Expert Reviews
By Bill Jackson
Cars.com National January 25, 2011Vehicle Overview
The Savana is available in quarter-ton, half-ton and one-ton weight classes, in regular- and long-wheelbase form with five engine choices. These variations come in four different van models: cargo, 15-seat passenger, conversion and cutaway. Competitors include the Mercedes Sprinter and Ford E-Series.
New for 2011
There is a new 3500 passenger van with a Duramax turbo-diesel engine, and GM's electronic stability system, StabiliTrak, is now standard on all cargo and passenger vans. A dealer-installed Wi-Fi internet option is available.
Exterior
The Savana's front end has a trapezoidal grille with a large GMC badge and upscale reflector headlights. Passenger vans come in regular and extended lengths. Regular-length passenger and cargo vans can be fitted with a 60/40-split left-side entry and loading door. Side access panels, which offer access to either side of the van, feature remote releases and are available on work-oriented models. Exterior features include:
- Standard 17-inch steel wheels on 1500, with 16-inch steel wheels on the 2500 and 3500
- Optional 17-inch aluminum wheels on 1500
Interior
Depending on the configuration, Savana passenger vans can carry eight, 12 or 15 occupants. Cargo vans seat a maximum of two people. Interior features include:
- Available remote vehicle start
- Available dealer-installed Wi-Fi internet option
- Standard air conditioning
Under the Hood
Light-duty G1500 vans have rack-and-pinion steering, while G2500 and G3500 vans have integral power steering. The rear suspensions use a semifloating axle with multi leaf springs and gas shocks. The Savana can be equipped with one of five engines. Rear- and all-wheel-drive models are available. Mechanical features include:
- 195-horsepower, 4.3-liter V-6 with 260 pounds-feet of torque
- Flex-fuel 279-hp, 4.8-liter V-8 with 294 pounds-feet of torque
- Flex-fuel 310-hp, 5.3-liter V-8 with 334 pounds-feet of torque
- Flex-fuel 323-hp, 6.0-liter V-8 with 373 pounds-feet of torque
- 260-hp, turbo-diesel 6.6-liter V-8 with 525 pounds-feet of torque
- Fast idle option on 6.0-liter V-8 allows heavy-duty accessory usage at idle
Safety
Twelve- and 15-passenger models have three-layer glass that helps reduce the risk of ejection during an accident. Additional standard safety features include:
- Driver and front-passenger airbags
- All-disc antilock brakes
- Standard side curtain airbags (on passenger models)
- Standard electronic stability control
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