Now in its 14th year of production, the 2010 GMC Savana still attracts those who need a full-size, 8- to 15-passenger van that’s long on power, performance, and value, but a tad short on fuel economy, standard and optional creature comforts, and build quality. Two basic trim levels, the LS and LT, characterize the 2010 Savana, with each available in 1500, 2500, and 3500 sub-trims. Both the LS and LT are also available in all-wheel drive (AWD) and 15-passenger extended versions. Each trim comes with three passenger doors and double swing-out rear cargo doors, with cargo capacity for the carryover 2010 Savana passenger van remaining a capacious 217.3 cubic feet without the rear seats.

Two engines, both V8s, are available with the 2010 GMC Savana passenger van. Standard in 1500 trims is a 5.3-liter V8 that, in combination with its five-speed automatic transmission, puts out 310 hp at 5,200 rpm and 325 lb-ft of torque at 4,500 rpm, while getting an EPA-estimated 13/16 mpg. The 5.3-liter V8 is also available in an E85-capable Flex Fuel version with identical performance numbers. The 2010 Savana 2500 and 3500 trims are equipped with a standard 6.0-liter V8 that’ll pound down 323 hp at 4,600 rpm and 373 lb-ft of torque at 4,400 rpm with its accompanying six-speed automatic transmission. As of yet, no mileage figures are available for the 6.0-liter V8, but it’s claimed to tow up to 7,800 pounds when properly equipped. Both the five-speed and six-speed transmissions feature electronic overdrive and a tow/haul mode.

Standard appearance, comfort, and convenience features for the 2010 GMC Savana LS trims include 16-inch steel wheels for the 2500 and 3500 trims, 17-inchers for the 1500 trims, front bucket seats, air conditioning, tinted rear windows, and an AM/FM stereo with two speakers. The LT trim level adds a chrome grille and exterior accents, rear-seat climate control, power windows and door locks, remote keyless entry, and tilt-wheel steering, all of which are optional for LS trims. Options for both trims include a 6-CD changer, sliding passenger door, power heated exterior mirrors, cruise control, a sliding rear passenger door, upgraded chrome appearance packages, and a Trailering Equipment Package. The LT trims also offer an available leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob, as well as upgraded rims.

Seating configurations for the 2010 GMC Savana vary by trim, with the 1500 regular-length trims seating eight passengers in three rows, the 2500 and 3500 regular-length trims designed with four-row seating for 12, and the 155-inch-wheelbase extended versions delivered with five rows of seating, enough for 15 passengers.

Safety-wise, the 2010 GMC Savana passenger van is equipped with four-wheel disc ABS, traction and stability control, daytime running lights, dual front airbags, and supplemental head curtain airbags for the first three rows of seating. Special tempered glass protects passengers in the last row or two of seats in those trims so equipped.

Though few owner reviews seem to be available for the ’09 GMC Savana, those that are present a significant difference of opinion. Virtually all owners agree that the ’09 Savana is a gas hog, with two or three mentioning poor acceleration from a stop with the 5.3-liter V8. Build quality and materials are also called into question with the ’09 Savana. However, roominess, decent handling, and AWD availability, as well as V8 power and performance, keep drivers coming back to the GMC Savana.