Overview
Haul a dozen passengers or tow nearly five tons – the 2024 GMC Savana Passenger tackles both tasks with ease. It boasts one of the most spacious interiors on the market, comfortably seating up to 15 with ample elbow room. Renowned for its durability and simple repairs, the Savana excels as a fleet vehicle, logging countless miles with minimal downtime. While the cabin prioritizes functionality over creature comforts, its truck-like towing capabilities outshine many competitors. The heavy-duty platform and 276-hp V6 powertrain can tackle any job, making it a great workhorse van. A burly V8 is available. However, the Savana's design hails from a bygone era, lacking the advanced tech and fuel efficiency of newer rivals. Despite its shortcomings, the Savana remains one of the toughest vans available.
Positives
Seats up to 15 passengers comfortably. Ample in-cabin storage. Renowned for heavy-duty reliability.
Considerations
Outdated interior design. Limited driver-assistance features. No all-wheel-drive option available.
Verdict
A stalwart of the passenger van segment, the GMC Savana Passenger offers impressive space, towing capacity, and durability. However, its aging platform means it lags behind rivals in technology and refinement.
What's New for 2024
The 2024 GMC Savana Passenger sees minimal changes for the new model year.
Trims and Pricing
The 2024 GMC Savana Passenger comes in two trims: LS and LT.
LS
Starting at $46,795 (including destination fee), the LS offers seating for 12, vinyl upholstery, power windows, manual air conditioning, Wi-Fi hotspot, and a full-size spare tire. An extended wheelbase option provides additional cargo space and 15-passenger capacity. Upgrading the standard 2500 platform to the heavier-duty 3500 frame increases payload capacity.
LT
Priced at $48,895, the LT adds cloth upholstery, lane-departure warning, anti-theft system, remote keyless entry, and floor mats. Optional features include cruise control, leather-wrapped steering wheel, trailering equipment, remote start, blind-spot monitoring, and forward-collision warning.
Engine and Performance
The base engine is a 4.3-liter V6 making 276 horsepower and 298 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and rear-wheel drive. An optional 6.6-liter V8 bumps output to 401 horsepower and 464 lb-ft of torque, mated to a six-speed automatic transmission. While towing capacity reaches a maximum of 9,600 pounds when properly equipped, fuel economy is expected to be lower than competitors due to the larger engines.
Fuel Economy
The EPA does not provide official fuel economy ratings for the Savana Passenger.
Interior
The GMC Savana Passenger features a utilitarian cabin reminiscent of older vans. The durable plastic dashboard offers numerous cup holders and storage compartments. Excellent outward visibility enhances maneuverability. While lacking a modern infotainment system and featuring a basic audio system, the Savana prioritizes passenger comfort with spacious seating and optional cloth upholstery. Cargo space is another strong point, with up to 255.5 cubic feet of space with the rear row removed.
Infotainment and Connectivity
GMC doesn't equip the Savana Passenger with an infotainment system, denying passengers access to navigation and smartphone integration features like Apple CarPlay. Instead, it comes with a fairly straightforward radio, with an auxiliary audio input, satellite radio, and a Wi-Fi hotspot. The two-speaker audio system might leave some wanting more.
Safety
Neither NHTSA nor IIHS evaluate full-size vans. The base Savana LS includes a backup camera, while the LT adds forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and lane-departure warning. Optional features include blind-spot monitoring and forward-collision warning. Compared to rivals, the Savana offers a limited selection of driver-assistance technologies, lacking features like adaptive cruise control, a surround-view camera, and lane-keeping assist.
GMC Savana Passenger vs. the Competition
The GMC Savana Passenger and its twin, the Chevrolet Express Passenger, are the segment veterans. This has opened the door for competition from several rivals. The Ford Transit Passenger Wagon offers a more modern and comfortable driving experience with a smoother ride, car-like handling, and advanced technology. For those seeking ultimate luxury, the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter Passenger Van caters to those needs, but at a significantly higher price point.
TrueCar Expert Review Methodology
TrueCar works with a select group of automotive industry experts who test-drive nearly 300 vehicles per year. TrueCar's experts grade the vehicles on key attributes including driving dynamics, comfort, interior design, technology, storage, and efficiency. Our experts also judge recent model updates, pricing and value, trims, options, comparable vehicles, and safety assessments (as provided by the NHTSA and IIHS) to inform their recommendations and help car shoppers choose a vehicle that is right for them.
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