2018 GMC Savana Review

　　

zzdcar' Expert Review

byCameron RogersManager, News

　　Cameron Rogers has worked in the automotive industry since 2013. He has tested and reviewed hundreds of vehicles over the course of his career. Today, he leads the news team in developing cutting-edge news articles, opinion pieces and sneak peeks at upcoming vehicles. Favorite cars that he's driven during his tenure at zzdcar include the 991-era Porsche 911 Turbo S, Rolls-Royce Ghost and several generations of Honda Odyssey (really).

　　

What’s new

　　Last year's base 4.8-liter V8 has been replaced by a 4.3-liter V6 with similar horsepower and torque ratings. The 6.0-liter V8 again supports compressed natural gas (CNG) conversion. A rearview camera, a 4G LTE Wi-Fi hotspot and hill start assist are now standard, and a blind-spot monitor has been added to the options list. Several new packages, including the Safety, Communications and Enhanced Convenience packages, are now available. Eight- and 10-passenger seating configurations are no longer available.

　　

Vehicle overview

　　While minivans are perfect for transporting most families, they simply aren't suitable for those who need to seat a large number of people or have substantial cargo requirements. A full-size passenger van such as the 2018 GMC Savana is the only answer. While typical minivans can only seat eight, the Savana has room for 12, or even 15 if you opt for the long-wheelbase version. The large, flexible seating solutions make a vehicle such as the Savana ideal for large families or shuttle operators.

　　

Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2018 GMC Savana LS 2500 3dr Van (4.3L 6cyl 8A) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of N/A undefined in North Dakota.

Monthly estimates based on costs in North Dakota

　　Not Available  for Savana LS 2500

　　Savana LS 2500

　　LS 2500 3dr Van (4.3L 6cyl 8A) - $33,515 MSRPLT 2500 3dr Van (4.3L 6cyl 8A) - $35,340 MSRPLS 3500 3dr Van (4.3L 6cyl 8A) - $35,810 MSRPLS 3500 3dr Ext Van (4.3L 6cyl 8A) - $37,680 MSRPLT 3500 3dr Van (4.3L 6cyl 8A) - $37,240 MSRPLT 3500 3dr Ext Van (4.3L 6cyl 8A) (Most Popular) - $38,025 MSRP

　　vs

　　$283/mo

　　Avg. Midsize Van

　　Like passenger vans of yore, the Savana utilizes an old-school body-on-frame construction similar to a pickup truck. Its heavy-duty bones give it the ability to tow and carry more than most competitors, which rely on a unibody structure that gives them lower payload capabilities. Unfortunately, the Savana's truck frame gives it a rougher ride than its rivals, and its advanced age means modern advanced safety aids are practically nonexistent. Its touchscreen interface is relatively ancient for the same reason. Even in a class built for function over form, the cabin looks much older and is filled with lower-quality materials than those of its rivals. You also can't order the Savana in a high-roof variant. Though the 2018 Savana enjoys excellent towing and payload ratings, there aren't enough benefits to recommend this aging workhorse.

　　

zzdcar' Expert Rating

　　The 2018 GMC Savana is a full-size van that can seat up to 15 people. Though its towing and payload capabilities are top-notch, rival vans are simply more livable. The Savana's aging architecture, disappointing interior and lack of roof height options make it uncompetitive.

　　

Trim tested

　　The ratings in this review are based on our cumulative experience with the current-generation GMC Savana.

　　

Driving

　　Even the standard-wheelbase Savana is a large vehicle, and it drives like one. 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.

　　

Comfort

　　The driver and front passenger are divided by an enormous center bulge covering some of the engine and transmission, the width of which causes the driver to feel squeezed even in this large vehicle. The basic controls are easy to find and simple to use, but comforts are few.

　　

Interior

　　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.

　　

Utility

　　The cargo area behind the rear seat measures 92.1 cubic feet, good enough to store everyone's carry-on luggage. You can also turn the Savana into a makeshift cargo van by removing all the seats. This increases cargo volume to 252.8 cubic feet in the extended-wheelbase model.

　　

Technology

　　The Savana isn't the most technologically advanced van on the market, with just a two-speaker sound system, AM/FM radio and an auxiliary port as standard. A USB port, a CD player and navigation can be added, but the optional touchscreen's user interface is dated compared to those of other GMC models.

　　

Which Savana does zzdcar recommend?

　　The search for the perfect GMC Savana begins with evaluating your needs. The 3500, with its higher gross vehicle weight rating, is perfect for drivers who will frequently load the Savana with lots of passengers. The extended-wheelbase version is even better, allowing for extra storage space or an additional row of seating. Upgrading to the LT costs very little, and its added features are beneficial to driver and passengers alike.

　　

2018 GMC Savana models

　　The 2018 GMC Savana is a large van with numerous seating configurations and room for 12 people. (Its Savana Cargo sibling retains the front two seats and uses the rest of the interior as an expansive cargo area.) It's available in two load ratings, 2500 and 3500, and in two trims, the base LS and the LT. Additionally, the 3500 can be ordered in a long wheelbase, which increases the length of the floor by 20 inches. You can keep the extra space for additional cargo room or add another row, good for seating up to 15 passengers (a 2-3-3-3-4 configuration).

　　By default, the rear-wheel-drive Savana is powered by a 4.3-liter V6 (276 horsepower, 298 pound-feet of torque) paired to an eight-speed automatic transmission. Alternate powertrains are available if the standard V6 doesn't meet your requirements, including a 6.0-liter V8 (341 hp, 373 lb-ft) matched to a six-speed automatic and a 2.8-liter diesel four-cylinder engine (181 hp, 369 lb-ft) with an eight-speed automatic.

　　Standard features on the LS model include 16-inch steel wheels, a 60/40-split opening passenger door, 12-passenger seating (2-3-3-4 with a 50/50-split back row), air conditioning, power windows and locks, a rearview camera, a driver information display, vinyl upholstery and floor covering, a 4G LTE Wi-Fi hotspot, GM's OnStar emergency communications, a 120-volt household-style power outlet, and a two-speaker audio system with an AM/FM stereo and an auxiliary port.

　　A tilt-only steering wheel and cruise control are standard on 3500 models and optional on the 2500 via the Driver Convenience package. Opting for the extended-wheelbase 3500 adds rear air conditioning, which is available as a separate option for the other LS models.

　　Stepping up to the LT adds front and rear chrome bumpers, remote locking and unlocking, cloth upholstery, carpeted flooring, rear air conditioning, and the tilt-only steering wheel and cruise control for the 2500.

　　Many of the features added by the LT are available on LS models as well. A bundle containing a 6.5-inch touchscreen, Bluetooth, a CD player, a USB port and a navigation system is available for any Savana model. Other stand-alone options include power-adjustable and 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. A number of these features are available as part of packages for the 2500 model in LS trim; these include the Communications, Safety and Enhanced Convenience packages.

　　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.

　　

2018 Savana Highlights

Trim: LS 2500LT 2500LS 3500LT 3500LS 2500

　　

Base MSRP	$33,515
Engine Type	Gas
Seating	12 seats
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place	92.1 cu.ft.
Drivetrain	rear wheel drive
Warranty	3 years / 36,000 miles