GMC Safari 2WD (Passenger)
16 MPG The 2005 GMC Safari 2WD (Passenger) is EPA-rated at 16 MPG combined (14 city / 20 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 2000–2005 run it averages 16.2 MPG, essentially flat across 6 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2005 | 16 MPG | 14 | 20 | $3900 | 555 | 1 |
| 2004 | 16 MPG | 14 | 19 | $3900 | 555 | 1 |
| 2003 | 16 MPG | 14 | 19 | $3900 | 555 | 1 |
| 2002 | 16 MPG | 14 | 18 | $3900 | 555 | 1 |
| 2001 | 17 MPG | 15 | 20 | $3650 | 523 | 1 |
| 2000 | 16 MPG | 15 | 19 | $3900 | 555 | 1 |
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 15 vans, passenger type models tracked here, the GMC Safari 2WD (Passenger) ranks 1 on current figures, against a class average of 13.8 MPG.
Nothing in its class is rated higher — it leads the group.
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 2005 GMC Safari 2WD (Passenger) is rated at 16 MPG combined by the EPA — 14 city and 20 highway. Across all 6 model years in the database it averages 16.2 MPG, ranging from 16 to 17 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 2005 model is $3900.
Has the GMC Safari 2WD (Passenger) become more efficient over time?
Barely. It sits at 16 MPG today against 16 in 2000 — essentially flat across 6 model years, with efficiency gains offset by weight and power creep.
Is the GMC Safari 2WD (Passenger) efficient for its class?
It ranks 1 of 15 in the Vans, Passenger Type class on current figures, against a class average of 13.8 MPG. That is 2.3 better than typical for the class.
Compare with similar models
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.