by Aiden Eksteen
In automotive years, the 2021 GMC Savana Cargo Van is ancient and hasn't been redesigned or significantly updated since 1996. Unsurprisingly, its dotage is more obvious than ever. GMC has added a new 401-horsepower V8 unit to the selection of engines, the others being a 276 hp 6-cylinder and a 181-hp turbodiesel, but it does little to nothing for the Savana Cargo Van, especially when you compare it to modernized contemporaries. It's ill-fated by a bumpy ride quality, an outdated cabin, and simple and minimal tech, but it continues to sell nonetheless because of its simple but utilitarian ethos. When it comes to getting work done, the Savana won't let you down thanks to its powerful engines and extended wheelbase body configurations. When properly equipped, the workhorse can carry a payload of up to 4,500 pounds and is accorded a towing capacity of up to 10,000 lbs. The Mercedes-Benz Sprinter Cargo Van may be a pricier work van but it provides similar capability and a lot more in the way of comforts, conveniences, and, most importantly, versatility and safety. The Ford Transit Cargo Van is a lot easier to drive and live with and comes with a lot more features and safety equipment. With how well it continues to sell, however, it's likely that the 2021 GMC Savana Cargo Van is worth a review.
For 2021, the Savana's previous 6.0-liter gas V8 engine with 341 horsepower and 373 lb-ft of torque has been replaced by a 6.6-liter V8 with 401 hp and 464 lb-ft. The V8 flex-fuel option has also been dropped. There are a few differences between last year's and this year's towing and payload figures, as well.
See trim levels and configurations:
NHTSA safety ratings are not available at this time.
Having been around for more than two decades, it's that 2021 GMC Savana Cargo Van falls behind its more contemporary rivals, despite its good reliability track record. It has always been a fairly capable and dependable utility van by virtue of its powerful engines and sturdy body-on-frame construction, but newer utility vehicles bear those same qualities along with many more, such as superior capability and better efficiency. With its $37,200 starting price, the 2021 GMC Savana Cargo Van is still a very attractive offer in the USA, but then again, there are cargo vans out there that are presented at similar or even lower prices that are newer and similarly capable. GMC doesn't offer the Savana Cargo Van with a high-roof option, which is a major setback in the level of versatility and practicality the van could have offered. It's also not the most pleasant vehicle to drive, especially around urban settings, but both the V8 engine and the turbodiesel unit are powerful and responsive and give the Savana an impressive payload and towing capacity. The Savana Cargo Van is still in its first-generation guise, which was introduced all the way back in 1996 and with most automakers redesigning or keeping their utility cars updated, the Savana's dotage is really beginning to show.
Choosing which Savana Cargo Van model to purchase will come down to your personal payload and towing needs. For most buyers, the V6 engine will provide just enough performance-wise, but we feel it's always good to have the extra power and capability just in case the need arises. To that end, the 3500 equipped with the V8 engine and configured with the extended wheelbase is the one to go for. Though you'll be paying $1,770 extra for the V8 and $800 extra for the LWB add-on, the 3500 in this guise is still not too much more expensive than the 2500 with the base V6 unit and SWB. We suggest including the optional Safety Package, too, as it throws in some good additions such as cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, and rear park assist.
The most popular competitors of 2021 GMC Savana Cargo Van:
Acura
Alfa Romeo
Aston Martin
Audi
Bentley
BMW
Bollinger
BrightDrop
Bugatti
Buick
Cadillac
Caterham
Chevrolet
Chrysler
Dodge
Ferrari
Fiat
Fisker
Ford
Genesis
GMC
Gordon Murray Automotive
Hennessey
Honda
Hyundai
Infiniti
Jaguar
Jeep
Karma
Kia
Koenigsegg
Lamborghini
Land Rover
Lexus
Lincoln
Lordstown
Lotus
Lucid Motors
Maserati
Mazda
McLaren
Mercedes-Benz
Mini
Mitsubishi
Nissan
Pagani
Polestar
Porsche
Ram
Rimac
Rivian
Rolls-Royce
Spyker
Subaru
Tesla
Toyota
VinFast
Volkswagen
Volvo