2012 GMC Savana 2500: What's New, Specs & Features
Last updated August 4, 2026
The main change for the 2012 GMC Savana 2500 is a revised three-tank fuel setup for the dedicated natural-gas cargo van. The rest of the lineup carries over without a major redesign or broad equipment update.
About the 2012 GMC Savana 2500
First-generation modern Savana/Express full-size van architecture, very late-cycle 2012 model year.
GMC positioned the Savana as a no-nonsense full-size van built to work. In cargo form, the message centered on wide engine choice, heavy-duty capability, flexible upfits, and easy access for tools and equipment. In passenger form, GMC framed it as a practical people mover for fleets, churches, shuttles, and mobility uses, with strong V8 power, multiple seating layouts, and a body ready for commercial or accessibility conversions.
The 2012 Savana 2500 is offered as a work-focused cargo van or a 12-passenger van. Cargo versions include 135-inch and 155-inch wheelbases, while diesel models use a 6.6-liter Duramax V8; among passenger vans, the LT adds cloth seats, power accessories, keyless entry, and rear air conditioning over the simpler LS.
What changed, by category
2012 GMC Savana 2500 specs and features by trim
| Feature | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | V8, Flex Fuel, 4.8 Liter / V8, Flex Fuel, 6.0 Liter | V8, Flex Fuel, 4.8 Liter / V8, Flex Fuel, 6.0 Liter | V8, Flex Fuel, 4.8 Liter / V8, Flex Fuel, 6.0 Liter / V8, Cmprssd NG, 6.0L | V8, Turbo Diesel, 6.6 Liter | V8, Flex Fuel, 4.8 Liter / V8, Flex Fuel, 6.0 Liter | V8, Turbo Diesel, 6.6 Liter |
| Transmission | Auto, 6-Spd Overdrive | Auto, 6-Spd Overdrive | Auto, 6-Spd w/OD | Auto, 6-Spd w/OD | Auto, 6-Spd w/OD | Auto, 6-Spd w/OD |
| Drivetrain | RWD | RWD | RWD | RWD | RWD | RWD |
| Fuel Type | Flexible Fuel | Flexible Fuel | Flexible Fuel / Natural Gas | Diesel | Flexible Fuel | Diesel |
| MPG City | 11 mpg | 11 mpg | 10 mpg | 10 mpg | ||
| MPG Highway | 16–17 mpg | 16–17 mpg | 15 mpg | 15 mpg | ||
| Horsepower | 280–323 hp | 280–323 hp | 279–324 hp | 260 hp | 280–324 hp | 260 hp |
| Torque | 296–373 lb-ft | 296–373 lb-ft | 295–373 lb-ft | 525 lb-ft | 295–373 lb-ft | 525 lb-ft |
| Max Towing | 9800 lb | 9800 lb | 10000 lb | 10000 lb | 10000 lb | 10000 lb |
| Trunk/Cargo | 216.2 cu-ft | 216.2 cu-ft | 270.4 cu-ft | 270.4 cu-ft | 313.9 cu-ft | 313.9 cu-ft |
| Rear Legroom | 36.6 in | 36.6 in | 36.6 in | 36.6 in | 36.6 in | 36.6 in |
| Seats | 12 | 12 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| Doors | 3 | 3 | 3 | 3 | 3 | 3 |
| Cruise Control | ||||||
| Alloy Wheels | ||||||
| Privacy Glass | ||||||
| Roof Rails | ||||||
| Trailer Hitch Receiver | ||||||
| Bluetooth | ||||||
| Navigation System | ||||||
| Satellite Radio | ||||||
| USB Ports | ||||||
| Dual Power Front Seats | ||||||
| Folding Rear Seat | ||||||
| Rear Air Conditioning | ||||||
| Power Driver Seat | ||||||
| Power Locks | ||||||
| Power Windows | ||||||
| Remote Start | ||||||
| Remote Keyless Entry | ||||||
| Third Row Seat | ||||||
| Tilt Wheel | ||||||
Frequently asked questions
What changed on the 2012 GMC Savana 2500?
The key 2012 change is a revised three-tank fuel setup for the dedicated natural-gas Base cargo van. Most other Savana 2500 versions carry over from 2011.
Was the 2012 GMC Savana 2500 redesigned?
No, the 2012 Savana 2500 was not redesigned. It remained on the same long-running full-size van platform with no major body, chassis, or styling update.
Did every 2012 Savana 2500 get the revised three-tank setup?
No, the revised three-tank setup applies only to the dedicated natural-gas Base cargo van. It was not a lineup-wide update.
Did the 2012 Savana 2500 receive new safety or technology features?
No, there was no lineup-wide safety or technology upgrade for 2012. Stability control had already become standard for 2011.
Is the 2012 Savana 2500 meaningfully different from the 2011 model?
For most shoppers, no. The meaningful difference is limited to the dedicated natural-gas cargo version; gasoline, flexible-fuel, diesel, and passenger-van models otherwise changed very little.