2020 GMC Savana 2500: What's New, Specs & Features
Last updated August 4, 2026
The main change for the 2020 GMC Savana 2500 is an updated automatic transmission for vans with the 2.8-liter Duramax diesel engine. Otherwise, this is a quiet carryover year with no major styling, safety, technology, or structural updates.
About the 2020 GMC Savana 2500
1st generation (1996-2025), very late-cycle year using the long-running 2003-era body update.
The Savana 2500 is GMC’s straightforward heavy-duty full-size van for businesses, shuttle operators, churches, and buyers who need either a cargo hauler or a multi-row passenger van. GMC sells it on proven durability, towing strength, and simple mechanical hardware rather than modern cabin design. Its biggest difference from newer rivals is its truck-style frame and old-school simplicity, which appeal to buyers who value toughness, familiar controls, and easy fleet service over the latest interior tech.
The 2020 Savana 2500 remains a work-focused, rear-wheel-drive full-size van offered in cargo and 12-passenger forms. Cargo models come in regular and extended lengths with tie-downs and a rubberized-vinyl load floor, while the passenger LT adds cloth upholstery, remote entry, Forward Collision Alert, and Lane Departure Warning.
What changed, by category
2020 GMC Savana 2500 specs and features by trim
| Feature | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | 4-Cyl, Turbo Diesel, 2.8 Liter / V6, 4.3 Liter / V8, 6.0 Liter / V8, Flex Fuel, 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, 6.0 Liter | V8, Flex Fuel, 6.0 Liter / 4-Cyl, Turbo Diesel, 2.8 Liter / V6, 4.3 Liter / V8, 6.0 Liter |
| Transmission | Automatic, 8-Spd w/Overdrive | Automatic, 6-Spd HD w/Overdrive | Automatic, 8-Spd w/Overdrive | Automatic, 8-Spd w/Overdrive |
| Drivetrain | RWD | RWD | RWD | RWD |
| Fuel Type | Diesel / Gas / Flexible Fuel | Flexible Fuel / Diesel / Gas | Flexible Fuel / Diesel / Gas | Flexible Fuel / Diesel / Gas |
| Horsepower | 181–324 hp | 181–324 hp | 181–324 hp | 181–324 hp |
| Torque | 298–373 lb-ft | 298–373 lb-ft | 298–373 lb-ft | 298–373 lb-ft |
| Max Towing | 9600 lb | 9600 lb | 10000 lb | 10000 lb |
| Trunk/Cargo | 218.5 cu-ft | 218.5 cu-ft | 239.4 cu-ft | 283.6 cu-ft |
| Rear Legroom | 36.6 in | 36.6 in | ||
| Seats | 12 | 12 | 5 | 5 |
| Doors | 3 | 3 | 3 | 3 |
| Blindspot Sensors | ||||
| Cruise Control | ||||
| Lane Departure Warning | ||||
| 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 changed on the 2020 GMC Savana 2500 compared with the 2019 model?
The diesel automatic transmission is the notable change for 2020. Savana 2500 vans with the 2.8-liter Duramax received an updated transmission, while the rest of the lineup largely carried over.
Is the 2020 GMC Savana 2500 a redesign?
No, the 2020 Savana 2500 is not a redesign. It retains the long-running body, cargo and passenger layouts, rear-wheel drive, and work-focused design used in the previous year.
Did the 2020 Savana 2500 gas engines change?
No major gas-engine change is confirmed for 2020. The main gas engines carried over, and the year’s product update was limited to the automatic transmission paired with the 2.8-liter diesel.
What is the difference between the 2020 Savana 2500 LS and LT passenger vans?
The 2020 LS is the basic 12-passenger model, while the LT has a more finished cabin and added driver aids. LT equipment includes cloth upholstery, carpeted flooring, remote keyless entry, Forward Collision Alert, and Lane Departure Warning.
Did the 2020 GMC Savana 2500 switch to all-wheel drive?
No, the 2020 Savana 2500 remained rear-wheel drive. The drivetrain layout carried over even though diesel-equipped vans received an updated automatic transmission.