GMC Savana 1500/2500 2WD (cargo)
15.7 MPG The 2008 GMC Savana 1500/2500 2WD (cargo) is EPA-rated at 15.7 MPG combined (14.3 city / 18.7 highway). Over 15,000 miles a year that is about 955 gallons, $3057 a year in fuel, or $0.204 per mile at $3.20/gal.
Across its full 1996–2008 run it averages 14.9 MPG, improving by 1.4 MPG over 13 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 | $0.159 | $1592 | $2389 | $3185 |
| $3.00/gal | $0.191 | $1911 | $2866 | $3822 |
| $3.20/gal | $0.204 | $2038 | $3057 | $4076 |
| $3.50/gal | $0.223 | $2229 | $3344 | $4459 |
| $4.00/gal | $0.255 | $2548 | $3822 | $5096 |
| $4.50/gal | $0.287 | $2866 | $4299 | $5732 |
| $5.00/gal | $0.318 | $3185 | $4777 | $6369 |
Every model year
| Year | Combined | City | Highway | EPA fuel cost/yr | CO₂ g/mi | Trims |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2008 | 15.7 MPG | 14.3 | 18.7 | $3983 | 569 | 3 |
| 2007 | 15.3 MPG | 14 | 19 | $4067 | 580 | 3 |
| 2006 | 15 MPG | 14 | 18.5 | $4150 | 592 | 2 |
| 2005 | 15.5 MPG | 14 | 18.5 | $4025 | 574 | 2 |
| 2004 | 15 MPG | 13.5 | 17.5 | $4150 | 592 | 2 |
| 2003 | 15 MPG | 13 | 17.5 | $4150 | 592 | 2 |
| 2002 | 14.7 MPG | 12.7 | 16.7 | $4250 | 607 | 3 |
| 2001 | 14.7 MPG | 12.7 | 16.7 | $4250 | 607 | 3 |
| 2000 | 14.7 MPG | 12.7 | 16.7 | $4250 | 607 | 3 |
| 1999 | 14.7 MPG | 12.7 | 17 | $4250 | 607 | 3 |
| 1998 | 14.7 MPG | 13 | 17.7 | $4250 | 607 | 3 |
| 1997 | 14.7 MPG | 13.3 | 17 | $4250 | 607 | 3 |
| 1996 | 14.3 MPG | 13 | 16.7 | $4350 | 621 | 3 |
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 17 vans, cargo type models tracked here, the GMC Savana 1500/2500 2WD (cargo) ranks 1 on current figures, against a class average of 14.2 MPG.
Nothing in its class is rated higher — it leads the group.
Tailpipe CO₂ is rated at 569 grams per mile, which works out to roughly 8.5 tonnes a year at 15,000 miles.
Questions
What MPG does the GMC Savana 1500/2500 2WD (cargo) get?
The 2008 GMC Savana 1500/2500 2WD (cargo) is rated at 15.7 MPG combined by the EPA — 14.3 city and 18.7 highway. Across all 13 model years in the database it averages 14.9 MPG, ranging from 14 to 17 depending on year and trim.
How much does a GMC Savana 1500/2500 2WD (cargo) cost in fuel per year?
At 15.7 MPG and 15,000 miles a year, it burns about 955 gallons — roughly $3057 a year with fuel at $3.20 a gallon, or $0.204 per mile. The EPA's own published annual figure for the 2008 model is $3983.
Has the GMC Savana 1500/2500 2WD (cargo) become more efficient over time?
Yes. It has gone from 14.3 MPG in 1996 to 15.7 in 2008 — an improvement of 1.4 MPG, or 10% across 13 model years.
Is the GMC Savana 1500/2500 2WD (cargo) efficient for its class?
It ranks 1 of 17 in the Vans, Cargo Type class on current figures, against a class average of 14.2 MPG. That is 1.5 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.