When it comes to work vehicles, GMC and Chevrolet both offer vans that can do just about any job whether new or used. The Express and the Savana have been around for some time and both offer a few configurations of cargo and passenger vehicles.

Which of these vans gives you the most value? Let’s take a look at a few important areas of each vehicle and see how both fare in the GMC Savana vs. Chevy Express battle. 

2023 GMC Savana vs. Chevy Express: powertrain and price

Both vans offer two engine options. One is a 4.3-liter V6, which generates 276 hp and 298 lb-ft of torque. The other one is a 6.6-liter V8, producing 401 hp and 464 lb-ft. Each van also comes with an eight-speed automatic transmission paired with each engine. 

The Savana and the Express continue to be similar in many more ways. Both can tow up to 10,000 lbs, provided you choose the 6.6-liter V8 and trailer packages. With the GMC and Chevy models, you will need either the 2500 or 3500 model, and with the Express van, you’ll have to choose the Cargo version. The GMC Savana and the Chevy Express are both pretty capable vans when it comes to work tasks as well as hauling around groups of people. 

When it comes to the drivetrain neither offers all-wheel drive. Each one has rear-wheel drive across all trims. Chevy used to have AWD, but when the brand got rid of its 1500 model, that drivetrain left with it, according to Car and Driver. 

You can also count on the fact that both start at $38,100. The Express can go as high as $48,000 before fees and options. GMC’s Savana price tag will go as high as $44,000 prior to adding any options. 

Passenger space and cargo capacity are also similar

With the Savana van, a 12-passenger capacity is standard but can go as high as 15 passengers with the passenger versions, according to GMC. Its work van trims offer the usual two-passenger layout so you would have plenty of room for work equipment in the back of the van. The same is also true with the Express. 

When it comes to storage, both offer ample space. The total cargo capacity on each van is 283.6 cu-ft of storage. This includes length, width, and height measurements. Accessing the cargo area on both are pretty similar with one difference.

The Savana offers a standard passenger side swing out door while the Express has a rear swing out door. Both, however, have a sliding side door available for more money. 

GMC vs. Chevy: technology and safety

With these heavy-duty vans, you don’t get much in the way of convenience features. GMC’s Savana has the MYGMC Mobile app, which allows you to use your phone to check vehicle status and other useful information concerning your vehicle. Some features may require a paid service to access, though. You can also get theft alarm notifications if you have keyless entry and Onstar insights. 

With the Express van, you get the MYChevrolet app, which can be used as a vehicle locator and remote key fob as well as check your fuel level and tire pressure using your smartphone. It can also be used to set up service appointments with your local dealer quickly and easily. 

When it comes to safety features there are plenty of available items to select, but very little that’s standard. The Express does have a rear vision camera and tire pressure monitoring standard on its van. The Savana has the bulk of its safety features available as upgrades. GMC also offers front and side airbags for added protection. 

For the Express there’s the Chevy Safety Assist, which is a bundle of safety features including Forward Collision Alert, Following Distance Indicator, Lane-Keeping Assist, and Intellibeam High Beam Assist to name a few, according to Chevy. However, it lacks many modern features that some rivals have, which leaves it at the bottom of some critics’ lists. 

The GMC Savana and the Chevy Express are very similar as far as what each offers consumers. There are a few minor differences between the two including safety features and cargo access door configurations. For the most part, these two could be twins.

As for which one offers the most value? It appears that the Express gives you slightly more for your money, and the Savana has a slightly lower price tag for its highest models. In the end, the GMC van so far has sold half of what Chevy has when it comes to its work van segment.