2013 GMC Savana Cargo Review
2013 GMC Savana Cargo Review
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Used Savana Cargo for sale
Appraise This CarGMC Savana Cargo model years
GMC Savana Cargo types
- Van
- Diesel
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Edmunds' Expert Review
by the Edmunds Experts
Pros
- Robust V8 engines
- driver-side access door option
- multiple wheelbase and passenger configurations
- available all-wheel drive
- hefty towing capacity.
Cons
- Low-grade cabin plastics
- less interior space than newer competitors
- no tall-roof option.
What’s new
For 2013, the GMC Savana Cargo van adds an optional navigation system, rearview camera and rear park assist.
Edmunds says
The 2013 GMC Savana Cargo is a willing workhorse for buyers who require the functionality of a full-size van, but more modern competitors could be a better fit for your business.
Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2013 GMC Savana Cargo 1500 3dr Van (4.3L 6cyl 4A) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $3.36 per gallon for regular unleaded in Ohio.
Monthly estimates based on costs in Ohio
$243/mo for Savana Cargo 1500
Savana Cargo 1500
vs
$305/mo
Avg. Midsize Van
Vehicle overview
For businesses in need of a spacious work vehicle, the 2013 GMC Savana Cargo will meet the most basic needs. Its biggest advantage in the small class of full-size cargo vans is wide selection of strong V8 engines. However, GMC's cargo van has been on sale in its current form since 1996, and among its more modern competitors in this class, it is quickly losing its edge.
One such rival is the similarly priced 2013 Nissan NV, which has two roof-height options for added space and capability, as well as roomier front seats. Another strong competitor, the 2013 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter, is more versatile and customizable than the Savana Cargo, and easier to drive on narrow, crowded streets. Smaller vans such as the Ford Transit Connect and the Nissan NV200 offer large cargo holds in smaller, more fuel-efficient packages and are an excellent alternative if you don't need to haul around heavy equipment. Meanwhile, the virtually identical Chevrolet Express and the Ford E-Series Econoline cargo vans are the most common alternatives to the Savana, though they don't provide any significant advantages.
The 2013 GMC Savana still has plenty of potential as a work van. Its V8 engines cope well with heavy loads, and the vans's considerable cargo space and available driver-side cargo doors should provide adequate functionality for most contractors. The GMC Savana and its Chevy Express twin are also quite a bit cheaper than the Sprinter. For all that, the Savana doesn't top our list, chiefly because its newer rivals provide more interior space and superior drivability.
Performance & mpg
The 2013 GMC Savana Cargo van is offered with a choice of six engines, starting with the 4.3-liter V6, which produces 195 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque and comes standard on rear-wheel-drive 1500 models. EPA-estimated fuel economy estimates are 15 mpg city/20 mpg highway and 17 mpg combined. A 5.3-liter V8 good for 310 hp and 334 lb-ft of torque is standard on all-wheel-drive 1500 models and is available as an option on rear-wheel-drive 1500 versions. Fuel economy with this engine and rear-wheel drive is 13/18/15.
The rear-drive-only 2500 and 3500 come standard with a 4.8-liter V8 that produces 280 hp and 296 lb-ft of torque. There are several optional engines. A gasoline-fueled 6.0-liter V8 puts out 324 hp and 373 lb-ft of torque. A version of the same 6.0-liter V8 runs on compressed natural gas (CNG) and produces 279 hp and 320 lb-ft of torque. Finally, a 6.6-liter turbodiesel V8 is rated at 260 hp and a robust 525 lb-ft of torque. Fuel economy estimates are not available for these heavy-duty vans, because the EPA doesn't rate vehicles heavier than 6,000 pounds.
The 4.3-liter V6, 4.8-liter V8 and 5.3-liter V8 come mated to a four-speed automatic transmission. The 6.0-liter V8 and 6.6-liter turbodiesel V8 are coupled to a six-speed automatic.
The heavy-duty 3500 series has a maximum payload capacity of 4,490 pounds. Properly equipped 2500 and 3500 vans have a maximum towing capacity of close to 10,000 pounds, depending on the engine and wheelbase you choose.
Safety
All 2013 GMC Savana Cargo vans come fitted with antilock brakes, side curtain airbags and stability control as standard equipment. A rearview camera, rear parking sensors and OnStar emergency communications are available as options.
Driving
Other than affordable pricing, the best reason to look at the 2013 GMC Savana Cargo van is its strong V8 engine lineup. The Sprinter might have a leg up on fuel mileage, but the Savana's available 6.6-liter diesel V8 has the highest torque rating in this class, and it's a good option for companies and contractors hauling a lot of heavy equipment. Compared with the Mercedes Sprinter and the Nissan NV, though, the Savana's ride and handling characteristics are pretty lackluster. It simply isn't as easy or comfortable to drive as the newer vans, and nothing short of a full redesign will remedy that.
Interior
The interior of the GMC Savana Cargo van is very basic. Such items as carpets, power windows and power locks are optional. As is often the case in traditional full-size vans, front-seat legroom is limited, as the packaging of the engine results in an extra-large dash and console between the driver and passenger.
As expected, interior room is impressive, with 237 cubic feet of space on the standard-wheelbase model (matching the Ford E-Series). The long-wheelbase Savana provides 284 cubic feet of space, approximately 10 more cubic feet than the long-wheelbase E-Series. However, the Savana Cargo doesn't come close to the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter, which provides well over 500 cubic feet of space with its highest roof option. The high-roof options on the Sprinter and the NV also allow someone to stand and walk upright inside the vans, making them more practical for contractors who use their vehicles as mobile offices. Still, the Savana's optional driver-side swing-out cargo doors offer some extra practicality for owners who need quick access to equipment or tools.
2013 GMC Savana Cargo models
The 2013 GMC Savana Cargo is a full-size van that's offered in two wheelbases and three load ratings. The standard-wheelbase model (135 inches) is available in a base 1500 version as well as heavy-duty 2500 and 3500 variants. The extended-wheelbase version (155 inches) is offered only on 2500 and 3500 models.
Standard equipment on the Savana Cargo includes 16-inch steel wheels, 60/40-split swing-out passenger-side doors, air-conditioning, vinyl upholstery and a trip computer.
Major options include 17-inch steel wheels, heated power mirrors, 60/40-split swing-out driver-side doors, a sliding passenger-side door, a variety of rear door and window configurations, a towing package, keyless entry, cloth upholstery, a six-way power driver seat, front passenger seat delete, cruise control, full power accessories, a tilt-only steering wheel, remote ignition, Bluetooth, OnStar emergency communications, a simple two-speaker AM/FM sound system and an upgraded system with a CD player, satellite radio and a USB/iPod interface. Rear parking sensors, a navigation system and a rearview camera are also available.
Consumer reviews
Read what other owners think about the Used 2013 GMC Savana Cargo.
5 star(30%)
4 star(37%)
3 star(18%)
2 star(11%)
1 star(4%)
27 reviews
Trending topics in reviews
Most helpful consumer reviews
3.38 out of 5 stars
Not Good!
K Cook, 12/06/2008
2006 GMC Savana Cargo 2500 3dr Van (4.8L 8cyl 4A)
Definitely not for commercial use! This is our second 06 Savana (first one totaled) and it has left me stranded. Replaced the altenator at less than 8,000. Replaced the water pump on the first one at less than 10,000. I've replaced: transmission, water pump, seat belt, oil sending unit, and several front-end parts. I've replaced more headlights and brake lights than all of the vehicles … I've ever owned combined(I've been driving for 20 years). It even had the wrong spare(5 lugs instead of 8)! Bottom line, this vehicle is just not reliable enough to be considered a "commercial" vehicle.
5 out of 5 stars
03 AWD Savana Cargo "Doors Galore"
savanaman, 03/02/2011
2003 GMC Savana Cargo 1500 AWD 3dr Van (5.3L 8cyl 4A)
I love my van ! I have had vans all my life but the modern AWD , rack and pinion , all wheel disc , full size Savana drives like a Cadillac and I get 17 mpg consistently when its not brutally cold . I live in Minnesota . I had reservations about the drivers side double doors as I had never had that option before , I soon realized that when you jump out of your truck but need to reenter … to grab something you are hauling around you can't beat drivers side double doors for access ! I drove over 100,000 miles before my Brakes needed pads and have had
except for some minor door switch partial failures "No Problems" with my truck ! Did I say
"I Love This Truck"
?
3.5 out of 5 stars
Not Professional Grade
fred anderson, 06/02/2006
2006 GMC Savana Cargo 3500 3dr Ext Van (4.8L 8cyl 4A)
Drives and rides like a comfortable car without any weight. You load it up with 2500 lbs and it's a different animal. Handling is unpredictable. Suspension and shocks are unstable with again only 2500#s on a 3500 series cat. van After a couple of weeks I am very dissappointed and having serious buyers remorse. I should have driven this vehicle under normal work conditions (light … deliveries). If I had a choice again I would gone with a Ford like my previous van that got 160,000 miles in three years without any problems until it was involved in an accident.
5 out of 5 stars
best van ever
thomas, 10/23/2017
2004 GMC Savana Cargo 2500 Rwd 3dr Ext Van (4.3L 6cyl 4A)
best working van in the market,i have one from many years,never problems simply turn key on and go,loved GMC,very happy.WAO! this is real FRIEND,gmc savana IS THE BEST BIG F......VAN
We have a limited number of reviews for the 2013 GMC Savana Cargo, so we've included reviews for other years of the Savana Cargo since its last redesign.
2013 Savana Cargo Highlights
Van
1500
Base MSRP Excludes Destination Fee | $25,750 |
---|---|
Engine Type | Gas |
Combined MPG | 17 MPG |
Cost to Drive | $243/month |
Seating | 2 seats |
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place | 270.4 cu.ft. |
Drivetrain | rear wheel drive |
Warranty | 3 years / 36,000 miles |
Safety
Key safety features on the Savana Cargo include:
- Tire Pressure Warning
- Stability Control
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