2020 GMC Savana Cargo Price, Review, Ratings and Pictures

The 2020 GMC Savana Cargo Van is a full-sized cargo van with two seats up front and all cargo space in the back. It is offered in two trims based on the load ratings: 2500 and 3500 and each trim can be ordered with standard wheelbase or extended wheelbase configuration that provides more cargo space, while the rear-wheel-drive is the only drivetrain offered for all trims. Both the trims have similar features such as a 6.5-inch touchscreen, rear parking sensor, power-adjustable heated mirrors, halogen headlamps, blind-spot monitoring, forward-collision warning, hill-start assist, day time running lamps, a rearview camera, and 16-inch steel wheels. The 2500 trim starts at $32,00 and the 3500 trim starts at $35,100.

Which Trim should you buy?

Your specific needs will dictate whether the extra hauling capacity of the 3500 trim is necessary. For many buyers, the 4.3 Liter V-6 will be enough for most needs, but it is always good to have some power and capability in reserve, so for that reason, we would recommend you to buy the 3500 with the V8 engine producing 341 horsepower. The safety package is also a worthwhile upgrade, adding key features like rear park assist, blind-spot monitoring, tilt-only steering wheel, while cruise control at least takes some of the efforts out of longer trips on the highway. You can find the best deals on used GMC Savana Cargo Van available at an attractive price.

The 2020 GMC Savana Cargo Van is offered in three gas engines and one turbo-diesel engine. The base model of the Savana is powered by a 4.3 Liter V6 engine, which produces 276 horsepower and 298 lb-ft of torque. This model uses an eight-speed automatic transmission. The 6.0 Liter V8 engine is the powerhouse in the lineup, which produces 341 horsepower and 373 lb-ft of torque, although it is paired with a six-speed automatic transmission. A CNG/LPG capable version of this V8 produces the same outputs. The 2.8 Liter turbo-diesel engine shares the V6’s eight-speed automatic gearbox, and it delivers 181 horsepower and 369 lb-ft of torque.

All the versions of the Savana Cargo van perform exceptionally well for a heavy utilitarian van, with only the V6 taking some strain when fully loaded with cargo. The V8 and turbo-diesel are less troubled even with heavy load due to their higher torque outputs, although the V8 is saddled with a slower shifting six-speed automatic transmission that isn’t especially responsive. Although not thrifty by any means, all the engines do a decent job of keeping the Savana moving and have the ability to push the van past slower traffic without too much effort. 

*The figures of all the models are mentioned based on their base trims.

The GMC Savana and Chevrolet Express are practically twins because both have the same 4.3L V8 engine, RWD drivetrain, eight-speed automatic transmission, and Power-train of 276 HP and 298 lb-ft torque. The Ford Transit is not far behind, with 261 Horsepower at 5,600 RPM and 281 lb-ft torque at 4,000 RPM. The Mercedes-Benz Sprinter lags behind with its 2.0L inter-cooled engine producing 188 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque.

How fast is the 2020 GMC Savana Cargo Van?

The older models of the GMC Savana Cargo Van can go from zero to 60 MPH in 8.5 seconds. Despite the drop in the power, the base trim of the 2020 GMC Savana Cargo Van which is powered by a 4.3 Liter V6 with an eight-speed automatic transmission can go from zero to 60 MPH in 7.8 seconds which is an improvement compared to its older versions. The rest of the vans in this category have similar figures except the Mercedes Sprinter which has a smaller engine.

The GMC Savana outperforms its rivals as its 4.3L V6 can go from 0-60 MPH in 7.8 seconds and a quarter-mile in 16.5 seconds at a top speed of 86 MPH. The Chevrolet Express is just behind the Savana, which goes from 0-60 MPH in 8.1 seconds and a quarter-mile in 16.7 seconds at 86 MPH. The Ford Transit also has decent acceleration, as it can go from 0-60 MPH in 8.7 and a quarter-mile in 17.8 seconds at a top speed of 79 MPH. All of the vans on the chart have similar figures except the Mercedes-Benz, as it has a smaller engine.

Ride and Handling

With its traditional and old-school body-on-frame construction, the Savana is dependable and sturdy. But the setup does not lend itself to refined driving manners. This is a big van and it feels that way, whether in a straight line or when trying to contain its considerable body roll through the corners. The steering is light, which at least makes parking maneuvers easier, especially as cargo vans will spend a lot of time pulling into and out of all manner of tight spots on the job. Unfortunately, the steering’s lightness is a pain on the open road, where the van struggles to maintain its course and requires regular corrections from the driver. The hard suspension transmits many bumps and surface changes through to the driver and passenger, without the cushioning required to make smooth progress. Being a van, crosswinds can also affect stability. Overall, the Savana isn’t exactly relaxing from behind the wheel.

Braking Performance

The GMC Savana Cargo Van is a big rig, weighing about 5158 lbs which makes it very difficult to stop once the momentum builds up, but it has 12.8-inch disc brakes in the front and 13-inch disc brakes at the back which makes the job considerably easier. There is an in-built trailer braking to keep the van stable and sturdy even on inclines. The smooth and linear brake pedal comes in handy during conjunction.

The front brake rotors of GMC Savana and the Chevrolet Express are the same and they are at the top in this segment. The Ford Transit excels in terms of rear brakes but has the lowest curb weight. The GMC Savana and Chevrolet have similar curb weight and are at the top in this category.

The GMC Savana Cargo Van resides in the commercial sector, so the EPA figures are not available. However, the Savana Van owners indicate a combined consumption of 12.2 MGP for the V8 model in the lighter 2500 disguise. Other owners indicated consumption of 12.2 MGP for the V6 3500 and as poor as 10.3 MGP for the V8 3500. The turbo-diesel is reported to have a consumption of 12.3 MGP, but this was from a 2017 Savana 2500 model. Based on these numbers and the Savana's tank capacity of 31 gallons, a range of between 319 and 518 should be achievable.

The GMC Savana and Chevrolet Express have the highest fuel tank capacity on the charts with 31 gallons of capacity. The Ford Transit comes in next with a tank capacity of 25.1 and the Mercedes-Benz has the lowest tank capacity. The MPG figures and range are not mentioned because these are commercial vehicles.

The Savana has outdated with fewer available modern features than its rivals. It is best to think of the Savana’s interior as a means to get the van moving and a storage place. Very little attempt has been made to modernize the cabin or provide quality comforts for the driver and the passengers. A cliff-like fascia features uninspired plastic, and the most basic FM/AM system. While airbags and hill-start features are standard, you will have to pay more for the likes of lane departure warning and forward collision control. Overall, the interior of the GMC Savana is not as impressive as compared to its rivals.

The Mercedes-Benz Sprinter offers the most head-room, shoulder-room, and leg-room in its segment. All the vans have the same seating capacity and they only have front row seating. The Mercedes-Benz Sprinter, beats its rivals in terms of trunk capacity, with 319 cubic feet of trunk capacity. The Ford Transit also has decent trunk capacity and seating space. The GMC Savana and Chevrolet Express fall short in terms of trunk capacity and seating space.

Infotainment System

You are going to be disappointed if you expect the same level of infotainment technology and connectivity as the GMC offers in its pickups. The infotainment features are very basic and outdated compared to its rivals. It is equipped with a basic FM/AM stereo with MP3 compatibility and also includes an auxiliary input jack and two speakers for the simplistic sound system. The USB Port, Bluetooth, and SiriusXM satellite radio are only available in the pricey versions. There is no Android Auto. Overall, the Savana’s infotainment system is a clear sign of GM’s age.

The GMC Savana retains the same old traditional ladder-type frame, which has been used since the launch of this vehicle. This setup provides excellent hauling and towing capacity. 

Chevrolet Express is at the top in terms of curb weight, followed by the GMC Savana, which has almost the same weight. The Mercedes-Benz Sprinter is also a heavy van with a weight of 4696 lbs, and it is at the top in terms of height, width, and length. The Ford Transit weighs the lowest and it has the smallest wheelbase on the chart. 

Some of the exterior features include:

• A 60/40 swing outdoor on the passenger side
• Dual halogen composite headlamps
• Black bumpers in the front and rear with step-pad
• Solar-ray light-tinted windows
• 16-inch steel wheels with grey caps
• Power adjustable mirrors

The GMC Savana is a humongous cargo van equipped with some of the major safety features needed to keep it going without much inconvenience. Some of the safety features include:

• Hill-start Assist
• Rear vision camera
• Tire Pressure Monitoring System
• Back up alarm
• Daytime running lamps
• Brake/transmission shift interlock

GMC Savana Cargo Van vs. Chevrolet Express Cargo

If you are trying to choose between the Chevrolet Express and GMC Savana, it will likely come down to which emblem you like better. If you still cannot choose between the two, then toss a coin. The Savana and the Express are identical except for the grilles and badging. Even the pricing is nearly identical.

GMC Savana Cargo Van vs. Mercedes-Benz Sprinter Cargo Van

The GMC Savana has the same interior features and cabin quality as its predecessors. The Mercedes-Benz offers more advanced interior features and cabin quality than the Savana, and it has a larger cargo bay, and it has more height. But, the Sprinter lags in terms of engine and performance.

The Savana’s engine outperforms the Sprinter by a considerable margin. So, if you don’t need a powerful van, you can go for the Sprinter.

GMC Savana Cargo Van vs. Ford Transit Cargo Van

The Ford Transit is more modern than the Savana and it offers several roof-height configurations, a more refined interior, and a significantly better ride quality. The Savana beats the Transit in terms of towing capacity, but in every other category, the Transit outperforms the Savana.

Remarkably, the GMC Savana has been able to stick for two decades, despite its obvious shortcomings. It is old inside and out, and disappointingly it lags behind its key rivals in terms of cargo capacity. The absence of a high-roof option also limits its usability. On the plus side, it has powerful and responsive engines, excellent towing capacity, and proven mechanics. These characteristics have been enough for GMC to resist releasing an all-new model, but it’s not enough for the Savana to compete against Ford Transit, which is more modern and a remainder that cargo vans can be more than just a box on wheels. If you are looking for a powerful engine with decent cargo capacity and towing capacity, and no modern interior features then the GMC is a considerable option.