When was the last time the Chevy Express changed?

The last full redesign of the Chevy Express occurred for the 1996 model year; GM has since kept the van on the same generation and platform, with occasional mid-cycle updates rather than a new generation. As of 2025, GM has not announced a formal successor or replacement for the Express/Savana lineup.

The Chevy Express, a staple of fleets and small businesses, shares its platform with the GMC Savana and has long been valued for its straightforward utility. This article traces the history of changes to the model, clarifies what engineers count as a "change," and outlines the current status and outlook for this perennial full-size van.

Generational history and early refreshes

What's considered a generation versus a mid-cycle update

To set expectations, we distinguish between a new generation (a complete redesign) and mid-cycle updates (styling, interior, or tech tweaks that do not alter the fundamental platform). The Express' last major redesign began in the 1996 model year, after which the vans received periodic refinements rather than a new generation.

Before we list the kinds of changes the Express has undergone since 1996, note that the vehicle has remained a body-on-frame, rear-/all-wheel-drive van with a similar footprint, even as individual features have evolved.

These are the main kinds of changes the Express has seen since that redesign:

• Mid-cycle styling updates and interior refreshes, including updated grilles, headlights, taillamps, and cockpit ergonomics to stay competitive.


• Powertrain and efficiency updates, from revised engines to transmissions and, in some configurations, diesel options, to improve performance and fuel economy.


• Safety and technology upgrades, such as upgraded airbags, traction control, infotainment improvements, and enhanced driver-assistance features as they became available on GM commercial vans.

These updates illustrate how GM has kept the Express current without launching a new generation.

Current status and outlook

Today, the Express remains in production alongside the GMC Savana, sharing a platform and many components. GM has not publicly announced a new generation or a formal end date for the model, though shifting emphasis toward electrification across GM’s commercial lineup has raised questions about the future of traditional fossil-fuel vans.

What this means for buyers and fleets is continued availability of simple, durable full-size vans with familiar maintenance and parts, but with incremental updates rather than a new platform.

What follows is a concise recap of the current status and the kinds of changes the model has undergone since 1996.

• The last complete redesign occurred with the 1996 model year.


• Since then, the model has seen mid-cycle styling, powertrain, and tech updates but no new generation.


• As of 2025, GM has not announced a successor, and the Express continues to be offered in a market alongside rivals and within GM's commercial-vehicle strategy.

Bottom line: The Express has not received a new generation since 1996; it continues to exist on its established platform with incremental refinements rather than a formal redesign.

Summary

The Chevy Express last underwent a major, ground-up redesign for the 1996 model year. Since then, GM has pursued iterative updates—styling tweaks, powertrain tweaks, and tech/safety upgrades—without introducing a new generation. As of 2025, there is no publicly announced replacement, and the Express remains a staple for fleets and commercial users alongside its GMC Savana twin.

What is the 2025 Chevy Express van?

The 2025 Chevy Express is a large van available in cargo and passenger configurations, offered with a standard 4.3L V6 engine or an available 6.6L V8. It features a choice of standard or extended wheelbases, a rear-vision camera, and some driver-assistance technologies like Forward Collision Alert and Lane Departure Warning that can be added as options. It is expected that the 2025 model year will be the last for the current generation, with an all-electric successor potentially following.
 
Engine and performance

• Standard: 4.3L V6 engine with 276 horsepower and 298 lb.-ft. of torque, paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission. 
• Available: 6.6L V8 engine with 401 horsepower and 464 lb.-ft. of torque. 
• Towing: Can tow up to 9,600 pounds with the available V8 engine and trailer hitch. 

Features and options

• Cargo Van: Available with a split swing-out rear cargo door. 
• Passenger Van: Features multiple seating configurations, including options for nine passengers, with a rear bench seat that can fold down. 
• Driver Assistance:
  • Standard: Rear-vision camera and tire pressure monitoring system. 
  • Optional: Forward Collision Alert, Lane Departure Warning, Rear Park Assist, and Side Blind Zone Alert. 
• Other features: Available remote starter, cruise control, power windows, and locks. 

Expected future

• The 2025 model is anticipated to be the final model year for the current generation of the Express van.
• An all-electric replacement may be introduced in the future, potentially utilizing the same Ultium EV platform as other electric Chevy models. 

0:222025 Explorer Conversion Chevy Express 7-Pass High-Top ...YouTubeNothin’ But Car Reviews · 3w 0:212025 Explorer Conversion Chevy Express Low-Top 9 Pass ...YouTubeNothin’ But Car Reviews · 4w 0:252025 Explorer Conversion Chevy Express 6.6 Gas Acceleration TestYouTubeNothin’ But Car Reviews · 3w (function(){
(this||self).Bqpk9e=function(f,d,n,e,k,p){var g=document.getElementById(f);if(g&&(g.offsetWidth!==0||g.offsetHeight!==0)){var l=g.querySelector("div"),h=l.querySelector("div"),a=0;f=Math.max(l.scrollWidth-l.offsetWidth,0);if(d>0&&(h=h.children,a=h[d].offsetLeft-h[0].offsetLeft,e)){for(var m=a=0;m

Will there be a 2026 Chevy Express van?

The 2026 Chevrolet Express Van is a proven workhorse-simple to upfit, easy to service, and built to haul people or payloads all week long. Choose Cargo for trades and deliveries or Passenger for shuttles and group transport.

Why has the Chevy Express not changed?

The Chevy Express hasn't changed much because its platform is a proven, reliable, and affordable "cash cow" for General Motors, particularly appealing to fleet buyers who prioritize predictability, low cost, and ease of repair over cutting-edge features. The vehicle's long history has created a massive ecosystem of parts and upfitters, and its rugged, body-on-frame design can handle heavy workloads and has no direct competition in its specific niche of a traditional, heavy-duty full-size van.
 
Fleet buyer priorities

• Predictability: Fleet managers need vehicles that are consistent year after year so their motor pools can be serviced with common parts. 
• Cost: The Express remains relatively affordable, especially compared to some newer, more modern vans, which is critical for companies with large fleets. 
• Profitability: The long-standing platform has recouped its initial investment, making it a highly profitable product for GM with low design and tooling costs. 

Vehicle design and capability 

• Simple and robust: The van's body-on-frame design, similar to a truck, is a simple and durable platform that is easy for mechanics to work on and repair. 
• Customization: The lack of major changes has fostered a large and well-developed ecosystem of third-party upfitters who can customize the vans for various commercial uses. 

Market dynamics

• Competition: While competitors like the Ford Transit are newer, the Express is still the dominant choice in its specific class of heavy-duty, traditional full-size vans, a segment that has few direct, modern competitors. 
• EV transition: With the infrastructure for electric commercial vehicles still developing, especially in more rural areas, gas-powered vans like the Express are expected to remain relevant for many years to come. 

Is the Chevy Express getting a refresh?

Yes, the Chevy Express is expected to be redesigned for the 2027 model year, according to reports. The redesign will likely keep the van as a gas-powered model on a revised internal combustion engine platform, though some sources suggest an electric version could also be introduced or that the ICE version will be discontinued and replaced by an EV model. 
This video discusses a potential refresh for the Chevy Express van: 59sZac LucarzYouTube · Apr 17, 2025

• Redesign timeline: The revamp is slated for the 2027 model year, with a possible end to the current model after the 2025 model year. 
• Engine: The updated model will likely use an internal combustion engine, possibly with a new engine lineup, although plans could change. Some reports suggest that an all-electric version could replace the gas-powered one. 
• Platform: The redesigned Express will reportedly use a new platform, the GMT 620. 
• Interior and exterior: The redesign is expected to include both exterior and interior updates. 
• High-top option: A high-top version of the van is also anticipated, which has been a long-requested feature. 

This video provides a full review of the features and design of the 2026 Chevy Express van: 51sNewAutoMind..12YouTube · Sep 24, 2025