Chevrolet Express 1500/2500 2WD
14 MPG The 2008 Chevrolet Express 1500/2500 2WD is EPA-rated at 14 MPG combined (12 city / 16 highway). Over 15,000 miles a year that is about 1071 gallons, $3429 a year in fuel, or $0.229 per mile at $3.20/gal.
Across its full 1996–2008 run it averages 14.3 MPG, essentially flat across 13 model years.
Running cost at different fuel prices and mileages
The figure everyone actually wants, and the one the EPA does not publish — because it depends on a fuel price no agency will commit to.
| Fuel price | Per mile | 10,000 mi/yr | 15,000 mi/yr | 20,000 mi/yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| $2.50/gal | $0.179 | $1786 | $2679 | $3571 |
| $3.00/gal | $0.214 | $2143 | $3214 | $4286 |
| $3.20/gal | $0.229 | $2286 | $3429 | $4571 |
| $3.50/gal | $0.250 | $2500 | $3750 | $5000 |
| $4.00/gal | $0.286 | $2857 | $4286 | $5714 |
| $4.50/gal | $0.321 | $3214 | $4821 | $6429 |
| $5.00/gal | $0.357 | $3571 | $5357 | $7143 |
Every model year
| Year | Combined | City | Highway | EPA fuel cost/yr | CO₂ g/mi | Trims |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2008 | 14 MPG | 12 | 16 | $4450 | 635 | 2 |
| 2007 | 14.5 MPG | 12.5 | 16.5 | $4300 | 614 | 2 |
| 2006 | 14.5 MPG | 13 | 17.5 | $4300 | 614 | 2 |
| 2005 | 14.5 MPG | 13 | 17.5 | $4300 | 614 | 2 |
| 2004 | 15 MPG | 13.5 | 18 | $4150 | 592 | 2 |
| 2003 | 14.5 MPG | 12.5 | 17.5 | $4300 | 614 | 2 |
| 2002 | 14.3 MPG | 12.7 | 16.3 | $4350 | 621 | 3 |
| 2001 | 13.7 MPG | 12.7 | 16 | $4567 | 651 | 3 |
| 2000 | 14 MPG | 12.7 | 16.3 | $4450 | 635 | 3 |
| 1999 | 14.3 MPG | 12.7 | 17 | $4350 | 621 | 3 |
| 1998 | 14.3 MPG | 12.7 | 16.7 | $4350 | 621 | 3 |
| 1997 | 14.3 MPG | 13 | 17 | $4350 | 621 | 3 |
| 1996 | 14 MPG | 12.3 | 16.7 | $4467 | 637 | 3 |
Where a model year offered several engines or drivetrains, the figure is the average across all EPA-tested trims that year — the trim count is shown so you can see how much averaging is involved.
How it compares in its class
Among the 15 vans, passenger type models tracked here, the Chevrolet Express 1500/2500 2WD ranks 4 on current figures, against a class average of 13.9 MPG.
Closest more-efficient alternatives in the same class: Ford Transit T150 Wagon FFV (15), Ford Transit T150 Wagon (15.5), GMC Safari 2WD (Passenger) (16).
Tailpipe CO₂ is rated at 635 grams per mile, which works out to roughly 9.5 tonnes a year at 15,000 miles.
Questions
What MPG does the Chevrolet Express 1500/2500 2WD get?
The 2008 Chevrolet Express 1500/2500 2WD is rated at 14 MPG combined by the EPA — 12 city and 16 highway. Across all 13 model years in the database it averages 14.3 MPG, ranging from 13 to 15 depending on year and trim.
How much does a Chevrolet Express 1500/2500 2WD cost in fuel per year?
At 14 MPG and 15,000 miles a year, it burns about 1071 gallons — roughly $3429 a year with fuel at $3.20 a gallon, or $0.229 per mile. The EPA's own published annual figure for the 2008 model is $4450.
Has the Chevrolet Express 1500/2500 2WD become more efficient over time?
Barely. It sits at 14 MPG today against 14 in 1996 — essentially flat across 13 model years, with efficiency gains offset by weight and power creep.
Is the Chevrolet Express 1500/2500 2WD efficient for its class?
It ranks 4 of 15 in the Vans, Passenger Type class on current figures, against a class average of 13.9 MPG. That is 0.1 better than typical for the class.
Compare with similar models
EPA test figures from fueleconomy.gov. Cost per mile and annual fuel spend are computed at a reference price of $3.20 per gallon — use your own price. Estimates based on official test figures and average fuel prices. Real-world consumption varies with driving style, load, terrain and maintenance.