Model Strengths:

Can be configured for work or families; seats up to 15; strong towing capacity

Model Overview

Each Savana comes in three trim levels: 1500 at the base, 2500 in the mid-range and the heavy-duty 3500. The 1500 passenger van seats eight, and is available with power doors and locks, rear heat and air conditioning, cruise control and a swing-out storage bin in the console. The 2500 seats twelve and has full-floor carpeting and remote keyless entry. The 3500 can be had with seating for twelve or fifteen and rear air-conditioning vents are standard. The 135-inch, short-wheelbase, rear-wheel-drive 1500 is powered by a 5.3L V8 and 4-speed automatic. In all-wheel-drive configuration, a 5.3L V8 rated at 310 hp and 334 lb-ft of torque is the base engine, paired with a 4-speed automatic. On the 2500, a 4.8L Vortec V8 FlexFuel unit producing 280 hp and 295 pound-feet of torque is standard, and a 6.0L V8 is optional. Each is mated to a heavy-duty 6-speed automatic. The 3500 comes with the choice of 4.8L or 6.0L V8 or an optional 6.6L Duramax turbodiesel. Anti-lock brakes are standard, as are 4-wheel disc brakes, StabiliTrak stability control, traction control, tire-pressure monitoring and driver and passenger airbags. The availability of Bluetooth hands-free connectivity is new this year, as well as an audio system USB port.

Model Changes

The venerable full-size cargo van carries into 2012 virtually unchanged. Power front seats are now available across the lineup. The 4.8L V8's availability has been expanded somewhat on the 3500.

Model Value

Sometimes, only a full-sized van will do. Whether you need to haul a dozen or more people or tow 9,500 pounds of equipment, the GMC Savana's power, towing capacity and interior space ensure it's the van for the job. All of the Savana's non-diesel engines can use E85 ethanol fuel.