GMC Savana Overview

GMC Savana Though ostensibly anachronistic in today's world of SUVs, minivans and crossovers, the GMC Savana full-size passenger van still has its place for those who need to transport really large groups or lots of cargo mats. With maximum capacities that are double that of even the most commodious minivan, vans like the Savana are the vehicles of choice for large families, small-business owners and fleet operators.

Like every GMC product, the Savana is related to another General Motors product; in this case, it's the more well known and popular Chevrolet Express van. Both vans are a rolling testament to the "If it ain't broke, don't fix it" school of vehicle design, as they have been soldiering on for decades with only occasional updates.

Originally known as the "Rally wagon," GMC's full-size passenger van was renamed the Savanna in the mid-1990s. Interested shoppers will find that the current model's numerous wheelbase, powertrain and passenger configurations allow an appealing amount of customization.

If you're looking for a new or used van that's rugged, spacious and competent, the GMC Savana is a very good choice. However, those looking at new or late-model vans should also consider the Dodge Sprinter as it offers several advantages over traditional American full-size vans.

GMC Savana Accessories And Features

VEHICLE
EPA Greenhouse Gas Score 3
EPA Greenhouse Gas Score 2
Rear Door Type Dual Swing-out
ENGINE
Engine Order Code LU3
Engine Order Code LMF
Engine Type Gas V6
Engine Type Gas/Ethanol V8
Displacement 4.3L/262
Displacement 5.3L/327
Fuel System MFI
Fuel System SFI
SAE Net Horsepower @ RPM 195 @ 4600
SAE Net Horsepower @ RPM 310 @ 5200
SAE Net Torque @ RPM 260 @ 2800
SAE Net Torque @ RPM 334 @ 4500
Engine Oil Cooler Yes
TRANSMISSION
Drivetrain Rear Wheel Drive
Trans Order Code M30
Trans Type 4
Trans Description Cont. Automatic w/OD
First Gear Ratio (:1) 3.06
Second Gear Ratio (:1) 1.63
Third Gear Ratio (:1) 1.00
Fourth Gear Ratio (:1) 0.70
Reverse Ratio (:1) 2.29
MILEAGE
Fuel Economy Est-Combined (MPG) 17
Fuel Economy Est-Combined (MPG) 15
EPA Fuel Economy Est - City (MPG) 15
EPA Fuel Economy Est - City (MPG) 13
EPA Fuel Economy Est - Hwy (MPG) 20
EPA Fuel Economy Est - Hwy (MPG) 18
ELECTRICAL
Cold Cranking Amps @ 0° F (Primary) 600
Cold Cranking Amps @ 0° F (Primary) 770
Cold Cranking Amps @ 0° F (2nd) 770
Maximum Alternator Capacity (amps) 145
Maximum Alternator Watts - TBD -
COOLING SYSTEM
Total Cooling System Capacity (qts) 12.6
Total Cooling System Capacity (qts) 14.4
WEIGHT INFORMATION
Gross Axle Wt Rating - Front (lbs) 3600
Gross Axle Wt Rating - Rear (lbs) 4000
Curb Weight - Front (lbs) 2778
Curb Weight - Rear (lbs) 2050
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating Cap (lbs) 7300
Gross Combined Wt Rating (lbs) 9500
Gross Combined Wt Rating (lbs) 12000
TRAILERING
Dead Weight Hitch - Max Trailer Wt. (lbs) 4400
Dead Weight Hitch - Max Trailer Wt. (lbs) 5000
Dead Weight Hitch - Max Tongue Wt. (lbs) 440
Dead Weight Hitch - Max Tongue Wt. (lbs) 500
Wt Distributing Hitch - Max Trailer Wt. (lbs) 4400
Wt Distributing Hitch - Max Trailer Wt. (lbs) 6700
Wt Distributing Hitch - Max Tongue Wt. (lbs) 660
Wt Distributing Hitch - Max Tongue Wt. (lbs) 1005
Maximum Trailering Capacity (lbs) 6700
SUSPENSION
Suspension Type - Front Independent
Suspension Type - Rear Hypoid Multi-Leaf
Spring Capacity - Front (lbs) 3600
Spring Capacity - Rear (lbs) 4000
Axle Type - Front Independent
Axle Type - Rear Semi-Floating
Axle Capacity - Front (lbs) 3600
Axle Capacity - Rear (lbs) 4000
Axle Ratio (:1) - Rear 3.42
Axle Ratio (:1) - Rear 3.73
Shock Absorber Diameter - Front (mm) - TBD -
Shock Absorber Diameter - Rear (mm) - TBD -
Stabilizer Bar Diameter - Front (in) 1.30
BRAKES
Brake Type Power
Brake ABS System 4-Wheel
Disc - Front (Yes or ) Yes
Disc - Rear (Yes or ) Yes
Front Brake Rotor Diam x Thickness (in) 12 x 1.1
Rear Brake Rotor Diam x Thickness (in) 13 x 1.2
TIRES
Front Tire Order Code XPR
Rear Tire Order Code YPR
Spare Tire Order Code ZPR
Front Tire Size P245/70R17
Rear Tire Size P245/70R17
Spare Tire Size P245/70R17
Front Tire Capacity (lbs) 2004
Rear Tire Capacity (lbs) 2004
Spare Tire Capacity (lbs) -TBD-
Revolutions/Mile @ 45 mph - Front - TBD -
Revolutions/Mile @ 45 mph - Rear - TBD -
Revolutions/Mile @ 45 mph - Spare - TBD -
WHEELS
Front Wheel Size (in) 17 x 7.0
Rear Wheel Size (in) 17 x 7.0
Spare Wheel Size (in) 17 x 7.0
Front Wheel Material Steel
Front Wheel Material Aluminum
Rear Wheel Material Steel
Rear Wheel Material Aluminum
Spare Wheel Material Steel
STEERING
Steering Type Power-Assisted
Steering Ratio (:1), On Center 17.2
Steering Ratio (:1), At Lock 17.2
Turning Diameter - Curb to Curb (ft) 43.4
Turning Diameter - Wall to Wall (ft) - TBD -
FRAME
Frame Type Ladder
FUEL TANK
Fuel Tank Capacity, Approx (gal) 31
Fuel Tank Location LH Midship Inboard
DOORS
Side Door Type Swing-out
Side Door Type Sliding
EXTERIOR DIMENSIONS
Wheelbase (in) 135.0
Length, Overall w/rear bumper (in) 224.1
Width, Max w/o mirrors (in) 79.4
Height, Overall (in) 81.5
Overhang, Front (in) 39.7
Overhang, Rear w/bumper (in) - TBD -
Ground to Top of Load Floor (in) 27.7
Ground Clearance, Front (in) 8.6
Ground Clearance, Rear (in) 7.6
Rear Door Opening Height (in) 49.4
Rear Door Opening Width (in) 57.0
Side Door Opening Height (in) 47.9
Side Door Opening Width (in) 44.1
Step Up Height - Front (in) 20.1
Step Up Height - Side (in) 20.9
CARGO AREA DIMENSIONS
Cargo Area Length @ Floor to Console (in) 153.6
Cargo Area Length @ Floor to Seat 1 (in) 127.8
Cargo Area Width @ Beltline (in) - TBD -
Cargo Box Width @ Wheelhousings (in) 52.7
Cargo Box (Area) Height (in) 51.9
Cargo Volume (ft3) 225.1
INTERIOR DIMENSIONS
Passenger Capacity 2
Passenger Capacity 1
Front Head Room (in) 40.2
Front Leg Room (in) 41.3
Front Shoulder Room (in) 68.8
Front Hip Room (in) 65.5