2018 GMC Savana
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
2018 GMC Savana pricing
in Ashburn, VA
Which Savana does Edmunds recommend?
Edmunds' Expert Review
Overall rating
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.
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.
Trim levels & features
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.
Trim tested
Driving
Comfort
Interior
Utility
Technology
Consumer reviews
There are no consumer reviews for the 2018 GMC Savana.
Features & Specs
Safety
Our experts’ favorite Savana safety features:
- 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.
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2018 GMC Savana for Sale
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See your car's valueThe 2018 GMC Savana is a full-size passenger van that can hold more passengers than a typical minivan. Seating for 12 is standard, though a 15-passenger model is available should you decide to go for the extended-wheelbase model. The Savana highlights its versatility with multiple engines and load ratings to suit your business needs. It comes in two trims — LS and LT — each of which offers a smattering of stand-alone options.
The Savana's base LS trim doesn't offer many luxuries, but power windows and locks, air conditioning, a rearview camera, vinyl upholstery and an auxiliary audio jack are all standard. The upper-level LT trim adds a tilt-adjustable steering wheel, cruise control, chrome bumpers, cloth upholstery, rear air conditioning, and remote locking and unlocking. There's also a separate bundle that combines a touchscreen interface with navigation, Bluetooth, a CD player and a USB port. Additional upgrades include power-adjustable mirrors, satellite radio, a rearview camera, rear parking sensors and blind-spot monitoring.
By default, the rear-wheel-drive Savana is powered by a 4.3-liter V6 producing 276 horsepower and 298 pound-feet of torque. If you need increased towing capacity, consider the 6.0-liter V8 with its 341 hp and 373 lb-ft of torque. For those with an eye on monthly fuel costs, a four-cylinder diesel engine is available; it makes 181 hp and 369 lb-ft of torque. Two load ratings are available — 2500 and 3500 — and the 3500 can be ordered in an extended-wheelbase body style. This configuration allows for a larger cargo area behind the fourth row, or you can add another row of seating to accommodate a grand total of 15 passengers.
The 2018 GMC Savana is price-competitive but offers fewer customization options than rivals, and it doesn't offer a high-roof option to aid entry and exit. Finally, the Savana is extremely old compared to the rest of the class — this generation dates back to 1996 — so its dated interior lacks some of the latest entertainment and safety tech that others enjoy. If you decide that the benefits outweigh the deficiencies, use Edmunds' pricing and search tools to find the perfect Savana for you.
2018 GMC Savana Overview
The 2018 GMC Savana is offered in the following submodels: Savana Van. Available styles include LT 3500 3dr Ext Van (4.3L 6cyl 8A), LT 2500 3dr Van (4.3L 6cyl 8A), LT 3500 3dr Van (4.3L 6cyl 8A), LS 3500 3dr Van (4.3L 6cyl 8A), LS 2500 3dr Van (4.3L 6cyl 8A), and LS 3500 3dr Ext Van (4.3L 6cyl 8A).
What do people think of the 2018 GMC Savana?
Consumer ratings and reviews are also available for the 2018 GMC Savana and all its trim types. 0 Edmunds consumer reviews allow users to sift through aggregated consumer reviews to understand what other drivers are saying about any vehicle in our database. Detailed rating breakdowns (including performance, comfort, value, interior, exterior design, build quality, and reliability) are available as well to provide shoppers with a comprehensive understanding of why customers like the 2018 Savana.
Edmunds Expert Reviews
Edmunds experts have compiled a robust series of ratings and reviews for the 2018 GMC Savana and all model years in our database. Our rich content includes expert reviews and recommendations for the 2018 Savana featuring deep dives into trim levels and features, performance, mpg, safety, interior, and driving. Edmunds also offers expert ratings, road test and performance data, long-term road tests, first-drive reviews, video reviews and more.
Our Review Process
This review was written by a member of Edmunds' editorial team of expert car reviewers. Our team drives every car you can buy. We put the vehicles through rigorous testing, evaluating how they drive and comparing them in detail to their competitors.
We're also regular people like you, so we pay attention to all the different ways people use their cars every day. We want to know if there's enough room for our families and our weekend gear and whether or not our favorite drink fits in the cupholder. Our editors want to help you make the best decision on a car that fits your life.
Which 2018 GMC Savanas are available in my area?
Shop Edmunds' car, SUV, and truck listings of over 6 million vehicles to find a cheap new, used, or certified pre-owned (CPO) 2018 GMC Savana for sale near. Simply research the type of car you're interested in and then select a car from our massive database to find cheap vehicles for sale near you. Once you have identified a used vehicle you're interested in, check the Carfax and Autocheck vehicle history reports, read dealer reviews, and find out what other owners paid for the 2018 GMC Savana.
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Edmunds has deep data on over 6 million new, used, and certified pre-owned vehicles, including rich, trim-level features and specs information like: MSRP, average price paid, warranty information (basic, drivetrain, and maintenance), features (upholstery, bluetooth, navigation, heated seating, cooled seating, cruise control, parking assistance, keyless ignition, satellite radio, folding rears seats ,run flat tires, wheel type, tire size, wheel tire, sunroof, etc.), vehicle specifications (engine cylinder count, drivetrain, engine power, engine torque, engine displacement, transmission), fuel economy (city, highway, combined, fuel capacity, range), vehicle dimensions (length, width, seating capacity, cargo space), car safety, true cost to own. Edmunds also provides tools to allow shopper to compare vehicles to similar models of their choosing by warranty, interior features, exterior features, specifications, fuel economy, vehicle dimensions, consumer rating, edmunds rating, and color.
Should I lease or buy a 2018 GMC Savana?
Is it better to lease or buy a car? Ask most people and they'll probably tell you that car buying is the way to go. And from a financial perspective, it's true, provided you're willing to make higher monthly payments, pay off the loan in full and keep the car for a few years. Leasing, on the other hand, can be a less expensive option on a month-to-month basis. It's also good if you're someone who likes to drive a new car every three years or so.
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Related vehicle information
2018 GMC Savana Information
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