2011 GMC Savana Cargo

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Rating7.4

Ranked #2 in 

Fullsize Van
Write Review
$24,985 - $42,305
Starting Price 
Nathan Dyer's image
Nathan Dyer 

Senior Editor,

Updated on November 3, 2023

ProsConsWhat's New

Strong hauling and payload capacity

The tall roof option is unavailable

The base trim gets minor feature revisions including standard stability control

A plethora of powerful and fuel-efficient engine options

Some cheap hard plastics are disappointing

An optional Bluetooth and a USB port

All-wheel drive is available as an option

Specs & Features

$30,035

price

310 hp @ 5200 rpm

horsepower

334 lb.-ft. @ 4500 rpm

torque

4-Speed Automatic

transmission

5.3L 8cyl AWD 4A

engine

-

basic warranty

Overview

In the world of cargo vans, the 2011 GMC Savana Cargo Van is a well-known name. Belonging to the fullsize van segment, the GMC Savana competes with the Chevrolet Express 2500 Cargo Van, the Nissan NV Cargo Van, and the Ford E-Series Cargo Van. The base trim starts at around an MSRP of $24,985. With 3 trims on offer, prices reach around $30,310. Traditionally offered bareboned, cargo vans can be equipped to fill the need of the buyer. The Savana too can be equipped with packages such as the Cold Climate Package, the Power Package, or the Chrome Appearance Package, improving either form or function. There is also an optional extended wheelbase. The base engine on offer is a 4.3L V6 which puts out 195 horsepower and 260 lb-ft of torque. Next up is a 5.3L V8 that is able to produce 310 horsepower and 334 lb-ft of torque. Both engines are mated to a 4-speed automatic transmission. Additionally, a 4.8L V8 engine with 6-speed automatic transmission manages 280 horsepower and 296 lb-ft of torque. However, if more power is required, one can get a 6.0L V8 for an additional $995. This engine is mated to a 6-speed automatic transmission, making 323 horsepower and 373 lb-ft of torque. The optional engine returns a combined fuel economy of 12 mpg. That said, 279 horsepower and 320 lb-ft of torque are produced by the CNG variant of the 6.0L V8 engine. You can also equip the Savana with a diesel engine which has an engine output of 260 horsepower and it is reviewed separately.

Buying Advice

The mid-level 3500 trim is undoubtedly our choice for tremendous load ratings. As for the engine, we choose the 4.8L V8 engine that delivers decent power output as well as efficiency, unlike the massive 6.0L V8 engine. Having said that, there are plenty of options to choose from apart from the standard features. Some standout options include a tilt steering wheel, cloth upholstery, Bluetooth connectivity, a six-way power driver seat, an upgraded stereo, heated power mirrors, and a sliding right-side door.

Trims

    1500
    $24,985 onwards
    • A-Spec Sport Seats
    • Front manual air conditioning
    • Radio prep Radio
    • Vinyl Seat trim
    2500
    $26,105 onwards
    • 16-inch gray steel Wheels
    • A-Spec Sport Seats
    • Front manual air conditioning
    • Radio prep Radio
    • Vinyl Seat trim
    3500
    $29,425 onwards
    • 16-inch gray steel Wheels
    • A-Spec Sport Seats
    • Front manual air conditioning
    • Radio prep Radio
    • Vinyl Seat trim

Compare to similar cars

Price

$26,175- $35,180

Engine

Gasoline

Rating

8.07

Horsepower

225 hp @ 4800 rpm

Torque

286 lb.-ft. @ 3500 rpm

Capacity

8

Read Review

$24,985- $42,305

Gasoline

7.15

195 hp @ 4600 rpm

260 lb.-ft. @ 2800 rpm

2

Read Review

$28,835- $46,500

Gasoline

6.45

310 hp @ 5200 rpm

334 lb.-ft. @ 4500 rpm

8

Read Review

$24,985- $42,305

Gasoline

7.41

324 hp @ 4700 rpm

525 lb.-ft. @ 1600 rpm

3

Read Review

$28,835- $46,500

Gasoline

7.04

310 hp @ 5200 rpm

334 lb.-ft. @ 4500 rpm

8

Read Review

2011 GMC Savana Cargo vs competitor's 0-60

    Car Name
    0-60 MPH
    Quarter Mile
    Top Speed
    SourceCompare
    10.1 sec--
    7.8 sec17.7 sec118 mph
    7.8 sec--
    10.1 sec-80 mph
    10.2 sec-150 mph

    2011 GMC Savana Cargo vs competitor's MPG

      Car Name
      MPG City
      MPG Highway
      MPG Combined
      Fuel Tank Capacity
      Range (C/H)
      SourceCompare
      15 mpg20 mpg17 mpg31 gal.465/620 mi.
      15 mpg20 mpg17 mpg31 gal.465/620 mi.
      13 mpg17 mpg14 mpg31 gal.403/527 mi.
      13 mpg17 mpg14 mpg31 gal.403/527 mi.
      13 mpg16 mpg14 mpg33 gal.429/528 mi.

      2011 GMC Savana Cargo vs competitor's dimensions

        Car Name
        Length
        Width
        Height
        Ground Clearance
        Wheelbase
        SourceCompare
        224.1 in.79.2 in.83.7 in.7.4 in.135 in.
        224.1 in.79.2 in.83.7 in.7.4 in.135 in.
        224.1 in.79.2 in.83.7 in.7.4 in.135 in.
        224.1 in.79.2 in.83.7 in.7.4 in.135 in.
        216.7 in.79.4 in.82.1 in.9 in.138 in.

        2011 GMC Savana Cargo vs competitor's trunk space

          Car Name
          Trunk Capacity
          Passenger Volume
          Max Trunk Volume
          SourceCompare
          270.4 cu.ft.96.7 cu.ft.270.4 cu.ft.
          92.1 cu.ft.153.1 cu.ft.216.2 cu.ft.
          29.9 cu.ft.99.7 cu.ft.236.5 cu.ft.
          239.7 cu.ft.89.3 cu.ft.270.4 cu.ft.
          92.1 cu.ft.78 cu.ft.216.2 cu.ft.

          2011 GMC Savana Cargo vs competitor's cargo space

            Car Name
            Cargo Volume
            Cargo Volume w/ Seat Area
            Max Cargo Volume
            Bed Length
            SourceCompare
            6.7 cu.ft.270.4 cu.ft.270.4 cu.ft.-
            5 cu.ft.92.1 cu.ft.216.2 cu.ft.362 ft.
            100.7 cu.ft.29.9 cu.ft.236.5 cu.ft.-
            108.9 cu.ft.92.1 cu.ft.216.2 cu.ft.79 ft.
            12.3 cu.ft.239.7 cu.ft.270.4 cu.ft.144 ft.

            2011 GMC Savana Cargo vs competitor's towing capacity

              Car Name
              Towing Capacity
              Payload Capacity
              Weight
              SourceCompare
              6700 lbs.2144 lbs.4919 lbs.
              7000 lbs.2820 lbs.5208 lbs.
              6700 lbs.2329 lbs.4919 lbs.
              6200 lbs.1722 lbs.5526 lbs.
              6200 lbs.1722 lbs.5526 lbs.

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