Used 2023 GMC Savana 3500 Cargo

The GMC Savana continues into the 2023 model year as a trusty workhorse. Alongside the Chevy Express, the Savana is the last van of its kind with a truck-like, body-on-frame construction and an available V8 engine. Every other van in this class is more modern and high-tech, namely the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter, Ford Transit, and Ram ProMaster. That said, the Savana boasts a class-leading 10,000-pound maximum tow rating and a max payload rating of 4,280. The Savana and Express also have the lowest starting prices in this segment, making them a value proposition in work vans.

A truck-like construction results in a similar driving experience. There’s nothing particularly sophisticated about the ride quality. The steering is short on feel but wide in turning circle. Then again, a new Savana is bought to get the work done, not act as a family vehicle or a fun machine.

The base V6 engine can probably please most buyers and deal with most duties for which a full-size van is employed. The optional 6.6-liter V8 will obviously use more fuel, but this is the choice if considerable power is needed.

The maximum cargo area of the Cargo van measures 283.6 cubic feet or 239.4 in the regular-length model. Between the rear wheel housings is a width of 52.47 inches, easily enough clearance for a standard pallet. And the height is 55 inches. Unlike some rivals, the Savana doesn’t offer a higher roof.

Maximum payload for a 2500 version with the standard wheelbase is 3,280 pounds. The 3500 equivalent can handle 4,280 pounds. The Mercedes-Benz Sprinter and Ford Transit can do better in the payload department, but the Savana is the class leader in towing capacity.

This is a work vehicle, so the GMC Savana doesn’t pamper its occupants or provide any eye-catching design flair. The dash has hard plastics, and the seats in the base Passenger model are covered with vinyl. The center console houses three cup holders, however.

Whether it’s a Cargo van with metal panels or a Passenger van with windows down each side, both versions have an additional passenger-side door that swings out. A sliding side door and side steps are both on the long options list. The Cargo version also offers windows for the double doors at the back.

In standard form, the GMC Savana is 224 inches long with a 135-inch wheelbase. The extended wheelbase is stretched by 20 inches, bringing the overall length to 244 inches.

Mighty V8
Along with the mechanically identical Chevy Express, the GMC Savana has the only available V8 in this class.

Class-leading towing
The GMC Savana uses old-school body-on-frame architecture and your choice of a V6 or V8 engine. It boasts a best-in-class towing capacity of up to 10,000 pounds and can carry up to 4,280 pounds of payload.

Affordable pricing
The GMC Savana is tied with the Chevy Express for the lowest starting price for a full-size van.

Safety Package
An optional Safety Package for the cargo van adds some nice creature comforts, including cruise control, a tilt steering column, blind-spot monitoring, and rear parking sensors.

LT trim
The LT trim of the passenger van makes the Savana a more modern people-hauler. It adds chrome bumpers and exterior trim, cloth seats, carpeted flooring, a deluxe console, and extra safety tech like forward collision alert and lane-departure warning.

Seats up to 15
The Savana passenger van seats up to 12 with the standard wheelbase and up to 15 with the extended wheelbase. This generous seating capacity makes the Savana a solid choice if you need more seats than a minivan can offer.

The base engine in the GMC Savana is a trustworthy 4.3-liter V6. This V6 has a max tow rating of 7,400 pounds and a payload rating of up to 4,280 pounds when properly equipped.

An optional 6.6-liter V8 producing 401 horsepower can tow up to 10,000 pounds. The V6 employs an 8-speed automatic transmission, and the V8 is linked to a 6-speed automatic.

Every GMC Savana is rear-wheel drive. Unfortunately, all-wheel-drive is not available. If AWD is a must-have feature for you, you can find it in the Ford Transit and Mercedes-Benz Sprinter.

4.3-liter V6
276 horsepower @ 5,200 rpm
298 lb-ft of torque @ 3,900 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: N/A

6.6-liter V8
401 horsepower @ 5,200 rpm
464 lb-ft of torque @ 4,000 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: N/A

3-Year/36,000-Mile Warranty

The GMC Savana is backed by a 3-year/36,000-mile basic warranty and a 5-year/60,000-mile powertrain warranty. Additionally, GMC provides complimentary maintenance for your first visit.