Both the Savana and the Express have standard driver and passenger frontal airbags, front side-impact airbags, side-impact head airbags, front seatbelt pretensioners, height adjustable front shoulder belts, plastic fuel tanks, four-wheel antilock brakes, traction control, electronic stability systems to prevent skidding, daytime running lights, rearview cameras, available collision warning systems, lane departure warning systems, blind spot warning systems and rear parking sensors.
Compare the2023 GMC SavanaVS 2022 Chevrolet Express
Safety
Reliability
A hardened steel chain, with no maintenance needs, drives the camshaft in the Savana’s engine. A rubber cam drive belt that needs periodic replacement drives the Express’ camshafts. If the Express’ belt breaks, the engine could be severely damaged when the pistons hit the opened valves.
The Savana has a standard “limp home system” to keep drivers from being stranded if most or all of the engine’s coolant is lost. The engine will run on only half of its cylinders at a time, reduce its power and light a warning lamp on the dashboard so the driver can get to a service station for repairs. The Express doesn’t offer a lost coolant limp home mode, so a coolant leak could strand you or seriously damage the van’s engine.
From surveys of all its subscribers, Consumer Reports’ January 2021 Auto Issue reports that GMC vehicles are more reliable than Chevrolet vehicles. Consumer Reports ranks GMC 1 place higher in reliability than Chevrolet.
Engine
The Savana’s optional 6.6 V8 produces 125 more horsepower (401 vs. 276) and 166 lbs.-ft. more torque (464 vs. 298) than the Express’ standard 4.3 V6.
Cargo Capacity
The Savana 2500 135” WB’s cargo area provides more volume than the Express 2500 135” WB.
|
Savana |
Express |
Max Cargo Volume |
218.5 cubic feet |
216.2 cubic feet |
The Savana 3500 155” WB’s cargo area provides more volume than the Express 3500 155” WB.
|
Savana |
Express |
Max Cargo Volume |
255.5 cubic feet |
252.8 cubic feet |
Towing
While the Express 3500 155” WB Diesel can only tow 5300, any Savana can tow a minimum of 6300 pounds.