GMC Safari AWD (passenger)
15 MPG The 1999 GMC Safari AWD (passenger) is EPA-rated at 15 MPG combined (14 city / 18 highway). Over 15,000 miles a year that is about 1000 gallons, $3200 a year in fuel, or $0.213 per mile at $3.20/gal.
Across its full 1990–1999 run it averages 15.3 MPG, falling by 1 MPG over 10 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 | $0.167 | $1667 | $2500 | $3333 |
| $3.00/gal | $0.200 | $2000 | $3000 | $4000 |
| $3.20/gal | $0.213 | $2133 | $3200 | $4267 |
| $3.50/gal | $0.233 | $2333 | $3500 | $4667 |
| $4.00/gal | $0.267 | $2667 | $4000 | $5333 |
| $4.50/gal | $0.300 | $3000 | $4500 | $6000 |
| $5.00/gal | $0.333 | $3333 | $5000 | $6667 |
Every model year
| Year | Combined | City | Highway | EPA fuel cost/yr | CO₂ g/mi | Trims |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1999 | 15 MPG | 14 | 18 | $4150 | 592 | 1 |
| 1998 | 16 MPG | 14 | 18 | $3900 | 555 | 1 |
| 1997 | 15 MPG | 14 | 17 | $4150 | 592 | 1 |
| 1996 | 15 MPG | 14 | 17 | $4150 | 592 | 1 |
| 1995 | 15 MPG | 14 | 17 | $5150 | 592 | 1 |
| 1994 | 15 MPG | 14 | 17 | $5150 | 592 | 1 |
| 1993 | 15 MPG | 14 | 18 | $5150 | 592 | 1 |
| 1992 | 15 MPG | 14 | 18 | $4150 | 592 | 2 |
| 1991 | 16 MPG | 14 | 18 | $3900 | 555 | 1 |
| 1990 | 16 MPG | 15 | 18 | $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 32 vans models tracked here, the GMC Safari AWD (passenger) ranks 15 on current figures, against a class average of 15.0 MPG.
Closest more-efficient alternatives in the same class: GMC G15/25 Vandura 2WD (15.5), Chevrolet G10/20 Van 2WD (15.7), GMC Vandura G15/25 2WD (15.7), Chevrolet Astro 2WD (passenger) (16), Ford Aerostar Van AWD (16).
Tailpipe CO₂ is rated at 592 grams per mile, which works out to roughly 8.9 tonnes a year at 15,000 miles.
Questions
What MPG does the GMC Safari AWD (passenger) get?
The 1999 GMC Safari AWD (passenger) is rated at 15 MPG combined by the EPA — 14 city and 18 highway. Across all 10 model years in the database it averages 15.3 MPG, ranging from 15 to 16 depending on year and trim.
How much does a GMC Safari AWD (passenger) cost in fuel per year?
At 15 MPG and 15,000 miles a year, it burns about 1000 gallons — roughly $3200 a year with fuel at $3.20 a gallon, or $0.213 per mile. The EPA's own published annual figure for the 1999 model is $4150.
Has the GMC Safari AWD (passenger) become more efficient over time?
No — it has actually gone backwards, from 16 MPG in 1990 to 15 in 1999. That usually reflects the model growing heavier, more powerful, or moving upmarket rather than the engineering getting worse.
Is the GMC Safari AWD (passenger) efficient for its class?
It ranks 15 of 32 in the Vans class on current figures, against a class average of 15.0 MPG. That is 0.0 worse 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.