Chevrolet FTR / 6500XD

Medium-Duty Commercial Truck (Class 6) 2019–present 271 hp Diesel

The Chevrolet FTR / 6500XD is a Class 6 medium-duty cab-over truck developed with Isuzu — designed for demanding commercial applications including box trucks, flatbeds, and specialty vocational bodies.

2019

US Market Launch

271

Horsepower

9,979 kg

GVWR (Class 6)

Isuzu FTR

Platform Origin

Overview

The Chevrolet FTR / 6500XD is the Chevrolet-badged version of the Isuzu FTR (Forward, Tilt, Rigid) medium-duty truck, sold in North America through GM's commercial vehicle division. The FTR designation comes from Isuzu's global naming convention, while 6500XD refers to its Class 6 weight class in the GM commercial product hierarchy.

The FTR / 6500XD uses Isuzu's 6HK1-TCN turbocharged diesel inline-6 engine producing 271 hp and 898 Nm of torque, paired with an Allison 2000 Series or Isuzu-sourced 6-speed automatic transmission. The Class 6 GVWR (approximately 9,979 kg) positions this truck for medium-heavy commercial duty — capable of supporting large box truck bodies (24–26 ft), heavy flatbeds, and vocational specialty vehicles that Class 4–5 trucks cannot handle.

For Azerbaijan commercial operators, the Chevrolet FTR / 6500XD represents entry-level heavy commercial trucking. It bridges the gap between the medium-duty LCF series (3500–5500HG/XG) and the heavy-duty Class 7–8 trucks. It is particularly relevant for logistics companies, large delivery operations, and construction-related commercial uses.

Key Specifications

Isuzu 6HK1-TCN inline-6 turbodiesel: 271 hp, 898 Nm
Transmission: Allison 2000 Series automatic or Isuzu 6-speed
Drive: RWD
GVWR: approximately 9,979 kg (Class 6)
GCW: up to 15,876 kg
Front axle: 3,175 kg
Rear axle: 7,257 kg
Wheelbase: multiple options, typically 4,267–6,096 mm

Variant Comparison

Variant	Powertrain	Power	0–100 km/h	Best For
FTR Regular Wheelbase	6HK1 diesel, Allison 2000	271 hp / 898 Nm	Commercial	Medium box truck, flatbed, standard vocational
FTR Extended Wheelbase	6HK1 diesel, Allison 2000	271 hp / 898 Nm	Commercial	26-ft box body, longer cargo configurations

Competitor Snapshot

Model	Strength	Compromise (Local Context)
Isuzu FTR	Identical truck, global Isuzu support, available in Middle East	Brand distinction only — Isuzu may be easier to support in Azerbaijan
Hino 338	Toyota-backed Class 6 competitor	Hino presence limited in Azerbaijan
Ford F-650	Conventional cab Class 6 alternative	Ford commercial support minimal in Azerbaijan

Ownership Cost Estimator (Azerbaijan)

Annual distance (km)Fuel consumption (L/100km)Fuel price ($/L)Annual service budget ($)Annual insurance ($)Annual tire/wheel budget ($)

Annual fuel use: 9600.0 L/year
Annual fuel cost: $8160
Total annual ownership estimate: $26160
Average monthly ownership estimate: $2180

Class 6 GVWR: requires commercial driver licence in most jurisdictions — verify Azerbaijani requirements.
Isuzu 6HK1 engine: proven globally in millions of commercial trucks; long service life with proper PM.
Allison 2000 Series: more robust than LCF-series transmissions; same TES 668 fluid requirement.
Tyre size (typically 8.25R16 or 215/75R17.5): commercial specification with higher replacement costs.
Annual commercial vehicle safety inspection mandatory in Azerbaijan for Class 6 operation.

Maintenance & Service in Azerbaijan

Isuzu 6HK1 diesel: oil change every 10,000 km with 15W-40 diesel spec oil.
Fuel filter: primary and secondary, every 40,000 km.
Allison 2000 Series: TES 668 fluid and filter every 80,000 km.
Valve adjustment (6HK1): required every 80,000–100,000 km — specialist procedure.
Cooling system: flush every 3 years or 150,000 km with OAT coolant.

Used FTR / 6500XD Buying Checklist

Verify GVWR and axle ratings are appropriate for intended payload.
Review complete maintenance records including injection pump and valve adjustments.
Test Allison 2000 through all ranges under load if possible.
Inspect the upfit body structure and mounting to chassis.
Verify the DEF system and emissions compliance status.
Confirm commercial driver licence requirements for operating the vehicle in Azerbaijan.

FTR / 6500XD FAQ — Azerbaijan Buyers

Q: Is the FTR/6500XD essentially an Isuzu FTR with a Chevrolet badge?

Yes — the Chevrolet FTR / 6500XD is mechanically identical to the Isuzu FTR sold globally. In North America, GM and Isuzu share distribution through an agreement where Isuzu trucks are sold under Chevrolet and GMC badges in some weight classes. This means Isuzu FTR parts and service expertise are applicable to the Chevrolet-badged version.

Q: Can I service a Chevrolet FTR/6500XD at Isuzu commercial dealers?

Yes — because the FTR/6500XD is mechanically identical to the Isuzu FTR, Isuzu commercial dealers can service the drivetrain. The Isuzu 6HK1 engine, Allison transmission, and axle components are identical between the two badges. This is particularly relevant in Azerbaijan where Isuzu has more commercial vehicle presence than Chevrolet commercial trucks.

Q: What box truck body length can the FTR/6500XD support?

With the appropriate wheelbase, the FTR/6500XD can support a 24-foot (7.3 m) box body on a standard wheelbase or a 26-foot (7.9 m) body on an extended wheelbase configuration. The Class 6 GVWR allows loaded refrigerated or standard dry box trucks at typical commercial loads.

Should You Buy the Chevrolet FTR / 6500XD?

Strong Class 6 commercial platform with Isuzu support advantages.

The Chevrolet FTR / 6500XD offers genuine Class 6 commercial capability with the advantage that its mechanical identity as an Isuzu FTR gives access to Isuzu's global service and parts network. For Azerbaijan commercial operators, this is a significant practical advantage over purely Chevrolet-specific commercial trucks. Source from US fleet surplus, verify Isuzu 6HK1 service history, and confirm Class 6 commercial vehicle registration requirements before importation.