Ford Transit vs. the Chevrolet Express: What to Buy?

Ford Transit vs. the Chevrolet Express: What to Buy?

Posted on November 19, 2019

As the best-selling cargo van in the world, the Ford Transit outsells the Chevrolet Express van by an almost two to one margin. While the two have much in common, the lopsided sales figures indicate they differ in many areas, as well. Here's a head-to-head comparison of the Ford Transit and the Chevrolet Express vans, what features they share, and what makes them different.

Similarities: Ford Transit Vs. Chevrolet Express

Powerwise, the Transit and Express matchup reasonably close. Both come with four engine choices that include regular gas, diesel, and gaseous fuel-powered versions. The Chevy's diesel is a 181-hp, 2.8-liter I-4, the Ford's a slightly larger 185-hp, 3.2-liter I-5. The Express comes standard with a 276-hp, 4.3-litre V-6 compared to the Transit's slightly smaller but just as powerful 275-hp, 3.7-litre V-6. The Chevy wins at the top end of the power scale, however, thanks to an available 341-hp, 6.0-liter V-8. Ford's largest available option is a 310-hp, 3.5-liter V-6. All models come linked to a 6-speed automatic transmission with overdrive and auto-manual mode, except the Chevy V-8, which gets an eight-speed automatic. Both vans come standard with rear-wheel drive.

Both vans feature modern, comfortable cockpits loaded with advanced technologies. The Express comes with a Chevrolet Infotainment System, the Transit with Ford's SYNC3. Both systems offer Bluetooth connectivity for hands-free calling and music streaming, large colour touchscreen interfaces, and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility. Optional comforts for both models include dual-zone automatic climate control, leather upholstery, navigation, and heated seats.

Standard safety features found on both vehicles include driver and passenger front and side-curtain airbags, 4-wheel anti-lock disc brakes, a tire pressure monitoring system, and a rearview camera. Both manufacturers also offer driver-assist technologies like Side Blind-Zone Alert, Lane Departure Warning, and Forward Collision Alert as available options on all trims.

Differences: Ford Transit Vs. Chevrolet Express

While the two vans have much in common, several features separate them, as well. The Express van handles longer items a bit better thanks to an additional 13 centimetres in length. The Express van also has a much larger fuel tank than the Transit at 117 litres compared to 95 litres for the Ford Transit. For towing, the Chevy wins again with over 900 Kg more capacity. The Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (always a big consideration) for the 2019 Chevrolet Express also comes in at about six to eight percent lower than that of the Ford Transit.

But, of course, there's a reason the Transit is the world's most popular cargo van and outsells the Express buy almost two to one. The Transit offers more passenger comfort thanks to unibody construction, an extra five centimeters of hip room, more headroom, and about equal amounts of front legroom. The Transit's slightly shorter overall length translates into a considerably better turning radius, as well. Last but not least, the Ford Transit boasts almost 200 cubic litres more cargo volume than the Chevrolet Express.

What to Buy?: Ford Transit Vs. Chevrolet Express

Overall, both vans offer excellent value for the money. The Express features more towing capacity, a longer wheelbase, has a larger fuel tank, and costs a bit less than the Transit. Thanks to unibody construction, along with more cab space, the Ford Transit offers somewhat more passenger comfort. Come to Palmery Motors to find the best selection of used cargo vans for sale in the GTA and Ontario.