When we think of commercial vehicles, it’s usually trucks that come to mind, but vans have been a staple among workhorse vehicles for decades. The Chevrolet Express is certainly part of that group, and though it is long overdue for a makeover, the van was just given an award for its predicted retained value. Price Digest, an automotive analytics firm just rated the Express with the best predicted retained value for 2021.

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Chevrolet Express 2500 Cargo Van

The Express joins three Ford models on the list, which include the F-250, F-350, and F-550. In the Price Digest Study, the Chevrolet Express 2500, which carries an average MSRP of $35,494, is predicted to retain 51.15 percent of its value over a five-year period.

 

Part of the Express’ formula for success could be the fact that it has been on sale for nearly two decades without any major changes, meaning a van purchased in 2010 is extremely similar to one purchased today, with a few tech- and safety-related exceptions. The 2021 Chevy Express is available as either a Cargo van or Passenger van, and comes standard with a 4.3-liter gas V6 engine paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The vans can be outfitted with various interior equipment to maximize cargo carrying abilities and to make the vehicle better suited for specialty trade work.

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Chevrolet Express Passenger Van

As for the study itself, the Price Digest Highest Retained Value Awards rates nine categories:

  • Heavy-duty vehicles
    • Cab and chassis
    • Day cab tractor
    • Sleeper tractor
  • Medium-duty vehicles
    • Cabover cab and chassis
    • Crew cab and chassis
    • Conventional cab and chassis
  • Light Duty
    • Cargo Van
    • Crew cab and chassis
    • Cab and chassis
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Chevrolet Express Passenger Van

Price Digest determines its winners by observing vehicle resale data. Vehicles must still be in production at the time of the assessment. Results are sorted based on popularity and sales numbers and the top five are reserved as finalists. Price Digest then uses an algorithm to apply market depreciation standards and to predict value retained into the future. The firm predicts value out over five years, or 60 months, to determine its final winners.