13 MPG combined. This isn’t a number that will win any fuel efficiency awards. It’s the reality of owning a 2016 Chevrolet Express 2500 2WD Passenger with the 6.0L V8. However, those in the market for this van, primarily shuttle services, large families needing maximum seating, and tradespeople who prioritize space, aren’t usually focused on saving a few bucks at the pump. They need dependable hauling capability and the massive interior volume the Express delivers, and they’re willing to pay the price, both up front and at every fill-up.

City and highway performance

The EPA estimates 11 MPG in the city and 16 MPG on the highway. The city figure stems from the van’s heavy weight and the stop and go nature of urban driving, where the 6.0L V8 needs to work hard to get the Express moving from a standstill. The highway number reflects more steady-state cruising, but remember, aerodynamics aren’t a virtue of the Express van’s boxy shape, so wind resistance plays a significant role, especially at higher speeds. The six-speed automatic transmission manages gears well, but there’s only so much it can do against physics with a vehicle of this size and heft.

Annual fuel cost

The EPA estimates an annual fuel cost of $3,350 for the 2016 Chevrolet Express 2500 2WD Passenger 6.0L 8-cyl. This calculation assumes 15,000 miles of driving per year, with a blend of city and highway miles, and is based on national average fuel prices at the time of testing. Expect this figure to fluctuate with rises and falls in gasoline costs. Knowing this number gives potential buyers a clear picture of the ongoing expense associated with owning and operating this van.

Real-world expectations

While the EPA provides a standardized test for fuel economy, real-world results can vary significantly. Factors like driving style, cargo weight, tire pressure, and even the weather can impact fuel consumption. If you frequently haul heavy loads or spend a lot of time idling, expect your MPG to be lower than the EPA estimates. Conversely, careful driving on the highway might yield slightly better results.

Monitoring your fuel consumption over time will give you a clearer understanding of what to expect in your specific driving conditions. You can also see EXPRESS MPG across all years to see if other model years might better fit your needs.

How it compares

Compared to other full-size vans, the 2016 Chevrolet Express 2500’s fuel economy is predictably on the lower end. For instance, the Ford Transit 250 with the 3.7L V6 offered slightly better highway mileage, around 18-19 MPG. The Nissan NV2500 HD, another contender in the segment, delivers figures comparable to the Express. However, buyers often choose the Express for its proven reliability, strong V8 engine, and readily available parts and service, even if it means sacrificing some fuel efficiency. The Ram ProMaster, with its front-wheel-drive configuration, achieved marginally better city MPG numbers in some tests, hovering around 12 MPG. For anyone looking to make a comparison, all Chevrolet fuel economy data is available.

Tips to maximize efficiency

While the 2016 Chevrolet Express 2500 isn’t known for its fuel consumption, there are steps you can take to squeeze every last mile out of each gallon. Avoid aggressive acceleration and hard braking. The 6.0L V8 is powerful, but using that power frequently will drain the fuel tank quickly. Maintain a steady speed on the highway and anticipate traffic flow to minimize unnecessary speed changes.

Ensure that your tires are properly inflated. Underinflated tires increase rolling resistance, which forces the engine to work harder and consume more fuel. Check your tire pressure regularly and inflate them to the manufacturer’s recommended levels, information that can be found on a sticker inside the driver’s side door.

Remove any unnecessary weight from the van. Extra cargo adds to the vehicle’s overall weight, reducing fuel efficiency. If you’re not using certain tools or equipment, take them out. A lighter van is a more efficient van.

Consider limiting idling time. Extended idling burns fuel without covering any distance. If you’re waiting for a prolonged period, turn off the engine. Modern vehicles are designed to restart quickly and efficiently, so you won’t be causing any unnecessary strain.