If we are being fair, the idea of the windowless van has gotten something of a bad rap through the years. Popularized probably most notably by Buffalo Bill in the Silence of the Lambs, when Bill tricks and traps an unsuspecting woman into the back of a windowless van and then later tells her about putting lotion in a basket. Beyond that, stand-up comedians have used the windowless van as a punchline for a plethora of inappropriate behavior for decades. But, something like the 2021 GMC Savana Cargo Van stands proudly staunchly opposed to those stereotypes and gives the windowless van an entirely new character and persona.
Specifically, the GMC Savana Cargo 2500 brings a myriad of features to the table for all kinds of (upstanding and respectable) work. The available sliding side cargo door makes loading and unloading much easier than ever before, while the standard swing-out passenger side door opens with a 60/40 split and allows for incredibly easy access for people front or back. The deep-tinted glass helps keep valuable tools and work-related gear relatively private and secure as well as reduces annoying sun glare. GMC even offers Assist Steps, which sit at the base of the door, making exit and entry a pleasure.
Power for the 2500 Regular Wheelbase comes from one of three engines. You can have a fuel-efficient 4.3-liter gasoline-powered V6 that produces a respectable 276 horsepower @ 5200 rpm and 289 lb-ft of torque at 3900 rpm. Or if more power is needed, or just wanted to help make cruising from job to job a little more fun, you can opt for the bigger 6.0-liter Vortec V8 that makes an impressive 341-horsepower @ 5400 rpm and 373 lb-ft of torque @ 4200 rpm. Or perhaps those stints from job to job happen to be very far, you may decide to go with the extremely economical 2.8-liter Duramax turbo-diesel inline-4 that pumps out 181-horsepower @ 3400 rpm and an awesome 369 lb-ft of torque at an incredibly low 2000 rpm.
Depending on which engine you choose in the GMC Savana Cargo, you then have the option of one of two transmissions. The V8 and diesel I4 comes standard with a 6-speed automatic, while an 8-speed automatic is available. The V6 comes standard with the 8-speed while the 6-speed is optional. In any case, that power is then sent strictly to the rear wheels via a standard 3.42 ratio rear axle with a heavy-duty locking rear as an option.
In terms of trailering and payload both the V6 and diesel have a GCWR of 13,000 pounds, while the V8 comes in at 16,000. Trailering weight comes in at 7,000/7,400/10,000 pounds for the diesel, V6, and V8 respectively. Payload comes in at 3,507 pounds no matter what engine you choose, and curb weight checks in at 5,093 pounds with no difference in engine choice. GVWR is also uniform across the board at a solid 8,600 pounds.
Inside, the GMC Savana Cargo 2500 is comfy for drivers and passengers alike. High-back bucket seats that recline offer up inboard armests in your choice of vinyl or cloth, while the available leather-wrapped steering wheel classes things up just a bit. While able to conform to many different configurations, the flooring of the Savana is covered with black rubberized vinyl which makes cleaning up a snap and keeps everyone from slipping and sliding around during a busy workday. Six D-ring tie-downs make keeping all your equipment safe and secure.
Small features add up to big productively when it comes to the Savana. The Tow/Haul mode keeps shifting to a minimum while dragging a big load around, while the Hill Start Assist makes getting going with that same load on anything that has a 5% grade or more much easier and less likely to roll back and do some damage. The Stabilitrak electronic stability control system keeps you feeling safe no matter what the road conditions happen to be.
With a base price of about $31,600, you can have a very capable and competent van that will fly in the face of stereotypes from days gone by. Just so longs you don’t plaster “Bill’s Body Movers” on the side, we think the GMC Savana Cargo 2500 will be the perfect addition to help your business thrive.
Related: The 2018 GMC Savana
