The 1996 Chevrolet Astro AWD is a mid-size, body-on-frame minivan highly regarded for it's truck-like utility, robust cargo space, and exceptional bad-weather capability.. Situated in the second generation of the Astro lineup, the 1996 model benefited from a major interior redesign and an upgraded nose treatment introduced a year prior. It remains a cult favorite for camper conversions, towing, and winter driving, though it is compromised by dated crash-test safety ratings.
The Astro stands out from modern minivans because it is built on a truck-based, rear-wheel-drive architecture rather than a car platform.
- Engine: 4.3L Vortec V6 producing 190 horsepower and 250-lb-ft of torque.
- Transmission: 4-speed automatic with overdrive.
- Drivetrain: Full-time All-Wheel Drive (AWD) utilizing a transfer case with a viscous coupling that automatically routes power to the front wheels when rear slippage is detected.
- Towing Capacity: Up to 5,000 lbs for the AWD variant (5,500 lbs for RWD models).
- Fuel Economy: EPA-estimated 14 city / 17 highway MPG (15 MPG combined) with a 27.0-gallon fuel tank
045672 Km
