The Safari was GMC's rear-drive midsize van introduced for 1985 as the twin of the Chevrolet Astro, using a truck-based M-body platform. Its body-on-frame construction gave it strong towing capacity and available all-wheel drive that made it popular for hauling and conversion use. It was produced with only modest updates until 2005, when GM exited the segment without a direct replacement.
The GMC Safari was a mid-size, rear-wheel-drive van produced from 1985 to 2005 as the GMC twin of the Chevrolet Astro. Its body-on-frame layout and available all-wheel drive gave it stronger towing and cargo capability than typical minivans, and it was powered mainly by V6 engines. It served families, tradespeople and fleets in both passenger and cargo forms. It bridged the gap between a minivan and a full-size van.
41years
2generations
2trims
148–187hp range
The Lineage
2 generations · tap any to explore1 trimM-Body
1985–1994
1 trimM-Body-2
1995–2005
The Story
Why the Safari mattersTrims · M-Body-2
1 trim · 1995–2005Revised M-body Safari incorporating the mid-cycle front-end and interior updates.
★ Only trim
SLT AWD
MPV · 1996–2005
Power
187 hp
Body
MPV
Debut
1996
Production
1996–2005
View the SLT AWD