12 MPG combined won’t win any fuel economy awards, but for the 2017 GMC Savana 3500 2WD Passenger van with its 6.0L V8, it’s a compromise accepted by a specific buyer. This isn’t a minivan for soccer practice. It’s a large, body-on-frame van primarily purchased by businesses needing to transport numerous people or heavy equipment, where capability and durability are important, and fuel efficiency is a secondary consideration.

City and highway performance

The EPA estimates for the 2017 Savana 3500 2WD (Passenger) with the 6.0L V8 are 11 MPG in the city and 16 MPG on the highway. The city figure reflects the stop-and-go driving often encountered in urban environments, which impacts larger, heavier vehicles. The 16 MPG highway figure is achievable under ideal conditions, such as steady speeds and minimal cargo. However, real-world highway mileage can easily dip lower, especially when the van is fully loaded or facing strong headwinds.

Annual fuel cost

The EPA estimates the annual fuel cost for the 2017 GMC Savana 3500 2WD (Passenger) at $3,650. This figure is based on driving 15,000 miles per year, with 55% of those miles driven in the city and 45% on the highway, using national average fuel prices. For fleet managers or businesses relying on this van daily, this hefty fuel bill is a significant operating expense that needs to be factored into the budget.

Real-world expectations

While the EPA estimates provide a baseline, real-world fuel economy for the Savana 3500 2WD Passenger is often lower. Factors such as driving style, load weight, tire pressure, and even weather conditions can impact fuel consumption. Drivers accelerating frequently or towing a trailer will see significantly lower MPG figures than someone driving conservatively with an empty van. Terrain also plays a role; hilly or mountainous routes will require more fuel than flat highways. Owners report that achieving the EPA’s 16 MPG highway figure is possible, but requires careful driving and diligent maintenance. See all Gmc fuel economy data.

How it compares

Compared to other full-size vans, the 2017 GMC Savana 3500’s fuel economy is generally in line with its competitors. The Ford Transit 350 with its available 3.5L EcoBoost V6 can achieve slightly better highway MPG, around 17-18 MPG, but its city MPG is also similar. The Ram ProMaster 3500 with its 3.6L V6 offers comparable fuel economy, but again, it’s not a drastic improvement. Full-size vans, regardless of brand, aren’t known for their fuel efficiency. The Savana’s buyers prioritize its payload capacity, seating configuration, and overall ruggedness over incremental MPG gains. It’s critical for prospective buyers to review the SAVANA MPG across all years and compare them to other vans.

Tips to maximize efficiency

While the 2017 GMC Savana 3500 2WD Passenger isn’t designed to be a fuel sipper, there are steps drivers can take to improve its efficiency. Regular maintenance, including oil changes and tire rotations, is essential for optimal performance. Ensuring tires are properly inflated reduces rolling resistance, which improves fuel economy.

Avoid aggressive acceleration and braking. The Savana is a large, heavy vehicle that requires more fuel to get moving quickly. Gradual acceleration and anticipating stops can significantly reduce fuel consumption. Maintaining a consistent speed on the highway, ideally within the posted speed limit, also helps.

Minimize idling. Leaving the engine running while parked or waiting consumes fuel unnecessarily. If you anticipate being stationary for more than a minute or two, turn off the engine. This is especially important in city driving where idling can be more frequent.

Reduce unnecessary weight. Carrying excess cargo adds strain to the engine and reduces fuel economy. Remove any unnecessary items from the van to lighten the load. Consider the weight distribution of your cargo within the vehicle.

Plan routes efficiently. Combine multiple trips into one whenever possible to minimize overall mileage and use GPS navigation to avoid traffic congestion and find the most direct route. Careful route planning can save both time and fuel.