2021 GMC Savana Cargo Review

　　

2021 GMC Savana Cargo Review

byKurt NiebuhrSenior Vehicle Test Editor

　　Kurt Niebuhr has worked in the automotive industry since 2005. A automotive photographer by trade, Kurt is now one of zzdcar' high-performance test drivers. He's driven and photographed hundreds, if not thousands, of vehicles all over the world, so Kurt's library of automotive experiences would certainly make for a good book. When not dreaming about getting his racing license or trying to buy out-of-date film for his cameras, Kurt can usually be found cursing at his 1966 Mustang.

　　The work van has been a staple of the small-business community for decades, and the GMC Savana Cargo van has been at the heart of the van scene for nearly that long. As one of the last truck-based full-size vans you can buy, the Savana Cargo has a certain kind of rugged appeal. With its optional diesel and big V8 engines, the Savana can out-tow anything else in its class.

　　

Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2021 GMC Savana Cargo 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 Cargo 2500

　　Savana Cargo 2500

　　2500 3dr Van (4.3L 6cyl 8A) (Most Popular) - $32,500 MSRP2500 3dr Ext Van (4.3L 6cyl 8A) - $34,400 MSRP3500 3dr Van (4.3L 6cyl 8A) - $35,600 MSRP3500 3dr Ext Van (4.3L 6cyl 8A) - $36,400 MSRP

　　vs

　　$283/mo

　　Avg. Midsize Van

　　But even in the world of work vans, time has marched on. Ford ditched its equally iconic Econoline van in 2014 and replaced it with the far more modern and versatile Transit. Featuring more efficient engines, all-wheel drive and different roof heights, the Transit holds the upper hand in nearly every category. The same goes for Ram's ProMaster Cargo Van, which is more maneuverable and offers more configurations than the Savana. But if you take comfort in the familiar, the GMC Savana still has a lot to offer.

　　

Which Savana Cargo does zzdcar recommend?

However you plan to use the Savana Cargo — and yes, even if it's just going to be a prop for your cosplay as a plumber or cable service technician — we recommend getting the 6.6-liter V8 engine. It gets you more grunt than the V6 or diesel four-cylinder and opens up access to many of the Savana's desirable option packages.

　　

2021 GMC Savana Cargo models

The 2021 GMC Savana Cargo is a full-size cargo van with two seats up front and all cargo space in the back. It's available in two load ratings: 2500 and 3500. Each can be ordered in a standard-wheelbase configuration or an extended-wheelbase configuration that provides more cargo space. All Savanas come with a choice of three engines:

　　A standard 4.3-liter V6 (276 horsepower, 298 lb-ft) paired to an eight-speed automatic The new-for-2021 6.6-liter V8 (401 hp, 464 lb-ft) matched to a six-speed automatic A 2.8-liter Duramax diesel four-cylinder engine (181 hp, 369 lb-ft) with an eight-speed automaticGMC offers one modestly equipped trim level for the Savana Cargo: Work Van. It starts you off with:

　　Vinyl upholstery and single-zone manual air conditioning Power windows and locks 60/40-split swing-out side doors Rearview camera with an image displayed in the rearview mirror 4G LTE Wi-Fi hotspot and a 120-volt household-style power outlet Two-speaker stereo system with AM/FM radio and an auxiliary portKey optional equipment (available in bundled or stand-alone form) includes:

　　Crew Van package (adds a rear seat to increase capacity to five passengers) Cruise control Sliding passenger-side cargo door Heavy-duty trailering package Power-adjustable, heated mirrors Rear parking sensors (alert you to obstacles that may not be visible behind the vehicle when parking) Blind-spot monitor (alerts you if a vehicle in the next lane over is in your blind spot) Forward collision warning (alerts you of a possible collision with the car in front) Five-passenger seating Rear air conditioning

　　

2021 Savana Cargo Highlights

Trim: 250035002500

　　

Base MSRP	$32,500
Engine Type	Gas
Seating	2 seats
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place	239.7 cu.ft.
Drivetrain	rear wheel drive
Warranty	3 years / 36,000 miles