Heavy hauler: 2014 GMC Savana cargo van

Engineered to work hard, the full-size GMC Savana cargo van is designed to carry impressive quantities of cargo. Available in two different wheelbases; 1500 (half-ton), 2500 (three-quarter ton) and 3500 (one-ton) configurations, the Savana is the last word in the light-duty transport.

New for 2014 is the Crew Cargo Van, which offers a three-passenger rear bench seat. It is available with 2500 and 3500 models, with additional equipment including full-length black rubberized-vinyl floor covering, fixed full-body window package glass, swing-out passenger-side door, head- and side-curtain air bags and a Medium Pewter interior color. On 2500/3500 Extended Wheelbase models, it also includes rear air conditioning and auxiliary lighting.

Power for the Savana is provided by the following Vortec gasoline powerplants: 4.3L V6, 4.8L V8, 5.3L V8 and 6.0L V8. A version of the 5.3L V8 with Flexfuel E85 capability is optional. A Duramax 6.6L V8 turbo-diesel with B20 biodiesel capability is an available option for the Savana 2500/3500 models. In addition, the 6.0L V8 is also offered in a special version with hardened valve seats for the available Dedicated Compressed Natural Gas model.

Torque is delivered to the pavement through the standard four-speed Hydra-Matic 4L80 automatic transmission. The 6.0L V8 gasoline and Duramax 6.6L V8 turbo-diesel engines are bolted to a Hydra-Matic 6L90 six-speed automatic transmission. An all-wheel-drive system is available for 1500 models equipped with the 5.3L V8 engine.

The stout, full-frame underpinnings permit the application of tried and true suspension hardware -- independent short/long arm (SLA) with coil springs and a 30-mm stabilizer bar in the front; two-stage, semi-elliptic multi-leaf springs and semi floating axle in the rear.

Inside the Savana, the instrument cluster includes a comprehensive Driver Information Center that provides drivers with a wealth of information, including instructions to replace the fuel filter, clean the exhaust filter and service the air conditioning system; warnings that the transmission is hot, traction control is disengaged, the fuel level is low and a vehicle theft has been attempted; reminders that a turn signal has been left on, the gas cap has not been properly tightened and that the vehicle's top speed is limited.

Access in and out of the Savana is easy. A wide, low step-in is built into all door openings. Double doors open wide at the right side and rear to facilitate loading of both passengers and cargo.

Also, an industry-first 60/40-split left-hand side-hinged door (135-inch wb models) provides the segment's most flexible loading capability. It offers complete driver's side access to the second row seats, making loading and unloading cargo easy. The 60/40-split door also facilitates passenger entry and exit.

Dimensions & specifications

Regular wheelbase

Wheelbase: 135.0; overall length: 224.0; width: 79.2; height: 83.7

Extended wheelbase

Wheelbase: 155.0; overall length: 244.0; width: 79.2; height: 82.8

All vehicle measurements are in inches

Engine: 4.3L V6 – 195 hp at 4,600 rpm and 260 lbs-ft of torque at 2,800 rpm; 4.8L V8 – 280 hp at 5,200 rpm and 295 lbs-ft of torque at 4,600 rpm; 5.3L V8 - 310 hp at 5,200 rpm and 334 lbs-ft of torque at 4,500 rpm; 6.0L V8 - 323 hp at 4,600 rpm and 373 lbs-ft of torque at 4,400 rpm; 6.6L V8 turbo-diesel – 260 hp at 3,100 rpm and 525 lbs-ft of torque at 1,600 rpm.

Transmission: heavy-duty four-speed automatic, six-speed automatic

Cargo capacity: regular wheelbase: 239.7 cu. ft; extended wheelbase: 284.4 cu. ft.

Payload capacity: 4,145 lbs.

Towing capacity: 10,000 lbs.

Safety features

Dual front airbags, four-wheel disc brakes with anti-lock, traction control, StabiliTrak vehicle stability control, battery run-down protection, daytime running lights, side-impact door beams, full-size spare tire, rear vision camera, ultrasonic rear park assist, tire pressure monitoring system and PASS-Key III theft deterrent system.

Optional safety features include: head/side-impact airbag curtain, Bluetooth hands-free phone system, OnStar communications system, dual side-curtain airbags, heavy-duty locking rear differential, remote keyless entry, and navigation system.

Warranty

Basic: 3-year/36,000 mile

Powertrain: 5-year/100,000 mile

Corrosion: 6-year/100,000 mile

Roadside Assistance: 5-year/100,000 mile 24-hour

Pricing

The base Manufacturers Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) for the 2014 GMC Savana cargo van starts from $27,710 for the 1500 regular wheelbase model upto $45,365 for the 3500 extended wheelbase turbo-diesel. Destination charges add $995.