2013 GMC Savana 3500 Review by Cars.com Staff

2013 GMC Savana 3500

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2013 GMC Savana 3500

Starting MSRP $30,575–$47,510


Expert Reviews

By Cars.com Staff

Cars.com National June 22, 2012

Vehicle 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. Competitors include the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter, Nissan NV and Ford E-Series. The Savana is related to the Chevrolet Express.

New for 2013

GMC adds three new options to the Savana for 2013 with a backup camera, rear park assist and a navigation radio available for both cargo and passenger vans.

Exterior

The Savana has a trapezoidal grille with a large GMC badge and upscale reflector headlights. 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
  • Swing-out rear doors
  • Available sliding passenger-side door

Interior

Depending on the configuration, Savana passenger vans can carry eight, 12 or 15 people. Cargo vans seat a maximum of two people. Interior features include:

  • Vinyl or cloth seats
  • Standard air conditioning
  • Available remote start
  • Available dealer-installed Wi-Fi internet 
  • Available Bluetooth cellphone connectivity
  • Available power seats
  • Available bulkhead dividers (cargo vans)

Under the Hood

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 280-hp, 4.8-liter V-8 with 295 pounds-feet of torque
  • Flex-fuel 310-hp, 5.3-liter V-8 with 334 pounds-feet of torque
  • 324-hp, 6.0-liter V-8 with 373 pounds-feet of torque
  • 279-hp, 6.0-liter V-8 with 320 pounds-feet of torque (compressed-natural-gas model)
  • 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
  • Four- or six-speed automatic transmission
  • Available heavy-duty locking rear differential

Safety

Twelve- and 15-person models have three-layer glass that helps reduce the risk of ejection during an accident. Standard safety features include:

  • All-disc antilock brakes
  • Three-row side curtain airbags (passenger vans)
  • Electronic stability system

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*Invoice prices are made available by Cars.com and are not dealer advertising. All prices are subject to regional variations. Prices last updated 9/23/10. Click here for more information.