2017 Chevrolet Express 3500: What's New, Specs & Features
Last updated August 4, 2026
The main change for the 2017 Chevrolet Express 3500 is the addition of a 2.8-liter Duramax turbo-diesel to the cargo and passenger lineup. Otherwise, this is a light update rather than a redesign.
About the 2017 Chevrolet Express 3500
First-generation Express, in its long-running post-2003 update phase; 2017 is a late-cycle year before broader 2018 equipment and powertrain revisions.
Chevrolet positions the Express 3500 as a heavy-duty full-size van for work or group transport, with a simple low-roof layout, strong payload and towing ability, and a design fleets and upfitters already know well. Its appeal is less about modern cabin tech and more about proven hardware, straightforward serviceability, and configurations that can move tools, cargo, or a large group of passengers on the same 3500 chassis.
Regular and extended cargo vans are simple two-seat work vehicles, while LS and LT passenger versions suit shuttle, crew, church, and large-family duty. Extended models use a 155-inch wheelbase for more room, and LT passenger vans add rear climate control, cruise control, and carpeting. Cargo models feature durable vinyl surfaces, LED cargo lighting, and tie-down points.
What changed, by category
2017 Chevrolet Express 3500 specs and features by trim
| Feature | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | 4-Cyl, Turbo Diesel, 2.8 Liter / V8, 4.8 Liter / V8, Flex Fuel, 6.0 Liter | 4-Cyl, Turbo Diesel, 2.8 Liter / V8, Flex Fuel, 6.0 Liter / V8, 4.8 Liter | 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, 6.0 Liter / V8, 4.8 Liter | 4-Cyl, Turbo Diesel, 2.8 Liter / V8, Flex Fuel, 6.0 Liter / V8, 4.8 Liter |
| Transmission | Auto, 6-Spd HD Overdrive | Auto, 6-Spd HD Overdrive | Automatic, 6-Spd HD w/Overdrive | Automatic, 6-Spd HD w/Overdrive | Auto, 6-Spd HD Overdrive | Auto, 6-Spd HD Overdrive |
| Drivetrain | RWD | RWD | RWD | RWD | RWD | RWD |
| Fuel Type | Diesel / Gas / Flexible Fuel | Diesel / Flexible Fuel / Gas | Gas / Flexible Fuel / Diesel | Gas / Flexible Fuel / Diesel | Diesel / Flexible Fuel / Gas | Diesel / Flexible Fuel / Gas |
| MPG City | 11 mpg | 11 mpg | 11 mpg | 11 mpg | ||
| MPG Highway | 16 mpg | 16 mpg | 16 mpg | 16 mpg | ||
| Horsepower | 181–324 hp | 181–324 hp | 181–342 hp | 181–342 hp | 181–324 hp | 181–324 hp |
| Torque | 295–373 lb-ft | 295–373 lb-ft | 295–373 lb-ft | 295–373 lb-ft | 295–373 lb-ft | 295–373 lb-ft |
| Max Towing | 9700 lb | 9700 lb | 10000 lb | 10000 lb | 9300 lb | 9300 lb |
| Trunk/Cargo | 216.2 cu-ft | 216.2 cu-ft | 270.4 cu-ft | 313.9 cu-ft | 252.8 cu-ft | 252.8 cu-ft |
| Rear Legroom | 36.6 in | 36.6 in | 36.6 in | 36.6 in | ||
| Seats | 12 | 12 | 5 | 5 | 15 | 15 |
| Doors | 3 | 3 | 3 | 3 | 3 | 3 |
| Cruise Control | ||||||
| Park Assist | ||||||
| Rear View Camera | ||||||
| Roof Rails | ||||||
| Navigation System | ||||||
| Smartphone Interface | ||||||
| Dual Power Front Seats | ||||||
| Folding Rear Seat | ||||||
| Rear Air Conditioning | ||||||
| Power Driver Seat | ||||||
| Remote Start | ||||||
| Remote Keyless Entry | ||||||
| Third Row Seat | ||||||
| Tilt Wheel | ||||||
Frequently asked questions
What changed on the 2017 Chevrolet Express 3500 compared with 2016?
The biggest change is a new 2.8-liter Duramax turbo-diesel for cargo and passenger vans. The trim structure also changed, natural-gas powertrains left several trims, and cargo vans gained spray-in liner and 150-amp alternator upgrades.
Was the 2017 Chevrolet Express 3500 redesigned?
No, the 2017 Express 3500 was not redesigned. Its body, chassis, styling, interior layout, and standard safety equipment largely carried over.
Did Chevrolet discontinue diesel Express 3500 vans for 2017?
No, diesel power remained for 2017, but the separate diesel-named trims were dropped. A new 2.8-liter Duramax turbo-diesel joined the Extended cargo and LS/LT passenger trim families.
Did the 2017 Express 3500 still have a natural-gas powertrain?
Natural gas was dropped from the Extended, LS, LS Extended, LT, and LT Extended trims for 2017. Gasoline and diesel powertrains filled out the affected parts of the lineup.
What changed on 2017 Express 3500 cargo vans?
Cargo vans gained the 2.8-liter Duramax turbo-diesel, plus newly introduced spray-in cargo liner and 150-amp alternator equipment. The Regular trim also joined the lineup, while Base left.