Compare the2024 Chevrolet ExpressVS 2023 Ford Transit Wagon

Both the Express and the Transit Wagon have standard driver and passenger frontal airbags, front side-impact airbags, side-impact head airbags, front seatbelt pretensioners, height adjustable front shoulder belts, plastic fuel tanks, four-wheel antilock brakes, traction control, electronic stability systems to prevent skidding, rearview cameras, available collision warning systems, lane departure warning systems, blind spot warning systems and rear parking sensors.

The Express’ corrosion warranty is 1 year longer than the Transit Wagon’s (6 vs. 5 years).

J.D. Power and Associates’ 2023 Initial Quality Study of new car owners surveyed provide the statistics that show that Chevrolet vehicles are better in initial quality than Ford vehicles. J.D. Power ranks Chevrolet above average in initial quality. With 35 more problems per 100 vehicles, Ford is rated below average.

J.D. Power and Associates’ 2022 survey of the owners of three-year-old vehicles provides the long-term dependability statistics that show that Chevrolet vehicles are more reliable than Ford vehicles. J.D. Power ranks Chevrolet above average in long-term dependability. With 21 more problems per 100 vehicles in the first three years of ownership, Ford is rated lower.

The Express’ standard 4.3 V6 produces 1 more horsepower (276 vs. 275) and 38 lbs.-ft. more torque (298 vs. 260) than the Transit Wagon’s standard 3.5 DOHC V6. The Express’ optional 6.6 V8 produces 91 more horsepower (401 vs. 310) and 64 lbs.-ft. more torque (464 vs. 400) than the Transit Wagon’s optional 3.5 turbo V6.

The Express has 6 gallons more fuel capacity than the Transit Wagon’s standard fuel tank (31 vs. 25 gallons), for longer range between fill-ups.

For better stopping power the Express’ brake rotors are larger than those on the Transit Wagon:

The Express’ brakes have 63% more swept area (the area covered by the brake pads) than the Transit Wagon (482 vs. 296 square inches), so the Express has more braking power available.

For better traction, the Express has larger tires than the Transit Wagon (245/75R16 vs. 235/65R16).

The Chevrolet Express’ wheels have 8 lugs for longer wheel bearing life, less chance of rotor warping and greater strength. The Ford Transit Wagon only has 6 wheel lugs per wheel.

The Express has variable-assist power steering, for low-effort parking, better control at highway speeds and during hard cornering, and a better feel of the road. The Transit Wagon doesn’t offer variable-assist power steering.

For a smoother ride and more stable handling, the Express 3500 155” WB’s wheelbase is 7.1 inches longer than on the Transit Wagon (155.1 inches vs. 148 inches).

The Express is shorter than the Transit Wagon, making the Express easier to handle, maneuver and park in tight spaces:

The Express 2500 135” WB has .1 inches more front headroom, .1 inches more front legroom, 4.8 inches more front hip room, 1 inch more front shoulder room, 2.6 inches more rear legroom and 1 inch more third row legroom than the Transit 350 Long.

The Express’ minimum standard towing capacity is much higher than the Transit Wagon’s (6300 vs. 4400 pounds). Maximum trailer towing in the Ford Transit Wagon is only 4600 pounds. The Express 2500 135” WB offers up to a 9600 lbs. towing capacity.

The Express 3500 155” WB has a higher standard payload capacity than the Transit 350HD 4x4 (3210 vs. 3019 lbs.).

The Express 3500 135” WB has a higher optional payload capacity than the Transit 350HD (3540 vs. 3494 lbs.).

The Express’ instruments include an oil pressure gauge and a temperature gauge - which could save your engine! Often ‘idiot lights’ don’t warn you until damage has been done. The Transit Wagon does not have an oil pressure gauge.

The Express’ standard outside mirrors include heating elements to clear off the mirrors for better visibility. Ford charges extra for heated mirrors on the Transit Wagon.

The Express’ power mirror controls are mounted on the armrest for easy access. The Transit Wagon’s power mirror controls are on the dash where they are possibly hidden by the steering wheel and are awkward to manipulate.

The Express has a 115-volt a/c outlet on the dashboard, allowing you to recharge a laptop or run small household appliances without special adapters that can break or get misplaced. The Transit Wagon doesn’t offer a house-current electrical outlet.

Insurance will cost less for the Express owner. The Complete Car Cost Guide estimates that insurance for the Express will cost $2475 to $5065 less than the Transit Wagon over a five-year period.

IntelliChoice estimates that five-year ownership costs (depreciation, financing, insurance, fuel, fees, repairs and maintenance) for the Chevrolet Express will be $7723 to $16397 less than for the Ford Transit Wagon.