The dependable passenger hauler still has the rugged and dependable looks from the 70s, but GMC believes that the van does not need a makeover yet. It's a great workhorse and perfectly fits into business and contractor fleets. If you need to tow a trailer or a camper, GMC offers you up to 10,000 pounds of capacity, which stacks on the top of the competition.
Starting at $30,745, the GMC Savana 2500 is the ultimate utilitarian van, and its main priority is to get the job done without overcomplicating stuff. Although, if you're spending all day hauling passengers around the city, you'd start to notice the shortcomings like the maneuverability, accessibility issues and the lackluster infotainment system.
Vehicle images are guides only and may not reflect the model's exact specifications/features– exact specifications/features should be confirmed with the seller.
The competition in this segment may not seem cutthroat from an outsider's point-of-view, but with the reliable Mercedes Sprinter and the feature-rich Ford Transit at its tail, the minimalist GMC may have a hard time maintaining its grasp on the market. Let's compare them and see how the Savana fares.
7.3/10 Engine and Performance
7.2/10 Interior
2020 GMC Savana Passenger Features
Many of the features added by the LT are available on LS models as well with a 6.5-inch touchscreen and other stand-alone options like power-adjustable heated mirrors, rear parking sensors, a blind-spot monitor, a heavy-duty locking rear differential, remote engine start, a sliding rear door, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, power-adjustable front seats and satellite radio.
Model
LT
LS
MSRP
$36,095
$37,695
Key Features
16-inch steel wheels
Front and rear chrome bumpers
60/40-split opening passenger door
Remote locking and unlocking
12-passenger seating (2-3-3-4 with a 50/50-split back row)
Lane departure warning
Air conditioning
Forward collision alert
Power windows and locks
Cloth upholstery
Rearview camera
Carpeted flooring
Driver information display
Tilt-only steering wheel
Vinyl upholstery and floor covering
Cruise control
4G LTE Wi-Fi hotspot
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Some features and packages are available only when the appropriate body type is selected. The Paratransit package for extended-wheelbase 3500 models removes the rear seat and reverts to vinyl floor coverings. It is best to choose the body type first before you decide which trim to have.
2020 GMC Savana Passenger Engine and Performance
7.3/10
Tidy handling and accurate steering are not among the big GMC's marching orders. The upgraded V8 engine is responsive, though, and easily gets the van up to highway speeds, even with a full load of passengers. - Edmunds
Engine and Transmission
Equipped with a 4.3L V6 engine mated to a new 8-speed automatic transmission, the GMC Savana 2500 makes 276 hp and 298 lb-ft. In lieu of the basic engine, you could choose a 341 hp and 373 lb-ft 6.0-Liter VORTEC V8 engine. You can also choose a 181 hp and 369 lb-ft 2.8L inline-4 turbo diesel engine for using the Van as a fleet vehicle.
Models
Ram ProMaster 2500
GMC Savana 2500 regular wheelbase van
Chevrolet Express 2500 van
Mercedes Benz Sprinter 150 standard roof van
Ford Transit 150 low roof van
Nissan NV2500 HD S van
MSRP
$33,895
$32,490
$33,790
$34,530
$29,340
Engine
3.6L V6 Regular Unleaded
4.3L V6
4.3L V6
2.0L i4 Intercooled Turbo Premium Unleaded
3.7L V6 Regular Unleaded
4.0L V6 Regular Unleaded
Transmission
6 Speed automatic
8 Speed automatic
8 Speed automatic
9-G Tronic
6 Speed automatic
Continuously variable automatic
Horsepower
280 hp@ 6400rpm
276 hp@ 5200rpm
276 hp@ 5200rpm
188 hp@ 5000rpm
275 hp@6000rpm
261 hp@ 5600rpm
Torque
260 ft-lbs@ 4400rpm
298 ft-lbs@ 3900rpm
298 ft-lbs@ 3900rpm
258 ft-lbs@ 2500rpm
260 ft-lbs@ 4000rpm
281 ft-lbs@ 4000rpm
The GMC Savana and the Chevrolet Express vans are essentially rebadged twins from General Motors, have the same engine and powertrain. The Ford Transit van isn't far behind with just 1 horsepower less than the GMC and Chevy. The Nissan NV3500 HD comes with a 261 hp V6.
Acceleration
With the revamped engine, the passenger van has gotten unquestionably quicker than than it used to be. Instead of taking 8.5 seconds like it used to the 0-60 sprint now takes 7.8 seconds, despite the drop in power. The rest of the vans in the segment complete the sprint to 60 in the same ballpark.
Models
Ram ProMaster 2500
GMC Savana 2500 regular wheelbase van
Chevrolet Express 2500 van
Mercedes Benz Sprinter 150 standard roof van
Ford Transit 150 low roof van
Nissan NV2500 HD S van
0-60 MPH
N/A
7.8 sec
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
Quarter mile
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
Engine
3.6L V6 Regular Unleaded
4.3L V6
4.3L V6
2.0L i4 Intercooled Turbo Premium Unleaded
3.7L V6 Regular Unleaded
4.0L V6 Regular Unleaded
Emission
(Tons/yr of CO2 Emissions @ 15K mi/year)
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
Ride and Handling
The GMC Savana's agility is similar to that of a boat. Moving around in tight spaces like parking lots and city streets, may not be and easy job. The outdated multi-leaf spring at the back is the main culprit for the dull handling characteristics. If you're too enthusiastic with the accelerator pedal through the corners, the body roll from the van is extreme.
Speeding around tight corners was never the purpose for this vehicle, but on the flipside, neither is the GMC Savana a comfortable place to be in. The suspension could be revamped with better dampers and vibrations travel through to the cabin. The competitors like the Transit has a much more modern driving style.
Braking
The massive passenger van weighing over 5000 lbs is quite a task to stop once the momentum builds up, but the 12.8-inch discs up front and 13s at the back make the job much easier. The smooth and linear brake pedal works great in conjunction with the in-built trailer braking to keep the hauler in control even on inclines.
Model
Ram ProMaster 2500
GMC Savana 2500 regular wheelbase van
Chevrolet Express 2500 van
Mercedes Benz Sprinter 150 standard roof van
Ford Transit 150 low roof van
Nissan NV2500 HD S van
Brake Front (in.)
11.8
12.8
12.8
N/A
12.1
14.2
Brake Rear (in.)
11
13.0
13
N/A
12.1
14.4
Curb Weight (lbs.)
4644
5158
5225
4696
2788
5819
60-0 MPH (ft.)
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
2020 GMC Savana Passenger Fuel Economy
Fuel efficiency is one aspect in which City vans need to be good as the owners buying vans are mostly into small businesses and a fuel guzzling van would burn a whole in their pocket. The Promaster van is not as fuel efficient as its competitors in city driving conditions, but on highways it can provide best-in- class fuel economy.
2020 GMC Savana Passenger Interior
7.2/10
Unlike many in this segment, the GMC Savana offers seating for up to 15 passengers. (Most others max out at 12.) Unfortunately, a high roof is not on the options list. Compared to rival vans, passengers will have to duck more as they enter and exit the vehicle. - Edmunds
Seating and Comfort
The utility-focussed van has basic and functional cabin starting with plastic interiors to cloth upholstery, and no sign of premium materials. The high seating position means great visibility through the huge front windshield as well as easier parking and maneuvering. However, a few issues like a low roofline and lack of a door behind the driver plague the practicality aspect of the van.
Model
Ram ProMaster 2500
GMC Savana 2500 regular wheelbase van
Chevrolet Express 2500 van
Mercedes Benz Sprinter 150 standard roof van
Ford Transit 150 low roof van
Nissan NV2500 HD S van
Passenger capacity
12
15
15
12
15
12
Front (Head/Shoulder/Leg) (In.)
38.8/74.8
39.8/68.8/41/3
39.8/68.8/41/3
40.8/67.9/41.3
42.8/65.7/42.0
Second
(Head/Shoulder/Leg) (In.)
-
-
-
-
-
In contrast, the new Sprinter has much better headroom and legroom compared to the Chevy Express, with an ergonomically better designed interior. Even the Ford has added a plethora of features to make the Transit relevant for 2020.
Infotainment System
Despite the lack of an infotainment system with the 2020 Chevrolet Express 2500, it comes with a standard AM/FM radio reception and an auxiliary jack. A USB port, a CD player, and a satellite radio are available as optional features.
Though there is also an optional upgrade available for adding a touchscreen interface, it is not as user-friendly as you'd hope. Moreover, the system is quite archaic compared to what other Chevrolet rides has to offer.
Cargo Capacity
The mediocre cargo volume will help you out in most of your transportation needs, but if you feel the storage is lacking, you can opt for an extended wheelbase version of the van.
Model
Ram ProMaster 2500
GMC Savana 2500 regular wheelbase van
Chevrolet Express 2500 van
Mercedes Benz Sprinter 150 standard roof van
Ford Transit 150 low roof van
Nissan NV2500 HD S van
Cargo Volume (ft.3)
353.0
239.7
239.7
319
246.7
234.1
The Express competes well with the vans like the Ford and the Nissan, but it can't hold a candle against the Mercedes Sprinter, whose cargo bay is almost 90 cu-ft more than the rest.
2020 GMC Savana Passenger Exterior
Design and Dimensions
With looks resembling the Chevrolet Express, the rebranded GMC too hasn't received an update for 2020. Instead of the basic black front and rear bumpers you can opt for chrome clad bumpers for a little more premium looks. The front grille has a GMC badge replacing the Chevy, along with huge composite headlamps. The 60/40 opening passenger side doors, or a sliding doorway with optional swing out ladder rack, improve the passenger bay's accessibility by a wide margin.
Model
Ram ProMaster 2500
GMC Savana 2500 regular wheelbase van
Chevrolet Express 2500 van
Mercedes Benz Sprinter 150 standard roof van
Ford Transit 150 low roof van
Nissan NV2500 HD S van
Curb weight (lbs.)
4644
5158
5225
4696
2788
5819
Length(in)
213.1
224.1
224.1
233.5
219.9
240.6
Width(in)
80.7
79.2
79.2
92.3
81.3
99.5
Height(in)
88.7
84.6
84.6
96.3
83.6
83.9
Ground clearance (in)
6.9
7.1
7.1
N/A
N/A
N/A
Wheelbase (in)
136
135.0
135.0
144
129.9
146.1
Track width (in) F/R
71.3/70.5
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
68.7/68.9
Although the GMC Savana has a narrower profile than most of the competition, the low roof height is the real issue. It makes the van difficult to stand up straight in, for taller users. However, the extended wheelbase version of the Savana 2500 adds a few more cubic feet of capacity.
2020 GMC Savana Passenger Safety
2020 GMC Savana 2500 Passenger Safety and Reliability
StabiliTrak, traction assistance and vehicle stability
Brake/transmission shift interlock for automatic transmissions
Hill Start Assist
Door beams, steel-side
Daytime Running Lamps
Rear Vision Camera
Air bags, frontal, driver and right-front passenger
Air bag deactivation switch, frontal passenger side
OnStar and Chevrolet connected services capable
Child seat anchors
Tire Pressure Monitoring System
2020 GMC Savana Passenger Competition
GMC Savana 2500 vs Ford Transit
The archaic passenger van is no match for the Ford which comes with modern styling, a futuristic infotainment and huge interior cabin. The seats are more comfortable and spacious in the Ford as well as easy accessibility puts the Transit ahead of the GMC Savana. However, if you're going to haul a trailer, the GMC has better towing capacity.
GMC Savana 2500 vs Nissan NV3500
The NV3500 is Nissan's answer to the passenger van segment primarily dominated by the American manufacturers like Ford, RAM and GMC. However, the Nissan fails to compare against them. The GMC Savana is a workhorse with a sturdy build and plenty of raw power to haul cargo unlike the Nissan. On the flipside, the interior on the Nissan are done right, much more so compared to the GMC.
2020 GMC Savana Passenger Final Verdict
The GMC Savana 2500 survives the cutthroat competition against the Mercedes and the Nissan by doing one thing right, plenty of power and capacity. At the end of the day that's all that matters in a van. You can glance over high end features and comfort if you're choosing the GMC as a fleet vehicle. However, it would be better to get the Spriner if you're going to spend a lot of time in the cabin.
