Chevrolet Express 3500 2WD Passenger
12 MPG The 2017 Chevrolet Express 3500 2WD Passenger is EPA-rated at 12 MPG combined (11 city / 16 highway). Over 15,000 miles a year that is about 1250 gallons, $4000 a year in fuel, or $0.267 per mile at $3.20/gal.
Across its full 2011–2017 run it averages 12.3 MPG, essentially flat across 7 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 | $0.208 | $2083 | $3125 | $4167 |
| $3.00/gal | $0.250 | $2500 | $3750 | $5000 |
| $3.20/gal | $0.267 | $2667 | $4000 | $5333 |
| $3.50/gal | $0.292 | $2917 | $4375 | $5833 |
| $4.00/gal | $0.333 | $3333 | $5000 | $6667 |
| $4.50/gal | $0.375 | $3750 | $5625 | $7500 |
| $5.00/gal | $0.417 | $4167 | $6250 | $8333 |
Every model year
| Year | Combined | City | Highway | EPA fuel cost/yr | CO₂ g/mi | Trims |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2017 | 12 MPG | 11 | 16 | $5200 | 716 | 1 |
| 2016 | 12 MPG | 11 | 16 | $5200 | 712 | 1 |
| 2015 | 12.3 MPG | 11 | 16.3 | $5067 | 700 | 3 |
| 2014 | 12.5 MPG | 11 | 16.5 | $5000 | 692 | 2 |
| 2013 | 12.5 MPG | 11 | 16.5 | $5000 | 694 | 2 |
| 2012 | 12.5 MPG | 10.5 | 16 | $5000 | 712 | 2 |
| 2011 | 12 MPG | 11 | 16 | $5200 | 741 | 1 |
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 3500 2WD Passenger ranks 14 on current figures, against a class average of 14.0 MPG.
Closest more-efficient alternatives in the same class: Chevrolet Express 2500 2WD Passenger (13), GMC Savana 2500 2WD (Passenger) (13), Chevrolet Express 1500 2WD Passenger (14), Chevrolet Express 1500 AWD (14), Chevrolet Express 1500 AWD Passenger (14).
Tailpipe CO₂ is rated at 716 grams per mile, which works out to roughly 10.7 tonnes a year at 15,000 miles.
Questions
What MPG does the Chevrolet Express 3500 2WD Passenger get?
The 2017 Chevrolet Express 3500 2WD Passenger is rated at 12 MPG combined by the EPA — 11 city and 16 highway. Across all 7 model years in the database it averages 12.3 MPG, ranging from 12 to 13 depending on year and trim.
How much does a Chevrolet Express 3500 2WD Passenger cost in fuel per year?
At 12 MPG and 15,000 miles a year, it burns about 1250 gallons — roughly $4000 a year with fuel at $3.20 a gallon, or $0.267 per mile. The EPA's own published annual figure for the 2017 model is $5200.
Has the Chevrolet Express 3500 2WD Passenger become more efficient over time?
Barely. It sits at 12 MPG today against 12 in 2011 — essentially flat across 7 model years, with efficiency gains offset by weight and power creep.
Is the Chevrolet Express 3500 2WD Passenger efficient for its class?
It ranks 14 of 15 in the Vans, Passenger Type class on current figures, against a class average of 14.0 MPG. That is 2.0 worse 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.