The GMC Savana is the passenger version of the Savana commercial van lineup. It hasn’t changed much in the last 20 years, except to keep up with the most basic of tech and safety innovations. Rivals include the Ram ProMaster and Ford Transit lines.

What’s New for the 2023 GMC Savana

The GMC Savana carries over unchanged. Like the related Chevrolet Express, the Savana rides on a design that’s about two decades old. Over the years, the GMC and Chevy commercial van twins have received just enough updates to keep them viable, but more modern and efficient competitors make better options.

Design

The Savana is as basic a design as they come. You can choose between the 2500 and 3500 models, with the latter having higher towing and hauling potential, and the 3500 is also available in an extended wheelbase version. That extra 20 inches can help ease the transition from a 12-passenger to a 15-passenger configuration. There are windows. You can change the doors from swing-out to sliding, if you so desire. That’s about it.

Powertrain

The Savana comes standard with a 4.3-liter gas V6 engine with an eight-speed automatic transmission and rear-wheel drive (RWD), that makes 276 horsepower and 298 pound-feet of torque. A 6.6-liter gas V8 is available with a six-speed heavy-duty transmission, good for 401 hp and 464 lb-ft. Both feature a Tow/Haul mode.

Interior

The Savana passenger van offers seating for up to 15 people, depending on chosen interior configuration. Both trims, LS and LT, come standard with vinyl upholstery but can be upgraded to cloth. The 2500 model is available only in the regular wheelbase version, but the 3500 model is available as a long wheelbase version, which adds 20 inches to overall length and increases total cargo capacity from 218.5 to 255.5 cubic feet. GMC offers packages to add features such as side steps and accessibility for wheelchairs.

Technology

The 2023 GMC Savana comes standard with amenities such as an eight-point digital compass, an AM/FM radio, an MP3 player, interior and auxiliary lighting, OnStar, and a Wi-Fi hot spot. Options include a USB port, Bluetooth, and SiriusXM satellite radio. It’s worth noting that competitors, such as the Ford Transit lineup, offer more car-like technology features, such as Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility.

Safety

As is typical for commercial vehicles, such as large passenger vans, the GMC Savana does not get crash-tested by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) or the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). However, GMC fits every Savana with a reversing camera, GM’s OnStar telematics system, hill-start assist, and a tire-pressure monitoring system. GMC also offers forward-collision warning, lane-departure warning, blind-spot monitoring, and rear park assist.

Pricing

As of this writing, GMC lists pricing for the 2023 Savana van lineup starting at an MSRP of $44,095 for the 2500 Regular Wheelbase model. The 3500 Regular Wheelbase model starts at $45,295, and the 3500 Extended Wheelbase starts at $46,095. There aren’t any especially expensive packages or options, though upfits and performance upgrades will quickly add to the bottom line.