2020 GMC Savana Review
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2020 GMC Savana Review
byTravis Langness
Reviews Editor
Travis Langness has worked in the automotive industry since 2011. He has written thousands of car-related articles and tested and reviewed hundreds of vehicles over the course of his career.
Pros
- Three available engines all 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
- A new torque converter for the optional diesel engine's eight-speed automatic
- Part of the first Savana generation introduced for 1996
Overview
The 2020 GMC Savana is a passenger van that values utility over all else. The Savana's underpinnings are body-on-frame rather than unibody, making it the only van left on the market with that setup (aside from its twin brother, the Chevy Express). That setup, however, sacrifices comfort, leaving passengers with a stiff, bumpy ride. On the inside, the interior is cheap and dated. There aren't any roof-height options to choose from like you get from more recently redesigned rivals.
Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2020 GMC Savana LT 3500 3dr Ext 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 Virginia.
Monthly estimates based on costs in Virginia
Not Available
Savana LT 3500
vs
$298/mo
Avg. Midsize Van
If you're looking for sheer capability, though, the 2020 Savana stands out for its available 12- and 15-passenger seating configurations (thanks to two body lengths). The heavy-duty underpinnings also mean it's capable of towing as much as 9,600 pounds. And depending on configuration, you can take the rear seats out and you've got 255 cubic feet of cargo space. The 2020 GMC Savana is lacking in the modern-charm department, but it makes up for some of its drawbacks with a bit of brute force and some old-school tenacity.
Which Savana does Edmunds recommend?
Since there are a wide variety of configurations available on the Savana, it's best to choose based on your needs first, then your desired equipment. For maximum towing, we recommend the optional 6.0-liter V8 engine. From there, if additional cargo or passenger space is a priority, you can upgrade to the extended-wheelbase model. And finally, for trim-level selection, we recommend the LT for its added convenience and safety features.
2020 GMC Savana models
The 2020 GMC Savana is available in 2500 and 3500 load ratings. The 2500 is short-wheelbase only, while the 3500 is available in a short or long wheelbase and has a higher GVWR. The longer wheelbase also means that 3500 increases seating capacity from 12 to 15 passengers. All Savanas come with a choice of three engines: