2018 GMC Savana Review

GMC Savana LT 3500 Passenger Van Exterior Shown

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Edmunds' Expert Review

byCameron Rogers^{Manager, News
Cameron Rogers has worked in the automotive industry since 2013. He has tested and reviewed hundreds of vehicles over the course of his career. Today, he leads the news team in developing cutting-edge news articles, opinion pieces and sneak peeks at upcoming vehicles. Favorite cars that he's driven during his tenure at Edmunds include the 991-era Porsche 911 Turbo S, Rolls-Royce Ghost and several generations of Honda Odyssey (really).}

Pros

All engines have enough torque to move a fully loaded van
Towing and payload capabilities are at or near the top of this class

Cons

No high-roof cargo option
Harsher ride than most rivals
Dated touchscreen interface and interior styling

What’s new

Last year's base 4.8-liter V8 has been replaced by a 4.3-liter V6 with similar horsepower and torque ratings. The 6.0-liter V8 again supports compressed natural gas (CNG) conversion. A rearview camera, a 4G LTE Wi-Fi hotspot and hill start assist are now standard, and a blind-spot monitor has been added to the options list. Several new packages, including the Safety, Communications and Enhanced Convenience packages, are now available. Eight- and 10-passenger seating configurations are no longer available.

Vehicle overview

While minivans are perfect for transporting most families, they simply aren't suitable for those who need to seat a large number of people or have substantial cargo requirements. A full-size passenger van such as the 2018 GMC Savana is the only answer. While typical minivans can only seat eight, the Savana has room for 12, or even 15 if you opt for the long-wheelbase version. The large, flexible seating solutions make a vehicle such as the Savana ideal for large families or shuttle operators.

Cost to Drive^{Cost to drive estimates for the 2018 GMC Savana LS 2500 3dr Van (4.3L 6cyl 8A) 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 N/A undefined in Ohio.}

Monthly estimates based on costs in Ohio

Not EPA tested

$314/mo

Avg. Midsize Van

Calculate my fuel costs

Like passenger vans of yore, the Savana utilizes an old-school body-on-frame construction similar to a pickup truck. Its heavy-duty bones give it the ability to tow and carry more than most competitors, which rely on a unibody structure that gives them lower payload capabilities. Unfortunately, the Savana's truck frame gives it a rougher ride than its rivals, and its advanced age means modern advanced safety aids are practically nonexistent. Its touchscreen interface is relatively ancient for the same reason. Even in a class built for function over form, the cabin looks much older and is filled with lower-quality materials than those of its rivals. You also can't order the Savana in a high-roof variant. Though the 2018 Savana enjoys excellent towing and payload ratings, there aren't enough benefits to recommend this aging workhorse.

Edmunds' Expert Rating

The 2018 GMC Savana is a full-size van that can seat up to 15 people. Though its towing and payload capabilities are top-notch, rival vans are simply more livable. The Savana's aging architecture, disappointing interior and lack of roof height options make it uncompetitive.

Trim tested

The ratings in this review are based on our cumulative experience with the current-generation GMC Savana.

Driving

Even the standard-wheelbase Savana is a large vehicle, and it drives like one. 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.

Comfort

The driver and front passenger are divided by an enormous center bulge covering some of the engine and transmission, the width of which causes the driver to feel squeezed even in this large vehicle. The basic controls are easy to find and simple to use, but comforts are few.

Interior

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.

Utility

The cargo area behind the rear seat measures 92.1 cubic feet, good enough to store everyone's carry-on luggage. You can also turn the Savana into a makeshift cargo van by removing all the seats. This increases cargo volume to 252.8 cubic feet in the extended-wheelbase model.

Technology

The Savana isn't the most technologically advanced van on the market, with just a two-speaker sound system, AM/FM radio and an auxiliary port as standard. A USB port, a CD player and navigation can be added, but the optional touchscreen's user interface is dated compared to those of other GMC models.

2018 GMC Savana models

The 2018 GMC Savana is a large van with numerous seating configurations and room for 12 people. (Its Savana Cargo sibling retains the front two seats and uses the rest of the interior as an expansive cargo area.) It's available in two load ratings, 2500 and 3500, and in two trims, the base LS and the LT. Additionally, the 3500 can be ordered in a long wheelbase, which increases the length of the floor by 20 inches. You can keep the extra space for additional cargo room or add another row, good for seating up to 15 passengers (a 2-3-3-3-4 configuration).

By default, the rear-wheel-drive Savana is powered by a 4.3-liter V6 (276 horsepower, 298 pound-feet of torque) paired to an eight-speed automatic transmission. Alternate powertrains are available if the standard V6 doesn't meet your requirements, including a 6.0-liter V8 (341 hp, 373 lb-ft) matched to a six-speed automatic and a 2.8-liter diesel four-cylinder engine (181 hp, 369 lb-ft) with an eight-speed automatic.

Standard features on the LS model include 16-inch steel wheels, a 60/40-split opening passenger door, 12-passenger seating (2-3-3-4 with a 50/50-split back row), air conditioning, power windows and locks, a rearview camera, a driver information display, vinyl upholstery and floor covering, a 4G LTE Wi-Fi hotspot, GM's OnStar emergency communications, a 120-volt household-style power outlet, and a two-speaker audio system with an AM/FM stereo and an auxiliary port.

A tilt-only steering wheel and cruise control are standard on 3500 models and optional on the 2500 via the Driver Convenience package. Opting for the extended-wheelbase 3500 adds rear air conditioning, which is available as a separate option for the other LS models.

Stepping up to the LT adds front and rear chrome bumpers, remote locking and unlocking, cloth upholstery, carpeted flooring, rear air conditioning, and the tilt-only steering wheel and cruise control for the 2500.

Many of the features added by the LT are available on LS models as well. A bundle containing a 6.5-inch touchscreen, Bluetooth, a CD player, a USB port and a navigation system is available for any Savana model. Other stand-alone options include power-adjustable and 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. A number of these features are available as part of packages for the 2500 model in LS trim; these include the Communications, Safety and Enhanced Convenience packages.

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.

Reliability Ratings by RepairPal

3/5Above Average

#1 out of 24 among Commercial Vans

RepairPal Reliability Ratings are based on the actual cost, frequency, and severity of unscheduled repairs and maintenance on make/model data for select 2008-2022 vehicles. The reliability of a specific vehicle may vary depending on its maintenance and driving history, model year, trim, and features.

Cost

^{The average total annual cost for unscheduled repairs and maintenance across all model years of the GMC Savana from 2008-2022.}

$695/yr

vs. $851/yr
for Average Commercial Van

Frequency

^{The average number of times this model is brought into the shop for unscheduled repairs and maintenance in a single year. RepairPal calculates this metric by tracking millions of unique vehicles over multiple years to determine an average number of visits per year (omitting small routine visits, e.g., oil changes).}

1.15x/yr

vs. 1.96x/yr
for Average Commercial Van

Severity

^{The probability that a repair will be a major issue, meaning the repair costs 3x the average annual repair cost for all models. This threshold will be higher for vehicles that have higher labor rates and parts costs (such as a premium brand).}

17.3%

vs. 17.8%
for Average Commercial Van

powered by RepairPal ^{Based on RepairPal reliability data as of 8/23/2023. Ratings are provided by RepairPal and Edmunds is not responsible for their accuracy.}

Consumer reviews

Read what other owners think about the Used 2018 GMC Savana.

5 (52%)

4 (41%)

3 (7%)

2 (0%)

1 (0%)

4.4

27 reviews

Write a vehicle review See all 27 reviews

Most helpful consumer reviews

1999 Savanna Cargo Van

Kevin, 12/02/2017

1999 GMC Savana G1500 SLE 3dr Van

Gets 16 Mpg with or w/o load. Handles balanced on Highway. Brakes well but get overheated easily in traffic lights. Stay away from Los Angeles commuting in rush hour. Very safe driver visibility like an aircraft. 400,000 on my chassis with one time ball joint and center link replacements. Second engine has a hundred thousand miles on it and purrs like a kitten. It has 450,000 miles on …

GMC Savanna - A nice ride

Northern Driver, 08/24/2003

2003 GMC Savana 1500 AWD 3dr Van (5.3L 8cyl 4A)

My Savanna is a conversion that looks and performs up to expectations and turns heads. I would not have purchased one of these vans based on standard features/factory trim. The dashboard and interiors are too flat and plasticky and the bumpers/mirrors are black plastic. Both of these detractions were remedied by the conversion - wood dash trim and painted …

2500 PRO PACKAGE

Don Schwartz, 02/22/2016

2003 GMC Savana 1500 AWD 3dr Van (5.3L 8cyl 4A)

I'm very surprised doing the value, comparison there is NO 2500 3/4TON AWD model to choose from. Only a 1500 series. Also the Pro Package has 2 double long air assisted opening panels, one on each side where the windows would normally be. Custom 12 volt interior lighting. Electronic transmission towing switch on instrument panel. The 5.3L Vortex engine is to die for. As with all …

Excellent Family Alternative to SUV's

hurstcastle, 08/04/2008

2001 GMC Savana SLT 3dr Van (5.7L 8cyl 4A)

Vehicle has proven very reliable over the past 6+ years, rides exceptionally and served our family very well. Would pick this vehicle any day over a SUV. Tons of features in SLT package!

We have a limited number of reviews for the 2018 GMC Savana, so we've included reviews for other years of the Savana since its last redesign.

See all 27 reviews of the GMC Savana

Write a vehicle review

2018 Savana Highlights

Trim:

LS 2500

Base MSRP Excludes Destination Fee	$33,515
Engine Type	Gas
Seating	12 seats
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place	92.1 cu.ft.
Drivetrain	rear wheel drive
Warranty	3 years / 36,000 miles

See all features & specs

Safety

Our experts like the Savana models:

OnStar: Provides third-party assistance in the event of a collision, vehicle theft and other emergencies.
Rear Vision Camera: Displays a view of the area immediately behind the Savana in the rearview mirror or in the central display when the touchscreen is ordered.
Rear Park Assist: Sounds an alert when the rear of the Savana is close to an object.

NHTSA Overall Rating

The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration offers independent analysis.

Frontal Barrier Crash Rating
OverallNot Rated
DriverNot Rated
PassengerNot Rated
Side Crash Rating
OverallNot Rated
Side Barrier Rating
OverallNot Rated
DriverNot Rated
PassengerNot Rated
Combined Side Barrier & Pole Ratings
Front SeatNot Rated
Back SeatNot Rated
Rollover
Rollover3 / 5
Dynamic Test ResultNo Tip
Risk Of Rollover29.2%

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2018 GMC Savana Review

Edmunds' Expert Review

Pros

Cons

What’s new

Vehicle overview

Cost to Drive^{Cost to drive estimates for the 2018 GMC Savana LS 2500 3dr Van (4.3L 6cyl 8A) 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 N/A undefined in Ohio.}

Edmunds' Expert Rating

Trim tested

Driving

Comfort

Interior

Utility

Technology

2018 GMC Savana models

Reliability Ratings by RepairPal

Cost

Frequency

Severity

Consumer reviews

Read what other owners think about the Used 2018 GMC Savana.

Trending topics in reviews

Most helpful consumer reviews

1999 Savanna Cargo Van

GMC Savanna - A nice ride

2500 PRO PACKAGE

Excellent Family Alternative to SUV's

2018 Savana Highlights

Safety

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2018 GMC Savana Review

Edmunds' Expert Review

Pros

Cons

What’s new

Vehicle overview

Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2018 GMC Savana LS 2500 3dr Van (4.3L 6cyl 8A) 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 N/A undefined in Ohio.

Edmunds' Expert Rating

Trim tested

Driving

Comfort

Interior

Utility

Technology

Which Savana does Edmunds recommend?

2018 GMC Savana models

Reliability Ratings by RepairPal

Cost

Frequency

Severity

Most helpful consumer reviews

1999 Savanna Cargo Van

GMC Savanna - A nice ride

2500 PRO PACKAGE

Excellent Family Alternative to SUV's

2018 Savana Highlights

Safety

People who viewed this also viewed

Related Used 2018 GMC Savana info

Vehicle reviews of used models

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Shop used vehicles in your area

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Research similar vehicles

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Join Edmunds

Cost to Drive^{Cost to drive estimates for the 2018 GMC Savana LS 2500 3dr Van (4.3L 6cyl 8A) 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 N/A undefined in Ohio.}