When a durable, versatile, powerful, roomy, and reliable cargo van is an absolute necessity, take a look at the 2010 Chevrolet Express Cargo van. Heading into its 14th year, this perennial favorite features seating for two, side and rear swing-out access doors, hefty towing and payload capacities, and a variety of powertrain choices. This capacious van is available in three trim levels: the half-ton G1500, three-quarter-ton G2500, and one-ton G3500, with the G1500 offering either rear-wheel drive (RWD) or full-time all-wheel drive (AWD) and the heftier trims offering a 224-inch regular-length version or 244-inch Extended (Ext.) version. Cargo space for the regular-length Express Cargo is 225 cubic feet, while the Ext. versions offer some 262 cubic feet of cargo area. That’s a lot of space for tools and equipment.

The standard powertrain for the 2010 Express RWD G1500 van is a 4.3-liter V6 and four-speed automatic transmission that deliver 195 hp and 260 lb-ft of torque. These ponies are good to tow up to 6,700 pounds at 15/20 mpg. The AWD G1500 comes with a standard 310-hp, 344-lb-ft/torque 5.3-liter V8, also with the four-speed automatic, which is optional for the RWD trim. Unfortunately, the 5.3-liter gulps gas at a prodigious 13/17. Standard in the G2500 and G3500 trims is a 4.8-liter E85-capable Flex Fuel V8 that’ll pound down 280 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque with the standard six-speed heavy-duty transmission. Optional for both the G2500 and G3500 trims is a 323-hp, 373-lb-ft/torque 6.0-liter V8 with the six-speed, as well as a 250-hp, 460-lb-ft/torque turbodiesel V8, also with the six-speed heavy-duty transmission. The V8 turbodiesel will tow some 10,000 pounds with the proper equipment.

Since the 2010 Chevy Express Cargo is, after all, a work vehicle, standard appearance features and cabin amenities are not exactly plush. Steel wheels, vinyl front bucket seats, a trip computer, front console, air conditioning, and audio wiring – but not an actual sound system – are standard throughout the lineup. While the G1500 boasts standard 17-inch wheels, the larger trims roll on 16-inch steel wheels, and the G2500 and G3500 each offer auxiliary transmission cooling. Options, however, are available for the 2010 Express in various stand-alone and package configurations. Available amenities include rear-space climate control, AM/FM single- or six-CD stereo system, leather-appointed seats, cruise control, remote engine start, power-adjustable driver’s seat, a class III or IV trailer hitch and wiring, alloy wheels, a sliding cargo door, and driver’s side swing-open access door.

Because of its size and weight, the 2010 Chevy Express Cargo sports fewer standard safety features than do most passenger-dedicated vehicles. Four-wheel ABS, daytime running lights, dusk-sensing headlights, and a remote anti-theft alarm system pretty much do it across the lineup for this no-frills van. Front head airbags are also standard on the G1500 trim, and available for the G2500 and G3500 trims.

Usually a fleet vehicle, the 2010 Chevy Express Cargo generates few owner evaluations. Those comments available, however, mention poor mileage, cheap cabin materials, and cramped front seating as minuses with some mechanical glitches also thrown in. On the positive side, however, is the Express’ cargo capacity, strong V8 engine lineup, and better-than-adequate towing and payload capacity, all weighty considerations for a dedicated work van.