2012 GMC Savana Total Car Score Analysis

The 2012 GMC Savana didn’t receive enough reviews to earn a valid Total Car Score, but those critics who did weigh in found a lot to like about it.  
 
There’s a market for which a minivan, SUV, crossover or four-door pickup just won’t get the job done. A fullsize van is still the best option, and the Savana delivers the goods (bad pun intended).  
 
With a diverse choice of powertrains (including a Duramax diesel and AWD), a choice of two wheelbase lengths and the ability to carry a small army, you can customize a Savana to handle just about any chore. And since its bow-tie-wearing cousin outsells the Savana by about three to one, there’s exclusivity in owning one, too.  
 
The media did point out, though, that the Savana is aging -- its last facelift happened nearly a decade ago -- and two upstart import vans are making the GMC look even older. The imports do still have some issues to work out (one is pricey, the other is a cargo van only), so the Savana remains a sound choice.  
 
The 2012 GMC Savana moves into the new model year unchanged except for a new Wheatland Yellow exterior color.

2012 GMC Savana Model Line-Up

The 2012 GMC Savana is available in passenger and cargo models; regular and extended wheelbases; and 1500, 2500 and 3500 weight classes.  
 
Passenger models can hold from eight to 15 people and are offered in LS and LT trim. Standard equipment includes 60/40-split side doors, air conditioning and vinyl upholstery. LT models are fitted with cloth upholstery, remote keyless entry, rear A/C and heater and power windows.  
 
Savana 1500 models are powered by a 5.3-liter V8 producing 310 horsepower and 334 pound-feet of torque. The standard 2500 and 3500 engine is a 4.8-liter V8 that makes 279 hp and 294 lb-ft. A 6.0-liter V8, delivering 324 hp and 373 lb-ft, is optional, as is a 6.6-liter Duramax turbodiesel V8 (for 3500 models only) that makes 260 hp and 525 lb-ft. The small V8s are mated to four-speed automatic transmissions, while the 6.0 and the Duramax have six-speed automatics. Rear-wheel drive is the standard driveline, though AWD is an option on 1500 models.  
 
Fuel economy ranges from 13 mpg city, 18 highway and 15 combined for a 2WD 1500 to 10/14/11 for a 3500 cargo version with the 6.0.  
 
Properly equipped, the 2012 GMC Savana can tow up to 9,900 pounds.

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