2020 Chevrolet Express 3500: What's New, Specs & Features
Last updated August 4, 2026

The 2020 Chevrolet Express 3500 is a carryover year with no major product changes from 2019. Its cargo and passenger versions retain the same basic design, trim structure, and work-focused equipment.
About the 2020 Chevrolet Express 3500
2nd generation (introduced for 2003), late-cycle year before the 2021 V8 update
Chevrolet positions the Express 3500 as a proven, body-on-frame full-size van for heavy-duty work and group transport. In cargo form it is a simple upfit-friendly tool with durable materials and straightforward controls. In passenger form it serves shuttle, mobility, church, and fleet duty with room for up to 15 people. Its main differentiators are old-school simplicity, heavy-duty capability, available long-wheelbase layouts, and a reputation for getting commercial jobs done without unnecessary complexity.
The 2020 Express 3500 serves as either a straightforward cargo van or a large passenger van for shuttle, fleet, and organization use. Cargo versions pair durable vinyl flooring with tie-downs and LED cargo lights, while passenger models seat 12 people in the regular body or 15 in the extended body. LT passenger trims add comfort features such as cloth upholstery, rear heating and air conditioning, cruise control, and keyless entry.
2020 Chevrolet Express 3500 specs and features by trim
| Feature | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | V8, Flex Fuel, 6.0 Liter / V6, 4.3 Liter / 4-Cyl, Turbo Diesel, 2.8 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 | 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 | 4-Cyl, Turbo Diesel, 2.8 Liter / V6, 4.3 Liter / V8, Flex Fuel, 6.0 Liter / V8, 6.0 Liter | 4-Cyl, Turbo Diesel, 2.8 Liter / V6, 4.3 Liter / V8, Flex Fuel, 6.0 Liter / V8, 6.0 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 |
| Drivetrain | RWD | RWD | RWD | RWD | RWD | RWD |
| Fuel Type | Flexible Fuel / Gas / Diesel | Flexible Fuel / Diesel / Gas | Gas / Flexible Fuel / Diesel | Gas / Flexible Fuel / Diesel | Diesel / Gas / Flexible Fuel | Diesel / Gas / Flexible Fuel |
| 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 | 9600 lb | 9600 lb | 7400 lb | 7200 lb | 9200 lb | 9200 lb |
| Trunk/Cargo | 218.5 cu-ft | 218.5 cu-ft | 239.4 cu-ft | 283.6 cu-ft | 255.5 cu-ft | 255.5 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 | ||||||
| Lane Departure Warning | ||||||
| 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 changed on the 2020 Chevrolet Express 3500 compared with the 2019 model?
No major product changes arrived for the 2020 Chevrolet Express 3500. The basic body, powertrain lineup, trims, safety equipment, and cabin technology carried over from 2019.
Is the 2020 Chevrolet Express 3500 meaningfully different from the 2019 model?
No, the 2020 Chevrolet Express 3500 is not meaningfully different from the 2019 model. Shoppers should focus more on condition, mileage, service history, body length, and cargo or passenger configuration.
Did the 2020 Chevrolet Express 3500 receive the 6.6-liter gas V8?
No, the 2020 Chevrolet Express 3500 did not receive the 6.6-liter gas V8. That engine joined the lineup for the 2021 model year.
How many people does the 2020 Chevrolet Express 3500 passenger van seat?
The 2020 Chevrolet Express 3500 passenger van seats 12 people with the regular-length body and 15 with the extended-length body. Both LS and LT passenger trims were offered in those two body lengths.
What is the difference between the 2020 Express 3500 LS and LT passenger vans?
The 2020 Express 3500 LT is the more comfort-focused passenger trim. It adds cloth upholstery, carpeted flooring, rear heating and air conditioning, cruise control, keyless entry, and chrome exterior trim, while the LS emphasizes easy-clean materials and basic fleet use.