For 2022, the GMC Savana is only available in one trim level. Being a workhorse, the feature list is limited and only includes manual air conditioning, a basic audio system, and some other basic creature comforts. GMC, however, does offer three engine options, including the recently launched 6.6-liter V8 engine. The optional Power Convenience package adds power windows and power door locks. Although the feature list might seem drab at first, there are some modern additions like Wi-Fi hotspot, satellite radio, and more.

Which Trim should you buy?

The 2022 GMC Savana 2500 Cargo Van is available in only one trim level so there is no choice left there. However, you have a choice of either a regular or extended wheelbase, but the latter is recommended for the practicality on offer. Out of the three available engines, the recently launched 6.6L V-8 is the one to go for.

Release Date

The 2022 Savana 2500 Cargo Van will follow the GMC traditions and will be launched in the third quarter of 2021 with the deliveries set to begin shortly thereafter. 

The 2022 GMC Savana 2500 Cargo Van continues to be available with three capable powertrains, including a powerful V8 and a small capacity turbo-diesel engine. For both the 2500 Regular and Extended wheelbase models, the standard powertrain is still a 4.3-liter naturally aspirated V6 producing a modest 276 hp and 298 lb-ft of torque. But, for just under $2,000 more, opting for the 6.6-liter V8 is highly recommended for the extra performance on offer, bumping the output up to 401 hp and 464 lb-ft of torque. 

For improved efficiency, a 2.8-liter inline-4 turbo diesel is also available as a $4,000 option, making the V8 engine the affordable pick of the lot. Both the base V6 engine and the turbo-diesel get a modern eight-speed automatic transmission, while a six-speed heavy-duty transmission is standard with the V8. Performance is adequate with all the powertrains, as the V6 reaches 60 MPH in 8.4 seconds and crosses the quarter-mile in 16.8 seconds, which is average for its class.

With the base V6 powertrain, towing capacity is limited to 7,400 pounds with the regular wheelbase and 7,100 with the extended model. The optional V8 offers a lot more capacity at 10,000 pounds regardless of the wheelbase selected, which is class-leading. As you would expect from a cargo van, handling is far from impressive. Like most vans, the Savana gets multi-leaf spring suspension at the rear to cope with the extra load. Since it is meant for utility, its handling can be forgiven. 

With similar base powertrains, all four vans offer surprisingly similar performance. However, the Ford Transit T-250 with its more modern powertrain edges ahead of the rest, followed by the Ram ProMaster. The Nissan NV is let down by its older transmission, taking more than 9 seconds for the 0-60 mph run, and hence is the slowest of the lot. It also has the lowest payload and towing capabilities, and while the RAM has the highest payload capacity, it is the Savana 2500 that excels in the towing prowess section. 

Since the EPA doesn't rate any full-size vans, there are no official efficiency figures for the Savana. However, it is fairly efficient and is expected to return 11 MPG in the city and 17 MPG on the highway. The Savana also gets the biggest fuel tank in its class with 31 gallons of capacity, allowing it to travel more than 500 miles on the highway and over 300 miles in the city, thereby reducing time spent visiting the gas station. 

Being full-size vans, the EPA hasn’t rated any of these models yet. That being said, as per reports, almost all of the vans return pretty similar fuel efficiency figures, with the Nissan NV2500HD sipping a bit more fuel than its peers. The GMC Savana gets the biggest fuel tank, making it the most practical option among the four, while the much smaller gas tank employed by RAM ProMaster 2500 limits its driving range to a certain extent. 

With the cargo version, the Savana gets two bucket seats at the front with integrated armrests. The seats offer plenty of support and are comfortable for longer hauls. Unfortunately, the dashboard looks very basic and is reminiscent of a van from the early 2000s, which the Savana actually is underneath. Durable black plastics cover most of the dashboard, and all the controls are placed within easy reach of the driver. Three cup holders are also provided in the center for improved convenience.

The floor also gets a rubberized black coating as standard but is otherwise a blank canvas for easy customization. If required, GMC does offer shelving and other options including a side sliding door or swing-out rear doors for easier access. Unlike its rivals which offer both medium and high roof options, the Savana is only available with a standard roof height, limiting cargo capacity to 239.4 cubic feet in the standard-wheelbase model and 283.6 cubic feet in the extended-wheelbase model.

Despite no high roof option available, the occupants wouldn’t have any issues with the headroom of the Savana 2500. The Nissan NV 2500HD has the most spacious seating quarters, which ultimately affects the cargo capacity at the rear. The RAM van does compromise a bit in the legroom at the front but then also has the best cargo space to offer, which is of more importance for work van buyers. Some notable interior features include:

• IRVM with integrated rear vision display
• Black rubberized vinyl floor covering
• Front high-back bucket seats with armrests
• Driver information display
• 6 cargo tie-downs
• 120-volt power outlet

What’s there to keep you entertained?

Unfortunately, other than some minor additions like the SiriusXM satellite radio, the infotainment system is carried over for 2022. The Savana also finally ditches the CD player, leaving only AUX and USB connectivity with MP3 playback. GMC also offers a 4G LTE Wi-Fi hotspot as an option. With just 2 speakers on both doors, the sound quality is strictly average. A driver information display is also standard with oil life monitoring, ice warning, engine hours, maintenance reminders, and more.

Some notable infotainment features include:

• Basic audio with MP3 playback
• SiriusXM satellite radio
• 4G LTE Wi-Fi hotspot
• AUX and USB connectivity
• 2 speaker audio system

From the outside, the 2022 GMC Savana 2500 Cargo Van resembles the standard van silhouette that has been around for decades. After the comprehensive facelift back in 2003, the Savana has remained the same with some minor updates here and there. Meant for utility, the cargo van trim gets little in the way of design and includes standard black bumpers, 16-inch steel rims, and dual halogen headlights. 

In recent years, almost all competitors have moved on to a more modern design with high roof layouts available as an option except for the Savana. Being one of the lighter options in its class, the GMC Savana is also bigger than both the Ford Transit T-250 and Ram ProMaster 2500 in terms of exterior dimensions. The Nissan NV2500HD continues to be the biggest and heaviest van in its class, while the RAM is the most compact and lightest. Some notable exterior features include:

• Swing-out passenger side door
• 16-inch steel wheels
• Dual-halogen headlamps
• Light-tinted windows
• Black bumpers

Both the NHTSA and IIHS haven't safety tested the 2022 GMC Savana 2500 Cargo Van yet, but because of the dated chassis and limited safety features, the predicted safety is lower compared to its modern competitors. Although the passenger models get driver assistance features like forward-collision alert and lane departure warning, the cargo trim is limited to only the basic features including a backup camera. Some notable safety features include:

• StabiliTrak, traction assistance, and vehicle stability enhancement system
• Front and seat-mounted side Airbags w/deactivation switch
• Rearview camera
• Tire pressure monitoring
• Hill-start assist
• OnStar and GMC connected services

2022 GMC Savana 2500 Cargo Van vs 2022 Ford Transit T-250

Unlike the Savana, Ford has been continually updating the Transit with plenty of modern features and a more modern powertrain. The Transit also offers a lot more configurations, marginally better payload capacity, and plenty of standard driver-assistance features. The interior of the Ford Transit also feels lightyears ahead of the Savana with modern features like touchscreen infotainment and more, but Savana has the best towing capability to offer. Overall, the Ford Transit justifies its higher price tag and is easily the better pick of the two.

2022 GMC Savana 2500 Cargo Van vs 2022 Ram ProMaster 2500

With a lower starting price and a lot more options, the Ram ProMaster is available in an assortment of configurations compared to the GMC Savana. When considering the regular wheelbase model, the RAM ProMaster also offers more cargo space. But, it is let down by its quirky design and a limited towing capacity of 6,800 pounds compared to the Savana, which can tow 10,000 pounds. Unless you need the extra height and configurations, the Savana is the better pick despite its age.

2022 GMC Savana 2500 Cargo Van vs 2022 Nissan NV2500HD

The Nissan NV2500 continues to be unrivaled in terms of cargo capacity with its clever design and practical interiors. Towing capacity is also similar to the GMC Savana, with both vans getting a V8 engine option, but the Nissan clearly lacks in towing with the standard V6 engine. However, the Nissan NV offers a more modern interior with plenty of features like navigation, climate control, and more, making it a lot easier to live with. The Nissan is also surprisingly affordable, offering a lot more for your money.

Although the GMC Savana was the definitive cargo van for the best part of two decades, the market has moved on, and modern competitors like the Ford Transit and Ram ProMaster offer a lot more utility and features at the same price point. The Savana is also limited in terms of configurations and doesn't offer a high roof model with more capacity. However, the Savana does offer the best in class towing capacity, and if you're in the market for a true workhorse that has stood the test of time, the 2022 GMC Savana 2500 Cargo Van is still a good option, especially when optioned with the capable V-8 engine.