2020 GMC Savana 3500: What's New, Specs & Features
Last updated August 4, 2026
The 2020 GMC Savana 3500 is mostly a carryover, with an updated automatic transmission for diesel-equipped vans as the main change. The rest of the lineup received only minor ordering and package revisions.
About the 2020 GMC Savana 3500
Long-running full-size Savana/Express van generation, late-cycle year; 2020 is a light-update year before broader 2021 powertrain revisions.
GMC positions the Savana 3500 as a simple, heavy-duty full-size van for businesses and organizations that need durability, payload, towing strength, and straightforward packaging more than modern styling or big-screen tech. In cargo form it is a work tool built around usable space and upfit potential. In passenger form it is a people mover for shuttle, church, school, or crew duty, with the 3500’s appeal centered on heavier-duty capability and available extended-body seating capacity.
The 2020 Savana 3500 remains a work-focused full-size van sold in cargo and passenger forms, with regular and extended wheelbases. Extended cargo vans provide up to 283.6 cubic feet of space, while extended passenger vans seat up to 15. LT passenger models add a more finished cabin plus forward collision alert and lane departure warning.
What changed, by category
2020 GMC Savana 3500 specs and features by trim
| Feature | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | V8, Flex Fuel, 6.0 Liter / V6, 4.3 Liter / 4-Cyl, Turbo Diesel, 2.8 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 | V8, Flex Fuel, 6.0 Liter / V6, 4.3 Liter / 4-Cyl, Turbo Diesel, 2.8 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, 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 | Flexible Fuel / Gas / Diesel | Flexible Fuel / Diesel / Gas | Flexible Fuel / Diesel / Gas | Flexible Fuel / Gas / Diesel | Flexible Fuel / Diesel / Gas | Flexible Fuel / Diesel / Gas |
| Horsepower | 181–324 hp | 181–324 hp | 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 | 298–373 lb-ft | 298–373 lb-ft |
| Max Towing | 9600 lb | 9600 lb | 10000 lb | 10000 lb | 9200 lb | 9200 lb |
| Trunk/Cargo | 218.5 cu-ft | 218.5 cu-ft | 239.4 cu-ft | 283.6 cu-ft | 255.5 cu-ft | 255.5 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 | ||||||
| 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 3500 compared with the 2019 model?
The main change for 2020 is an updated automatic transmission on diesel-equipped Savana 3500 vans. Otherwise, the model largely carries over, aside from minor ordering and package revisions.
Did every 2020 GMC Savana 3500 get the updated transmission?
No. The updated automatic transmission applies specifically to diesel-equipped 2020 Savana 3500 cargo and passenger vans; it was not a lineup-wide update affecting every engine.
Was the 2020 GMC Savana 3500 redesigned?
No. The 2020 Savana 3500 keeps the same body, basic structure, styling, and overall layout as the previous year. It is a light-update year rather than a redesign.
What cargo and passenger layouts does the 2020 GMC Savana 3500 have?
The 2020 Savana 3500 comes in regular- and extended-wheelbase cargo layouts, plus passenger versions with 12 seats in regular-wheelbase form or up to 15 seats in extended-wheelbase form.
Which 2020 GMC Savana 3500 passenger models have collision warnings?
The 2020 Savana 3500 LT and LT Extended passenger models include forward collision alert and lane departure warning. The more basic LS versions focus on straightforward group transportation.