2017 Chevrolet City Express

Apr 14, 2024, 9:38pm ET

The Chevrolet City Express is the Bowtie Brand's first entry into the compact van segment since the Astro was axed in 2005. Although new to the Chevrolet lineup, the City Express is nearly identical to the Nissan NV200 and the two vans are built in the same Aguascalientes, Mexico, factory.

Recent changes

For the latest model year, the City Express gets standard remote power locks and hill start assist.

Overview

The City Express is offered in a single body style that stretches 183.3 inches long, 68.1 inches wide and 73.7 inches tall, dimensions that make it roughly the same size as a long-wheelbase Ford Transit Connect. The compact dimensions give it a tight 36.7-foot turning radius.

Inside, the van boasts 122.7 cubic feet of cargo space that can be configured in a wide variety of ways depending on what job it is used for. The cargo area is accessed via a sliding door on either side or through a set of 40/60-split rear doors that open at up to 180 degrees. 20 tie-down hooks help secure cargo.

The City Express is only equipped with two seats and Chevrolet is not currently planning on adding a passenger-carrying model to its lineup. The van features a simple, function-over-form interior with numerous storage bins and a passenger seatback that folds flat to reveal a tray table.

Under the Hood

The City Express is exclusively available with a Nissan-sourced 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine that churns out 131 horsepower at 5,200 rpms and 139 lb-ft. of torque at 4,900 rpms, enough to give the van a 1,500-pound payload.

Power is sent to the front wheels via a continuously variable transmission (CVT). The City Express returns 24 mpg in the city and 26 mpg on the highway, netting a combined rating of 25 mpg.

Trim Level Breakdown

Chevrolet offers the City Express in LS and LT trim levels.

LS models comes standard with manual A/C, an AM/FM stereo with a CD player, a 12-volt auxiliary power outlet, cloth-upholstered seats, remote power locks, daytime running lights, power windows, 15-inch steel wheels and front disc brakes.

Selecting the LT trim level adds a second 12-volt outlet and a host of convenience features like cruise control, Bluetooth connectivity, backup sensors, and heated, power-adjustable doors mirrors.

LT models can be ordered with an optional Technology Package consisting of a 5.8-inch color touch screen, navigation, a multi-function steering wheel, XM satellite radio and a rear-view camera.

Occupant Safety

Both trim levels come standard with dual front, front-side and curtain airbags, electronic stability control and a tire pressure monitoring system.

Key Competitors

The City Express can be cross-shopped with the aforementioned Ford Transit Connect and the larger, more expensive Ram Cargo Van.

Additionally, the City Express inevitably faces competition from the Nissan NV200 that it shares the bulk of its components with.