2017 GMC Savana 3500: What's New, Specs & Features
Last updated August 4, 2026
The biggest change for the 2017 GMC Savana 3500 is a new 2.8-liter Duramax four-cylinder turbo-diesel paired with an 8-speed automatic. Otherwise, this is a light-update year with no redesign.
About the 2017 GMC Savana 3500
Second generation Savana, late in its long production run; 2017 is a late-cycle year without a redesign.
GMC positions the Savana 3500 as a straightforward heavy-duty full-size van for either people or cargo. Its appeal is simple: proven body-on-frame construction, high towing and payload capability, easy upfit potential, and familiar controls. Compared with newer European-style vans, the Savana is less about modern tech or cabin style and more about durability, enclosed space, and doing hard work in cargo, shuttle, or group-transport duty.
The 2017 Savana 3500 remains a work-focused cargo van and a heavy-duty people mover for fleet, shuttle, church, and hotel use. Cargo versions come in regular and extended lengths with durable flooring and six tie-down rings, while passenger versions seat 12 or 15 people. LT passenger vans add rear climate controls, keyless entry, power windows and locks, and a more finished cabin.
What changed, by category
2017 GMC Savana 3500 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 | 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 | Automatic, 6-Spd HD w/Overdrive | Automatic, 6-Spd HD w/Overdrive |
| Drivetrain | RWD | RWD | RWD | RWD | RWD | RWD |
| Fuel Type | Gas / Flexible Fuel / Diesel | Gas / Flexible Fuel / Diesel | Gas / Flexible Fuel / Diesel | Gas / Flexible Fuel / Diesel | Gas / Flexible Fuel / Diesel | Gas / Flexible Fuel / Diesel |
| 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 | 9600 lb | 9600 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 | 2 | 2 | 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 is the biggest change to the 2017 GMC Savana 3500?
The biggest change is a new 2.8-liter Duramax four-cylinder turbo-diesel paired with an 8-speed automatic. It replaced the older diesel setup.
Was the 2017 GMC Savana 3500 redesigned?
No, the 2017 GMC Savana 3500 was not redesigned. Its body styles, regular and extended lengths, and basic work and passenger-van roles largely carried over.
Does the 2017 GMC Savana 3500 still have a natural-gas powertrain?
No, the natural-gas powertrain was dropped for 2017 from the Extended, LS, LS Extended, LT, and LT Extended trims.
What happened to the separate Diesel trims for the 2017 GMC Savana 3500?
The separate Diesel-named trims were dropped, and diesel became a powertrain within the Extended, LS, LS Extended, LT, and LT Extended trims. Those versions use the new 2.8-liter Duramax engine and 8-speed automatic.
How many passengers does the 2017 GMC Savana 3500 carry?
The 2017 Savana 3500 passenger van seats 12 people in regular-length LS and LT form or 15 people in extended-length LS and LT form.