12 MPG combined isn’t going to win any awards. That’s the reality of the 2015 Chevrolet Express 3500 2WD Passenger van with its 6.0L V8. This isn’t a vehicle concerned with sipping fuel; it’s a workhorse designed to haul people and cargo, prioritizing capability over efficiency. Think airport shuttle services, large families, church groups, and contractors who need to transport crews and gear. For these buyers, fuel economy takes a backseat to functionality.

City and highway performance

The EPA estimates the 2015 Express 3500 at 11 MPG in the city and 16 MPG on the highway. These figures reflect the challenges of moving a large, heavy vehicle through stop-and-go traffic versus maintaining a steady speed on the open road. The 6.0L V8 is a proven engine, but it needs to work hard to move this van. The 6-speed automatic transmission helps optimize fuel usage as much as possible, but physics ultimately prevails.

Annual fuel cost

The EPA calculates that the annual fuel cost for the 2015 Chevrolet Express 3500 2WD Passenger is $3,650. This figure is based on driving 15,000 miles per year and using the national average fuel price at the time of calculation. Owners can expect to spend a significant portion of their budget on fuel, especially if their driving involves a lot of city miles or heavy loads. For the professionals relying on its vast interior, the cost is just chalked up as overhead.

Real-world expectations

While the EPA estimates provide a baseline, real-world fuel economy can vary significantly depending on driving habits, load, terrain, and weather conditions. Expect MPG to drop even further when the van is fully loaded with passengers and cargo, or when towing a trailer. On the other hand, careful driving and consistent highway speeds might yield slightly better results.

How it compares

Compared to other full-size vans of its era, the 2015 Express 3500’s fuel economy is par for the course. The Ford E-350 Super Duty, a direct competitor, offered similar MPG figures with its V8 engine options, coming in around 11 City / 15 Highway for the similar 5.4L V8. Even the newer Ford Transit 350 could only muster about 14 MPG combined in its earliest iterations. The RAM ProMaster, with its V6 engine, achieved slightly better numbers, around 13-14 combined, but lacked the towing capacity and perceived ruggedness of the traditional Chevy. Buyers choosing between these vans often prioritize factors like payload capacity, reliability, and aftermarket support over marginal fuel economy gains.

Tips to maximize efficiency

Gentle acceleration and anticipatory driving make a difference in a vehicle this size. Avoid abrupt stops and starts, and maintain a steady speed whenever possible. Keeping a safe following distance allows for smoother deceleration, reducing the need for hard braking and wasted fuel.

Proper tire inflation is critical for fuel efficiency. Check your tires regularly and maintain the recommended pressure. Underinflated tires create more rolling resistance, forcing the engine to work harder and consume more fuel. Refer to the sticker on the driver’s side doorjamb for the correct pressure.

Minimize idling time. Letting the engine run while parked consumes fuel without covering any distance. Turn off the engine if you anticipate idling for more than a minute or two.

Keep the vehicle properly maintained. Regular oil changes, air filter replacements, and spark plug maintenance ensure the engine runs efficiently. A well-maintained engine burns fuel more completely, maximizing MPG. See all Chevrolet fuel economy data.

Carefully consider the load you’re carrying. Extra weight significantly impacts fuel economy. Remove any unnecessary items from the van to reduce the strain on the engine. Those heavy toolboxes are indispensable for the job; if not, remove them. Look at EXPRESS MPG across all years.