Against 266 other V8 cars rated 2016–2018, the Express beats their 17.3 mpg average by 7.7 mpg, about $684 a year. Averaged over the years each was sold, the most economical engine since 1996, the 2L 4-cyl (2018), does 25 mpg and the thirstiest, the 6L 8-cyl (2015–2017), 13: $1,418 a year apart.
Every Chevrolet Express engine, compared
Yearly cost assumes 12,000 miles at $3.20 a gallon.
| Engine | Combined | City / Highway | Years | Fuel per year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2L 4-cyl | 24 / 26 | 2018–2018 | $1,536 | |
| 4.3L 6-cyl | 13.7 / 18 | 1996–2014 | $2,494 | |
| 5.3L 8-cyl | 12.9 / 17.3 | 2003–2014 | $2,630 | |
| 5L 8-cyl | 13 / 16.3 | 1997–2002 | $2,704 | |
| 5.7L 8-cyl | 12 / 17 | 1996–1996 | $2,743 | |
| 6L 8-cyl | 11 / 16 | 2015–2017 | $2,954 |
What that actually costs
| Measure | Value |
|---|---|
| Cost per mile (2018) | $0.128 |
| Fuel per year | $1,536 |
| Fuel over five years | $7,680 |
| Against other V8 cars, 2016–2018 | −$684 a year |
| EPA's own estimate | $4,210 a year |
City or highway — who is this car for
The 2018 Chevrolet Express gives up 2 mpg in town: 26 on the highway against 24 in the city, $123 a year if every mile were city driving.
| Measure | Value | Reading |
|---|---|---|
| City (2018) | 24 mpg | $1,600 a year if you only drive in town |
| Highway | 26 mpg | $1,477 a year if you mostly commute |
| Gap | +2 mpg (8%) | Narrow — equally happy either way |
How the Express changed over the years
The Express peaked in 2018 at 25 mpg (24 city, 26 highway) and was at its thirstiest in 2017 at 13 — 12 mpg apart, or $1,418 a year in fuel between buying one year and the other. The 2018 model gains 12 mpg against 13 for the 2017.
| Model year | Combined | City / Highway | Engines offered | Fuel per year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2018 | 24 / 26 | 1 | $1,536 | |
| 2017 | 11 / 16 | 1 | $2,954 | |
| 2016 | 11 / 16 | 1 | $2,954 | |
| 2015 | 11 / 16 | 1 | $2,954 | |
| 2014 | 13.5 / 18.5 | 2 | $2,477 | |
| 2013 | 14 / 19 | 2 | $2,400 | |
| 2012 | 14 / 19 | 2 | $2,400 | |
| 2011 | 14 / 19 | 2 | $2,400 | |
| 2010 | 14 / 19 | 2 | $2,400 | |
| 2009 | 13 / 16 | 1 | $2,743 | |
| 2008 | 12 / 16 | 1 | $2,743 | |
| 2007 | 13 / 17 | 1 | $2,560 | |
| 2006 | 13 / 17.5 | 2 | $2,648 | |
| 2005 | 13 / 17.5 | 2 | $2,648 | |
| 2004 | 13.5 / 18 | 2 | $2,560 | |
| 2003 | 12.5 / 17.5 | 2 | $2,648 | |
| 2002 | 13 / 16.5 | 2 | $2,648 | |
| 2001 | 13 / 16 | 2 | $2,743 | |
| 2000 | 13 / 16 | 2 | $2,743 | |
| 1999 | 13 / 17 | 2 | $2,648 | |
| 1998 | 13 / 16.5 | 2 | $2,648 | |
| 1997 | 13.5 / 17 | 2 | $2,648 | |
| 1996 | 13 / 17 | 2 | $2,648 |
MPG is a number. Dollars per year is the answer.
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How we count
This page rests on 39 EPA ratings of the Chevrolet Express — 6 engines across 1996–2018. The mileage is EPA's laboratory figure, unchanged; the yearly bill is ours, at 12,000 miles and $3.20 a gallon, against EPA's own estimate of $4,210. Full method.
Frequently asked questions
What mpg does the 2018 Chevrolet Express get?
25 mpg combined, 24 city and 26 highway, per EPA. Across every year since 1996 the Express has averaged 15 mpg.
Is the 2018 Express more efficient than the 2017?
Yes: 25 against 13 mpg combined, about $1,418 a year less to run.
Which Express year has the best gas mileage?
The 2018, at 25 mpg combined (24 city, 26 highway), which is also the latest model year we hold.
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