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 Sprinter, Nissan NV and Ford E-Series. The Savana is related to the Chevrolet Express.
New for 2012
Compressed-natural-gas models can have a three-tank fuel tank setup, but there are no other significant changes for 2012.
Exterior
The Savana’s front end 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
- Available Chrome Appearance Package
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 start
- Available dealer-installed Wi-Fi internet
- Available Bluetooth cellphone connectivity
- Standard air conditioning
- Available power seats
- Vinyl or cloth seats
- Available bulkhead dividers (cargo vans)
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 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 (cargo vans)
- 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
- 280-hp, 6.0-liter V-8 with 320 pounds-feet of torque (compressed-natural -as 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
