2013 GMC Savana 1500: What's New, Specs & Features
Last updated August 4, 2026
The 2013 GMC Savana 1500 is a carryover in all major respects. Its main change is the addition of optional navigation, a rearview camera, and rear park assist.
About the 2013 GMC Savana 1500
2nd generation full-size Savana/Express platform (2003-2014 for the 1500), late-cycle year with no major redesign.
GMC positioned the Savana as a professional-grade full-size van built to move either people or tools without drama. The big selling points were simple durability, strong towing and hauling ability, available AWD, and multiple seating or cargo layouts. Compared with newer vans, it was less about modern design and more about proven hardware, easy upfitting, and doing commercial-duty work or shuttle duty with a familiar V8, body-on-frame feel.
The cargo model is a basic work van with wide-opening rear doors and enough floor space to lay 4-by-8 sheets flat. The eight-passenger LS pairs a 5.3-liter V8 with durable vinyl upholstery, while the LT adds cloth seats, power accessories, keyless entry, and rear heating and air conditioning.
What changed, by category
2013 GMC Savana 1500 specs and features by trim
| Feature | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | V8, Flex Fuel, 5.3 Liter | V8, Flex Fuel, 5.3 Liter | V6, 4.3 Liter / V8, Flex Fuel, 5.3 Liter |
| Transmission | Auto, 4-Spd w/OD | Auto, 4-Spd w/OD | Automatic, 4-Spd w/Overdrive |
| Drivetrain | AWD | AWD | RWD |
| Fuel Type | Flexible Fuel | Flexible Fuel | Gas / Flexible Fuel |
| MPG City | 13 mpg | 13 mpg | 13–15 mpg |
| MPG Highway | 17 mpg | 17 mpg | 18–20 mpg |
| Horsepower | 310 hp | 310 hp | 195–310 hp |
| Torque | 334 lb-ft | 334 lb-ft | 260–334 lb-ft |
| Max Towing | 6200 lb | 6200 lb | 6700 lb |
| Trunk/Cargo | 216.2 cu-ft | 216.2 cu-ft | 270.4 cu-ft |
| Rear Legroom | 36.6 in | 36.6 in | |
| Seats | 8 | 8 | 2 |
| Doors | 3 | 3 | 3 |
| Cruise Control | |||
| Park Assist | |||
| Rear View Camera | |||
| Alloy Wheels | |||
| Privacy Glass | |||
| Roof Rails | |||
| Trailer Hitch Receiver | |||
| Bluetooth | |||
| Navigation System | |||
| Satellite Radio | |||
| USB Ports | |||
| Dual Power Front Seats | |||
| Rear Air Conditioning | |||
| Power Driver Seat | |||
| Power Locks | |||
| Power Windows | |||
| Remote Start | |||
| Remote Keyless Entry | |||
| Third Row Seat | |||
| Tilt Wheel | |||
Frequently asked questions
Was the 2013 GMC Savana 1500 redesigned?
No. The 2013 GMC Savana 1500 kept the same long-running body, cabin, chassis, and basic mechanical layout as the 2012 model.
What changed on the 2013 GMC Savana 1500 compared with the 2012 model?
The main changes were three newly offered options: navigation, a rearview camera, and rear park assist. The powertrains, styling, structure, and standard equipment otherwise carried over.
Does every 2013 GMC Savana 1500 have a rearview camera?
No. The rearview camera was optional for 2013, as was rear park assist, so used examples may have neither feature.
Did the 2013 GMC Savana 1500 get a new engine or transmission?
No. Passenger models retained the 5.3-liter V8 and four-speed automatic, while cargo models kept the existing V6 and V8 lineup based on configuration.
How do the 2013 Savana 1500 cargo, LS, and LT models differ?
The cargo model is the work-focused version, the LS is a basic eight-passenger van with vinyl upholstery, and the LT is the more comfortable passenger model with cloth seats, power accessories, keyless entry, and rear climate controls.