The 2010 GMC Savana remains the "people moving workhorse," and will continue to prove a popular offering in the future. The Savana has been offered for more than a decade and during that time, few changes have been made to the model. The features of the Savana are not necessarily awe-inspiring, but it is spacious enough to transport 15 passengers in total comfort. The van is often used as a shuttle van and for other business transport needs. The Savana is also offered in cargo van and conversion permutations.
The carmaker has recently added the six-speed transmission for the Savana 2500 and 3500 configurations. In the 1500 configuration, the carmaker offers a four-speed transmission coupled with All-Wheel-Drive. The latter has a 135-inch wheelbase, and the half-ton option is a popular unit. The 3500 one ton has a wheelbase equaling 155-inches and 8, 12, or 15 seating configurations.
The Savana LS is the base offering; it is sold with bare minimum features and a fleet package. The LT trim comes with exceptional niceties like remote starts and a stereo add on.
The Range
Bodystyles: Full-size van
Engines: 5.3L V-8, 6.0L V-8
Transmissions: 4-speed automatic, 6-speed automatic
Models: 1500, 2500, 3500, 3500 extended wheelbase (LS and LT trims)
What's New
Both of the Savana's V-8 engines are now E85 capable, and the 5.3-liter V-8 has received a slight boost to 310 horsepower. The 2500 and 3500 models now feature GM's six-speed Hydra-Matic transmission as standard equipment and their axle ratios have been revised to help improve low end torque and achieve slightly better highway mpg. A remote start option was also recently added to the option mix.
Exterior
You're not going to mistake the Savana as anything more than a big, hulking van, with a massive front bumper and lots of glass in the Savana's greenhouse. A chrome appearance package is available and there's a choice of sliding or swing 60/40 passenger doors.
Interior
The Savana isn't exactly the most thrilling cabin in the world and it's a little Spartan, but it's clean and easy to navigate in the cockpit and options including power recline cloth bucket seats are available. The Savana has plenty of room overall, but lacks a tall-roof option like the Sprinter.
Performance & Handling
The GMC Savana is powered by two engines with enough power to keep the people moving. A 310 horsepower, 5.3-.liter V-8 is standard for the 1500 models and the 6.0-liter V-8 with 323 horsepower propels the 2500 and 3500. While the 6.0-liter is mated GM's solid six-speed automatic, the 1500s continue to be saddled with a dated four-speed auto. The Savana is not surprisingly somewhat balky to drive, but 1500's power rack-and-pinion steering helps to keep things pointed in the right direction.
Safety
The Savana has received a five-star crash rating from the government in frontal crash tests, and the van has side curtain airbags for the first three rows of passengers. All Savanas come with four-wheel discs with ABS and of course GM's StabiliTrak stability system as standard equipment.
EPA Fuel Economy
1500: 13 city/17mpg highway
You'll Like
- Decent ride for its size
- Available AWD
- Multiple engine options
You Won't Like
- No tall roof option
- Outdated cabin
- Aging platform
Sum Up
Not bad for hauling humans
If You Like This Vehicle
- Ford E-Series
- Mercedes-Benz Sprinter