2015 GMC Savana Review
2015 GMC Savana Review
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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
- Powerful, durable V8 engines
- variety of passenger configurations
- strong towing capacity.
Cons
- Thirstier, less spacious and rougher riding than newer full-size vans
- cheap cabin plastics.
What’s new
The smallest version of the GMC Savana (the 1500 series) is dropped for 2015, leaving the remaining Savana 2500 and 3500 lineup available only in rear-wheel-drive configurations. A 120-volt power outlet is now standard and a few new digital radio choices are available as optional extras.
Edmunds says
The full-size 2015 GMC Savana van is one of the more versatile and functional passenger vehicles on the road, but it's outdated compared with fresher, more user-friendly rivals.
Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2015 GMC Savana LS 2500 3dr Van (4.8L 8cyl 6A) 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
$307/mo for Savana LS 2500
Savana LS 2500
vs
$305/mo
Avg. Midsize Van
Vehicle overview
For years, GMC has had a durable and affordable answer for families, community groups and tradespeople needing to transport large numbers of passengers or tow substantial loads: the Savana full-size van. It has all the traditional attributes you'd expect that give it the ability to haul just about anything you need, including eight to 15 passengers and payloads of nearly 3,500 pounds. It can also tow cargo weighing up to 10,000 pounds.
None of these are small tasks, and the 2015 GMC Savana is one of the few remaining multipurpose vans based on the tough, body-on-frame mechanicals of a pickup truck. The Savana also comes exclusively with V8 engine choices (two gasoline, one diesel), which give it plenty of pulling power (but it suffers in the fuel economy department as a result). General Motors also offers the nearly identical Chevrolet Express, but most of the 2015 Savana's competitors are newer vans that follow the European model of a tall-roof layout to maximize interior volume (while offering headroom for those moving around inside) and unit-body construction, which cuts weight to improve efficiency, payload and towing capacity. These newer vans also use smaller engines, which reduces fuel consumption.
Among this new-age breed of work vans, you'll find the 2015 Ford Transit and 2015 Ram ProMaster City. They offer multiple roof height configurations (though for the Ram, only on the cargo version) and provide a superior foundation for commercial upfits. If excellent maneuverability and road manners are priorities, you can't go wrong with the 2015 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter, which also has an available high-roof layout. Another relatively recent addition to the full-size van market is the 2015 Nissan NV, which also offers a space-efficient interior but not a diesel engine option.
If you compare the choices, the 2015 GMC Savana is undoubtedly going to look and feel behind the times. On the upside, the rugged underpinnings of the Savana have stood the test of time. The big GMC represents a potential bargain if you need a workhorse van and aren't picky about details and amenities.
Performance & mpg
Both the 2500 and the 3500 series versions of the 2015 GMC Savana get a standard 4.8-liter V8 engine with 285 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque. A 6.0-liter V8 engine generating 329 hp and 373 lb-ft is optional, as is a compressed natural gas (CNG)-fueled variant of the 6.0-liter V8 that makes 282 hp and 320 lb-ft. All three are paired to a six-speed automatic transmission that sends power to the rear wheels.
EPA estimated fuel economy with the 4.8-liter V8 (in the 2500 and 3500) is 13 mpg combined (11 city/17 highway). The 6.0-liter gas engine in the 2500 earns 13 mpg combined (11/16) as well, but drops to 12 mpg combined (11/16) in the 3500.
Available only in the Savana 3500 series is a 6.6-liter turbocharged diesel V8 (also matched to a six-speed automatic) that generates 260 hp and 525 lb-ft of torque. The diesel engine is likely the more fuel-efficient of the two big V8s, but given the diesel's added weight, 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 2015 GMC Savana passenger vans come fitted with antilock brakes, side curtain airbags (for the first three rows of seating), traction and stability control and a six-month subscription to OnStar's emergency communications service as standard equipment. A rearview camera and rear parking sensors are available as options.
Driving
Even the standard-wheelbase 2015 GMC Savana is a large vehicle, and it drives like one. Thanks to the van's blunt nose, though, the grille is usefully close to the driver, and this helps in positioning the front of the van and seeing the front wheels. Still, tidy handling and accurate steering are not top priorities for the Savana, so it's more work to drive than some of the newer vans you might consider. All of the V8 engines are responsive, though, and easily deliver the van to highway speeds even with a full load of passengers or heavy cargo onboard.
Interior
If carrying passengers is the chief priority, the standard-length 2015 GMC Savana accommodates a minimum of eight and up to 12 passengers. The long-wheelbase version of the 3500 can be fitted with an extra bench that seats three more, for a total of 15 riders.
Driver controls are simple and easy to use but cabin comfort suffers due to a dated design and a focus on functionality rather than 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. Cloth upholstery and carpeting are available on all versions, but you won't find luxuries like leather upholstery or heated seats.
Rear passengers will find the bench seats at a comfortable height and there's enough space between them to make for decent legroom, but the Savana's low roof necessitates hunching over to move between front and rear, and using the seatbelts can be a hassle.
2015 GMC Savana models
The 2015 GMC Savana is a full-size passenger van offered in two trim levels: LS and LT. There are two heavy-duty load ratings offered, the Savana 2500 and 3500. The standard wheelbase of 135 inches is available for both the 2500 and 3500, while the 155-inch wheelbase is reserved only for the 3500 series Savana. Twelve-passenger seating is standard across the board, but eight- and 15-passenger configurations are also available.
Base LS models come with 16-inch steel wheels, rear privacy glass, passenger-side swing-out doors, power windows and locks, a trip computer, front air-conditioning, a 120-volt power outlet, vinyl upholstery, rubber floor covering, GM's OnStar telematics service and a two-speaker AM/FM radio with the ability to play MP3 files.
The LT adds chrome exterior trim, keyless entry, rear air-conditioning and heating, cloth upholstery, full-length carpeting, cruise control, 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 heated mirrors, rear parking sensors, a sliding side door, six-way power front seats, remote ignition, Bluetooth phone connectivity, an AM/FM stereo that includes a USB port, an upgraded sound system with six speakers, auxiliary input jacks and satellite radio, and a premium audio system with a CD/DVD player, USB port and integrated navigation. Also available are an engine block heater, a heavy-duty trailering package and a rearview camera (with a display mounted either on the rearview mirror or on the navigation system's screen).
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 2015 GMC Savana.
5 star(52%)
4 star(41%)
3 star(7%)
2 star(0%)
1 star(0%)
27 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 2015 GMC Savana, so we've included reviews for other years of the Savana since its last redesign.
2015 Savana Highlights
Van
LS 2500
Base MSRP Excludes Destination Fee | $32,190 |
---|---|
Engine Type | Flex-fuel (ffv) |
Combined MPG | 13 MPG |
Cost to Drive | $307/month |
Seating | 12 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 Rollover29.2%
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