hp | 260 hp | 282–329 hp | 260 hp | 260 hp | 282–329 hp | 282–329 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 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 12 | 12 | 15 | 15 | 5 | 15 | 15 |
| Doors | 3 | 3 | 3 | 3 | 3 | 3 | 3 | 3 | 3 | 3 | 3 | 3 |
| Cruise Control | ||||||||||||
| Park Assist | ||||||||||||
| Rear View Camera | ||||||||||||
| Alloy Wheels | ||||||||||||
| Roof Rails | ||||||||||||
| Navigation System | ||||||||||||
| Smartphone Interface | ||||||||||||
| Dual Power Front Seats | ||||||||||||
| Folding Rear Seat | ||||||||||||
| Rear Air Conditioning | ||||||||||||
| Power Driver Seat | ||||||||||||
| Remote Start | ||||||||||||
| Remote Keyless Entry | ||||||||||||
| Third Row Seat | ||||||||||||
| Tilt Wheel | ||||||||||||
Frequently asked questions
Was the 2016 Chevrolet Express 3500 redesigned?
No. The 2016 Express 3500 kept the same basic body, chassis, and styling, with modest safety, equipment, and powertrain-lineup changes instead.
What safety changes did the 2016 Chevrolet Express 3500 receive?
Passenger vans gained six standard airbags, while cargo vans gained standard curtain airbags. Cargo models also added six standard D-ring tie-downs to help secure loads.
Did the 2016 Chevrolet Express 3500 get new technology?
Yes. Touchscreen navigation and satellite radio became standard on LS and LT passenger versions, including diesel and extended models. A touchscreen navigation radio also became a factory option on cargo vans.
Did the 2016 Chevrolet Express 3500 add any powertrains?
Yes. Gas powertrains joined the LS, LS Extended, LT, and LT Extended passenger trims for 2016. The lineup did not receive a broader mechanical redesign.
Is the 2016 Chevrolet Express 3500 meaningfully different from the 2015 model?
Only modestly. The 2016 model has broader standard airbag coverage, standard cargo tie-downs on cargo vans, upgraded passenger-van infotainment, and added gas powertrains on four passenger trims.