GMC Savana Cargo

The work van has been a staple of the small-business community for decades, and the GMC Savana Cargo van has been at the heart of the van scene for nearly that long. As one of the last truck-based full-size vans you can buy, the Savana Cargo has a certain kind of rugged appeal. With its optional diesel and big V8 engines, the Savana can out-tow anything else in its class.

But even in the world of work vans, time has marched on. Ford ditched its equally iconic Econoline van in 2014 and replaced it with the far more modern and versatile Transit. Featuring more efficient engines, all-wheel drive and different roof heights, the Transit holds the upper hand in nearly every category. The same goes for Ram's ProMaster Cargo Van, which is more maneuverable and offers more configurations than the Savana. But if you take comfort in the familiar, the GMC Savana still has a lot to offer.

Which Savana Cargo does MatoCar recommend?

However you plan to use the Savana Cargo — and yes, even if it's just going to be a prop for your cosplay as a plumber or cable service technician — we recommend getting the 6.6-liter V8 engine. It gets you more grunt than the V6 or diesel four-cylinder and opens up access to many of the Savana's desirable option packages.

The 2021 GMC Savana Cargo is a full-size cargo van with two seats up front and all cargo space in the back. It's available in two load ratings: 2500 and 3500. Each can be ordered in a standard-wheelbase configuration or an extended-wheelbase configuration that provides more cargo space. All Savanas come with a choice of three engines:

A standard 4.3-liter V6 (276 horsepower, 298 lb-ft) paired to an eight-speed automatic
The new-for-2021 6.6-liter V8 (401 hp, 464 lb-ft) matched to a six-speed automatic
A 2.8-liter Duramax diesel four-cylinder engine (181 hp, 369 lb-ft) with an eight-speed automatic

GMC offers one modestly equipped trim level for the Savana Cargo: Work Van. It starts you off with:

Vinyl upholstery and single-zone manual air conditioning
Power windows and locks
60/40-split swing-out side doors
Rearview camera with an image displayed in the rearview mirror
4G LTE Wi-Fi hotspot and a 120-volt household-style power outlet
Two-speaker stereo system with AM/FM radio and an auxiliary port

Key optional equipment (available in bundled or stand-alone form) includes:

Crew Van package (adds a rear seat to increase capacity to five passengers)
Cruise control
Sliding passenger-side cargo door
Heavy-duty trailering package
Power-adjustable, heated mirrors
Rear parking sensors (alert you to obstacles that may not be visible behind the vehicle when parking)
Blind-spot monitor (alerts you if a vehicle in the next lane over is in your blind spot)
Forward collision warning (alerts you of a possible collision with the car in front)
Five-passenger seating
Rear air conditioning