2018 GMC Savana 3500: What's New, Specs & Features
Last updated August 4, 2026
The biggest change for the 2018 GMC Savana 3500 is a rearview camera becoming standard across the lineup. It is otherwise a modest update, with a new base V6 and 8-speed automatic, added safety options, and some equipment changes.
About the 2018 GMC Savana 3500
Long-running first generation of the Savana van family, in the 2003-up body and chassis update; 2018 is a late-cycle year with minor equipment updates rather than a redesign.
The 2018 Savana 3500 is GMC’s old-school full-size van for buyers who need simple, heavy-duty space more than modern styling or advanced tech. Its core appeal is straightforward utility: strong load and towing capability, big rectangular cargo or passenger space, and a layout that works well for fleets, upfitters, shuttle operators, and large groups. Buyers choose it for durability, familiarity, and work-ready packaging, not for cutting-edge features.
The 2018 Savana 3500 lineup covers basic commercial cargo vans and large passenger vans. Regular and extended Work Vans provide up to 284.4 cubic feet of cargo room, while passenger models seat 12 or 15 people. LT passenger vans add a more finished interior with cloth seats, carpeting, rear air conditioning, and remote keyless entry.
What changed, by category
2018 GMC Savana 3500 specs and features by trim
| Feature | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | V6, 4.3 Liter / V8, 6.0 Liter / V8, Flex Fuel, 6.0 Liter / 4-Cyl, Turbo Diesel, 2.8 Liter | V6, 4.3 Liter / V8, 6.0 Liter / V8, Flex Fuel, 6.0 Liter / 4-Cyl, Turbo Diesel, 2.8 Liter | V6, 4.3 Liter / V8, Flex Fuel, 6.0 Liter / V8, Compressed Natural Gas, 6.0 Liter / 4-Cyl, Turbo Diesel, 2.8 Liter | V6, 4.3 Liter / V8, Flex Fuel, 6.0 Liter / V8, Compressed Natural Gas, 6.0 Liter / 4-Cyl, Turbo Diesel, 2.8 Liter | V6, 4.3 Liter / V8, 6.0 Liter / V8, Flex Fuel, 6.0 Liter / 4-Cyl, Turbo Diesel, 2.8 Liter | V6, 4.3 Liter / V8, 6.0 Liter / V8, Flex Fuel, 6.0 Liter / 4-Cyl, Turbo Diesel, 2.8 Liter |
| Transmission | Automatic, 8-Spd 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 |
| Fuel Type | Gas / Flexible Fuel / Diesel | Gas / Flexible Fuel / Diesel | Gas / Flexible Fuel / Natural Gas / Diesel | Gas / Flexible Fuel / Natural Gas / Diesel | Gas / Flexible Fuel / Diesel | Gas / Flexible Fuel / Diesel |
| MPG City | 11 mpg | 11 mpg | 11 mpg | 11 mpg | ||
| MPG Highway | 16 mpg | 16 mpg | 16 mpg | 16 mpg | ||
| Horsepower | 181–341 hp | 181–341 hp | 181–341 hp | 181–341 hp | 181–341 hp | 181–341 hp |
| Torque | 298–373 lb-ft | 298–373 lb-ft | 298–373 lb-ft | 298–373 lb-ft | 298–373 lb-ft | 298–373 lb-ft |
| Max Towing | 6500 lb | 6500 lb | 7200 lb | 7000 lb | 6100 lb | 6100 lb |
| Trunk/Cargo | 216.2 cu-ft | 216.2 cu-ft | 270.4 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 | ||
| Seats | 12 | 12 | 5 | 5 | 15 | 15 |
| Doors | 3 | 3 | 3 | 3 | 3 | 3 |
| Blindspot Sensors | ||||||
| Cruise Control | ||||||
| Park Assist | ||||||
| Rear View Camera | ||||||
| Roof Rails | ||||||
| Navigation System | ||||||
| Smartphone Interface | ||||||
| Folding Rear Seat | ||||||
| Rear Air Conditioning | ||||||
| Remote Start | ||||||
| Remote Keyless Entry | ||||||
| Third Row Seat | ||||||
| Tilt Wheel | ||||||
Frequently asked questions
What is the biggest change to the 2018 GMC Savana 3500?
The biggest change is that a rearview camera becomes standard across the 2018 Savana 3500 lineup. It is especially useful in this tall, long van because rear visibility is limited.
What happened to the base V8 in the 2018 GMC Savana 3500?
The old 4.8-liter base V8 was replaced by a 4.3-liter V6 paired with an 8-speed automatic. Higher-output V8 and diesel choices continued.
Did the 2018 GMC Savana 3500 add safety features?
Yes. The rearview camera became standard, while side blind-zone warning and hill-start assist joined the options list for 2018.
Is the 2018 GMC Savana 3500 a redesign?
No. The 2018 Savana 3500 keeps the same body, platform, wheelbases, and basic cabin design. Its updates are limited to powertrain, safety, and equipment changes.
Did the 2018 GMC Savana 3500 still have V8 and diesel engines?
Yes. Higher-output V8 and diesel engines continued alongside the new base V6 for 2018.