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)
