The 2018 Chevrolet City Express Cargo Van 2.0L 4-cyl gets a combined fuel economy rating of 25 MPG, which puts it in the practical category of commercial vehicles. No one expects Prius-like efficiency from the City Express. These vans are purchased to haul goods, make deliveries, and serve as mobile workshops, and fuel consumption is weighed against capability and overall cost of ownership. The City Express is about maximizing productivity.

City and highway performance

The EPA estimates the 2018 City Express gets 24 MPG in the city and 26 MPG on the highway. This relatively narrow difference shows the van’s intended use. Unlike passenger vehicles designed for long highway trips, the City Express is built for urban environments, with frequent stops and starts. The 2.0L 4-cylinder engine, paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT), is tuned for low-end torque rather than high-speed efficiency. The CVT helps maximize fuel economy by keeping the engine in its optimal rev range and is programmed for quick acceleration from a standstill, crucial for navigating city traffic and making timely deliveries. The slightly improved highway figure suggests that consistent speeds and reduced stop-and-go situations offer a small benefit, but the focus remains on urban usability.

Annual fuel cost

According to the EPA, the estimated annual fuel cost for the 2018 Chevrolet City Express Cargo Van is $1,750. This figure is based on driving 15,000 miles per year and using the national average fuel price when the estimate was calculated. Individual fuel costs will vary depending on local fuel prices and driving habits, but this provides a standardized benchmark for comparing it against other vehicles. This is a key number for small business owners and fleet managers to factor into overall operating expenses.

Real-world expectations

While the EPA ratings offer a good baseline, real-world fuel economy in the City Express will depend heavily on driving style, cargo weight, and route conditions. Drivers who frequently load the van to its maximum payload capacity and operate primarily in congested urban areas are likely to see MPG figures closer to the city rating, or even slightly below it. On the other hand, those who drive with a lighter load and spend more time on open roads can potentially achieve numbers closer to, or even slightly above, the highway rating. Tire pressure, vehicle maintenance, and weather conditions all play a role, emphasizing that the EPA estimate is just that—an estimate.

How it compares

When considering the City Express, it’s important to compare it to its direct competitors. The Ford Transit Connect, depending on the engine and model year, offers similar economy. Earlier Transit Connect models with the 2.5L engine averaged around 24 MPG combined, while newer EcoBoost models could see slightly better figures closer to 26 MPG combined, according to EPA estimates. The now-discontinued Nissan NV200, essentially a rebadged version of the City Express, had identical fuel economy ratings. While full-size vans like the Ford Transit 150 or Chevrolet Express offer significantly more cargo space, their fuel economy is substantially lower, typically in the range of 16-19 MPG combined. This comparison highlights the City Express’s appeal as a right-sized option for businesses that need maneuverability and decent fuel efficiency for urban deliveries, where larger vans would be impractical and more costly to operate. Check out all Chevrolet fuel economy data to see how it stacks up against the rest of the Chevrolet lineup, or CITY MPG across all years for information on this specific model.

Tips to maximize efficiency

The City Express’s primary role is a work vehicle, so adopting fuel-efficient driving habits can significantly impact operating costs. Avoid aggressive acceleration and braking, as these actions consume considerably more fuel, especially in stop-and-go traffic. Maintain a steady speed whenever possible, and anticipate traffic flow to minimize unnecessary braking.

Regular maintenance is critical for optimal fuel economy. Ensure that the tires are properly inflated to the recommended pressure, as underinflated tires create more rolling resistance, which reduces MPG. Also, keep up with scheduled oil changes and air filter replacements, as these ensure the engine is running efficiently.

Reducing unnecessary weight can also improve fuel efficiency. Remove any tools, equipment, or materials that are not needed for the current job. Every extra pound adds to the load on the engine, requiring more fuel to maintain speed and acceleration. Organize your cargo in a way that distributes the weight evenly and minimizes shifting during transit.

Plan routes strategically to avoid congested areas and minimize idling time. Idling consumes fuel without covering any distance. If you anticipate being stationary for more than a minute or two, it is usually more fuel-efficient to turn off the engine and restart it when ready to move.