Need to get up to 15 people from here to there in reasonable comfort? Take a look at the 2012 Chevrolet Express passenger van when it comes out later this year. Anticipated to remain available in two trim levels, the base LS and the feature-laden LT, this full-size people mover can be delivered in the half-ton 1500 trim, the three-quarter-ton 2500 trim and the one-ton 3500 trim. Though each trim level is equipped with standard rear-wheel drive (RWD), the LS and LT 1500 trims are available with full-time all-wheel drive (AWD) for a little added grab in wet or snowy weather. Additionally, the 3500 trim in both LS and LT configurations can be delivered in an extended version that stretches to 244 inches in overall length (standard length is 224 inches), with a wheelbase of 155 inches (standard is 135 inches). Cargo area is 216.2 cubic feet in standard-length versions, while extended-length configurations boast some 252 cubic feet of cargo space. Meantime, a plethora of drivetrain choices are available for the 2012 Express lineup, depending on the particular trim selected.

Not only will the 2012 Chevrolet Express have to contend with its virtual twin, GMC’s popular Savana full-size van, it must also fend off the likes of Ford’s venerable E-Series vans, as well as the ex-Dodge Sprinter, now marketed exclusively by Mercedes-Benz. The E-Series, though comparatively weak engine-wise, flaunts a number of state-of-the-art electronic gizmos even in its base level, while the pricy Sprinter sports that trademark lofty roofline, better fuel efficiency and a more refined ride. The 2012 Express lineup, expected to stand pat from 2011, remains long on power, looks and comfort, all in all a tribute to 34 years (and counting) of people-hauling capability.

Four engines and two automatic transmissions are offered with various Express trim configurations, starting with the 1500’s 5.3-liter, ethanol-capable Flex Fuel (FFV) V8. Mated with the standard 4-speed automatic, this potent mill puts out 310 hp and 334 lb-ft of torque and can tow up to 6,200 pounds with the proper equipment. Estimated mileage is a wince-inducing 13 mpg city/ 17 highway, with AWD trims traditionally a bit worse.

LS and LT 2500 trims, meanwhile, get a 4.8-liter FFV V8 and a 6-speed heavy-duty (HD) automatic transmission that throws down 280 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque. This capable V8 can tow up to 9,600 pounds when properly equipped, and mileage is expected to be 11/17. The 2012 Express 3500 line, meanwhile, gets a standard 6.0-liter FFV V8 powerplant and 6-speed automatic transmission for 324 hp, 373 lb-ft of torque, 9,700 pounds of towing capacity, with the proper equipment, and an estimated 11/16.

Finally, both the Express LS and LT 3500 trims can be delivered with a 6.6-liter turbocharged diesel V8 that was just introduced for the 2011 model year. Look forward to 260 hp with the diesel when under the tutelage of the standard 6-speed automatic, as well as a whopping 525 lb-ft of torque that’ll let these 3500 trims haul up to 9,900 pounds when properly equipped. Mileage figures are, as is common, unavailable for the diesel.

Standard creature comforts at the 2012 Express LS level will be a bit scant, but should include 17-inch steel wheels, eight-passenger capacity, vinyl upholstery, air conditioning and an AM/FM stereo with two speakers. LS 2500 and 3500 trims sport 16-inch wheels and 12-passenger seating in standard-length trims, with the LS 3500 extended-length van boasting 15-passenger seating in six rows.

LT versions of the 1500, 2500 and 3500 are again expected to add alloy wheels (again 17- and 16-inch), as well as cloth upholstery, remote keyless entry, full power accessories, cruise control, rear climate controls, OnStar Directions and Connections navigation and communications service, tilt-wheel steering, front and rear floormats, and, in 2500 and 3500 trims, pass-through rear seats.

Comfort and convenience options across the Express lineup should include remote engine start, a leather steering wheel, Bluetooth hands-free communications technology, single-CD player, satellite radio and, for the LT only, power-adjustable front seats. Exterior options, meantime, include heated outside mirrors, chrome exterior trim, a trailer hitch and wiring, sliding rear passenger-side doors and swing-out driver’s side rear doors.

Standard safety equipment for all 2012 Express trims ought once again to include four-wheel antilock brakes (ABS), traction and stability control, front and rear head airbags, daytime running lights, the OnStar safety communications and alert system and a remote anti-theft alarm. Optional for all trims are turn-signal-integrated outside mirrors.

Since the 2012 Express full-size van is used mostly for commercial purposes, few owner comments are in evidence. Those that have commented, however, note that none of the 2011 Express trims has met a gas pump that it didn’t like, while other owners find its brutish size to be a distinct challenge in tight turns and crowded parking lots. Those few owners heard from are, however, pleased with the passenger space, seating configurations, brute power and general level of utility this big van brings to the table.