GMC Acadia Towing Capacity (All Years 2007-2026)

The GMC Acadia is a crossover SUV produced by General Motors and marketed under the GMC brand. It has been manufactured since the 2007 model year across three body generations, with production continuing through 2026. The Acadia has been available in both front-wheel-drive and all-wheel-drive configurations, with multiple powertrain options that significantly affect towing ratings across its production run.

This guide provides GMC Acadia towing specifications by model year, covering the full range from 2007 to 2026. Specifications include maximum trailer weight, drivetrain type, hitch class, engine options, and factory tow package requirements for each year. Staying within manufacturer-rated towing limits is essential for protecting the transmission, cooling system, and braking components from load-induced failure.

2026 GMC Acadia Towing Capacity

The 2026 GMC Acadia reaches a maximum towing capacity of 5,000 lbs (2,268 kg) with the Trailering Package, which is now standard across all trim levels. Models without Trailering Package equipment are rated at 1,500 lbs (680 kg). The standardization of the Trailering Package on all 2026 trims eliminates configuration uncertainty for buyers.

2025 GMC Acadia Towing Capacity

The 2025 GMC Acadia is rated for a maximum towing capacity of 5,000 lbs (2,268 kg) when equipped with the Trailering Package. This rating applies consistently across all trim levels, including the AT4 and Denali. The Trailering Package includes a Class III factory hitch, heavy-duty cooling system, and a 7-pin wiring harness.

2024 GMC Acadia Towing Capacity

The 2024 GMC Acadia introduced a new 2.5L turbocharged four-cylinder engine producing 328 horsepower and 326 lb-ft of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. When equipped with the optional Trailering Package, including a Class III hitch and heavy-duty cooling, the 2024 Acadia is rated for 5,000 lbs (2,268 kg) of maximum trailer weight. This represents a major increase over the outgoing second-generation model.

2023 GMC Acadia Towing Capacity

The 2023 GMC Acadia has a maximum towing capacity of 4,000 lbs (1,814 kg) when configured with the 3.6L V6 engine and the factory V92 Trailering Package. Models equipped with the 2.0L turbocharged four-cylinder engine, without the full towing package, carry a reduced towing rating. This was the final model year of the second-generation Acadia platform.

2022 GMC Acadia Towing Capacity

The 2022 GMC Acadia reaches 4,000 lbs (1,814 kg) maximum towing capacity with the 3.6L V6 engine and factory tow package on AT4 and Denali trims. Base SLE trims equipped with the 2.0L turbocharged engine are rated at 3,500 lbs (1,588 kg) standard. Selecting a higher trim with the V6 and the V92 package provides the highest available towing limit.

2021 GMC Acadia Towing Capacity

The 2021 GMC Acadia offers three distinct towing ratings based on engine selection. The 2.5L four-cylinder is rated at 1,000 lbs (454 kg), the 2.0L turbocharged four-cylinder at 1,500 lbs (680 kg), and the 3.6L V6 with tow package at a maximum of 4,000 lbs (1,814 kg). Only the 3.6L engine configuration, combined with the V92 Trailering Package, achieves the upper towing limit.

2020 GMC Acadia Towing Capacity

The 2020 GMC Acadia carries the same three-engine lineup as the 2021 model, with identical towing ratings per engine configuration. The 3.6L V6 with V92 Trailering Package delivers the full 4,000 lb (1,814 kg) maximum towing rating, while the 2.5L four-cylinder is limited to 1,000 lbs (454 kg). The AT4 trim was introduced in this generation, offering AWD as standard with 3.6L V6 access.

2019 GMC Acadia Towing Capacity

The 2019 GMC Acadia towing capacity reaches 4,000 lbs (1,814 kg) exclusively with the 3.6L V6 engine and the V92 Trailering Package. The 2.5L four-cylinder engine, regardless of drivetrain, is rated at 1,000 lbs (454 kg) and cannot be paired with the factory tow package. Confirming V92 package installation is necessary before towing near the rated maximum.

2018 GMC Acadia Towing Capacity

The 2018 GMC Acadia shares the same towing specification structure as the 2019 model, with maximum towing capacity at 4,000 lbs (1,814 kg) requiring the 3.6L V6 and V92 package. Models with the 2.5L engine are rated at 1,000 lbs (454 kg) regardless of whether FWD or AWD is selected. Drivetrain selection does not affect the towing rating; engine and tow package are the determining factors.

2017 GMC Acadia Towing Capacity

The 2017 GMC Acadia marks the first year of the second-generation platform, which downsized from the first-generation body. Maximum towing capacity is 4,000 lbs (1,814 kg) with the 3.6L V6 and V92 Trailering Package, a reduction from the prior generation’s 5,200 lb ceiling. The 2.5L four-cylinder engine was introduced in this generation and carries a 1,000 lb (454 kg) towing limit.

2016 GMC Acadia Towing Capacity

The 2016 GMC Acadia retains the first-generation body and achieves a maximum towing capacity of 5,200 lbs (2,359 kg) with the V92 Trailering Package installed. Without the tow package, towing capacity drops to 2,000 lbs (907 kg) for both FWD and AWD models. This was the final model year of the first-generation Lambda-platform Acadia before the 2017 redesign.

2015 GMC Acadia Towing Capacity

The 2015 GMC Acadia carries the same maximum towing capacity of 5,200 lbs (2,359 kg) when the V92 Trailering Package is installed. Without the tow package, the trailer weight limit is 2,000 lbs (907 kg). FWD and AWD configurations share identical towing ratings, as the key variable is the presence of the trailering package.

2014 GMC Acadia Towing Capacity

The 2014 GMC Acadia is rated for a maximum towing capacity of 5,200 lbs (2,359 kg) with the factory trailering package. The base trailer weight limit without a tow package remains at 2,000 lbs (907 kg). This model year is part of the consistent 2010 through 2016 towing specification window for the first-generation Acadia.

2013 GMC Acadia Towing Capacity

The 2013 GMC Acadia maintains the 5,200 lb (2,359 kg) maximum towing specification established for the 2010 through 2016 model year range. The V92 Trailering Package is required to achieve this rating, which includes a factory hitch platform, 7-pin wiring harness, and heavy-duty cooling system. Without the package, the limit is 2,000 lbs (907 kg).

2012 GMC Acadia Towing Capacity

The 2012 GMC Acadia offers a maximum towing capacity of 5,200 lbs (2,359 kg) with the V92 Trailering Package and 3.6L V6 engine. The towing specification is identical for both FWD and AWD drivetrains when the package is installed. Models without the package are limited to 2,000 lbs (907 kg).

2011 GMC Acadia Towing Capacity

The 2011 GMC Acadia, equipped with the 3.6L V6 and V92 Trailering Package, is rated at 5,200 lbs (2,359 kg) maximum towing capacity. Denali trim models with the tow package achieve the full 5,200 lb rating; standard trims without the package are limited to 2,000 lbs (907 kg). Tongue weight is rated at 10 to 15 percent of the total trailer weight per GMC’s trailering guide.

2010 GMC Acadia Towing Capacity

The 2010 GMC Acadia reaches the 5,200 lb (2,359 kg) towing maximum for the first time in the model’s production history, an increase over the 4,500 lb rating of the 2008 and 2009 models. This elevated rating applies to FWD and AWD models alike, provided the V92 Trailering Package is installed. Without the tow package, the trailer weight limit is 2,000 lbs (907 kg).

2009 GMC Acadia Towing Capacity

The 2009 GMC Acadia has a maximum towing capacity of 4,500 lbs (2,041 kg) when equipped with the V92 Trailering Package. Without the tow package, the trailer weight limit is 2,000 lbs (907 kg). Both FWD and AWD models carry the same towing rating, with the package being the sole determining factor between the two limits.

2008 GMC Acadia Towing Capacity

The 2008 GMC Acadia is rated at 4,500 lbs (2,041 kg) maximum towing capacity with the factory V92 package installed. Models without the tow package carry a 2,000 lb (907 kg) trailer weight limit. The towing specifications are identical for FWD and AWD variants in this model year.

2007 GMC Acadia Towing Capacity

The 2007 GMC Acadia, the model’s debut year, offers a maximum towing capacity of 4,500 lbs (2,041 kg) when properly equipped with the optional trailering provisions, including a heavy-duty cooling system and trailer hitch. The 2007 model does not require a separate tow package to achieve this rating in the same manner as later years. Payload capacity is rated at 1,676 lbs (760 kg) per published specifications.

Towing Equipment and Setup

Proper towing setup is as critical as selecting the correct tow rating. The GMC Acadia uses a Class III hitch receiver on all properly equipped models. Using the correct equipment prevents trailer sway, brake fade, and transmission overheating.

Tow Package Components

The factory V92 Trailering Package for the Acadia typically includes a factory-installed trailer hitch platform, a 7-pin wiring harness for trailer lighting, and a heavy-duty cooling system. Without this package, towing capacity is significantly reduced on nearly all model years covered in this guide. Verifying package installation by checking the RPO codes on the service parts identification sticker is the most reliable method.

Trailer Brake Controller

Any GMC Acadia towing a trailer above 1,000 lbs should use a trailer with its own braking system, and a compatible brake controller is required to activate it. Electric trailer brake controllers can be factory-integrated or aftermarket-installed. Confirming brake controller compatibility with the specific model year is necessary before towing heavy loads.

Weight-Distributing Hitch

A weight-distributing hitch is generally not required for the Acadia given its Class III hitch rating and crossover platform. However, for loads approaching the maximum towing capacity, a weight-distributing setup improves front axle load distribution and towing stability. Always verify that any added hitch accessory does not exceed the receiver’s rated tongue weight limit.

Normal Towing vs. Heavy Towing Setup

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the maximum towing capacity of a GMC Acadia?

The maximum towing capacity of a GMC Acadia is 5,200 lbs (2,359 kg), achieved on first-generation models built from 2010 through 2016 with the 3.6L V6 engine and V92 Trailering Package. Third-generation models from 2024 through 2026 are rated at 5,000 lbs (2,268 kg) with the Trailering Package. Second-generation models from 2017 through 2023 max out at 4,000 lbs (1,814 kg) with the 3.6L V6 and tow package.

How much can a GMC Acadia tow with a tow package?

With the factory Trailering Package installed, the GMC Acadia can tow between 4,000 and 5,200 lbs depending on model year and engine configuration. The 2010 through 2016 models with V92 package reach 5,200 lbs (2,359 kg). The 2024 through 2026 models with the standard Trailering Package are rated at 5,000 lbs (2,268 kg).

Does 4WD or AWD affect GMC Acadia towing capacity?

On the GMC Acadia, drivetrain selection between FWD and AWD does not significantly affect the towing capacity rating. The determining factors are the installed engine and the presence of the factory Trailering Package. Both FWD and AWD models with the same engine and tow package share identical towing limits across all model years.

What trailer weight is safe for a GMC Acadia without a tow package?

Without the factory tow package, GMC Acadia models from 2008 through 2016 are limited to 2,000 lbs (907 kg). Second-generation models from 2017 through 2023 are limited to 1,000 lbs (454 kg) for the 2.5L engine and 1,500 lbs (680 kg) for the 2.0L turbocharged engine without a tow package. Third-generation models without the package are rated at 1,500 lbs (680 kg).

Do I need a weight-distributing hitch for a GMC Acadia?

A weight-distributing hitch is not required for the GMC Acadia under most towing scenarios due to its Class III hitch and crossover platform design. For loads approaching the maximum rated capacity, a weight-distributing setup can improve stability and reduce front axle lift. Always verify that the tongue weight of the trailer does not exceed 10 to 15 percent of the rated trailer weight limit.

Which GMC Acadia year has the highest towing capacity?

The GMC Acadia models built from 2010 through 2016 hold the highest factory towing capacity at 5,200 lbs (2,359 kg), achievable with the 3.6L V6 and V92 Trailering Package. This rating places those years above both the 2017 through 2023 maximum of 4,000 lbs and the 2024 through 2026 maximum of 5,000 lbs.

Conclusion

The GMC Acadia towing capacity ranges from 1,000 lbs (454 kg) on base configurations without a tow package up to 5,200 lbs (2,359 kg) on properly equipped first-generation models. Throughout its production history, the towing limits have been closely tied to engine selection and factory tow package installation rather than trim level or drivetrain choice.

The 3.6L V6 engine, used from 2007 through 2023, consistently provided the highest towing ratings when paired with the V92 Trailering Package. The third-generation 2.5L turbocharged engine, introduced for 2024, delivers a 5,000 lb (2,268 kg) towing capacity with the standard Trailering Package. Regardless of model year, the factory tow package is the single most important factor in achieving the maximum rated trailer weight.