12 MPG combined. It’s not winning any awards, but for the 2016 Chevrolet Express 3500 2WD Passenger with the 6.0L V8, it’s a reality. This isn’t a vehicle bought for fuel efficiency; it’s a workhorse, a people-mover, and a hauler of gear. Think church groups, airport shuttles, construction crews, and large families who prioritize space and capability over frequent trips to the gas station.

City and highway performance

The EPA estimates the 2016 Express 3500 2WD gets 11 MPG in the city and 16 MPG on the highway. These numbers reflect the realities of moving a large, heavy van using a traditional V8. The city figure suffers from stop-and-go traffic, idling, and the effort required to get it moving. The highway MPG, though better, is still limited by the van’s aerodynamics and weight. Remember that highway miles are often racked up with passengers and cargo, impacting fuel consumption. See all all Chevrolet fuel economy data here.

Annual fuel cost

The EPA estimates the annual fuel cost for the 2016 Chevrolet Express 3500 2WD Passenger 6.0L is $3,650. This is based on driving 15,000 miles per year and using national average fuel prices. It’s a significant expense, and those who need the Express’s capabilities find it a predictable, budgeted cost. Businesses factor fuel costs into their operating expenses. Owners can also save money with routine maintenance.

Real-world expectations

While the EPA provides a baseline, real-world MPG for the Express 3500 can vary depending on driving habits, load, and terrain. Expect less than 11 MPG in the city if battling heavy traffic or frequently towing. On the open highway, it’s possible to get closer to 16 MPG, especially with a light load and consistent speed. Aggressive acceleration and high speeds will reduce fuel savings. This generation Express MPG has several possible engine options, so check the specific sticker information for all the EXPRESS MPG across all years.

How it compares

The 2016 Ford Transit 350 Wagon with the 3.5L V6 offers slightly better fuel economy, around 15 MPG combined, and is often cross-shopped. The Nissan NV3500 HD Passenger Van also has a similar estimate to the Express. The Ram ProMaster 3500 with the 3.6L V6 can also offer a nudge better fuel consumption than the 2016 Express 3500. However, these alternatives may have different tradeoffs in terms of towing capacity, payload, and overall reliability. These factors often outweigh fuel economy concerns for Express 3500 buyers. Buyers in this segment care more about capacity and reliability than a few MPG. Even at 1-2 MPG better, it will take years to offset the cost of a new vehicle with fuel savings alone.

Tips to maximize efficiency

Gentle acceleration is key. The 6.0L V8 in the Express 3500 has plenty of low-end torque, so there’s no need to floor it. Ease into the throttle and let the engine do its work without excessive revving to see your fuel economy improve.

Maintain a consistent speed on the highway, and avoid unnecessary braking. Every time you brake, you’re wasting energy already paid for. Anticipate traffic flow and coast whenever possible.

Regular maintenance is critical. Ensure your tires are properly inflated and that the engine is properly tuned. A well-maintained engine is more efficient. Even something as simple as clean air filter can improve performance.

Reduce the load whenever possible. The heavier the vehicle, the more fuel it consumes. Remove unnecessary items from the van to lighten the load and improve fuel efficiency.