If you’re searching for an easy driving all-around performing SUV, the GMC Acadia is an excellent choice. The Acadia was introduced into GMC’s lineup in 2007 and is still made today. But what is the towing capacity of a 2012 GMC Acadia?
The 2012 GMC Acadia has a maximum towing capacity of 5,200 pounds.
The 2012 GMC Acadia tow capacity can vary based on a few different factors such as engine size, drivetrain, trim level, and others which we’ll cover in this guide.
How Much Can The 2012 GMC Acadia Tow?
The 2012 GMC Acadia has a towing capacity of 5,200 pounds.
The 2012 GMC Acadia tow capacity is affected by other factors like engine type, drivetrain, the weight of cargo and passengers, and whether your vehicle has a towing package equipped or not.
You can always reach out to your local GMC dealership for details to confirm how much your Acadia can tow.
You can check out our guide to GMC Acadia towing capacity by year if you’re looking at a different model year’s max capacity or if you want to compare different years of this vehicle.
You can also read our guide on what makes a vehicle towing capacity to learn all the aspects that go into it.
2012 Acadia Towing Capacity By Trim Level
There are many trim levels for the 2012 Acadia. Some engines and features are not available on certain configurations, so they can each have different max towing limits.
Here’s the max tow capacity broken down for each package on the 2012 GMC Acadia:
2012 GMC Acadia Trim Level | Towing Capacity |
2012 GMC Acadia SLE-1 | 5,200 pounds |
2012 GMC Acadia SLE-2 | 5,200 pounds |
2012 GMC Acadia SLT-1 | 5,200 pounds |
2012 GMC Acadia SLT-2 | 5,200 pounds |
2012 GMC Acadia Denali | 5,200 pounds |
Towing Capacity By Engine Size & Drivetrain
2012 GMC Acadia Engine Towing Specs
There is one engine option for the 2012 Acadia, which is a 3.6L V6 engine that produces 281 horsepower and 266 pound-feet of torque. That same engine produces 288 horsepower and 270 pound-feet of torque on the Denali trim.
2012 GMC Acadia 3.6L V6 Engine Towing Capacity: 5,200 pounds
2012 GMC Acadia Drivetrain Towing Specs
The 2012 GMC Acadia comes standard with front-wheel drive, with all-wheel drive optional on most trims.
2012 GMC Acadia FWD Tow Capacity: 5,200 pounds
2012 GMC Acadia AWD Tow Capacity: 5,200 pounds
Note that these are the max towing limits for each 2012 GMC Acadia engine. Your GMC Acadia may have a lower towing capacity based on the drivetrain, axle ratio, and if your vehicle has a towing package installed.
2012 GMC Acadia Payload Capacity
The maximum payload capacity of the 2012 GMC Acadia is 1,755 pounds.
This means that the 2012 Acadia can carry up to 1,755 pounds worth of passenger and cargo weight in the vehicle, which makes it great for road trips and hauling heavier items.
Note that the max payload capacity of your 2012 Acadia will vary based on factors like the engine type, drivetrain and whether or not a towing package that includes other features like an engine oil cooler or transmission oil cooler is installed.
You can always contact your local dealership for extra details if you’re unsure of your vehicle’s payload capability.
2012 GMC Acadia Tow Package
GMC offers an optional factory-installed towing package for the Acadia, the V92 Trailer Tow Package, which includes a hitch receiver, upgraded cooling system, and wiring harness.
We definitely recommend getting the towing package if you plan on towing anything with your 2012 Acadia.
2012 GMC Acadia Towing Capacity Vs Competitors
The 2012 GMC Acadia has a maximum tow rating of 5200 pounds, which makes it capable of medium-duty towing.
The 2012 Acadia’s tow capability is similar to its main competitors which are the 2012 Honda Pilot and the 2012 Toyota Highlander.
Here are some similar vehicles to the 2012 GMC Acadia and their towing capacities below:
2012 Dodge Durango: 7,200 pounds
2012 Honda Pilot: 4,500 pounds
2012 Kia Sorento: 3,500 pounds
2012 Nissan Pathfinder: 7,000 pounds
2012 Toyota Highlander: 5,000 pounds
2012 GMC Models Towing Capacity Chart
2012 GMC SUV Model | Towing Capacity |
2012 GMC Sierra 1500 | 10,700 pounds |
2012 GMC Yukon | 8,300 pounds |
2012 GMC Acadia | 5,200 pounds |
2012 GMC Terrain | 3,500 pounds |
Data Accuracy
We’ve gathered all data represented here from the official 2012 GMC Acadia Owner’s Manual on GMC’s site and have checked all data thoroughly for accuracy.
Having said that, we still recommend you refer to your vehicle’s owner’s manual yourself before towing with a 2012 GMC Acadia.