2013 GMC Savana 3500: What's New, Specs & Features
Last updated August 4, 2026
The most important change for the 2013 GMC Savana 3500 is newly offered navigation, a rearview camera, and rear parking sensors on LT passenger models. A natural-gas powertrain also joins the Extended cargo van, but the rest of this heavy-duty van largely carries over.
About the 2013 GMC Savana 3500
Second generation full-size Savana/Express design, introduced with the major 2003 update; 2013 is a late-cycle year with only minor feature changes.
The 2013 Savana 3500 is GMC's heavy-duty full-size van for buyers who need simple, proven hardware more than modern packaging. In cargo form it works like an enclosed work truck for tools, shelves, and upfits. In passenger form it is built to move large groups while still towing substantial weight. Its main draw versus newer van designs is straightforward GM V8 or Duramax diesel power, heavy-duty chassis capacity, and a broad mix of body lengths and uses.
The 2013 Savana 3500 remains a work-focused cargo van and a large passenger van, with regular and extended bodies serving jobs ranging from equipment hauling to shuttle duty. Diesel versions use a 6.6-liter turbo-diesel V8 for heavier loads and towing, while better-equipped LT passenger models add rear climate controls, keyless entry, power windows, and cloth seats.
What changed, by category
2013 GMC Savana 3500 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, CNG, 6.0 Liter / V8, Flex Fuel, 4.8 Liter / V8, Flex Fuel, 6.0 Liter | V8, Turbo Diesel, 6.6L | V8, Flex Fuel, 4.8 Liter / V8, Flex Fuel, 6.0 Liter / V8, CNG, 6.0 Liter | V8, Turbo Diesel, 6.6 Liter | V8, Turbo Diesel, 6.6 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, Turbo Diesel, 6.6L | V8, Turbo Diesel, 6.6 Liter | V8, Turbo Diesel, 6.6 Liter |
| Transmission | Automatic, 6-Spd HD w/Overdrive | Automatic, 6-Spd HD w/Overdrive | Automatic, 6-Spd HD w/Overdrive | Automatic, 6-Spd HD w/Overdrive | Automatic, 6-Spd HD w/Overdrive | Automatic, 6-Spd HD w/Overdrive | Automatic, 6-Spd HD w/Overdrive | Automatic, 6-Spd HD w/Overdrive | Automatic, 6-Spd HD w/Overdrive | Automatic, 6-Spd HD w/Overdrive | Automatic, 6-Spd HD w/Overdrive | Automatic, 6-Spd HD w/Overdrive |
| Drivetrain | RWD | RWD | RWD | RWD | RWD | RWD | RWD | RWD | RWD | RWD | RWD | RWD |
| Fuel Type | Flexible Fuel | Flexible Fuel | Natural Gas / Flexible Fuel | Diesel | Flexible Fuel / Natural Gas | Diesel | Diesel | Flexible Fuel | Flexible Fuel | Diesel | Diesel | Diesel |
| MPG City | 11 mpg | 11 mpg | 10 mpg | 10 mpg | 11 mpg | 11 mpg | ||||||
| MPG Highway | 16–17 mpg | 16–17 mpg | 14 mpg | 14 mpg | 16–17 mpg | 16–17 mpg | ||||||
| Horsepower | 280–324 hp | 280–324 hp | 280–324 hp | 260 hp | 280–324 hp | 260 hp | 260 hp | 280–324 hp | 280–324 hp | 260 hp | 260 hp | 260 hp |
| Torque | 295–373 lb-ft | 295–373 lb-ft | 295–373 lb-ft | 525 lb-ft | 295–373 lb-ft | 525 lb-ft | 525 lb-ft | 295–373 lb-ft | 295–373 lb-ft | 525 lb-ft | 525 lb-ft | 525 lb-ft |
| Max Towing | 9700 lb | 9700 lb | 10000 lb | 10000 lb | 10000 lb | 10000 lb | 10000 lb | 9300 lb | 9300 lb | 10000 lb | 9700 lb | 9700 lb |
| Trunk/Cargo | 216.2 cu-ft | 216.2 cu-ft | 270.4 cu-ft | 270.4 cu-ft | 313.9 cu-ft | 216.2 cu-ft | 216.2 cu-ft | 252.8 cu-ft | 252.8 cu-ft | 313.9 cu-ft | 252.8 cu-ft | 252.8 cu-ft |
| Rear Legroom | 36.6 in | 36.6 in | 36.6 in | 36.6 in | 36.6 in | 36.6 in | 36.6 in | 36.6 in | ||||
| Seats | 12 | 12 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 12 | 12 | 15 | 15 | 2 | 15 | 15 |
| Doors | 3 | 3 | 3 | 3 | 3 | 3 | 3 | 3 | 3 | 3 | 3 | 3 |
| Cruise Control | ||||||||||||
| Park Assist | ||||||||||||
| Rear View Camera | ||||||||||||
| Alloy Wheels | ||||||||||||
| Privacy Glass | ||||||||||||
| Roof Rails | ||||||||||||
| Bluetooth | ||||||||||||
| Navigation System | ||||||||||||
| 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
Was the 2013 GMC Savana 3500 redesigned?
No. The 2013 Savana 3500 is a late-cycle version of the existing design, with a few equipment and powertrain updates rather than a full redesign.
Which 2013 Savana 3500 models received the new navigation and parking technology?
The LT passenger models received newly offered navigation, a rearview camera, and rear parking sensors. That group includes LT, LT Extended, LT Diesel, and LT Diesel Extended; these features were not made standard across the entire lineup.
Did the 2013 GMC Savana 3500 add a natural-gas version?
Yes. A natural-gas powertrain joined the Extended cargo van for 2013, broadening the lineup beyond its established gasoline and diesel versions.
Did the 2013 Savana 3500 change its gas or diesel engines?
No major change affected the established gas V8 or 6.6-liter turbo-diesel V8. The main powertrain news was the addition of a natural-gas option for the Extended cargo van.
Is the 2013 Savana 3500 meaningfully different from the 2012 model?
Only in a few specific ways. The 2013 model is most relevant if you want an LT passenger van with navigation and rear parking aids or an Extended cargo van powered by natural gas; otherwise, its basic design and core gas and diesel setup are much like the 2012 model.