The GMC Acadia was introduced in General Motor’s lineup as a crossover SUV in 2007 and remains popular today. GMC vehicles are known for their rugged dependability and for having the features consumers expect from today’s SUVs, including towing. But what is the towing capacity of a GMC Acadia?
The GMC Acadia has a towing capacity of 3,500 to 4,000 pounds for current models. Prior year models can tow 1,000 to 5,200 pounds.
There’s a bit more to know about GMC Acadia towing capabilities which we’ll cover in today’s guide.
GMC Acadia Towing Capacity By Year
As we covered earlier, the current GMC Acadia can tow a maximum of 4,000 lbs when properly equipped.
The Acadia has been for sale in the USA since 2007, so we’ve listed out the maximum tow capacity for each year below for reference.
Note that for each model year, there are many variables that affect the total towing capability of each year of the vehicle, so we recommend checking your specific Acadia model year using the links below for an in-depth guide and to get the most accurate information.
Here’s the maximum GMC Acadia towing capacity by year:
2023 GMC Acadia Tow Capacity: 4,000 pounds
2022 GMC Acadia Tow Capacity: 4,000 pounds
2021 GMC Acadia Tow Capacity: 4,000 pounds
2020 GMC Acadia Tow Capacity: 4,000 pounds
2019 GMC Acadia Tow Capacity: 4,000 pounds
2018 GMC Acadia Tow Capacity: 4,000 pounds
2017 GMC Acadia Tow Capacity: 4,000 pounds
2016 GMC Acadia Tow Capacity: 5,200 pounds
2015 GMC Acadia Tow Capacity: 5,200 pounds
2014 GMC Acadia Tow Capacity: 5,200 pounds
2013 GMC Acadia Tow Capacity: 5,200 pounds
2012 GMC Acadia Tow Capacity: 5,200 pounds
2011 GMC Acadia Tow Capacity: 5,200 pounds
2010 GMC Acadia Tow Capacity: 5,200 pounds
2009 GMC Acadia Tow Capacity: 4,500 pounds
2008 GMC Acadia Tow Capacity: 4,500 pounds
2007 GMC Acadia Tow Capacity: 4,500 pounds
You can also read our guide on what makes a vehicle towing capacity to learn all the aspects that go into it.
GMC Acadia Braked Vs. Unbraked Towing Capacity
All vehicles have different towing capacities based on whether or not you’re towing a trailer that has trailer brakes installed.
Trailer brakes allow the trailer to stop faster than if only the vehicle is using its brakes, allowing the vehicle to tow more weight, so braked towing capacity will always be higher than unbraked towing capacity.
GMC Acadia Braked Towing Capacity: 3,500 – 4,000 lbs.
GMC Acadia Unbraked Towing Capacity: 1,500 lbs.
GMC Acadia Towing Capacity Factors
The two engines offered in the GMC Acadia are what determines whether your Acadia can tow 3,500 or 4,000 pounds.
The 2.0L Turbo engine has the 3,500 towing cap, while the 3.6L V6 can pull up to 4,000 pounds.
GMC has a different approach from most manufacturers on which engines can be selected based on trim levels.
The 2.0L Turbo engine is standard on the SLT and SLE trims, and can also be selected for the Denali trim, while the 3.6 V6 is standard on AT4 and Denali trims, but can be chosen on SLT.
So this confirms that the max towing capability for an SLE Acadia is 3,500 lbs and an AT4 is 4,000 pounds, but all other trims depend on which engine is in it.
On prior year models, the engine option also affected the GMC Acadia tow capacity, along with whether the optional tow package was installed.
We’ll get into the tow package a little later.
GMC Acadia Engine Specs
The Acadia has two engine options:
One is a 2.0 Liter I-4 Twin-scroll turbocharger gas engine that offers a max 228 horsepower and 258 lb.-ft of torque, paired with a 9-speed automatic transmission.
This engine can pull 3,500 pounds.
The upgraded option is a 3.6 Liter 6 cylinder gas engine that offers a max 310 horsepower and 271 lb.-ft of torque, also paired with a 9-speed automatic transmission.
This engine can pull 4,000 pounds.
GMC Acadia Tow Packages
Does The GMC Acadia Have A Tow Package?
GMC offers a trailering package that includes the following enhancements:
- Hitch guidance system (displays a guideline on your rear vision camera)
- 170 amp alternator
- Heavy-duty cooling system
- 7-pin wiring harness
- Class III hitch
Can You Install A Trailer Hitch On a GMC Acadia?
If you plan on towing anything with your GMC Acadia, you’ll need a tow hitch and wiring harness.
Depending on what you’re towing, you’re going to need a ball mount (aka a trailer ball hitch) so you can attach items for towing.
Make sure to get the right trailer ball size that matches your hitch and trailer.
GMC Acadia Tow Hitch
Trailer hitches come in different hitch classes, which are rated for different vehicle sizes and weight limits.
The GMC Acadia uses a Class 3 hitch.
Here’s a great option for a GMC Acadia trailer hitch:
- Up to 500 pounds tongue weight and gross towing weight of 5000 pounds - you should always consult the vehicles owners manual for maximum towing capacity
- 2 inch round receiver tube opening
- All-welded construction for maximum strength and safety. Material-Steel. Product Depth: 44.8'', product width: 15.3'',product height: 6.2''. Features: Rust Resistant. Hitch class: class 3
- Passenger car SUV van and light truck applications. To use the weight distribution side of the hitch a weight distribution system is required
- Hitch box cover included. All Hitches Are Designed For Customers With Trucks, Vans, And Sport Utility Vehicles
Here’s a great ball mount option so you can hook up different types of trailers for towing with your Acadia:
- DEPENDABLE STRENGTH. Rated to tow 3,500 pounds gross trailer weight and 350 pounds tongue weight, this ball hitch offers dependability for your towing setup (weight capacity may change if trailer ball is removed)
- VERSATILE USE. This trailer hitch ball mount comes with a 1-1/4-inch shank to fit virtually any industry-standard 1-1/4-inch receiver. The ball mount has a 3-1/4-inch drop, 2-inch diameter ball, 1/2-inch hitch pin hole and 7-1/4-inch overall length
- READY TO TOW. Hitching up your trailer is easy with this ready-to-use trailer hitch ball mount. It comes with a pre-attached tow ball for ready coupling and a trailer hitch pin to securely mount onto your hitch receiver
- CORROSION-RESISTANT. For long-lasting use, this ball hitch is protected with a durable black powder coat finish, and the trailer ball has a polished chrome plating. These finishes resist damage from rain, dirt, road salt and other corrosive threats
- EASY TO INSTALL. To install the trailer hitch ball mount on your vehicle, simply insert the shank into your vehicle's 1-1/4-inch hitch receiver. The rounded shank makes installation easy
GMC Acadia Tow Hitch Installation
If you’re considering having a tow hitch added to your Acadia, expect to pay between $100 and $200 to have a tow package professionally installed (excluding the cost of the tow hitch and wiring harness).
If you’re handy and looking to save money, you can install the trailer hitch and wiring harness yourself.
Always follow the manufacturer’s directions and use proper safety precautions.
Here’s a great video walkthrough on a GMC Acadia trailer hitch installation:
Hitch Receiver Vs Rear Step Bumper Towing
Some vehicles allow for bumper towing, which means you can mount a tow hitch ball directly on the bumper instead of installing a tow hitch to the vehicle’s frame.
Can I Bumper Tow With A GMC Acadia?
The GMC Acadia does not allow for bumper towing, so you’ll need to use a frame-mounted hitch.
How Do I Know If My GMC Acadia Has A Tow Package?
You can start by looking under the rear bumper of your Acadia to see if you notice a trailer hitch or trailer ball.
That will give you a good indication of if you have a tow hitch already installed on your Acadia.
Another way to research this is by checking the paperwork that came with your vehicle or taking it to a local dealer to see what’s installed.
Make sure to have your VIN (Vehicle Identification Number) handy if you call the dealer so they can look up the exact specs and whether or not your vehicle has any towing packages or features installed on it.
Data Accuracy
We’ve gathered all data represented here from the official GMC Acadia Owner’s Manuals 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 2023 GMC Acadia.
