Both the Express Cargo and the Transit Van 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.
Compare the2025 Chevrolet Express CargoVS 2024 Ford Transit Van
Safety
Warranty
The Express Cargo’s corrosion warranty is 1 year longer than the Transit Van’s (6 vs. 5 years).
Reliability
J.D. Power and Associates’ 2024 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 second in initial quality, above the industry average. With 19 more problems per 100 vehicles, Ford is ranked 9th.
J.D. Power and Associates’ 2024 survey of the owners of three-year-old vehicles provides the statistics that show that Chevrolet vehicles are more reliable than Ford vehicles. J.D. Power ranks Chevrolet fourth in reliability, above the industry average. With 65 more problems per 100 vehicles, Ford is ranked 23rd.
From surveys of all its subscribers, Consumer Reports’ January 2024 Auto Issue reports that Chevrolet vehicles are more reliable than Ford vehicles. Consumer Reports ranks Chevrolet 2 places higher in reliability than Ford.
Engine
The Express Cargo’s standard 4.3 V6 produces 1 more horsepower (276 vs. 275) and 38 lbs.-ft. more torque (298 vs. 260) than the Transit Van’s standard 3.5 DOHC V6. The Express Cargo’s optional 6.6 V8 produces 91 more horsepower (401 vs. 310) and 64 lbs.-ft. more torque (464 vs. 400) than the Transit Van’s optional 3.5 turbo V6.
Fuel Economy and Range
The Express Cargo has 5.9 gallons more fuel capacity than the Transit Van’s standard fuel tank (31 vs. 25.1 gallons), for longer range between fill-ups.
Brakes and Stopping
For better stopping power the Express Cargo’s brake rotors are larger than those on the Transit Van:
|
Express Cargo |
Transit Van |
Front Rotors |
12.8 inches |
12.1 inches |
Rear Rotors |
13 inches |
12.1 inches |
Opt Rear Rotors |
13.5 inches |
|
The Express Cargo’s standard front and rear disc brakes are vented to help dissipate heat for shorter stops with less fading. The rear discs on the Transit Van are solid, not vented.
Tires and Wheels
For better traction, the Express Cargo has larger tires than the Transit Van (245/75R16 vs. 235/65R16).
The Chevrolet Express Cargo’s wheels have 8 lugs for longer wheel bearing life, less chance of rotor warping and greater strength. The Ford Transit Van only has 6 wheel lugs per wheel.
Suspension and Handling
The Express Cargo 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 Van doesn’t offer variable-assist power steering.
For a smoother ride and more stable handling, the Express Cargo 2500 155” WB’s wheelbase is 7.6 inches longer than on the Transit T-250 Long-EL (155.2 inches vs. 147.6 inches).
Chassis
The Express Cargo is shorter than the Transit Van, making the Express Cargo easier to handle, maneuver and park in tight spaces:
|
Express Cargo |
Transit Van |
Standard Van |
224.1 inches |
237.6 inches |
Extended Van |
244.1 inches |
263.9 inches |
Passenger Space
The Express Cargo offers optional seating for 5 passengers; the Transit Van can only carry 2.
The Express Cargo 2500 135” WB has .1 inches more front legroom, 4.8 inches more front hip room and 1 inch more front shoulder room than the Transit T-150 Long.
Towing
The Express Cargo’s minimum standard towing capacity is much higher than the Transit Van’s (7100 vs. 5100 pounds). Maximum trailer towing in the Ford Transit Van is only 6900 pounds. The Express Cargo 2500 135” WB offers up to a 10,000 lbs. towing capacity.
Ergonomics
The Express Cargo’s 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 Van does not have an oil pressure gauge.
The Express Cargo’s standard outside mirrors include heating elements to clear off the mirrors for better visibility. Ford charges extra for heated mirrors on the Transit Van.
The Express Cargo’s power mirror controls are mounted on the armrest for easy access. The Transit Van’s power mirror controls are on the dash where they are possibly hidden by the steering wheel and are awkward to manipulate.
Economic Advantages
Insurance will cost less for the Express Cargo owner. The Complete Car Cost Guide estimates that insurance for the Express Cargo will cost $1840 to $5245 less than the Transit Van over a five-year period.