How many miles per gallon does a Chevy cargo van get?

There isn’t a single miles-per-gallon figure for a Chevy cargo van; fuel economy depends on the exact model, engine, drivetrain and how heavily you load the vehicle. In broad terms, most common configurations fall within roughly 16 to 25 mpg combined, with diesel variants typically offering higher highway efficiency than gasoline ones.

How fuel economy varies by engine and configuration

The Chevrolet Express Cargo Van has historically offered three primary powertrains: a gasoline V6, a gasoline V8, and a diesel option. Here are ballpark EPA-style ranges for common setups (values vary by model year, drivetrain and payload):

• Gasoline 4.3L V6, rear-wheel drive (2WD): approximately 17–18 mpg combined (roughly 15 mpg city / 20 mpg highway).


• Gasoline 6.0L V8, 2WD: roughly 13–15 mpg combined (about 11–13 mpg city / 17–18 mpg highway).


• Diesel 2.8L Duramax, 2WD: about 23–25 mpg combined (around 21–22 mpg city / 27–28 mpg highway).

These ranges reflect standard 2WD configurations common in cargo applications; 4x4 variants and heavy payloads can lower mpg further. Always check the EPA window sticker for your exact year and trim.

Other factors that influence fuel economy

Beyond engine choice, several factors can swing real-world mpg up or down. Here are the main drivers:

• Packed payload and vehicle weight — more cargo reduces mpg, especially in city driving.


• Driving habits and terrain — highway cruising at steady speeds tends to yield better mileage than stop-and-go city driving or hilly routes.


• Tire pressure, wheel alignment, and maintenance — underinflated tires and poor tune-ups hurt efficiency.


• Vehicle configuration — heavy-duty axle ratios and accessories can affect fuel use.


• Climate control load and auxiliary equipment — air conditioning and additional devices increase energy usage.

In practice, expect lower real-world mpg than ideal EPA estimates if you routinely haul heavy loads or drive in urban conditions. Regular maintenance and careful loading can help you stay closer to the upper end of the ranges above.

Tips to maximize fuel economy

Practical steps to improve efficiency

Small changes can add up when you rely on a Chevy cargo van for daily work. Consider the following:

• Plan efficient routes and avoid unnecessary idling; use cruise control on highways when appropriate.


• Keep tires inflated to the recommended pressure and rotate tires as advised.


• Remove unnecessary weight and aerodynamic drag (roof racks when not in use).


• Maintain the engine with timely oil changes, air filter replacements, and spark plug service (where applicable).


• Consider a diesel engine if your workload includes long highway miles, though weigh upfront costs and maintenance.

Following these practices typically yields incremental gains in real-world miles per gallon over time.

Summary

There isn’t a one-size-fits-all mpg figure for a Chevy cargo van—fuel economy depends on the powertrain, payload and driving conditions. Gasoline models (4.3L V6 and 6.0L V8) generally deliver combined mpg in the mid-teens to mid-teens, while the diesel 2.8L Duramax tends to post higher highway efficiency, often in the mid-20s combined. For precise numbers for your van, check the EPA window sticker for your model year and configuration and consider your typical load and routes when planning fuel economy expectations.

Which cargo van gets the best gas mileage?

The Ford Transit Connect is generally the most fuel-efficient cargo van, with compact models like the Ram ProMaster City and Nissan NV200 also offering high MPG. For large vans, the most fuel-efficient options are typically those with diesel engines, such as the Ford Transit or Mercedes-Benz Sprinter, which can achieve impressive fuel economy for their size. 
Compact cargo vans

• Ford Transit Connect: Often cited as the most fuel-efficient, with some models achieving around 25 MPG combined. 
• Ram ProMaster City: A very fuel-efficient option, typically around 24 MPG combined. 
• Nissan NV200: Also among the most fuel-efficient in this class, with some models reaching around 25 MPG combined. 
• Mercedes-Benz Metris: A compact van that offers good fuel economy, with some models around 21 MPG combined. 

Full-size cargo vans 

• Ford Transit: The gasoline versions are less fuel-efficient, but the diesel-powered models can achieve up to 22 MPG highway, making them a strong choice for larger cargo needs. 
• Mercedes-Benz Sprinter: Similar to the Transit, diesel Sprinter models can get up to 21 MPG, which is a significant fuel-saving compared to gasoline versions. 
• Chevrolet Express: Gasoline engines offer around 13-14 MPG, but the diesel versions can reach up to 20 MPG. 

Which van is right for you?

• For maximum fuel economy and smaller cargo: A compact van like the Ford Transit Connect is the best choice. 
• For maximum fuel economy and large cargo: A full-size van with a diesel engine, such as the Ford Transit or Mercedes-Benz Sprinter, will be the most fuel-efficient option in this category. 
• If you need more power and don't need as much fuel economy: A full-size gasoline van may be a better option. However, these will not be as fuel-efficient as the diesel-powered models. 

What is the gas mileage on a Chevy Express 3500 van?

The Chevy Express 3500's fuel economy varies by model year and engine, but recent gasoline versions typically get around 11 MPG city / 16 MPG highway. For example, the 2020 model gets 11 city/16 highway MPG for both passenger and cargo versions, while the 2016 model with the 6.0L engine has an EPA rating of 12 combined MPG (11 city/14 highway). Factors like engine choice (4.3L4.3 cap L4.3𝐿 vs. 6.0L6.0 cap L6.0𝐿) and driving conditions (towing, idling, etc.) significantly impact real-world mileage. 
Recent models

• 2020 Chevrolet Express 3500: Approximately 11 city / 16 highway MPG. 
• 2019 Chevrolet Express 3500: Approximately 11 city / 16 highway MPG. 
• 2017 Chevrolet Express 3500: Approximately 11 city / 16 highway MPG. 

Other factors that influence MPG

• Engine size: The smaller 4.3L4.3 cap L4.3𝐿 engine is more fuel-efficient, with real-world averages around 15-16 MPG in mixed driving, while the larger 6.0L6.0 cap L6.0𝐿 engine gets around 11-12 MPG in similar conditions. 
• Towing: Towing a trailer will reduce fuel economy. Drivers report getting 11-12 MPG when pulling trailers with a 6.6 gas engine. 
• Loading: A loaded-down van will have lower MPG than an unloaded one. One driver noted the 6.0L6.0 cap L6.0𝐿 engine averages 11-12 MPG when loaded down, versus 15-16 MPG for the 4.3L4.3 cap L4.3𝐿. 
• Rear axle ratio: Some models come with higher rear axle ratios (e.g., 3.73 or 4.10) which are better for towing but decrease fuel economy. 

What is the fuel economy of a 4.3 Chevy Express?

A Chevy Express with the 4.3L V6 engine typically gets around 14 to 15 mpg combined, though this can vary based on driving conditions and vehicle load. Unloaded highway driving may result in higher mileage, potentially reaching up to 18 mpg or more, while city driving and heavier loads will lower the average. 
Factors affecting mileage

• Driving conditions: City driving with stop-and-go traffic reduces fuel efficiency, while steady highway speeds are better. 
• Vehicle load: Hauling cargo or passengers significantly increases fuel consumption. 
• Towing: Towing a trailer will lower MPG considerably. 
• Vehicle year: Newer models may have slightly different efficiency ratings compared to older ones.

Real-world examples

• Mixed driving: Users report averaging around 14-15 mpg for mixed city and highway driving. 
• Highway driving: Expect closer to 18 mpg on the highway with a light load. 
• Loaded/city driving: The average can drop to the 11-13 mpg range when the vehicle is loaded or driven mostly in the city. 

You can watch this video for a review of the Chevrolet Express 2500, including its driving dynamics and features: 1m100 Rental CarsYouTube · Jul 19, 2020

How many miles per gallon does a Chevy 2500 cargo van get?

The Express Cargo 2500 engines both offer standard work van gas mileage. The V6 engine gives you approximately 14 miles per gallon combined highway and city driving, and the V8 will give you around 13.