2020 GMC Savana Passenger

Many of the features added by the LT are available on LS models as well with a 6.5-inch touchscreen and other stand-alone options like power-adjustable heated mirrors, rear parking sensors, a blind-spot monitor, a heavy-duty locking rear differential, remote engine start, a sliding rear door, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, power-adjustable front seats and satellite radio.

We Recommend

Some features and packages are available only when the appropriate body type is selected. The Paratransit package for extended-wheelbase 3500 models removes the rear seat and reverts to vinyl floor coverings. It is best to choose the body type first before you decide which trim to have.

Tidy handling and accurate steering are not among the big GMC's marching orders. The upgraded V8 engine is responsive, though, and easily gets the van up to highway speeds, even with a full load of passengers. - Edmunds

Engine and Transmission

Equipped with a 4.3L V6 engine mated to a new 8-speed automatic transmission, the GMC Savana 2500 makes 276 hp and 298 lb-ft. In lieu of the basic engine, you could choose a 341 hp and 373 lb-ft 6.0-Liter VORTEC V8 engine. You can also choose a 181 hp and 369 lb-ft 2.8L inline-4 turbo diesel engine for using the Van as a fleet vehicle.

The GMC Savana and the Chevrolet Express vans are essentially rebadged twins from General Motors, have the same engine and powertrain. The Ford Transit van isn't far behind with just 1 horsepower less than the GMC and Chevy. The Nissan NV3500 HD comes with a 261 hp V6.

Acceleration

With the revamped engine, the passenger van has gotten unquestionably quicker than than it used to be. Instead of taking 8.5 seconds like it used to the 0-60 sprint now takes 7.8 seconds, despite the drop in power. The rest of the vans in the segment complete the sprint to 60 in the same ballpark.

Ride and Handling

The GMC Savana's agility is similar to that of a boat. Moving around in tight spaces like parking lots and city streets, may not be and easy job. The outdated multi-leaf spring at the back is the main culprit for the dull handling characteristics. If you're too enthusiastic with the accelerator pedal through the corners, the body roll from the van is extreme.

Speeding around tight corners was never the purpose for this vehicle, but on the flipside, neither is the GMC Savana a comfortable place to be in. The suspension could be revamped with better dampers and vibrations travel through to the cabin. The competitors like the Transit has a much more modern driving style.

Braking

The massive passenger van weighing over 5000 lbs is quite a task to stop once the momentum builds up, but the 12.8-inch discs up front and 13s at the back make the job much easier. The smooth and linear brake pedal works great in conjunction with the in-built trailer braking to keep the hauler in control even on inclines.

Fuel efficiency is one aspect in which City vans need to be good as the owners buying vans are mostly into small businesses and a fuel guzzling van would burn a whole in their pocket. The Promaster van is not as fuel efficient as its competitors in city driving conditions, but on highways it can provide best-in- class fuel economy.

Unlike many in this segment, the GMC Savana offers seating for up to 15 passengers. (Most others max out at 12.) Unfortunately, a high roof is not on the options list. Compared to rival vans, passengers will have to duck more as they enter and exit the vehicle. - Edmunds

Seating and Comfort

The utility-focussed van has basic and functional cabin starting with plastic interiors to cloth upholstery, and no sign of premium materials. The high seating position means great visibility through the huge front windshield as well as easier parking and maneuvering. However, a few issues like a low roofline and lack of a door behind the driver plague the practicality aspect of the van.

In contrast, the new Sprinter has much better headroom and legroom compared to the Chevy Express, with an ergonomically better designed interior. Even the Ford has added a plethora of features to make the Transit relevant for 2020.

Infotainment System

Despite the lack of an infotainment system with the 2020 Chevrolet Express 2500, it comes with a standard AM/FM radio reception and an auxiliary jack. A USB port, a CD player, and a satellite radio are available as optional features.

Though there is also an optional upgrade available for adding a touchscreen interface, it is not as user-friendly as you'd hope. Moreover, the system is quite archaic compared to what other Chevrolet rides has to offer.

Cargo Capacity

The mediocre cargo volume will help you out in most of your transportation needs, but if you feel the storage is lacking, you can opt for an extended wheelbase version of the van.

The Express competes well with the vans like the Ford and the Nissan, but it can't hold a candle against the Mercedes Sprinter, whose cargo bay is almost 90 cu-ft more than the rest.

Design and Dimensions

With looks resembling the Chevrolet Express, the rebranded GMC too hasn't received an update for 2020. Instead of the basic black front and rear bumpers you can opt for chrome clad bumpers for a little more premium looks. The front grille has a GMC badge replacing the Chevy, along with huge composite headlamps. The 60/40 opening passenger side doors, or a sliding doorway with optional swing out ladder rack, improve the passenger bay's accessibility by a wide margin.

Although the GMC Savana has a narrower profile than most of the competition, the low roof height is the real issue. It makes the van difficult to stand up straight in, for taller users. However, the extended wheelbase version of the Savana 2500 adds a few more cubic feet of capacity.

2020 GMC Savana 2500 Passenger Safety and Reliability

• StabiliTrak, traction assistance and vehicle stability
• Brake/transmission shift interlock for automatic transmissions
• Hill Start Assist
• Door beams, steel-side
• Daytime Running Lamps
• Rear Vision Camera
• Air bags, frontal, driver and right-front passenger
• Air bag deactivation switch, frontal passenger side
• OnStar and Chevrolet connected services capable
• Child seat anchors
• Tire Pressure Monitoring System

GMC Savana 2500 vs Ford Transit

The archaic passenger van is no match for the Ford which comes with modern styling, a futuristic infotainment and huge interior cabin. The seats are more comfortable and spacious in the Ford as well as easy accessibility puts the Transit ahead of the GMC Savana. However, if you're going to haul a trailer, the GMC has better towing capacity.

GMC Savana 2500 vs Nissan NV3500

The NV3500 is Nissan's answer to the passenger van segment primarily dominated by the American manufacturers like Ford, RAM and GMC. However, the Nissan fails to compare against them. The GMC Savana is a workhorse with a sturdy build and plenty of raw power to haul cargo unlike the Nissan. On the flipside, the interior on the Nissan are done right, much more so compared to the GMC.

The GMC Savana 2500 survives the cutthroat competition against the Mercedes and the Nissan by doing one thing right, plenty of power and capacity. At the end of the day that's all that matters in a van. You can glance over high end features and comfort if you're choosing the GMC as a fleet vehicle. However, it would be better to get the Spriner if you're going to spend a lot of time in the cabin.