Those shoppers in the market for a heavy-duty passenger van will likely find themselves looking at the 2013 Chevrolet Express, which can be configured to seat 8 or 12 on the standard wheelbase or 15 passengers when configured with the Extended wheelbase, offered with a number of different powertrains and interior options. The 2013 trims remain unchanged from those currently on the road.

The 2013 Chevrolet Express comes in a variety of trims. The LS 1500 and LT 1500 trims are available as either rear-wheel drive (RWD) or all-wheel drive (AWD) and can be fueled with regular gas or Flex Fuel; the LS 2500, LT 2500, LS 3500 and LT 3500 trims are RWD only and can also run on Flex Fuel; and the LS 3500 and LT 3500 trims can be built on a regular or Extended wheelbase and can be set up to handle Flex Fuel or diesel. The LS 1500 and LT 1500 are powered by a Vortec 5.3-liter V8 SFI engine that makes 310 hp and 334 lb-ft of torque. The LS 2500, LT 2500, LS 3500, LT 3500, LS 3500 Ext and LT 3500 Ext can be configured with a Vortec 4.8-liter V8 SFI engine that achieves 280 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque or a Vortec 6.0-liter V8 SFI engine that makes 324 hp and 373 lb-ft or torque. The LS 3500, LT 3500, LS 3500 Ext and LT 3500 Ext can also be equipped with a Duramax 6.6-liter turbodiesel V8 that achieves 260 hp and 525 lb-ft of torque.

The LS 1500 and LT 1500 are mated to a 4-speed automatic transmission, while all remaining trims are paired with a Hydra-Matic 6-speed heavy-duty automatic transmission. The trims equipped with the 5.3-liter V8 engines are rated to get 11 mpg city/17 highway by the EPA, while those with 6.0-liter V8 engines are rated at 10/15. The diesel engines have not been rated by the EPA as of publication date.

In general, passenger vans have a limited amount of available amenities. The 2013 Chevrolet Express is no exception. However, power windows, power locks, remote keyless entry, quad halogen headlights, rear-passenger air conditioning, a dual speaker audio system with AM/FM stereo and in-dash mounted single-CD player, voice-activated navigation system and 17-inch gray steel wheels are standard equipment on all LT trims and available as an upgrade on all LS trims.

Standard safety and security features found on all 2013 Chevrolet Express trims include frontal and head-curtain side-impact airbags, a 4-wheel antilock braking system, electronic stability control, traction control, daytime running lights, parking assist, tire pressure monitoring system and vehicle antitheft system.

Competing in the slim market represented by passenger vans, the 2013 Chevrolet Express finds itself fighting for market space against the Ford E Series, Nissan NV and its GMC Savana cousin. With ample passenger room and a powerful lineup of engines, the Chevrolet Express remains a solid choice for passenger-van buyers.