The 2011 GMC Savana passenger van is designed to move people from one place to another in relative comfort. The wide range of engine choices available on these versatile vans may be one reason for their overwhelming success; buyers can choose the base level 4.8-liter V-8 or upgrade to the 5.3-liter or 6.0-liter flex-fueled V-8 engines. The available 6.6-liter turbodiesel V-8 offers superior fuel economy in a solid, reliable package.
With ample room for up to fifteen passengers, the 2011 GMC Savana passenger van is designed for functionality over luxury.
Conclusions
Among the limited choices in the large passenger van marketplace, the 2011 GMC Savana is one of the high points and provides reliable transportation for a variety of personal and commercial uses.
The 2011 GMC Savana passenger van receives a few updates for 2011, the most notable being the new 6.6-liter Duramax V8 turbodiesel. Also arriving this year are 4.8-liter V8 engine availability for the 2500 series van, OnStar upgrades, optional satellite radio, Bluetooth, a USB port and a heavy-duty locking rear differential.
Now in its 16th year, the current-generation GMC Savana passenger van continues to evolve, carrying over the LS and LT trim levels, which offer seating for up to 15 passengers. Both rear- and all-wheel-drive variants are available, and they come rated in half-ton 1500 and heavy-duty 2500/3500 variants. For fans of engine power, the Savana offers the highest-output gas and diesel engines in the segment.
Body Styles, Trim Levels, and Options
The 2011 GMC Savana full-size passenger van is offered in basic LS and well-equipped LT trim levels. The regular-length version with its 115-inch wheelbase is available in half-ton 1500 trim and heavy-duty 2500 and 3500 series with seating for eight to 12 passengers. Base LS models are modestly equipped and fleet-oriented with 16- or 17-inch steel wheels, 12-passenger seating, passenger-side swing-out doors, front air-conditioning, vinyl upholstery, rubber floor covering and an AM/FM stereo.
The 2011 GMC Savana offers four different powertrains depending on payload rating. The 1500 series features a 5.3-liter V8 with 310 hp and 334 lb-ft of torque, backed by a four-speed automatic transmission and standard rear-wheel drive or available AWD.
The 6.0-liter V8 is standard on rear-drive-only 3500 series models, and a 6.6-liter turbodiesel V8 putting out 260 hp and 525 lb-ft of torque is optional. GMC Savana passenger vans feature standard antilock disc brakes, stability control, traction control, OnStar communications and head curtain side-impact airbags for the first three rows of seating.
The GMC Savana's cabin is definitely geared for function over form. Rear passengers fare better, with the optional 60/40-split driver-side doors making access to the rear seats much easier.
Eight-passenger seating is standard on 1500 models, while 12-passenger seating is included on 2500 and 3500 series vans. A 15-passenger configuration is available on the extended-wheelbase 3500.
GMC Savana offers a choice of five engines. The base engine for light-duty Savana Cargo models is the 4.3L V-6 with multi-port fuel injection. E85 comprises 85 percent ethanol, a renewable fuel produced domestically.
Strong engine cradles and mounting systems complement the quiet features of the engine. The engine family was validated under extreme conditions, with the 6.0L engine dynamometer-tested to the equivalent of 200,000 miles – 50,000 miles more than other engines in the family. The engines also feature many long-life engine components that can reduce maintenance intervals and costs.
