The GMC Savana Cargo Van offers a smooth and convenient ride. Its latest version has a powerful engine, excellent towing capacity, and advanced safety features, all for an affordable starting price. A key highlight is the van’s swing-out passenger-side door (standard on all Savana models), which provides easy access and enables effective cargo loading and unloading. Those interested should research the vehicle’s features to know whether it is suitable for them.

Know the GMC brand

GMC, (formerly the General Motors Truck Company) is an American automobile manufacturer that primarily focuses on manufacturing trucks and utility vehicles. The company was a major manufacturer of vehicles such as ambulances, heavy-duty trucks, transit buses, and military vehicles, but now focuses on vans, SUVs, pickup trucks, and light-duty trucks with an added touch of luxury. The Savana Cargo Van from GMC is a passenger van designed to transport people and cargo.

Overall trim details

The base price of the GMC Savana Cargo Van is $33,000. Customers have a choice of two variants, the 2500 and the 3500. The vehicle is available in four standard trims and four color options. It offers a maximum cargo space of 283.6 cu. Ft. and a maximum trailering of 10,000 lbs. The maximum gross combined weight rating (GCWR) of the vehicle is up to 16,000 lbs.

Interior and exterior

Buyers of the 3500 regular wheelbase van get the standard all-season Blackwall front and rear tires with 16 x 6.5 inch steel wheels. Additional standard features are the sliding cargo doors and swing-out passenger side doors, fixed rear-door and side-door windows, dual-halogen composite lamps, front and rear standard black bumpers and grill with options of chrome equipment. The van also comes with standard door beams and daytime running lamps. The GMC Savana has a maximum seating capacity of up to 5 persons, with a crew van package.

When it comes to the interiors, one can check out the available 6-way power driver seats and high-back cloth front bucket seats. Further available features in the 2500 and 3500 versions include a leather-wrapped steering wheel for a comfortable ride, vinyl floor covering, and an available spray-in cargo liner to provide a non-skid surface.

Capability and performance

The GMC Savana Cargo Van engines are backed by a five-year/60,000-mile transferable powertrain limited warranty. The standard engine is a 4.3L V6 of 276 HP, and if that’s not your preference, you can choose from the available 6.6L V8 Engine (401 HP) and the Duramax 2.8L Turbo-Diesel engine (181 hp). The tow/haul mode option available in the vehicle reduces excess shifting while hauling or towing a heavy load. The vehicle is also powered by an electronic stability control system that improves stability by reducing traction loss, particularly during emergency maneuvers.

Both the 2500 and the 3500 vans come with a regular or extended wheelbase. However, the 3500 provides more payload. The maximum payload of the 2500 is 3,280 lbs. (regular); 3,060 lbs. (extended) while the 3500 gives 4,280 lbs. (regular); 4,090 lbs. (extended) payload. The fuel tank capacity of 2500 and 3500 versions of the GMC Savana Cargo Van is approx. 31 gal.

Safety and technology

The OnStar® and GMC Connected Services provide plans for drivers to get help and information on a host of safety-related issues. There is a rear vision camera feature that helps in viewing the area directly behind the vehicle, while the driver and frontal passenger get standard front and side airbags. The GMC Savana’s safety features include an available forward collision alert that warns of a potential front-end collision, a standard hill start assist system that helps in preventing the vehicle from rolling back when driving uphill, and standard tire pressure monitor system that provides alerts on low tire pressure conditions. One can opt for available features like Bluetooth® or a SiriusXM® 3-month Platinum Trial Subscription

GMC vehicles have various remarkable features that make them popular with auto enthusiasts. Even though there are some shortcomings, the GMC Savana is definitely a pleasant vehicle to ride around town in and transport cargo from one point to another.