The Express LS1500 trim rides on the standard 135-inch wheelbase, and its 1500 badge represents this van lineup's half-ton designation. The LS is the lower of the two Express trim options, offering only a very basic set of included features. Air conditioning, an AM/FM radio, and an anti-theft system are standard. The 1500 also features a unique safety feature: a front passenger-sensing system that switches off the passenger airbag when a child is sitting in the front seat.

The Express 1500 is powered by a 5.3-liter V8, which makes 295 horsepower and 335 pound-feet of torque. This engine is mated to a four-speed automatic transmission, which routes power to the rear wheels. Maximum towing capacity on 1500 models is 6,300 pounds.