2014 GMC Savana Review
2014 GMC Savana Review





+82
Used Savana for sale
Appraise This CarGMC Savana model years
GMC Savana types
- Van
- Diesel
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Edmunds' Expert Review
by the Edmunds Experts
Pros
- Wide-ranging powertrain lineup
- variety of passenger configurations
- available all-wheel drive
- strong towing capacity.
Cons
- Thirstier, less spacious and rougher riding than newer full-size vans
- cheap cabin plastics.
What’s new
For 2014, the GMC Savana Passenger van has a newly optional CNG (compressed natural gas)-powered 6.0-liter V8 engine. Otherwise, it is essentially unchanged.
Edmunds says
The full-size 2014 GMC Savana van is one of the more versatile and functional passenger vehicles on the road, but it's outdated compared with fresher rivals.
Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2014 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 $3.12 per gallon for regular unleaded in Virginia.
Monthly estimates based on costs in Virginia
$264/mo for Savana LS 1500
Savana LS 1500
vs
$295/mo
Avg. Midsize Van
Vehicle overview
If moving more than a baker's dozen worth of passengers is a requirement for your next vehicle, then you might consider the 2014 GMC Savana Passenger. A traditional full-size van, the Savana could be just right for a small company, a little league team or a really large family. Depending on which body style you select, this GMC can transport anywhere from eight to 15 passengers or be used to tow nearly 10,000 pounds when properly equipped.
Direct rivals to the Savana are few, and include its virtually identical Chevy Express cousin and the 2014 Ford E-Series Wagon. Their basic architecture is similar (a large, snub-nosed box on wheels), but the GM vans offer more engine choices, including a compressed natural gas (CNG)-powered V8 as well as a powerful diesel V8. Available all-wheel drive is another plus.
But if you're willing to break with tradition, a couple of other choices offer compelling advantages. The 2014 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter offers superior maneuverability, refinement and fuel economy. Yes, it's priced higher but it also offers a high-roof option that opens up significantly more space for adults to walk upright inside the van. There's also the 2014 Nissan NV, which also has a high-top roof option plus a more modern design than the GMC. You could also consider the 2014 Ram ProMaster, which is a new Fiat-built van offering plenty of interior room.
The 2014 GMC Savana is part of a vehicle lineup that was last redesigned nearly two decades ago. As such, this passenger van is undeniably dated compared with those aforementioned, more modern and more space-efficient rivals. Still, GMC's capable workhorse represents a viable and affordable option for those who need to transport large groups of people and maybe even tow a heavy trailer, too.
Performance & mpg
The 2014 GMC Savana offers no fewer than five different powertrains.
The 1500 series features a 5.3-liter V8 engine making 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. The EPA's estimated fuel economy with either drivetrain is 14 mpg combined (13 mpg city/17 mpg highway).
The rear-drive-only 2500 and 3500 series get a standard 4.8-liter V8 with 285 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque. A 6.0-liter V8 engine generating 342 hp and 373 lb-ft is optional, as is a CNG-powered 6.0-liter V8 that makes 282 hp and 320 lb-ft. All these engines are mated to a six-speed automatic transmission. Fuel economy with the 4.8-liter is 13 mpg combined (11 mpg city/17 mpg highway) in the 2500 and 3500, while the 6.0-liter gas engine earns 13 mpg combined (11 mpg city/16 mpg highway) in the 2500 and 12 mpg combined (11 mpg city/16 mpg highway) in the 3500.
The 3500 series additionally offers an optional turbocharged 6.6-liter diesel V8 (also matched to a six-speed automatic) that puts out 260 hp and 525 lb-ft. The diesel engine is the more fuel-efficient engine of the two big V8s, but mpg estimates are not available because the EPA doesn't rate vehicles that weigh more than 6,000 pounds.
Properly equipped, a Savana 3500 can tow a maximum of 10,000 pounds.
Safety
All 2014 GMC Savana passenger vans come fitted with antilock brakes, side curtain airbags and stability control as standard equipment. A rear vision camera, rear parking sensors and OnStar emergency communications are available as options.
Driving
Although the full-size passenger van class is a small one, the 2014 GMC Savana doesn't quite meet the current standards set by the Sprinter and NV. While the Savana is certainly capable of moving large groups of people given its strong available V8 engines, it's not as civilized to drive around town, as it doesn't steer, handle or ride as well as those two rivals. It's not a bad choice if cost is the primary consideration, but this van feels outdated, especially in crowded urban environments where it will likely spend most of its working life.
Interior
Eight passengers can sit in the standard 1500-series Savana vans, while 12 people can fit in the standard 2500 and 3500 models. The long-wheelbase version of the 3500 can be fitted with an extra bench seat, which allows it to carry 15 people.
Controls are simple and easy to use, but there is a lot of hard plastic trim, and even basic features like carpeting are left on the options list. Legroom for the driver and front passenger is limited by the engine cowling that sticks out from the dashboard. Rear legroom is sufficient, but the standard roof height makes it hard for those in the back to get in and out without ducking.
2014 GMC Savana models
The 2014 GMC Savana is a full-size passenger van offered in basic LS and well-equipped LT trim levels. There are three different load ratings available: 1500 and heavy-duty 2500 and 3500. All three are offered in the standard-wheelbase (135 inches) configuration, which 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 come with 16- or 17-inch steel wheels, rear privacy glass, passenger-side swing-out doors, full power accessories, front air-conditioning, vinyl upholstery, rubber floor covering, OnStar and a two-speaker AM/FM sound system.
The LT trim adds chrome exterior trim, keyless entry, rear air-conditioning and heating, cloth upholstery, full-length carpeting, cruise control, a trip computer, a tilt-only steering wheel and visor vanity mirrors.
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, rear parking sensors, a sliding side door, a towing package, six-way power front seats, remote ignition, Bluetooth, a navigation system and an upgraded sound system with a CD player, a USB/iPod interface and satellite radio. Also available is a rearview camera with a display mounted either inside the rearview mirror or on the navigation system's screen (if so equipped).
Consumer reviews
Read what other owners think about the Used 2014 GMC Savana.
5 star(54%)
4 star(38%)
3 star(8%)
2 star(0%)
1 star(0%)
26 reviews
Most helpful consumer reviews
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.
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 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 2014 GMC Savana, so we've included reviews for other years of the Savana since its last redesign.
2014 Savana Highlights
Van
LS 1500
Base MSRP | $30,970 |
---|---|
Engine Type | Flex-fuel (ffv) |
Combined MPG | 14 MPG |
Cost to Drive | $264/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
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%
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