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

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

By: Kevin Anderson

Clock icon4 Minute read
Category: automotive

Chevrolet Express Cutaway Review

The Express Cutaway is a heavy-duty van chassis built for commercial upfitting — shuttle buses, ambulances, food trucks, and more. Available with a 6.6L gas or Duramax diesel engine and GVWRs up to 12,300 lbs.

  • 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.
Article image
  • 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.