The 2026 GMC Savana will mark more than three decades of production for the stalwart workhorse. Initially rolling out for the 1996 model year, the Savana later received a modest facelift for 2003. Despite its age, the Savana remains a critical component of GM’s commercial lineup, and continues to meet the needs of businesses and fleet operators. Now, GM Authority has learned when production of the 2026 GMC Savana will officially begin.
According to sources familiar with the matter, the start of regular production (SORP) for the 2026 GMC Savana is currently scheduled for November 14th, 2025. Dealers can begin configuring the vehicle online and saving orders for the 2026 model year on August 21st, 2025.
The 2026 GMC Savana is available in three configurations: Cargo Van, Passenger Van, and Cutaway. Customers have two powertrain options available, starting with the naturally aspirated 4.3L V6 LV1, delivering 276 horsepower and 298 pound-feet of torque. For those that need a bit more power, the naturally aspirated 6.6L V8 L8T is also available, generating 401 horsepower and 464 pound-feet of torque. Both engines pair with the GM eight-speed automatic transmission.
As was the case previously, production of the 2026 GMC Savana will take place at the GM Wentzville Assembly Plant in Missouri, while the Cutaway variant will also be assembled at the Navistar facility in Springfield, Ohio.
Towing capacity for the GMC Savana varies depending on the configuration. Extended wheelbase models equipped with the V6 can tow up to 6,300 pounds, while regular wheelbase models can handle 6,700 pounds. The more robust V8 engine significantly increases these figures, with a maximum towing capacity of 9,200 pounds for extended wheelbase models and 9,600 pounds for regular wheelbase models of the Savana Passenger Van. The Cargo Van variants offer an even higher towing capacity of 10,000 pounds when powered by the V8.
Despite its longevity, the GMC Savana continues to be a popular choice among commercial buyers. However, the Passenger Van variant has become increasingly scarce in dealer inventory across the United States, with less than 50 units available nationwide as of April 26th.
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That’s a good achievement.
This van is the 70 series of all vans…same unchanged design and rock solid reliability for the most part.
In Mexico the Toyota Hiace competes with this van, and has a 3.5 V6 for the Middle East….also has similarly high reliability to the Express/Savana.
The Transit 3.7 is a close runner up.