2022 GMC Savana 3500

The 2022 GMC 3500 Cargo van stands as the heavy lifter iteration of the standard 2500 cargo van. It comes in only one trim level- a work van. The buyers can still choose between two different wheelbases, each separated by an $800 price gap. Besides that, the 2022 GMC Savana cargo van will continue to be loaded with a highly practical and functional feature list.

Which trim should you buy? 

The 2022 GMC Savana 3500 cargo van will come in a standalone trim option that eliminates the fuss of stressing about the trim choice. But we’d recommend the 6.6L V8 option since it’s immensely powerful and offers better payload capacity. The other choice we do get is between two wheelbase options, which you can make according to your needs. 

Release Date

The 2022 Savana 3500 Cargo Van will be launched in the third quarter of 2021 with deliveries set to begin shortly thereafter. 

Since the 2022 GMC Savana 3500 is categorized as a cargo van, it’s not rated by EPA in terms of fuel economy, so there are no official figures for the same. However, the 2021 model year was indicated with a consumption of 12.2 mpg with the V6 at its heart, and the massive 6.6L V8 delivers poor figures like 10.3 mpg on average in combined driving conditions. The 2022 Savana cargo van would continue to feature a 31-gallon fuel tank, owing to which it would offer a better range than its competitors. It’s available in RWD configuration only, which aids in offering better fuel economy. 

* Expected and 2021 data used for reference

Both the GM twins carry an identical fuel tank capacity, while the RAM ProMaster offers the smallest one. Since these are heavy haulers, fuel economy is always towards the downside, as each of them fits an engine that could easily pull trailers and assist in hauling cargo while moving in some new house. The overall range figures are not available for any of the vans in the competition.

The 2022 GMC Savana 3500 cargo van would remain identical to its outgoing model when it comes to interiors. This means that the buyers would get an old-school and dull but basic cabin layout. While some rivals offer a modern cabin with attractive features and lively interior ambiance, the GMC Savana 3500 cargo van prefers practicality over being fancy. In the cabin, there is nothing to distract, everything’s raw and looks like they are from the 90s era. The materials used inside the cabin are mostly hard-touch plastics but are made to last for decades. 

The cliff-like dash design features the most basic amenities, while the bucket seats offer an impressive seating position. While the modern-day cargo vans garnish the cabin with smooth lines on the dash, the straight-forward 2022 GMC Savana cargo van is keenly focused on being an efficient workhorse. In the rear, the swing-out passenger-side door ensures easy access to a 239.7 cu-ft of vast space. With the long wheelbase, buyers would get 283 cubes of the void. Instead of sliding doors, one can opt for the swing-out rear side door for the best practical configuration.

* Expected and 2021 data used for reference

The GMC Savana 3500 cargo van comes with a contemporary and dull cabin. However, it is very practical and offers about 239.4 cu-ft of space for all your cargo needs. The Ford Transit offers much better interior features with a modern-looking cabin. The GM siblings are far behind when it comes to the interiors, even when compared with the RAM ProMaster 3500 cargo van. The Ford Transit also offers better cargo capacity than its rivals. Some of the standout interior features of the Savana 3500 cargo van are:

• Air conditioning
• Cloth headliner
• Driver Information Center
• Driver and front passenger high-back bucket seats
• Interior lighting
• Power windows
• Power door locks
• Rubberized vinyl floor covering
• Vinyl front bucket seats

What’s there to keep you entertained?

The 2022 GMC Savana 3500 Cargo van comes with the most minimal infotainment features like AM/FM stereo with MP3 player, a two-speaker setup, and 4G LTE Wifi hotspot capability. However, you can opt for optional features like a USB port, Bluetooth connectivity, SiriusXM satellite radio, and steering mounted controls. Some rivals pack modern-day entertainment features like better sound systems, smartphone connectivity, touchscreen display, etc, but the GMC Savana keeps an extremely low profile.

Some of the standout infotainment features of the Savana 3500 cargo van are:

• 4G LTE Wi-Fi hotspot capable
• AM/FM stereo with seek-scan and digital clock
• MP3 playback capability
• Auxiliary jack
• 2 front door speakers
• OnStar & GMC Connected Services capable

The 2022 GMC Savana 3500 cargo van would carry the same external styling as the ongoing model. Also, there’s nothing fabulous about the exteriors since it’s old school and needs a mandatory redesign. The boxy and blocky shape is followed by a bland front fascia, which has remained intact for years. The Savana dresses up in a staple attire, with no craving to show off at any angle. 

The black bumpers, black exterior mirrors with manual adjustment, and halogen headlamps look to be inspired from the 90s. However, one can customize a few things on this GMC cargo van like adding rear cargo door windows, rear doors, rear parking assistance, chrome appearance package, dual-note horn, window glass package, hotel shuttle package, rear door window glass, and some more for better usability and aesthetics. 

* Expected and 2021 data used for reference

In a world where the likes of Ford Transit and unmentioned rival Mercedes-Benz Sprinter offer classy looks and sleek exterior styling, the GM siblings are dull and uninspiring. Even the RAM ProMaster makes some effort to look attractive, but it’s not the case with the GMC Savana cargo van. The GM twins come with respectable ground clearance and are longer as well. Some of the standout exterior features of the Savana 3500 cargo van are: 

• 16-inch steel wheels with all-season tires
• Black bumpers
• Daytime running lamps
• Dual-halogen composite headlamps
• Solar-Ray light-tinted glass
• Swing-out passenger-side door
• Aluminized stainless-steel muffler and tailpipe

Like the interior and the infotainment, the standard safety suite of the 2022 GMC Savana 3500 Cargo van would remain minimal. However, it will get access to some safety features like frontal, side curtain, and head curtain airbags, door side steel beams, hill-start assist, rear vision camera, electronic stability control, and tire pressure monitoring system as standard. You can also avail of optional driver assistance features like side blind zone alert, lane departure warning, frontal collision alert, and rear park assist for some additional cost. Some of the standout safety features of the Savana 3500 cargo van are:

• Forward Collision Alert (optional)
• Hill Start Assist
• Lane Departure Warning (optional)
• OnStar & GMC Connected Services capable
• Rear Park Assist (optional)
• Rear Vision Camera
• Side Blind Zone Alert (optional)
• StabiliTrak electronic stability system
• Tire pressure monitoring system
• Transmission/brake shift interlock

2022 GMC Savana 3500 cargo van vs 2022 Chevrolet Express 3500 cargo van

Being the products of the same parent company, the GMC Savana and Chevrolet Express share the architecture and pretty much everything. But the Chevrolet Express looks slightly better, while the GMC Savana cargo van has better hauling capabilities. Since these are used for work purposes and there is no major difference between the price range, we would go ahead with the GMC.

2022 GMC Savana 3500 cargo van vs 2022 Ford Transit 350 cargo van

The Ford Transit looks dashing and offers spacious interiors with enthusiastic styling and modern-day infotainment. While the dull GMC Savana falls far down to the Blue-Oval’s cargo van but it manages to offer better capabilities. Moreover, the GMC has multiple engine options, which the Ford is short of. The Savana can also be equipped with a more efficient diesel engine. Between the two, if looks are not your concern, then opt for the GMC.

2022 GMC Savana 3500 cargo van vs 2021 RAM ProMaster 3500 cargo van

Similar to the GMC Savana, the RAM ProMaster is highly focused on productivity than premium interior layouts. The light curb weight gives it an edge of being easier to maneuver. Moreover, RAM offers multiple packages and options which the GMC lacks. But when it comes to the engine, we would definitely recommend the GMC Savana with the V8 for your work needs.

If you’re in dire need of a cargo hauler and have no affection for stylish interiors and exteriors, then the 2022 GMC Savana 3500 cargo van should suit you well. The rivals are far better in terms of creature comforts and styling, whereas the Savana comes with minimal infotainment features. The Ford Transit offers an enhanced experience, though slightly lesser capacities, but a wider safety suite of features. It’s worth checking other options before you narrow down on the Savana in the segment.