2018 Chevrolet Express 3500: What's New, Specs & Features
Last updated August 4, 2026
The 2018 Chevrolet Express 3500 received a meaningful late-cycle update rather than a redesign. The headline change was an updated base powertrain setup across the lineup.
About the 2018 Chevrolet Express 3500
1st generation Express, very late-cycle model year; 23rd model year overall and 16th year after the major 2003 update.
The Express 3500 is Chevrolet's heavy-duty full-size van for businesses, fleets, shuttle operators, and anyone who needs simple, proven hardware more than modern cabin design. Chevrolet markets it around durability, familiar body styles, strong hauling and people-moving ability, and easy upfitting. Compared with newer rivals, its appeal is straightforward: big payload and passenger capacity, simple controls, and a van platform many commercial users already know how to service, outfit, and keep in operation.
The Express 3500 remained a work-focused heavy-duty van, with regular- and extended-length cargo bodies plus 12-passenger LS and LT versions. Cargo models emphasized a simple two-seat cabin, tie-downs, and durable flooring, while the LT passenger vans added cloth seats, carpeting, cruise control, and heated power-adjustable mirrors.
What changed, by category
2018 Chevrolet Express 3500 specs and features by trim
| Feature | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | V6, 4.3 Liter / V8, 6.0 Liter / V8, Flex Fuel, 6.0 Liter / 4-Cyl, Turbo Diesel, 2.8 Liter | V6, 4.3 Liter / V8, 6.0 Liter / V8, Flex Fuel, 6.0 Liter / 4-Cyl, Turbo Diesel, 2.8 Liter | V6, 4.3 Liter / V8, 6.0 Liter / V8, Flex Fuel, 6.0 Liter / 4-Cyl, Turbo Diesel, 2.8 Liter | V6, 4.3 Liter / V8, 6.0 Liter / V8, Flex Fuel, 6.0 Liter / 4-Cyl, Turbo Diesel, 2.8 Liter | V6, 4.3 Liter / V8, 6.0 Liter / V8, Flex Fuel, 6.0 Liter / 4-Cyl, Turbo Diesel, 2.8 Liter | V6, 4.3 Liter / V8, 6.0 Liter / V8, Flex Fuel, 6.0 Liter / 4-Cyl, Turbo Diesel, 2.8 Liter |
| Transmission | Auto, 6-Spd HD Overdrive | Auto, 6-Spd HD Overdrive | Automatic, 6-Spd HD w/Overdrive | Automatic, 6-Spd HD w/Overdrive | Auto, 6-Spd HD Overdrive | Auto, 6-Spd HD Overdrive |
| Drivetrain | RWD | RWD | RWD | RWD | RWD | RWD |
| Fuel Type | Gas / Flexible Fuel / Diesel | Gas / Flexible Fuel / Diesel | Gas / Flexible Fuel / Diesel | Gas / Flexible Fuel / Diesel | Gas / Flexible Fuel / Diesel | Gas / Flexible Fuel / Diesel |
| MPG City | 11 mpg | 11 mpg | 11 mpg | 11 mpg | ||
| MPG Highway | 16 mpg | 16 mpg | 16 mpg | 16 mpg | ||
| Horsepower | 181–341 hp | 181–341 hp | 181–341 hp | 181–341 hp | 181–341 hp | 181–341 hp |
| Torque | 298–373 lb-ft | 298–373 lb-ft | 298–373 lb-ft | 298–373 lb-ft | 298–373 lb-ft | 298–373 lb-ft |
| Max Towing | 6500 lb | 6500 lb | 7200 lb | 7000 lb | 6100 lb | 6100 lb |
| Trunk/Cargo | 216.2 cu-ft | 216.2 cu-ft | 270.4 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 | ||
| Seats | 12 | 12 | 5 | 5 | 15 | 15 |
| Doors | 3 | 3 | 3 | 3 | 3 | 3 |
| Blindspot Sensors | ||||||
| Cruise Control | ||||||
| Park Assist | ||||||
| Rear View Camera | ||||||
| Navigation System | ||||||
| Smartphone Interface | ||||||
| Folding Rear Seat | ||||||
| Rear Air Conditioning | ||||||
| Remote Start | ||||||
| Remote Keyless Entry | ||||||
| Third Row Seat | ||||||
| Tilt Wheel | ||||||
Frequently asked questions
What was the biggest change to the 2018 Chevrolet Express 3500?
The biggest 2018 change was an updated base powertrain setup across the Express 3500 lineup. The van’s basic body and work-focused purpose remained the same.
Is a rearview camera standard on the 2018 Chevrolet Express 3500?
Yes. A rearview camera became standard across the 2018 Express 3500 lineup and displays its image in the inside mirror.
How does the 2018 Chevrolet Express 3500 differ from the 2017 model?
The 2018 Express 3500 has an updated base powertrain setup, a standard rearview camera, standard Hill Start Assist, and standard dual composite headlights. Some passenger-van tech also moved from standard to optional.
Did the 2018 Express 3500 passenger vans keep navigation and a touchscreen as standard equipment?
No. Navigation, satellite radio, and the touchscreen changed from standard to optional on the 2018 LS, LS Extended, LT, and LT Extended passenger vans.
Was the 2018 Chevrolet Express 3500 redesigned?
No. The 2018 Express 3500 kept its existing body and basic layout, but received a useful late-cycle update to its powertrain setup, safety equipment, headlights, and passenger-van tech packaging.