2017 Chevrolet Express 2500: What's New, Specs & Features
Last updated August 4, 2026
The most important change for the 2017 Chevrolet Express 2500 is the addition of a 2.8-liter Duramax turbo-diesel engine. Otherwise, this is a light-update year, with the familiar body and work-focused layout carrying over.
About the 2017 Chevrolet Express 2500
First-generation Express, in the long-running 2003-updated form; late-cycle year before the broader 2018 safety and equipment updates.
Chevrolet positions the Express as a simple, heavy-duty full-size van built to move either cargo or a large number of passengers with minimal fuss. Its appeal is durability, strong payload and towing capability, rear-wheel-drive work-van hardware, and a wide range of seating and body-length configurations. Compared with newer rivals, the Express stands out more for proven mechanical simplicity and commercial flexibility than for a modern cabin or cutting-edge tech.
The 2017 Express 2500 remains focused on work and people-moving duty. Cargo vans use two-seat, easy-clean interiors in standard- or extended-wheelbase form, while the LS seats 12 and the LT adds rear climate control, cruise control, and carpeted flooring for more comfortable passenger service.
What changed, by category
2017 Chevrolet Express 2500 specs and features by trim
| Feature | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | V8, 4.8 Liter / V8, Flex Fuel, 6.0 Liter / 4-Cyl, Turbo Diesel, 2.8 Liter | V8, 4.8 Liter / V8, Flex Fuel, 6.0 Liter / 4-Cyl, Turbo Diesel, 2.8 Liter | 4-Cyl, Turbo Diesel, 2.8 Liter / V8, Flex Fuel, 4.8 Liter / V8, Flex Fuel, 6.0 Liter | V8, Flex Fuel, 4.8 Liter / V8, Flex Fuel, 6.0 Liter / 4-Cyl, Turbo Diesel, 2.8 Liter |
| Transmission | Auto, 6-Spd HD w/OD | Auto, 6-Spd HD w/OD | Auto, 6-Spd HD Overdrive | Auto, 6-Spd HD Overdrive |
| Drivetrain | RWD | RWD | RWD | RWD |
| Fuel Type | Gas / Flexible Fuel / Diesel | Gas / Flexible Fuel / Diesel | Diesel / Flexible Fuel | Flexible Fuel / Diesel |
| MPG City | 11 mpg | 11 mpg | ||
| MPG Highway | 16 mpg | 16 mpg | ||
| Horsepower | 181–342 hp | 181–342 hp | 181–329 hp | 181–329 hp |
| Torque | 295–373 lb-ft | 295–373 lb-ft | 295–373 lb-ft | 295–373 lb-ft |
| Max Towing | 9800 lb | 9800 lb | 10000 lb | 10000 lb |
| Trunk/Cargo | 216.2 cu-ft | 216.2 cu-ft | 270.4 cu-ft | 313.9 cu-ft |
| Rear Legroom | 36.6 in | 36.6 in | ||
| Seats | 12 | 12 | 5 | 5 |
| Doors | 3 | 3 | 3 | 3 |
| Cruise Control | ||||
| Park Assist | ||||
| Rear View Camera | ||||
| Alloy Wheels | ||||
| Roof Rails | ||||
| Navigation System | ||||
| Smartphone Interface | ||||
| Folding Rear Seat | ||||
| Rear Air Conditioning | ||||
| Remote Start | ||||
| Remote Keyless Entry | ||||
| Third Row Seat | ||||
| Tilt Wheel | ||||
Frequently asked questions
What is the biggest change to the 2017 Chevrolet Express 2500?
The biggest change is a new 2.8-liter Duramax turbo-diesel engine. It joined the Base, Extended, LS, and LT versions for 2017.
Was the 2017 Chevrolet Express 2500 redesigned?
No, the 2017 Express 2500 was not redesigned. Its basic body, layout, and cargo and passenger configurations carried over, making this a light-update year rather than a new generation.
Did the 2017 Chevrolet Express 2500 still have a natural-gas powertrain?
No, the natural-gas powertrain was dropped from the Base, Extended, LS, and LT versions for 2017.
How did the diesel trim lineup change for the 2017 Express 2500?
The standalone Diesel and Diesel Extended trim listings were dropped. For 2017, the diesel engine was placed within the regular Base, Extended, LS, and LT trim structure instead.
What technology changed on the 2017 Express 2500 passenger vans?
Bluetooth, the smartphone interface, and USB ports became optional rather than standard on the LS and LT passenger trims for 2017.