Last updated August 4, 2026
The GMC Savana 1500 lineup splits into one cargo van and two passenger vans. The base Work Van is the two-seat, open-cargo choice for tools, parts, and business upfits. The LS is the straightforward eight-seat passenger model, while the LT keeps that passenger layout and adds rear climate control and everyday conveniences such as power locks and keyless entry.
The Work Van trim level, sold as the base model, is the plain two-seat cargo version built around hauling equipment and supporting business use.
Best for: Tradespeople, delivery operators, and businesses needing an open cargo van or an upfit starting point.
Highlights
The Mid-Level trim level, sold as the LS, is the straightforward passenger van with full-size group seating and a simple, work-ready cabin.
Best for: Churches, shuttle operators, and other groups that value passenger capacity over added convenience equipment.
Highlights
Moves from the Work Van’s two-seat cargo layout to an eight-seat, windowed passenger body with a 5.3L FlexFuel V8.
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The Fully Loaded trim level, sold as the LT, is the comfort-focused passenger model with added climate control and easier everyday operation.
Best for: Shuttle, hotel, church, or family users who want group seating with more passenger comfort and convenience.
Highlights
Adds rear air conditioning and heat, power windows and locks, remote keyless entry, and chrome exterior trim over the LS.
0 in stock| Feature | Work Van | Mid-Level | Fully Loaded |
|---|---|---|---|
| Includes | base0 in stock | ||
| Main purpose | Cargo and business upfits | Basic group transport | Comfort-focused group transport |
| Seating | 2 | 8 | 8 |
| Body layout | Open cargo area | Full passenger windows | Full passenger van |
| Later-year engine and drivetrain | 4.3L V6 or 5.3L FlexFuel V8; RWD | 5.3L FlexFuel V8; AWD | 5.3L FlexFuel V8; AWD |
| Rear climate control | — | — | Rear A/C and auxiliary heater |
| Convenience equipment | Vinyl front seats | Simple passenger cabin | Power windows/locks; keyless entry |
| Maximum towing on later examples | 6,700 lb | 6,000 lb | 6,000 lb |
| Cargo space on later examples | 270.4 cu. ft. | 216.2 cu. ft. | 216.2 cu. ft. |
The Base and Work Van names refer to the cargo-focused Savana 1500. Across 2009–2014, it is the two-seat version with a large open load area, vinyl-trimmed front seats, front air conditioning, stability control, and swing-out side cargo doors.
Across 2009–2014, the LS is the entry passenger trim. It has eight seats, a 5.3-liter flex-fuel V8, windows along the body, front air conditioning, stability control, and curtain airbags covering the first three rows.
Across 2009–2014, the LT is the better-equipped eight-seat passenger trim. It keeps the LS van’s basic layout and V8 power, then adds rear climate equipment and everyday conveniences suited to family, shuttle, hotel, or church use.
The Base is a two-seat cargo van built to haul equipment. The LS is an eight-seat passenger van with full-body windows, a 5.3-liter flex-fuel V8, and curtain airbags for the first three rows. They serve different jobs rather than representing a simple equipment step.
In the 2009–2014 lineup, the LT adds rear air conditioning, a rear auxiliary heater, remote keyless entry, and brighter exterior trim. Power windows and locks also help define the LT in much of this period, although passenger vans gained them more broadly at the end of the run.
The Base is a simple two-seat cargo van with an open rear load area. The LT is an eight-seat passenger van with body-side windows, a 5.3-liter V8, rear heating and air conditioning, power accessories, and remote keyless entry.
The Base Work Van is the right fit. It replaces passenger seating with a large cargo area and has durable vinyl-trimmed front seats, swing-out side cargo doors, front air conditioning, and a transmission Tow/Haul mode.
The LS fits buyers who mainly need eight seats and basic passenger-van function. The LT is the more comfortable choice for frequent shuttle, church, hotel, or family duty because it adds rear heating and air conditioning plus convenience features.
The LT is the more useful step for regularly carrying people in hot or cold weather. Its rear air conditioning and auxiliary heater serve passengers beyond the front row, while remote keyless entry and power accessories make daily operation easier.
The LT is the passenger trim identified by rear air conditioning and a rear auxiliary heater across the 2009–2014 trim span. The LS has front air conditioning but lacks those rear climate features in the trim information provided.
The LT carries all three convenience features across much of the 2009–2014 run. Power windows and locks became standard on passenger versions for the final model year, so inspect the exact van when comparing a late LS with an LT.
Yes. Across the 2009–2014 lineup described here, both passenger trims use a 5.3-liter flex-fuel V8 and a four-speed automatic transmission. The LT’s advantage is added comfort and convenience equipment, not a stronger engine.
The Base Work Van is the cargo-focused trim. Its regular-wheelbase layout provides a large open rear area, with 239.7 cubic feet cited for the work-van configuration. LS and LT use that space for eight-passenger seating instead.
Yes. Across this trim span, the Base Work Van has a four-speed automatic transmission with Tow/Haul mode. That setting changes how the transmission shifts when the van is carrying a heavy load or pulling a trailer.