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- Highs Decent power from all available engines, highly configurable, reasonable starting price.
- Lows Thirsty V-8 engines, truck-like ride and handling, no high-roof option.
- Verdict The Savana is a trusty workhorse that can be set up for just about any job, but many rivals are more modern.
Overview
The GMC Savana is the “Professional Grade” twin to the Chevrolet Express, a basic, boxy van available as a two-seat cargo carrier or a passenger vehicle with seating available for five, eight, or 15 passengers. Either is available with sliding or hinged double side doors. It’s also available as a bare chassis with a cab, suitable for a variety of aftermarket customizations. The Savana’s basic design goes back to 1971, though GMC introduced an all-new second-generation model for the 1997 model year. The current model received a minor refresh for 2003. Two wheelbases are offered: the short wheelbase, at 135.0 inches, and 224.1-inches long overall, or 155 inches and 244.1 inches overall.
What's New for 2017?
GMC dropped the 6.6-liter turbodiesel V-8 for the 2017 model year in favor of the 2.8-liter four-cylinder turbodiesel from the Canyon pickup.
Pricing
Original MSRP:
- Base: $31,940
- LS: $34,335
- LT: $36,160
Engine, Transmission, and Performance
The base engine for the Savana is a 4.8-liter gasoline V-8 that produces 285 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque. One optional powerplant is a 6.0-liter gas V-8, rated at 342 horsepower and 373 pound-feet of torque. Both of these engines come mated to a six-speed automatic transmission. For increased fuel economy, there's the option of a 2.8-liter four-cylinder turbodiesel that puts out 181 horsepower and 369 pound-feet of torque and comes paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. All three engines provide good traffic-blending acceleration, even with a full load of cargo or people, though the V-8s lag behind the Ford Transit V-6 and the Mercedes-Benz Metris turbocharged four in fuel efficiency. The Savana rides and handles like a small bus, as that’s essentially what it is. But in exchange, the this workhorse provides a maximum towing capacity of 10,000 pounds and a payload capacity of almost 3300 pounds.
Fuel Economy
EPA fuel-economy testing and reporting procedures have changed over time. For the latest numbers on current and older vehicles, visit the EPA’s website and select Find & Compare Cars.
Interior, Comfort, and Cargo
The base Savana, in panel and chassis versions, comes standard with power windows and door locks, air conditioning, black vinyl floor covering, and two flat cloth seats up front. The seats are designed for easy ingress and egress for delivery drivers but have virtually no lateral support. The passenger version offers more comfort and can be configured with seating for for up to 15 and the option of features like plush leather upholstery, rear heat and air conditioning, keyless entry, carpeting, and a center console. Cargo versions of the Savana offer as much as 286.6 cubic feet of cargo space; however, unlike high-roof versions of some competitors, tall users cannot stand up inside the Savana comfortably.
Infotainment and Connectivity
If you're expecting the same level of infotainment technology and connectivity in the Savana as GMC offers in its pickups, you're going to be disappointed. A two-speaker AM/FM radio with auxiliary port is about all that's standard in the cargo van. Higher trims and options bring additional tech, including a 6.5-inch display, navigation, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, a CD player, and USB ports.
Safety Features and Crash Test Ratings
For more information about the GMC Savana‘s crash-test results, visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) websites.
Warranty
Some older vehicles are still eligible for coverage under a manufacturer's Certified Pre-Owned (CPO) program. For more information visit our guide to every manufacturer's CPO program.
