GMC Savana



Overview of the GMC Savana
Learn about the GMC SavanaSummary
If you’re looking for a full-size van that’s capable of handling heavy tasks, the GMC Savana might be the vehicle for you. Despite not coming standard with many innovative features, the Savana offers Canadian consumers significant flexibility. The cargo van has an enormous amount of space and is up for towing large loads. However, some drivers find that the Savana lacks deft manoeuvrability and can be difficult to navigate in tight parking lots. Depending on your budget and specific needs, the Savana can be customized for a variety of tasks.
Safety
Although older GMC Savana models lack a wide range of safety features, they all come standard with four-wheel anti-locking brakes (ABS) to prevent wheels from locking up during braking, while stability control became standard later in 2005. Meanwhile, the new 2019 GMC Savanas offer Canadian drivers a comprehensive collection of safety technologies to give you peace of mind. Some of these available features include:
- Forward Collision Alert to prevent the risk of potential collision
- Lane Departure Warning to help drivers avoid collisions from unintentional drifting
- Hill Start Assist, which helps stop rollback on slopes until the accelerator is pressed
- Rear Parking Aid to alert you of your surrounds when in reverse
- Heated Mirrors, which conveniently keep mirrors clear of ice, snow and fog
Interior
Depending on the types of tasks you might require it for, the GMC Savana offers buyers an abundance of customizable features. The GMC Savana Passenger model is available in a selection of three trims—the 1500, 2500 or 3500—and can be easily customized to serve whatever your specific needs may be. The Cargo model of the GMC Savana only comes in two work-oriented trims. While the van is tailored to transport lots of people or big loads, it doesn’t do so with much style: some drivers find that the interior of the standard Savana is too basic.
Technology
GMC Savana Passenger and Cargo models from later than 2015 feature a variety of available technologies, including built-in 4G LTE Wi-Fi connectivity as well as a 6.5-inch touchscreen infotainment system. However, Savanas from before 2015 tend to offer little in the way of frills— though older models, like the 2008, do come with air-conditioning, an AM/FM stereo and an anti-theft system. New Passenger and Cargo Savana models come standard with a 4.3 L V6 engine with StabiliTrak® technology to help maintain control during low-traction driving conditions. However, a 2.8 L Duramax® turbo-diesel engine is also available.
Space
The GMC Savana might have a basic interior, but the cargo van offers consumers a vast amount of space and towing capability. Models from 2008 can tow at least 6,200 lbs, while 2019 Savanas tow up to 9,400 lbs.
Comfort
Despite being able to carry up to 15 people, the GMC Savana doesn’t provide passengers with an abundance of comfort. The van’s standard LS model comes with vinyl bucket seats. Meanwhile, LT models add heating and cooling for the back row of seats. It’s worth mentioning that some drivers find that the vehicle isn’t nimble enough due to its broad turning radius.
Pros and cons of the GMC Savana
- Excellent payload capability
- Cargo or passenger configurations available
- Advanced safety tech optional
- Design has not evolved in recent years
- High fuel consumption with V8 engines
- No high-roof cargo option available
Safety ratings of the GMC Savana

Safety ratings provided by NHTSA
- Number of airbags4
Specifications of the GMC Savana
Key specifications available across all trim levels- Seats7 - 12
- Doors4
- Fuel typeGas or Diesel
- TransmissionAutomatic
- City consumption15.7 - 22.3 L/100km
- Highway consumption11.2 - 14.9 L/100km
- Width2012 - 2018 mm
- Length5555 - 6200 mm
- Trunk space2608 - 3602 L
- Cargo space2608 - 8971 L
Trims available with the GMC Savana
What is a trim? Trims are different options of the same car with different features and equipment. The specs depend on the trim you choose.This variant of the GMC Savana 1997 - 2020 is available in 9 trims:Basic trim features and specs
Available with the Basic trim:
- Center arm rest between front seats (optional)
- Electric windows (optional)
- Electrically adjustable front seats (optional)
- Leather steering wheel (optional)
Available across all trims:
- Power steering
- Spare wheel
Available with the Basic trim:
- Alloy wheels (optional)
- Door mirrors electrically adjustable (optional)
- Steel wheels
Available across all trims:
- Daytime running lights
Available with the Basic trim:
- Front-driver airbag
- Front-passenger airbag
Available across all trims:
- Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)
- Disc brakes
- Rear-wheel drive
Available with the Basic trim:
- CD player (optional)
- Cruise control (optional)
- Power door locks (optional)
- Radio (optional)
LT trim features and specs
Available with the LT trim:
- Center arm rest between front seats
- Electric windows
- Electrically adjustable front seats
- Front seats have lumbar support
- Leather steering wheel
Available across all trims:
- Power steering
- Spare wheel
Available with the LT trim:
- Alloy wheels
- Door mirrors electrically adjustable
- Fog lights
Available across all trims:
- Daytime running lights
Available with the LT trim:
- Front-driver airbag
- Front-passenger airbag
Available across all trims:
- Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)
- Disc brakes
- Rear-wheel drive
Available with the LT trim:
- CD disc changer (optional)
- CD player
- Cruise control
- Power door locks
- Radio (optional)
SLT trim features and specs
Available with the SLT trim:
- Center arm rest between front seats
- Electric windows
- Electrically adjustable front seats
- Front seats have lumbar support
- Leather steering wheel
Available across all trims:
- Power steering
- Spare wheel
Available with the SLT trim:
- Alloy wheels
- Door mirrors electrically adjustable
- Fog lights
Available across all trims:
- Daytime running lights
Available with the SLT trim:
- Dimming interior mirror
- Front-driver airbag
- Front-passenger airbag
Available across all trims:
- Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)
- Disc brakes
- Rear-wheel drive
Available with the SLT trim:
- CD disc changer (optional)
- CD player
- Cruise control
- Power door locks
- Radio
2LS trim features and specs
Available with the 2LS trim:
- Center arm rest between front seats (optional)
- Electric windows
- Electrically adjustable front seats (optional)
- Leather steering wheel (optional)
- Multifunction steering wheel (optional)
Available across all trims:
- Power steering
- Spare wheel
Available with the 2LS trim:
- Door mirrors electrically adjustable (optional)
- Long wheel base
- Short wheel base
- Standard roof
- Steel wheels
Available across all trims:
- Daytime running lights
Available with the 2LS trim:
- Brake assist system
- Dusk sensor
- Electronic traction control
- Emergency call system
- Front-driver airbag
- Front-passenger airbag
- Side curtain airbag
- Stability control
- Tire pressure indicator
Available across all trims:
- Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)
- Disc brakes
- Rear-wheel drive
Available with the 2LS trim:
- Bluetooth (optional)
- CD player (optional)
- Computer
- Cruise control
- MP3-CD player (optional)
- Navigation system
- Power door locks
- Radio
- Rear sensors (optional)
- Rear view camera (optional)
- USB port for front passengers (optional)
- WiFi (optional)
2LT trim features and specs
Available with the 2LT trim:
- Center arm rest between front seats
- Electric windows
- Electrically adjustable front seats (optional)
- Leather steering wheel
- Multifunction steering wheel
Available across all trims:
- Power steering
- Spare wheel
Available with the 2LT trim:
- Door mirrors electrically adjustable (optional)
- Long wheel base
- Short wheel base
- Standard roof
- Steel wheels
Available across all trims:
- Daytime running lights
Available with the 2LT trim:
- Brake assist system
- Dusk sensor
- Electronic traction control
- Emergency call system
- Front-driver airbag
- Front-passenger airbag
- Side curtain airbag
- Stability control
- Tire pressure indicator
Available across all trims:
- Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)
- Disc brakes
- Rear-wheel drive
Available with the 2LT trim:
- Bluetooth (optional)
- CD player (optional)
- Computer
- Cruise control
- MP3-CD player (optional)
- Navigation system
- Power door locks
- Radio
- Rear sensors (optional)
- Rear view camera (optional)
- USB port for front passengers (optional)
- WiFi (optional)
SL trim features and specs
Available with the SL trim:
- Center arm rest between front seats (optional)
- Electric windows (optional)
- Electrically adjustable front seats (optional)
- Leather steering wheel (optional)
- Multifunction steering wheel (optional)
Available across all trims:
- Power steering
- Spare wheel
Available with the SL trim:
- Alloy wheels (optional)
- Door mirrors electrically adjustable (optional)
- Four-wheel drive (optional)
- Long wheel base
- Regular cab
- Short wheel base
- Steel wheels
Available across all trims:
- Daytime running lights
Available with the SL trim:
- Brake assist system (optional)
- Dimming interior mirror (optional)
- Dusk sensor
- Electronic traction control (optional)
- Four-wheel drive
- Front-driver airbag (optional)
- Front-passenger airbag (optional)
- Side curtain airbag (optional)
- Stability control (optional)
- Tire pressure indicator (optional)
Available across all trims:
- Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)
- Disc brakes
- Rear-wheel drive
Available with the SL trim:
- CD disc changer (optional)
- CD player (optional)
- Computer (optional)
- Cruise control (optional)
- MP3-CD player (optional)
- Navigation system (optional)
- Power door locks (optional)
- Radio (optional)
- Rear sensors (optional)
- Rear view camera (optional)
SLE trim features and specs
Available with the SLE trim:
- Center arm rest between front seats
- Electric windows
- Electrically adjustable front seats (optional)
- Leather steering wheel (optional)
- Multifunction steering wheel (optional)
Available across all trims:
- Power steering
- Spare wheel
Available with the SLE trim:
- Alloy wheels (optional)
- Door mirrors electrically adjustable (optional)
- Four-wheel drive (optional)
- Long wheel base
- Regular cab
- Short wheel base
- Steel wheels (optional)
Available across all trims:
- Daytime running lights
Available with the SLE trim:
- Brake assist system (optional)
- Dimming interior mirror (optional)
- Dusk sensor
- Electronic traction control (optional)
- Four-wheel drive
- Front-driver airbag (optional)
- Front-passenger airbag (optional)
- Side curtain airbag (optional)
- Stability control (optional)
- Tire pressure indicator (optional)
Available across all trims:
- Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)
- Disc brakes
- Rear-wheel drive
Available with the SLE trim:
- Bluetooth (optional)
- CD disc changer (optional)
- CD player (optional)
- Computer (optional)
- Cruise control
- MP3-CD player (optional)
- Navigation system (optional)
- Power door locks
- Radio (optional)
- Rear sensors (optional)
- Rear view camera (optional)
- USB port for front passengers (optional)
1LT trim features and specs
Available with the 1LT trim:
- Center arm rest between front seats
- Electric windows
- Electrically adjustable front seats (optional)
- Leather steering wheel
- Multifunction steering wheel
Available across all trims:
- Power steering
- Spare wheel
Available with the 1LT trim:
- Alloy wheels (optional)
- Door mirrors electrically adjustable (optional)
- Four-wheel drive (optional)
- Long wheel base
- Short wheel base
- Standard roof
- Steel wheels (optional)
Available across all trims:
- Daytime running lights
Available with the 1LT trim:
- Brake assist system
- Collision warning system (optional)
- Dusk sensor
- Electronic traction control
- Emergency call system (optional)
- Four-wheel drive
- Front-driver airbag
- Front-passenger airbag
- Lane departure warning (optional)
- Overtaking sensors (optional)
- Side curtain airbag
- Stability control
- Tire pressure indicator
Available across all trims:
- Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)
- Disc brakes
- Rear-wheel drive
Available with the 1LT trim:
- Bluetooth (optional)
- CD player (optional)
- Computer
- Cruise control
- Hill start assist (optional)
- MP3-CD player (optional)
- Navigation system
- Power door locks
- Radio
- Rear sensors (optional)
- Rear view camera (optional)
- USB port for front passengers (optional)
- WiFi (optional)
1LS trim features and specs
Available with the 1LS trim:
- Center arm rest between front seats (optional)
- Electric windows
- Electrically adjustable front seats (optional)
- Leather steering wheel (optional)
- Multifunction steering wheel (optional)
Available across all trims:
- Power steering
- Spare wheel
Available with the 1LS trim:
- Alloy wheels (optional)
- Door mirrors electrically adjustable (optional)
- Four-wheel drive (optional)
- Long wheel base
- Short wheel base
- Standard roof
- Steel wheels
Available across all trims:
- Daytime running lights
Available with the 1LS trim:
- Brake assist system
- Collision warning system (optional)
- Dusk sensor
- Electronic traction control
- Emergency call system (optional)
- Four-wheel drive
- Front-driver airbag
- Front-passenger airbag
- Lane departure warning (optional)
- Overtaking sensors (optional)
- Side curtain airbag
- Stability control
- Tire pressure indicator
Available across all trims:
- Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)
- Disc brakes
- Rear-wheel drive
Available with the 1LS trim:
- Bluetooth (optional)
- CD player (optional)
- Computer
- Cruise control (optional)
- Hill start assist (optional)
- MP3-CD player (optional)
- Navigation system
- Power door locks
- Radio
- Rear sensors (optional)
- Rear view camera (optional)
- USB port for front passengers (optional)
- WiFi (optional)
Frequently asked questions about the GMC Savana
The GMC Savana has different engine choices for its 1500, 2500 and 3500 models: a V8, a large V6 and diesel engines.
The GMC Savana is a full-size van that gives drivers a lot of adaptability. The vehicle is available as either a passenger or cargo van with regular and extended wheelbases.
A 2019 GMC Savana starts at $39,100 for the cargo van and $45,000 for the passenger. A pre-owned Savana between 10 and 15 years old is approximately $8,000.
The GMC Savana has standard rear-wheel drive and is one of the only work vans to offer the possibility of all-wheel drive.
The standard passenger model of the GMC Savana has seating for 12. However, it can be optioned up to accommodate 15.