2011 GMC Savana Passenger

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Rating7.0

Ranked #4 in 

Fullsize Van
Write Review
$28,835 - $46,500
Starting Price 
Nathan Dyer's image
Nathan Dyer 

Senior Editor,

Updated on November 3, 2023

ProsConsWhat's New

Optional all-wheel drive available

Some iffy interior bits

The 4.8L V8 is all new for 2011

Multiple and strong powertrain options

Lacks tall roof option

It also gains optional satellite radio, OnStar upgrades, Bluetooth, heavy-duty locking rear differential, and a USB port

Plenty of load rating and wheelbase configurations

Specs & Features

$32,390

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 realm of fullsize passenger vans, the 2011 GMC Savana Passenger Van is well known. Prices go up to an MSRP of $34,505, with 3 trims, two load ratings, and two wheelbase configurations being offered. With gorgeous, and in fact quite roomy, interiors, the Savana offers seating for up to 15 people. Both trims with a 1500 rating have a standard 5.3L V8 engine on offer mated to a 4-speed automatic transmission. This engine maintains a combined MPG of 14 while making 310 horsepower and 334 lb-ft of torque. Meanwhile, LS and LT trim with higher load ratings can be equipped with a 4.8L V8 engine coupled with a 6-speed automatic transmission. It is able to produce 285 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque. However, if more power is required, one can get a 6.0L V8 for an additional which is standard in 3500 trim. This engine is also engaged to a 6-speed automatic transmission, making 324 horsepower and 373 lb-ft of torque. The optional engine returns a combined fuel economy of 13 mpg. You can also equip the Savana with a diesel engine with an engine output of 260 horsepower which is reviewed separately. GMC offers a decent amount of practical as well as cosmetic features, further increasing the prospects of the Savana among competitors like the Chevrolet Express Passenger Van, the Ford E-Series Wagon, and the Nissan NV Passenger Van. The quot;Island Fordquot; reviews this car. To know more, click on the video:

Buying Advice

There is no doubt that the mid-range 2500 LT trim is the perfect choice among the three trims on offer. Not only does it improve the load ratings but also adds chrome exterior trim, rear air-conditioning and heating, keyless entry, tilt steering wheel, full power accessories, auxiliary lighting, cloth upholstery, full-length carpeting, cruise control, and visor vanity mirrors.

Trims

    1500 LS
    $28,835 onwards
    • AM/FM stereo
    • Bench Third row seats
    • Seek-Scan Radio
    1500 LT
    $28,835 onwards
    • Cruise control
    • Tilt steering wheel
    • Trip Computer
    LS 2500
    $29,345 onwards
    • Engine: 4.8L 8cyl RWD 6A
    • Horsepower: 280 hp @ 5200 rpm hp
    • Torque: 295 lb.-ft. @ 4600 rpm
    • 0-60 mph: 9 sec
    • Top Speed: TBD mph
    • Fuel Economy Combined: 13 mpg
    LT 2500
    $29,345 onwards
    • Engine: 4.8L 8cyl RWD 6A
    • Horsepower: 323 hp @ 4600 rpm hp
    • Torque: 295 lb.-ft. @ 4600 rpm
    • 0-60 mph: 8.4 sec
    • Top Speed: TBD mph
    • Fuel Economy Combined: 13 mpg
    LS 3500
    $32,635 onwards
    • Engine: 6.0L 8cyl RWD 6A
    • Horsepower: 324 hp @ 4700 rpm hp
    • Torque: 373 lb.-ft. @ 4400 rpm
    • 0-60 mph: 8.4 sec
    • Top Speed: TBD mph
    • Fuel Economy Combined: 12 mpg
    LT 3500
    $32,635 onwards
    • Engine: 6.0L 8cyl RWD 6A
    • Horsepower: 323 hp @ 4600 rpm hp
    • Torque: 373 lb.-ft. @ 4400 rpm
    • 0-60 mph: 8.5 sec
    • Top Speed: TBD mph
    • Fuel Economy Combined: 12 mpg
    3500 2LS
    $44,630 onwards
    • Engine: 6.6L 8cyl RWD 6A
    • Horsepower: 260 hp @ 3100 rpm hp
    • Torque: 525 lb.-ft. @ 1600 rpm
    • 0-60 mph: 9.3 sec
    • Top Speed: TBD mph
    • Fuel Economy Combined: 15 mpg
    3500 2LT
    $44,630 onwards
    • Engine: 6.6L 8cyl 6A
    • Horsepower: 260 hp @ 3100 rpm hp
    • Torque: 525 lb.-ft. @ 1600 rpm
    • 0-60 mph: 9 sec
    • Top Speed: TBD mph
    • Fuel Economy Combined: -

Compare to similar cars

Price

$28,835- $46,500

Engine

Gasoline

Rating

7.04

Horsepower

324 hp @ 4700 rpm

Torque

525 lb.-ft. @ 1600 rpm

Capacity

14

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

7.15

195 hp @ 4600 rpm

260 lb.-ft. @ 2800 rpm

2

Read Review

$26,175- $35,180

Gasoline

8.07

225 hp @ 4800 rpm

286 lb.-ft. @ 3500 rpm

8

Read Review

$24,985- $42,305

Gasoline

7.41

195 hp @ 4600 rpm

260 lb.-ft. @ 2800 rpm

2

Read Review

2011 GMC Savana Passenger vs competitor's 0-60

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

    2011 GMC Savana Passenger vs competitor's MPG

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

      2011 GMC Savana Passenger 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 Passenger vs competitor's trunk space

          Car Name
          Trunk Capacity
          Passenger Volume
          Max Trunk Volume
          SourceCompare
          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.
          270.4 cu.ft.96.7 cu.ft.270.4 cu.ft.
          92.1 cu.ft.78 cu.ft.216.2 cu.ft.

          2011 GMC Savana Passenger vs competitor's cargo space

            Car Name
            Cargo Volume
            Cargo Volume w/ Seat Area
            Max Cargo Volume
            Bed Length
            SourceCompare
            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.
            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.-

            2011 GMC Savana Passenger vs competitor's towing capacity

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

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