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. These variations come in four different van models: cargo, 15-seat passenger, conversion and cutaway. Competitors include the Dodge Sprinter and Ford E-Series.
New for 2010 The 2010 GMC Savana gains three flex-fuel engines. Savana 2500 and 3500 models also receive a new six-speed automatic transmission and revised rear axles.
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. The regular-length Savana G1500 measures 224 inches long overall, while the G3500 extended-length van rides on a stretched, 244-inch body. The regular-length Savana is almost 10 inches longer than the E-Series and almost 10 inches shorter than the Sprinter. All Savanas are 79.4 inches wide, which is about the same as the E-Series and Sprinter.
Standard 17-inch steel wheels on G1500 and H1500, with 16-inch steel wheels on the 2500 and 3500
Optional 17-inch aluminum wheels on G1500 and H1500
Chrome Appearance Package offers front/rear chrome bumpers and grille, with dual composite halogen headlamps
Interior Depending on the configuration, Savana passenger vans can carry eight, 12 or 15 occupants. Cargo vans seat a maximum of two people. The Savana’s maximum interior cargo volume (on the cargo model) is 225.1 cubic feet for regular-length models and 261.6 cubic feet in extended-length vans. That’s about the same cargo capacity as the E-Series, but pales in comparison with the Sprinter’s 318 cubic feet of interior volume.
Available new remote vehicle start
Standard air conditioning
Standard vinyl seats
Optional cloth seats
Available power locks and windows, tilting steering wheel and cruise control
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.
195-horsepower, 4.3-liter V-6 with 260 pounds-feet of torque
Flex-fuel 280-hp, 4.8-liter V-8 with 296 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
250-hp, turbo-diesel 6.6-liter V-8 with 460 pounds-feet of torque
Fast idle option on 6.0-liter V-8 allows heavy-duty accessory usage at idle
Quieter alternator
New six-speed automatic transmission for 2500 and 3500 models
Safety The Savana received a host of safety upgrades for 2008, including side curtain airbags for the first three rows of passenger models. Also, 12- 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
Electronic stability control (on passenger models)
