GMC Savana
The Savana is GMC's full-size van, configurable to carry cargo or passengers. Available in a 2500 or 3500 series with standard- or extended-length body styles, the big van is all about utility, with little in the way of premium amenities beyond an AM/FM stereo and available cloth seat trim. But it does utility well, offering seating for up to 15 passengers, or as a cargo van, hauling upward of 4,400 pounds in the cavernous area behind the front seats. The Savana is offered with V6 or V8 power, and all trims are rear-wheel drive.
Explore the evolution of the GMC Savana
Get our expert take on used GMC Savana models, or view year-by-year changes.
First generation GMC Savana
The GMC Savana (and its Chevrolet Express twin) is like a blast from the past, as this full-size van has remained primarily unchanged since it replaced the GMC Vandura in the late 1990s. With the option of a sliding or swing-out door on the passenger side as well as dual swing-out doors at the rear, the Savana provides easy access, whether for passengers or loading cargo. While features like a Wi-Fi hotspot and advanced driver-assist tech were added over the years, the Savana has always been more about utility than premium amenities.
Multiple powertrains have been offered over the last 10 years, including various V8s and a 6.6-liter diesel V8, the latter ideal for towing with its 525 lb-ft of torque. All engines were teamed with a six-speed automatic sending power to the rear wheels. In 2017, GMC swapped the V8 diesel out for a 2.8-liter turbodiesel four-cylinder engine, and the following year, the 4.8-liter V8 was replaced by an equally powerful but more efficient 4.3-liter V6.
Model highlights
Space for up to 15 passengers
Strong capability for hauling or towing
Basic amenities
New eight-speed automatic (added in 2024)
Multiple configurations for added versatility
Changes by year
Latest generation from 1996 - 2026
2026 GMC Savana
2025 GMC Savana
2024 GMC Savana
2023 GMC Savana
2022 GMC Savana
2021 GMC Savana
Highlights
6.6-liter V8 replaced 6.0-liter V8
Available navigation system dropped
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2020 GMC Savana
2019 GMC Savana
2018 GMC Savana
Highlights
4.8-liter V8 replaced by 4.3-liter V6
Rearview camera and 4G Wi-Fi hotspot standard
Compressed natural gas option returned
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2017 GMC Savana
Highlights
V8 diesel replaced by four-cylinder turbodiesel
Compressed-natural-gas fuel conversion dropped
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2016 GMC Savana
2015 GMC Savana
Looking for 2013 models or older?
CarMax only sells 2014 models and newer. But no matter the year, we'll happily buy your car.
Perry Stern has been writing about cars for almost 30 years and has been an enthusiast for much longer than that. Contributing to multiple automotive publications, Perry drives almost every new car on the market, ranging from base-level Kias to exotic high-performance Lamborghinis. But his favorite is still the 2006 Mazda Miata parked in his garage.
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