2021 GMC Savana Passenger Van Review: Due For More Than A Touch Up

Some may be deterred by the fact that the 2021 GMC Savana Passenger Van still forms part of the first-ever generation Savana, but if you just need a dependable and practical van that will deliver the basics, it may certainly still be worth considering. It's put forward with three powerful engine options that deliver good acceleration responses and accord the van with impressive payload and towing capabilities. Outputs range between 181 and 401 horsepower - the former coming from a Duramax turbo-diesel motor and the latter from a new 6.6-liter V8. GMC also provides the option of two wheelbase lengths, regular and extended, for seating of up to 12 or 15 passengers. While the 2021 Savana Passenger Van does still present a good level of practicality, versatility, and reliability, its newer US competitors, the Mercedes-Benz Metris Passenger Van, Ford Transit Passenger Van, and Ram ProMaster City, just offer more when it comes to drive quality, comforts, and conveniences.

Savana Passenger Van Exterior

Dimensions

Savana Passenger Van Performance

Engine and Transmission

GMC puts the Savana Passenger Van forward with three powertrain options that provide shoppers with a good amount of variety when it comes to performance. The entry-spec engine is a 4.3-liter 6-cylinder unit that's been tuned to deliver up to 276 hp and 298 lb-ft of torque. Optional is a 2.8-liter Duramax turbo-diesel unit that's been dialed for 181 hp and an impressive 369 lb-ft of torque that's fully deployed at 2,000 rpm. Both of these engines come paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission that cedes power through to a rear-wheel drivetrain. Also available is a new 6.6-liter gasoline V8 unit that musters up to 401 hp and 464 lb-ft. It comes mated to a 6-speed heavy-duty transmission that also runs power to the RWD. With the right equipment, the Savana Passenger Van can be availed with a towing capacity ranging between 6,700 and 9,600 pounds.

Savana Passenger Van Interior

Savana Passenger Van Trunk and Cargo Space

Warranty

US NHTSA Crash Test Result

Verdict: Is the 2021 GMC Savana Passenger Van A Good Van?

Unfortunately, the 2021 GMC Savana Passenger Van hasn't undergone a significant redesign for a really long time, and its very many competitors, the Ford Transit Connect, Ram ProMaster City, and Mercedes-Benz Metris Passenger Van just to name a few, do a much better job of meeting modern needs and expectations. Starting with the good qualities, the Savana is offered with three powerful engines that support its size and heft adequately and accord it with decent payload and towing capabilities. The front and rear cabin are spacious and versatile, and the nifty wide-opening 60/40-split swing-out passenger-side door really adds to the convenience of the 5-door van. The 2021 Savana Passenger Van's starting price of $37,200 only adds to its attractiveness. Unfortunately, that's where the positives end. The Savana is far too crude to be regarded as a quality passenger van. It looks okay from the outside, but as soon as you step into the cabin, you'll notice how basic it is with its overly pedestrian look and feel and scant selection of features. There's no official safety review for the 2021 GMC Savana Passenger Van either, which is concerning in a time when a car's safety rating is so highly considered. Ultimately, the Savana is just far too dated to be recommended over its newer competitors.

What GMC Savana Passenger Van Model Should I Buy?

The primary factors you'll need to consider when choosing which GMC Savana Passenger Van model to go for is performance and space. In terms of performance, the V8 motor with the 6-speed transmission is the powertrain that avails the Savana with the highest payload rating and towing capacity. So if you're looking to transport passengers and their cargo, then this is the powertrain you'll want. Another factor in the decision-making process is whether a 12-passenger standard wheelbase to 15-passenger long wheelbase will better suit your needs. In terms of features, there really isn't a big difference between the LS and LT trims, with the latter getting fancier chrome exterior accents, a tilting steering column, and a handful of driver assists. However, some buyers will feel this is enough to warrant the increase in price.