2011 GMC Savana 1500 — Full Specifications

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20Best Combined MPG (UK)
4.3L 6-cylMost Efficient Engine
Regular GasolineFuel Type
$3,950Est. Annual Fuel (US EPA)
N/ANHTSA Safety
325CO₂ g/km

The 2011 GMC Savana 1500 is a van/minivan offered with 3 engines (4.3L 6-cyl, 4.8L 8-cyl, 5.3L 8-cyl). Its most fuel-efficient configuration returns around 20 mpg (UK) / 17 mpg (US EPA) combined, with 16–20 mpg (UK) across all configurations. Owners often keep a GMC Savana 1500 workshop manual to hand for servicing and repairs.

Compared with the 2010 GMC Savana 1500: Fuel economy is essentially unchanged at around 20 mpg (UK) combined. EPA lists new engine options for 2011: 4.8L 8-cyl.

Full Specifications

Engine (most efficient)4.3L 6-cyl
Engine options4.3L 6-cyl · 4.8L 8-cyl · 5.3L 8-cyl
Transmission (most efficient)Automatic 4-spd
Fuel TypeRegular Gasoline
PowertrainConventional
DriveRear-Wheel Drive
Body StyleVan/Minivan
Fuel Economy (UK)20 combined / 18 urban / 24 extra-urban mpg
Fuel Economy (US EPA)17 combined / 15 city / 20 highway mpg
CO₂ Emissions325 g/km
EPA Est. Annual Fuel Cost$3,950 (15,000 mi/yr, US prices)

Engine & Transmission Options

EPA lists 4 configurations for the 2011 GMC Savana 1500 across 3 engines (4.3L 6-cyl, 4.8L 8-cyl, 5.3L 8-cyl). Combined fuel economy ranges from 13 to 17 mpg (US), or 16 to 20 mpg (UK), depending on engine, transmission and drive. The headline figures at the top of this page describe the most fuel-efficient configuration.

EngineTransmissionDriveMPG (UK)MPG (US)CO₂ g/kmFuel cost / yr
4.3L 6-cylAutomatic 4-spdRear-Wheel Drive 20 17 (15/20) 325$3,950
4.8L 8-cylAutomatic 6-spdRear-Wheel Drive 16 13 (11/17) 425$5,150
5.3L 8-cylAutomatic 4-spdAll-Wheel Drive 17 14 (13/17) 394$4,800
5.3L 8-cylAutomatic 4-spdRear-Wheel Drive 18 15 (13/18) 368$4,450

MPG (US) shows combined, with city/highway in brackets. Highlighted row = the configuration used for the headline figures. Source: US EPA fueleconomy.gov.

Owner Essentials for the 2011 GMC Savana 1500

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Running Costs: 2011 GMC Savana 1500

Covering around 8,000 miles a year in a 2011 GMC Savana 1500 at 20 mpg combined, expect roughly 1,818 litres of fuel annually — multiply by your local price per litre for a cost estimate. For US owners, the EPA estimates about $3,950 a year in fuel for the most efficient configuration (15,000 miles, national average prices). Work out exact fuel costs with the fuel cost calculator on 247Calculators.

Convert between MPG and L/100km with the unit converters on 247QuickTools. Not sure what tyre size fits? 247TyreCheck explains tyre sizing.

Planning a road trip? Grab a road trip packing list. Only need this car occasionally? See our buy vs rent comparison.

2011 GMC Savana 1500 Safety Ratings (NHTSA)

No NHTSA crash-test rating is on record for this model year. The NHTSA rates only a subset of vehicles each year; you can browse every rated vehicle on our NHTSA Safety Ratings hub.

How It Compares

How does the GMC Savana 1500 compare to similar van/minivans? For context, van/minivans in our database average around 24 mpg (UK) combined — this model's 20 mpg figure is 4 mpg below that average. Its 325 g/km CO₂ figure is 33 g/km higher than the 292 g/km average for van/minivans on this site. This comparison is based on 157 van/minivans in our dataset.

GMC models in our database average about 26 mpg (UK) combined on their most efficient configuration; the 2011 GMC Savana 1500's 20 mpg is 6 mpg below that make average. Its 325 g/km CO₂ figure is 53 g/km higher than the 272 g/km GMC average.

Of the 5 GMC Savana 1500 model years we cover, the 2011 is the most economical on its best configuration (20 mpg UK combined). See every GMC Savana 1500 year side by side.

Last updated: · Data: US EPA (fueleconomy.gov) and NHTSA safety ratings 18 July 2026; NHTSA recalls and complaints 6 October 2026; Wikidata & curated EU catalogue 18 July 2026; European generation and engine data from Wikipedia 7 October 2026

Vehicle data sourced from manufacturer specifications. Always verify with your vehicle handbook or a qualified mechanic. This is a reference tool, not professional advice.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What engine does the 2011 GMC Savana 1500 have?

EPA lists 3 engines for the 2011 GMC Savana 1500: 4.3L 6-cyl, 4.8L 8-cyl, 5.3L 8-cyl. The most fuel-efficient configuration pairs the 4.3L 6-cyl with a automatic 4-spd.

What is the fuel economy of the 2011 GMC Savana 1500?

The most efficient configuration returns around 20 mpg (UK) combined, or 17 mpg on the US EPA cycle. Across all configurations the UK combined figure runs from 16 to 20 mpg.

How much does the 2011 GMC Savana 1500 cost to fuel per year?

The US EPA estimates about $3,950 a year in fuel for the most efficient configuration, based on 15,000 miles of mixed driving and national average fuel prices. Your own cost will depend on mileage and local prices.

Is the GMC Savana 1500's fuel economy good for a van/minivan?

It returns around 20 mpg (UK) combined, against a same-body-style average of roughly 24 mpg among the van/minivans we track.

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