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On March 18, 2025, GM confirmed through dealer order guides that the 2027 GMC Savana and its Chevrolet Express sibling will receive a long-overdue technology upgrade: a 7-inch color touchscreen running GM Infotainment System 3. This marks the first significant interior electronics change for the platform since it launched nearly three decades ago. However, the automaker is preserving the van’s work-ready DNA by keeping dedicated physical knobs for climate control, avoiding the screen-only trend that frustrates many fleet operators.
For years, the Savana’s dashboard featured a basic AM/FM radio with a monochrome green pixel display that felt like a time capsule from the mid-1990s. If you wanted a backup camera, GM routed the image to a tiny screen inside the rearview mirror. The 2027 model finally replaces that antiquated unit with a modern 7-inch touchscreen that supports Bluetooth audio streaming and delivers a full-size backup camera view—a critical safety upgrade for loading docks and tight job sites.
According to GM’s internal order guides, the new system is sourced from the company’s truck lineup, which means parts commonality with Silverado and Sierra models. This lowers production complexity and makes replacement parts easier for fleet managers to source. Entry-level trims will get a four-speaker audio setup, up from the previous two-speaker configuration, providing enough volume to hear navigation prompts over highway drone.
Fleet operators and tradespeople often worry that adding touchscreens introduces fragility, glove-interface issues, and expensive repair bills. GM addressed those concerns by keeping the physical HVAC knobs and buttons exactly where they are. You can still adjust temperature, fan speed, and air direction without poking at a digital menu. The powertrain lineup also remains unchanged: a 276-hp 4.3L V6 and a 401-hp 6.6L V8, both mated to an 8-speed automatic. The frame, suspension, and service intervals are identical to current models.
This approach contrasts with rivals like the Ford Transit, which has moved to a digital climate interface in certain trims, and the Ram ProMaster, which relies on a fully integrated touchscreen. GM’s decision to separate infotainment from essential vehicle controls is a deliberate strategy to retain the Savana’s reputation as a low-drama, high-durability work van.
The new touchscreen opens the door for aftermarket integration. Because the system uses GM’s standard electrical architecture, fleet software providers can more easily add telematics, GPS tracking, and job-specific apps without custom wiring. Additionally, the resale value of older Savana models may drop slightly as buyers gravitate toward the updated infotainment, but the unchanged mechanicals mean that 2026 and earlier vans will still be serviceable for years.
GM has not announced pricing for the 2027 Savana, but industry insiders expect a modest increase of $300–$500 to cover the new display and audio hardware. First deliveries are anticipated in late 2026 as 2027 models.
The 2027 GMC Savana and Chevy Express represent a rare case of incremental modernization done right. By adding a needed touchscreen without sacrificing physical controls, GM keeps the van relevant for fleets that require both modern connectivity and old-school reliability. For workers who spend eight hours a day behind the wheel, this update is a welcome quality-of-life improvement—even if it’s arriving three decades late.
Stay tuned to Torque News for ongoing coverage of commercial van updates. For more details, visit the GM Authority report that first broke the order guide information.
Image source: GMC Media.
