2017 GMC Savana 2500: What's New, Specs & Features
Last updated August 4, 2026
The most important change for the 2017 GMC Savana 2500 is the addition of a 2.8-liter Duramax turbo-diesel four-cylinder paired with an eight-speed automatic. Natural-gas powertrains were dropped, but the rest of this full-size van carried over with few changes.
About the 2017 GMC Savana 2500
2nd generation Savana (1997-2025), very late-cycle year on the long-running full-size van platform.
The 2017 Savana 2500 is GMC’s traditional full-size van for buyers who want simple, proven hardware more than modern styling or flashy technology. GMC’s message centers on professional-grade utility: a rear-wheel-drive van that can haul tools, bulky cargo, or a full group of passengers, with strong upfit flexibility and familiar mechanicals. Its main appeal versus newer rivals is durability, straightforward packaging, and easy fleet serviceability.
The 2017 Savana 2500 remained a work-focused full-size van offered in two-seat cargo and 12-passenger forms. The extended cargo model provided about 284.4 cubic feet of space, while the passenger LT added cloth seating, rear heating and air conditioning, carpeting, keyless entry, and chrome trim over the fleet-oriented LS.
What changed, by category
2017 GMC Savana 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 | 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 |
| Transmission | 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 |
| Fuel Type | Gas / Flexible Fuel / Diesel | Gas / Flexible Fuel / Diesel | Gas / Flexible Fuel / Diesel | Gas / Flexible Fuel / Diesel |
| MPG City | 11 mpg | 11 mpg | ||
| MPG Highway | 16 mpg | 16 mpg | ||
| Horsepower | 181–342 hp | 181–342 hp | 181–342 hp | 181–342 hp |
| Torque | 295–373 lb-ft | 295–373 lb-ft | 295–373 lb-ft | 295–373 lb-ft |
| Max Towing | 9600 lb | 9600 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 | ||||
| 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 changed on the 2017 GMC Savana 2500 compared with the 2016 model?
The main change is a 2.8-liter Duramax turbo-diesel four-cylinder paired with an eight-speed automatic. GMC also dropped the natural-gas powertrain, while the body styles, core trims, and basic hardware largely carried over.
Which 2017 GMC Savana 2500 trims had the 2.8-liter diesel?
The 2.8-liter Duramax diesel was offered on the Base and Extended cargo vans and the LS and LT passenger vans. It used an eight-speed automatic transmission.
Was a natural-gas 2017 GMC Savana 2500 offered?
No. The natural-gas powertrain offered previously was dropped from the Base, Extended, LS, and LT trims for 2017.
Was the 2017 GMC Savana 2500 redesigned?
No. The 2017 Savana 2500 remained on the same long-running second-generation platform, with the same basic cargo and passenger body styles.
Is the 2017 GMC Savana 2500 meaningfully different from the 2016 model?
Only if the four-cylinder diesel matters to you. The new diesel and the departure of the natural-gas powertrain are the meaningful differences; otherwise, the 2017 van is largely a carryover from 2016.