How Long Is A GMC Savana?

There's no better full-sized van that's engineered to haul cargo, tow trailers, and transport large groups of people than the passenger-cargo vans in the GMC Savana family. While GMC Savanas models like GMC Savana 2500, GMC Savana 3500, and GMC Savana 3500 extended are packed full of exciting features, their dimensions alone tell a lot about what you can expect from your driving experience. Anxious to know how long a GMC Savana is? We did the research to bring you the answer.

With the latest Series of the GMC Savana 2500, you'll have a full-size cargo van that's 135-inch wheelbase and 224 inches long. The GMC Savana 3500 is 224.1 inches long and 135.2-inch wheelbase, whereas the GMC Savana 3500 extended is 243.9 inches long and 155.1- inch wheelbase.

When you step inside the GMC Savana, the first thing you'll probably notice is a roomy interior with a generous amount of cargo space and seating that can comfortably fit up to 15 passengers. But, of course, these are only a few specs about GMC Savana's dimensions, so read on as we discuss them further!

A GMC dealership photographed outside, How Long Is A GMC Savana?

How Long Is A GMC Savana?

The vehicle is more capable than you might think when it comes to its dimension and performance specs—keeping reading to learn more about the car's dimensions and find out if this is appropriate for your needs and exceeds your expectations.

As we stated above, if you are interested in a GMC Savana van with the most room, then the 3500 extended version is your best bet. The 3500 extended version has 243.9 inches of overall length, whereas the regular 3500 is 224.1 inches and 2500 has 224 inches of length, respectively.

The GMC Savana 3500 extended is a good choice for consumers who need more commercial space. That extra 19 inches does make a difference when you need to haul a lot of equipment! 

GMC Savana Cargo Space Dimensions

The length of a vehicle makes a big difference in its interior cargo space. In the front of the GMC Savana, you can enjoy impressive legroom of up to 41.3 inches and headroom of 39.8 inches. Rear passengers can enjoy a 38.4-inch headroom and a 36.3 legroom.

With a shoulder room of up to 69 inches and a total passenger volume of 108.1 cubic feet, it's no wonder that even tall adults can comfortably fit in the GMC Savana.

The GMC Savana's cargo space is also quite generous, offering as much as 286.6 cubic feet. Savana cargo vans come raw, with bare cargo areas for easy customization to fit your needs. GMC Savana promises some shelving and other storage options, including sliding side doors or swing-out doors.

How Does The GMC Savana Differ From Other Cargo Vans?

Unlike modern cargo vans, all GMC Savanas come with an available passenger-side door or loading door on the passenger side to make side unloading or loading easy and efficient.

In addition, you can brighten up your ride with a swing-out window glass, which keeps the Savana Passenger van well ventilated. From rugged off-road trails to tight parking lots, all the GMC Savana Models are designed to help you stay moving and productive on any job.

This fully-sized van stands 84.5 inches tall to help you get over bumpy or steep terrain. In addition, the ground clearance of about 8.8 inches gives this van a front and rear track of 68.1 and 67.7 inches, respectively.

With that kind of balance, Tow or Haul Mode, All-Wheel Drive, and StabiliTrak electronic stability control system, you can expect a GMC Savana to maintain traction on the road, even on slick surfaces.

What is the longest Cargo Van?

The longest cargo van is the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 2500 High Roof 170 Extended Wheelbase, which has an impressive interior length of 193.9 inches (16 feet 1.9 inches).

The second largest was a shorter version that doesn't have an extended wheelbase, and it measured just one foot 3.7 in less than this model!

Just because one cargo van is bigger than another doesn't mean it is better. You have to consider what you are going to be using the van for. For example, the Mercedes-Benz sprinter van is used for camper conversion because they are so large.

The GMC Savana and Chevy Express will serve you better for transporting passengers and using it as a commercial vehicle. They are easier to park in tight places and, of course, in your driveway.

What Is The Largest Cargo Van?

We know that the GMC Savana van has a spacious cabin, thanks to its length. However, we know it's not the longest, so does that mean it's not the largest cargo van either?

A huge blue colored Mercedes Benz Metris moving on the highway

Unfortunately, the Mercedes-Benz sprinter van wins this category again. The Mercedes-Benz Sprinter Cargo Van is the largest cargo van that provides 530 cubic feet of livable space. This makes it a great choice for anyone who needs to transport large items or lots of people in their vehicle at once.

What is the difference between a GMC Savana 2500 and 3500?

The main quantifiable difference between a GMC Savana 2500 and 3500 is overall cargo space and length. A GMC Savana 2500 van has an overall length of 224 inches, whereas the GMC Savana 3500 has a total length of 224.1 inches.

Furthermore, regarding overall cargo space, a GMC Savana 2500 has a total cargo volume of 239.7 cubic feet, whereas a GMC Savana 3500 promises a total cargo volume of 284.4 cubic feet.

Other than that, the two vehicles greatly differ when it comes to Payload Capacity. For instance, a GMC Savana 2500 has a maximum payload of 3247 pounds.

On the other hand, a GMC Savana 3500 boasts a payload of 4120 pounds. Additionally, Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) on a GMC Savana 3500 is significantly higher than on a GMC 2500. 

How much weight can a GMC Savana 2500 hold?

The GMC Savana 2500 boasts a gross combined weight rating (GCWR) of 8,600 pounds. The full-sized Savana van has a maximum payload of 3,280 pounds.

What kind of gas does a GMC Savana take?

The GMC Savana uses Regular Gasoline. The full-sized Savana van comes with three powerful engine options. The standard 4.8L V-8 engine, which churns out 285 horsepower and delivers up to 295 lb-ft of torque, and an available 6.0L V-8, produces 342 horsepower and 373 lb-ft of torque.

There's also a 2.8L Duramax turbocharged Di 4-cylinder diesel engine, making 181 horsepower and 369 lb-ft of torque. Besides the diesel engine, any of the GMC Savana gas engines can take regular gas!

However, if you often tow with your Savana, it might not hurt to use better fuel. This is due to the engine needing cleaner fuel to perform in high-stress situations. 

Is a GMC Savana a commercial vehicle?

Yes, the GMC Savana is a commercial vehicle. Designed specifically for commercial purposes, the GMC Savana can be purchased in either passenger or cargo versions.

In addition, the interior design of the full-sized van is hugely customizable. This allows drivers to choose between bench and bucket seats or remove the back seats for commercial purposes or even a camper conversion!

The Savana Cargo Van promises plenty of space for all your tools or other work accessories. This is because it has an impressive total cargo volume (wheelbase) of 239.7 cubic feet! For added security, GMC Savana cargo vans can be equipped with Side Door Security Grilles.

Is GMC Savanas reliable?

GMC Savana boasts stellar reliability ratings, as per thousands of owners on several different platforms. A GMC Savana is an exquisite van, which can be regarded as slightly above average.

It boasts a 3.0 out of 5.0 reliability rating (above average), according to RepairPal. On carproblemzoo, over 500 complaints have been reported about GMC Savanas since 1996.

However, with proper driving habits and regular maintenance, a GMC Savana can last between 250,000 to 300,000 miles before it requires significant upgrades. GMC Savana can also stay rust-free for more than eight years.

If you live in areas where salt is on the roads during winter or a Salt Belt region, you might need to invest in an anti-rust coating. The GMC Savana batteries or tires can last for about 3 to 6 years.

How Long Does The GMC Savana Last?

How long a GMC Savana van will last depends.  These include your driving habits, maintenance, and the condition/ climate in which the vehicle is driven.

As for the longevity of the GMC Savana transmissions and spark plugs, the vehicle can last between 100,000 to 180,000 miles before needing any repairs. In best-case scenarios, GMC Savana alternators will need to replace after about three years.

Although Savana owners have complained about a problem with the fog lights, thanks to many online resources, this is fixable. Owners reported common problems to include power steering and water pumps issues, faulty AC compressors, and power window motor replacements.

Final Thoughts

Now you know that a GMC Savana is a reliable vehicle. It offers an adequate amount of space, thanks to its length. However, when deciding between the 2500 and 3500. The GMC Savana 3500 comes out as the best horse to place your bet. The vehicle is sturdier and offers extra cargo room and payload capacity.

If you enjoyed this article on the GMC Savana cargo van; you might also like:

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Do you have a cargo van? Let us know what kind below!

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