GMC Safari 2WD (passenger)
16 MPG The 1999 GMC Safari 2WD (passenger) is EPA-rated at 16 MPG combined (14 city / 18 highway). Over 15,000 miles a year that is about 938 gallons, $3000 a year in fuel, or $0.200 per mile at $3.20/gal.
Across its full 1985–1999 run it averages 16.7 MPG, falling by 2 MPG over 15 model years.
Running cost at different fuel prices and mileages
The figure everyone actually wants, and the one the EPA does not publish — because it depends on a fuel price no agency will commit to.
| Fuel price | Per mile | 10,000 mi/yr | 15,000 mi/yr | 20,000 mi/yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| $2.50/gal | $0.156 | $1563 | $2344 | $3125 |
| $3.00/gal | $0.188 | $1875 | $2813 | $3750 |
| $3.20/gal | $0.200 | $2000 | $3000 | $4000 |
| $3.50/gal | $0.219 | $2188 | $3281 | $4375 |
| $4.00/gal | $0.250 | $2500 | $3750 | $5000 |
| $4.50/gal | $0.281 | $2813 | $4219 | $5625 |
| $5.00/gal | $0.313 | $3125 | $4688 | $6250 |
Every model year
| Year | Combined | City | Highway | EPA fuel cost/yr | CO₂ g/mi | Trims |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1999 | 16 MPG | 14 | 18 | $3900 | 555 | 1 |
| 1998 | 16 MPG | 14 | 18 | $3900 | 555 | 1 |
| 1997 | 16 MPG | 15 | 20 | $3900 | 555 | 1 |
| 1996 | 16 MPG | 15 | 19 | $3900 | 555 | 1 |
| 1995 | 16 MPG | 15 | 19 | $4800 | 555 | 1 |
| 1994 | 16 MPG | 14.5 | 19.5 | $4350 | 555 | 2 |
| 1993 | 16.5 MPG | 14.5 | 19.5 | $4225 | 539 | 2 |
| 1992 | 16 MPG | 14.5 | 19.5 | $3900 | 555 | 2 |
| 1991 | 16 MPG | 15 | 20 | $3900 | 555 | 1 |
| 1990 | 17 MPG | 15 | 20 | $3650 | 523 | 1 |
| 1989 | 17.5 MPG | 15 | 21 | $3550 | 508 | 2 |
| 1988 | 17.5 MPG | 15 | 21 | $3550 | 508 | 2 |
| 1987 | 17 MPG | 15 | 20.5 | $3650 | 523 | 2 |
| 1986 | 18.8 MPG | 16.8 | 22.3 | $3333 | 477 | 6 |
| 1985 | 18 MPG | 16.5 | 20.8 | $3515 | 502 | 10 |
Where a model year offered several engines or drivetrains, the figure is the average across all EPA-tested trims that year — the trim count is shown so you can see how much averaging is involved.
How it compares in its class
Among the 32 vans models tracked here, the GMC Safari 2WD (passenger) ranks 8 on current figures, against a class average of 15.0 MPG.
Closest more-efficient alternatives in the same class: Chevrolet Astro 2WD (cargo) (17), Chevrolet G10/20 Sport Van 2WD (17), Ford Aerostar Van (17), Ford Aerostar Wagon (17), GMC Safari 2WD (cargo) (17).
Tailpipe CO₂ is rated at 555 grams per mile, which works out to roughly 8.3 tonnes a year at 15,000 miles.
Questions
What MPG does the GMC Safari 2WD (passenger) get?
The 1999 GMC Safari 2WD (passenger) is rated at 16 MPG combined by the EPA — 14 city and 18 highway. Across all 15 model years in the database it averages 16.7 MPG, ranging from 15 to 22 depending on year and trim.
How much does a GMC Safari 2WD (passenger) cost in fuel per year?
At 16 MPG and 15,000 miles a year, it burns about 938 gallons — roughly $3000 a year with fuel at $3.20 a gallon, or $0.200 per mile. The EPA's own published annual figure for the 1999 model is $3900.
Has the GMC Safari 2WD (passenger) become more efficient over time?
No — it has actually gone backwards, from 18 MPG in 1985 to 16 in 1999. That usually reflects the model growing heavier, more powerful, or moving upmarket rather than the engineering getting worse.
Is the GMC Safari 2WD (passenger) efficient for its class?
It ranks 8 of 32 in the Vans class on current figures, against a class average of 15.0 MPG. That is 1.0 better than typical for the class.
EPA test figures from fueleconomy.gov. Cost per mile and annual fuel spend are computed at a reference price of $3.20 per gallon — use your own price. Estimates based on official test figures and average fuel prices. Real-world consumption varies with driving style, load, terrain and maintenance.