2012 GMC Savana Review
2012 GMC Savana Review
View more photos
View more photos
View more photos
View more photos
View more photos
+95
Used Savana for sale
Appraise This CarGMC Savana model years
GMC Savana types
- Van
- Diesel
See Edmunds pricing data
Has Your Car's Value Changed?
Used car values are constantly changing. Edmunds lets you track your vehicle's value over time so you can decide when to sell or trade in.
Edmunds' Expert Review
by the Edmunds Experts
Pros
- Wide-ranging powertrain lineup
- variety of passenger configurations
- available all-wheel drive.
Cons
- Cheap cabin plastics
- thirstier and less spacious than Sprinter rival.
What’s new
For 2012, the GMC Savana passenger van returns unchanged.
Edmunds says
The full-size 2012 GMC Savana van is one of the most versatile and functional passenger vehicles on the road.
Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2012 GMC Savana LS 1500 3dr Van (5.3L 8cyl 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
$284/mo for Savana LS 1500
Savana LS 1500
vs
$305/mo
Avg. Midsize Van
Vehicle overview
Whether it's your family, soccer team or employees, if you've got a large group to move you'll find the 2012 GMC Savana full-size passenger van to be a good way to do it.
The standard-wheelbase Savana van offers seating for up to 12 passengers, while an extended-wheelbase version seats as many as 15 people. Savana buyers can also match their van to the job at hand with one of four different powertrains, including a gutsy 6.6-liter turbodiesel engine and a choice of rear- or all-wheel drive. As if that weren't enough, a properly equipped Savana will tow nearly 10,000 pounds.
Truth be told, however, this isn't exactly a crowded vehicle segment. Besides the virtually identical Chevrolet Express, competitors include the Ford E-Series (a.k.a. Econoline), and that's about it. Buyers with deeper pockets, however, should at least check out the more modern Mercedes Sprinter, which earns extra points for better maneuverability and fuel economy. Its unique high-roof version also provides enough room for 6-foot-tall occupants to walk upright inside. You'd have to be 4 feet tall to do that in a Savana.
Yet even if the 2012 GMC Savana passenger van isn't the most modern of conveyances, it remains one of the scant few ways to carry a big group of people from Point A to Point B.
Performance & mpg
The 2012 GMC Savana offers four different powertrains. The 1500 series features a 5.3-liter V8 with 310 horsepower and 334 pound-feet of torque, backed by a four-speed automatic transmission and standard rear-wheel drive. All-wheel drive is optional. EPA-estimated fuel economy with either drivetrain is 13 mpg city/17 mpg highway and 14 mpg combined.
The rear-drive-only 2500 series gets a standard 4.8-liter V8 with 280 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque, or an optional 6.0-liter V8 generating 323 hp and 373 lb-ft of torque. Both engines are mated to a six-speed automatic transmission. Fuel economy with the 4.8-liter is 11/17/13, while the 6.0-liter is 11/16/13.
The rear-wheel-drive-only 3500 series comes with the 6.0-liter V8 standard. A 6.6-liter turbodiesel V8 that puts out 260 hp and 525 lb-ft of torque is optional. Both 3500 series engines come connected to a six-speed automatic transmission. Fuel economy is the same as the 2500 with the 6.0-liter, but the turbodiesel's estimates were not available. Properly equipped, a Savana 3500 can tow up to 9,900 pounds.
Safety
All 2012 GMC Savana passenger vans come fitted with antilock brakes and stability control as standard equipment. Side curtain airbags and OnStar emergency communications are available as options.
Driving
The 2012 GMC Savana is pretty much a large commercial van fitted with seats, so your expectations behind the wheel should be limited to "better than a city bus." Importantly, its standard stability control system should help keep you out of trouble, while the ride is comfortable enough. That's really all you can ask for unless you're willing to pay more for the more maneuverable and refined Mercedes-Benz Sprinter.
Even the smaller two V8 engines deliver good performance, at least on regular-wheelbase eight- and 12-passenger models. That said, anyone who plans to regularly carry a full load of passengers, tow a trailer or both will no doubt come to appreciate the extra power offered by the more robust 6.0-liter gasoline V8 or the 6.6-liter turbodiesel engine.
Interior
Compared to most vehicles on the road these days, the 2012 GMC Savana is pretty basic inside. Gauges and controls are clear and easy to operate. The materials used are nothing fancy, especially the vinyl upholstery and rubber flooring that come standard on entry-level LS models. Legroom for the driver and front passenger is a bit tight thanks to the engine cover that protrudes from the center of the dash. Another thing to keep in mind is that many of the features you'd expect to see on a modern vehicle, things like power-adjustable locks and carpeting, aren't included on the base model.
Eight-passenger seating is standard on 1500 series vans, while 2500 and 3500 models seat 12. The 3500 long-wheelbase model can also be fitted with an extra row of seats that bumps capacity to 15. Perhaps the biggest weakness in the Savana's cabin is the fact that a high roof -- an important extra that makes for easier entry and exit -- isn't even offered.
2012 GMC Savana models
The 2012 GMC Savana is a full-size passenger van that's offered in basic LS and well-equipped LT trim levels. There are three different load ratings available, including the 1500 and heavy-duty 2500 and 3500. All three are offered in a standard-wheelbase (135 inches) configuration that seats between eight and 12 passengers. The extended-wheelbase (155 inches) model, which can seat up to 15 passengers, is only available in the 3500 series.
Base LS models are modestly equipped and fleet-oriented, with 16- or 17-inch steel wheels, rear privacy glass, 12-passenger seating, passenger-side swing-out doors, front air-conditioning, vinyl upholstery, rubber floor covering and an AM/FM sound system.
The LT model adds chrome exterior trim, keyless entry, rear air-conditioning and heating, cloth upholstery, full-length carpeting, cruise control, full power accessories, a trip computer, a tilt-only steering wheel, visor vanity mirrors and OnStar emergency communications.
Many of the LT's standard features are also available as options on the LS model. Other major options include 17-inch alloy wheels, heated mirrors, a sliding side door, a towing package, six-way power front seats, remote ignition, Bluetooth and an upgraded sound system with a CD player, a USB/iPod interface and satellite radio.
Reliability Ratings by RepairPal
3 out of 5 stars3/5Above 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
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
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
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 2012 GMC Savana.
5 star(54%)
4 star(38%)
3 star(8%)
2 star(0%)
1 star(0%)
26 reviews
Trending topics in reviews
Most helpful consumer reviews
5 out of 5 stars
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 … the chassis. I have replaced the shock absorbers, bushing, p/s gear box, control arms and more. Truck runs perfect when I maintain it.
4.5 out of 5 stars
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 … bumpers/mirrors. The ride is
very stable and makes the van much
more akin to daily driving. My old
Astro AWD had a best of 20 mpg, while
the Savanna gets 18-19 mpg top end.
The braking is very good and the
engine performance is excellent.
4 out of 5 stars
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 … GMC/CHEVY exterior primer and paint SUCK! My van may be 13 years old but has less than 78,000 miles. On the 10th year after the RUST warranty disappeared so did the paint from the primer. Primer installed oh so thin and never properly adhered to the cheap paint used. Had an 1985 CHEVY 3/4 TRUCK that did the same thing with the paint. Thought somehow GMC would be better quality, top of the line. NO WAY! If you plan on getting a Chevy or GMC and keep it for any extended period, then PLEASE take my word for it, YOU WILL BE REPAINTING the vehicle. Rain water works behind the paint dislodging huge sections at a time. Vortex engine is fantastic. Could have enhanced performance and economy with electric fans on the radiator (push/pull setup) and an electric water pump. This setup would have reduced unneeded drag on the 5.3L topped off with a cold air intake. But we are all aware of each and every penny that's saved in construction, goes in someone's back pocket. As a great woman once said, if you want it done right, do it yourself.
5 out of 5 stars
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 2012 GMC Savana, so we've included reviews for other years of the Savana since its last redesign.
2012 Savana Highlights
Van
LS 1500
Base MSRP Excludes Destination Fee | $28,940 |
---|---|
Engine Type | Flex-fuel (ffv) |
Combined MPG | 14 MPG |
Cost to Drive | $284/month |
Seating | 8 seats |
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place | 92.1 cu.ft. |
Drivetrain | rear wheel drive |
Warranty | 3 years / 36,000 miles |
Safety
Key safety features on the Savana include:
- Tire Pressure Warning
- Stability Control
- Post-collision safety system
NHTSA Overall Rating
The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration offers independent analysis.
- Frontal Barrier Crash RatingOverallNot RatedDriverNot RatedPassengerNot Rated
- Side Crash RatingOverallNot Rated
- Side Barrier RatingOverallNot RatedDriverNot RatedPassengerNot Rated
- Combined Side Barrier & Pole RatingsFront SeatNot RatedBack SeatNot Rated
- RolloverRollover3 / 5Dynamic Test ResultNo TipRisk Of Rollover27.9%
People who viewed this also viewed
Starting at $40,700 |
Starting at $44,900 |
3.7 average Rating out of 12 reviews. |
Starting at $28,700 |
Related Used 2012 GMC Savana info
Vehicle reviews of used models
- Used Porsche Cayman S 2019
- Used Kia Sorento 2022
- Used Cadillac Escalade 2020
- Used Ford Mustang SVT Cobra 2021
- Used Lincoln MKZ 2019
Popular new car reviews and ratings
- 2024 Defender
- 2023 Subaru Forester
- Jeep Renegade2023
- Nissan Versa Versa
- 2023 Toyota 4Runner
- Audi Q5 Audi
- Subaru WRX
- Porsche Carrera GT
- Cadillac XT 4
- Acura TLX
Research other models of Gmc
- GMC Acadia
- 2023 GMC Suburban
- GMC Canyon Pickup
- GMC Limited
- GMC SUV Terrain
- GMC Sierra K1500
- Hummer Electric Car Price
- GMC Sierra 2500 HD
- 2024 GMC Sierra 1500
- GMC Acadia 2024
Research similar vehicles
- Fordtransit
- Chevy City Express Cargo Van
- Promaster Rear Windows
- Express Van Chevy
- 12 Passenger Transit Van Rental
- Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 2024
- GMC Cargo Van Savana
- GMC Savana Car
- Buy Cargo Van
- MBZ Sprinter Van
Other models
- Used Kia Niro in Elizabethport, NJ
- Used Mini Cooper-Clubman in Tiffin, OH
- Used Audi TTS in Menlo Park, CA
- Used Ford Transit-Van in Victoria, TX
- New Mazda CX-90 for Sale in Aberdeen, SD
- New Aston-Martin DBX707 for Sale in Lorton, VA
- New Honda Ridgeline for Sale in Berkeley, CA
- Used BMW M4 in Mount Airy, NC
- Used Ford Fusion in Jeffersonville, IN
- Used Mitsubishi Eclipse-Cross in Lansdowne, PA