GMC's Safari is built higher off the ground than the smaller, front-drive minivans, so getting in requires making at least something of a climb to get inside. To those who are height-challenged or who place a premium on decorum during entry and exit, the height may be an issue. Once inside, there is more of a feeling of being in a truck-like vehicle than the car-like feel of smaller minivans. It's not rough or crude, but you do sit higher and the seating position won't confuse you into thinking you're behind the wheel of a sedan.
If those things are not issues, the Safari has a lot to offer. With all seats in place there is 41.3 cubic feet of cargo space; with the center and rear seats out of the way you'll have room for a whopping 170.4 cubic feet of sample cases or home improvement supplies.
Once seated, you'll find the comfort level to be surprisingly good, a big benefit in something that is likely to be used for long trips. This is a wonderful long-distance hauler.
The instrument panel design is rounded and flowing, the instruments are clearly legible. Controls for the sound system and the heating and air conditioning are easy to operate. Further down in the center console are a pair of cupholders that will accept cans or mugs, and a moderate-size glovebox. There are numerous other storage areas throughout the interior: Map pockets in the front doors, a big compartment along the left-hand side of the center seating area, a cupholder for the center seat, large storage areas under the third seat armrests, open bins behind those same armrests and two more cupholders for the third seat. In addition to the cigarette lighter there are three 12-volt power outlets, two in front and one in the rear, useful for inflatables, electric coolers and other outdoor accessories.
With the eight-passenger seating configuration the center and rear seats are three-person benches. In the SLT, these benches are split-back with folding armrests and a center console. Optional seven-passenger seating replaces the center bench with a pair of high-back, reclining buckets.
Outward visibility is excellent, especially from the front. You sit up high and the windshield and side windows are huge, so you have an absolutely commanding view of the road. The Safari is a wonderful long-distance runner, with the size, power, comfort, interior room and features that can knock that trip to grandma's house down to manageable size.
The Safari doesn't exactly ride and drive like a car. But it isn't exactly "truck-like" either. It's somewhere in between. The strong engine delivers ample performance, so the Safari moves well with traffic and has plenty of power to tackle long hills and merge with faster freeway traffic, even when loaded.
Steering feel is direct; the Safari goes down the highway with sure and relentless stability. Our personal experience in the Safari includes an all-day drive loaded past the window sills with gear. We had to get there by sundown and the speedometer spent most of the time in a range far beyond the posted limit, but it was comfortable and easy as we simply let the Safari do the work.
In terms of ride quality, there is a noticeable gap between the Safari and the better front-drive minivans--some of which approach luxury-car standards. But only the most critical will find the Safari's ride quality objectionable; the trade-off seems worth it when the workhorse abilities of van are considered.