The GMC Savana Cargo van has been chugging along mostly unchanged for more than two decades. Rivals include the Ford Transit and the Ram ProMaster, both of which are newer and more customizable.

What’s New for the 2023 GMC Savana Cargo

For 2023, the GMC Savana Cargo carries over like the time-traveler that it is, nearly the same since its 2003 debut except for some minor tech updates as the years rolled by. The Savana Cargo and its sibling, the Chevrolet Express Cargo, keep things simple, even as competitors offer newer technology, more options for customization, and more comfort features. Think of the Savana Cargo as a blank slate for a basic work van.

Design

The Savana Cargo is available in 2500 and 3500 configurations, and in regular wheelbase and extended wheelbase models. Unlike some competitors, the Savana Cargo is not available with a tall roof option. The design is simple, with slab sides and simple cargo doors, though it can be upfitted with packages that make it suitable for use as an ambulance, a hotel shuttle, or other specialized form of transport, such as handicap-accessible transportation.

Powertrain

The 2023 Savana Cargo comes standard with a 4.3-liter V6 engine rated for 276 horsepower and 298 pound-feet of torque. There’s also a 6.6-liter V8 rated for 401 hp and 464 lb-ft of torque. For more grunt, GMC offers a 2.8-liter Duramax turbodiesel four-cylinder engine rated for 181 hp and 369 lb-ft of torque. Transmission options are an eight-speed automatic and a six-speed heavy-duty automatic. Upgraded alternators are available, and towing capacity maxes out at 9,900 pounds when properly equipped.

Interior

Don’t expect anything especially comfortable, and certainly nothing glamorous. The base Savana Cargo seats two passengers on vinyl upholstery, though it can be configured with five seats, cloth upholstery, a leather-trimmed steering wheel, and air conditioning in the cargo area. The upfit packages bring more options, including different interior trim and seating configurations for specific purposes.

Technology

Similarly, the GMC Savana Cargo is light on the technology and infotainment features. GMC outfits the Savana Cargo with an AM/FM radio and OnStar. Features such as keyless entry, remote start, USB ports, and Bluetooth are available, but they will cost extra. Some rivals in the segment offer features like touchscreen interfaces with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration, but you won’t find any of that here.

Safety

Commercial vehicles don’t get tested for crash resistance, so you won’t find any ratings from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) or the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) here. GMC does supply a reversing camera and OnStar in the Savana Cargo, but other features, including lane-departure warning, rear parking assist, forward-collision warning, and blind-spot monitoring, come at an extra charge.

Pricing

As of this writing, GMC lists pricing for the 2023 Savana Cargo van lineup as follows: The 2500 Regular Wheelbase model has an MSRP of $39,895, with the 2500 Extended Wheelbase priced at $41,795. Moving up to the 3500 models, the Regular Wheelbase starts at $42,995, and the Extended Wheelbase starts at $43,795.