Chevrolet Express Cutaway: Heavy-Duty Chassis for Commercial Vehicle Upfitting.

By: Kevin Anderson

3 Minute read

Category: automotive

Chevrolet Express Cutaway Review

The Chevrolet Express Cutaway is a heavy-duty, full-size van chassis designed for commercial upfitting. It's not a complete vehicle you drive off the lot, but rather a platform for building specialized vehicles like shuttle buses, mobile workshops, ambulances, or food trucks. This review focuses on the chassis itself and its core specifications, as the final vehicle's features depend entirely on the upfitter's work.

Key Features & Specifications:

Engine Options: The Express Cutaway offers two engine choices: a 6.6L V8 gasoline engine and a 6.6L Duramax Turbo-Diesel V8. The gasoline engine provides adequate power for many applications, while the Duramax diesel offers significantly more torque and towing capacity, ideal for heavier-duty tasks and frequent towing.
Transmission: Both engines are paired with a heavy-duty 6-speed automatic transmission. This transmission is designed for durability and smooth operation under demanding conditions.
GVWR & Payload: GVWR (Gross Vehicle Weight Rating) varies significantly depending on configuration, ranging from approximately 8,600 lbs to 12,300 lbs. Corresponding payload capacities are substantial, allowing for significant upfit weight. Specific payload will depend on the chosen GVWR and upfit.

Chassis Configuration: The "Cutaway" designation means the body behind the cab is removed, leaving a bare chassis frame. This allows upfitters complete freedom in designing and building the rear section of the vehicle. Available wheelbases vary, impacting overall length and cargo capacity.
Suspension: The Express Cutaway features a heavy-duty suspension system designed to handle substantial loads. Rear suspension options include leaf springs, providing a robust and reliable ride.
Braking: Equipped with heavy-duty brakes, including available four-wheel disc brakes, the Express Cutaway offers confident stopping power, even when fully loaded.
Towing Capacity: Towing capacity is impressive, particularly with the Duramax diesel engine, reaching up to 14,500 lbs. This makes it suitable for applications requiring the transport of heavy equipment or trailers.

Interior: The cab is a standard Chevrolet Express van interior, offering basic but functional amenities. Trim levels vary, offering options for increased comfort and convenience features.
Safety Features: Standard safety features include stability control, traction control, and multiple airbags. Optional features like lane departure warning and forward collision alert are available on some configurations.

Pros:

Durability & Reliability: The Chevrolet Express has a long-standing reputation for durability and reliability, making it a popular choice for commercial applications.
Strong Engine Options: Both the gasoline and diesel engines provide ample power and torque for demanding tasks. The Duramax diesel is particularly well-suited for heavy-duty applications.

High Payload & Towing Capacity: The Express Cutaway offers substantial payload and towing capacity, making it versatile for a wide range of commercial uses.
Proven Platform: The chassis is a well-established platform with a large network of upfitters and readily available parts.
Customization: The cutaway design allows for complete customization to meet specific business needs.

Cons:

Basic Interior: The standard cab interior is relatively basic and lacks some of the modern features found in newer vans.
Fuel Economy: Fuel economy is not a strong point, particularly with the gasoline engine.
Ride Quality: The ride can be somewhat firm, especially when unloaded.
Outdated Design: The overall design is aging compared to some newer commercial van chassis.

Overall:

The Chevrolet Express Cutaway is a robust and reliable chassis ideal for businesses requiring a heavy-duty platform for specialized vehicle upfitting. While it may lack some of the modern amenities and fuel efficiency of newer vans, its proven durability, strong engine options, and high payload/towing capacity make it a compelling choice for a wide range of commercial applications. The success of the final vehicle heavily relies on the quality of the upfit, but the Express Cutaway provides a solid foundation.