GMC Acadia Towing Capacity: Unleash Your Adventure

Sarah Khan
Sarah Khan
6 min read

Review by: Sarah Khan
Towing Tips

The GMC Acadia is a midsize SUV that offers impressive towing capabilities, making it an ideal choice for families who love outdoor adventures or need to haul trailers, boats, or campers. This comprehensive guide will explore the Acadia's towing capacity, engine options, towing technology features, and more, providing you with all the information you need to make an informed decision.

Introduction

The GMC Acadia is a versatile midsize SUV that caters to the needs of adventure-seeking families. With its impressive towing capabilities, it allows you to bring along your favorite recreational vehicles or equipment without compromising on performance or safety. In this guide, we'll delve into the Acadia's towing capacity, engine options, towing technology features, cargo capacity, trim level differences, and any notable model year changes.

Maximum Towing Capacity

The GMC Acadia's towing capacity is a standout feature that sets it apart from its competitors. When equipped with the available 3.6L V6 engine and the Trailering Package, the Acadia can tow up to an impressive 4,000 lbs. This remarkable capability allows you to embark on adventures with your boat, camper, or trailer in tow, without any limitations.

EngineTowing Capacity (with Trailering Package)
2.0L Turbo 4-cylinder3,500 lbs
3.6L V64,000 lbs

The Trailering Package is a crucial component that enables the Acadia to achieve its maximum towing capacity. This package includes a 7-pin wiring harness, a Class III hitch, a heavy-duty cooling system, and a 170-amp alternator, all designed to ensure seamless integration with your trailer and optimal towing performance.

Engine Options

The GMC Acadia offers two engine options, each with its own towing capabilities and performance characteristics.

2.0L Turbo 4-cylinder

  • Horsepower: 228 hp

  • Torque: 258 lb-ft

  • Towing Capacity (with Trailering Package): 3,500 lbs

The standard 2.0L Turbo 4-cylinder engine provides a balance between power and efficiency, making it a great choice for those who don't require the maximum towing capacity. With 228 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque, it offers ample power for daily driving and light towing needs.

3.6L V6

  • Horsepower: 310 hp

  • Torque: 271 lb-ft

  • Towing Capacity (with Trailering Package): 4,000 lbs

For those who need more power and towing capability, the available 3.6L V6 engine is the way to go. This engine delivers 310 horsepower and 271 lb-ft of torque, providing the necessary muscle to achieve the Acadia's maximum towing capacity of 4,000 lbs when paired with the Trailering Package. Whether you're hauling a boat, camper, or trailer, this engine has the power to handle it all.

Trailering Package

The Trailering Package is a crucial component that enables the GMC Acadia to achieve its maximum towing capacity. This package includes several essential components that work together to ensure safe and secure towing.

  • 7-pin wiring harness

  • Class III hitch

  • Heavy-duty cooling system

  • 170-amp alternator

The 7-pin wiring harness provides the necessary electrical connections between the Acadia and your trailer, allowing for seamless communication and control of the trailer's lighting and braking systems. The Class III hitch offers a sturdy and reliable connection point for your trailer, while the heavy-duty cooling system ensures that the engine and transmission remain at optimal operating temperatures, even when towing heavy loads.

Additionally, the 170-amp alternator provides ample electrical power to support the increased demands of towing, ensuring that all electrical systems, including the trailer's lights and brakes, function properly.

Towing Technology Features

The GMC Acadia is equipped with advanced towing technology features that make the trailering experience even more convenient and enjoyable.

  • Hitch Guidance with Hitch View

  • Active Torque Control AWD system

  • Traction Select System with Trailer/Tow mode

Hitch Guidance with Hitch View provides visual assistance to help you align the hitch with the trailer, making the hitching process easier and more efficient. The Active Torque Control AWD system, available on select trims, enhances handling, stability, and traction, ensuring optimal control even when towing heavy loads.

The Traction Select System, standard on the GMC Acadia, offers different driving modes, including a dedicated Trailer/Tow mode. This mode optimizes the vehicle's performance for towing scenarios, providing enhanced stability and control when hauling a trailer.

Cargo Capacity

While the GMC Acadia excels in towing capabilities, it also offers generous cargo space for hauling additional gear inside the cabin.

  • With the second and third rows of seats folded down, you'll have access to a massive 79 cubic feet of cargo volume.

  • Even with the third row in place, you'll still have nearly 42 cubic feet of cargo space behind the second row.

This ample cargo capacity allows you to bring along all the necessary equipment for your outdoor adventures, ensuring that you have everything you need for a successful and enjoyable trip.

Trim Level Differences

The towing capacity of the GMC Acadia can vary depending on the trim level and the engine and Trailering Package options selected.

  • SLE and SLT trims:

    • With 2.0L Turbo 4-cylinder and Trailering Package: 3,500 lbs

    • With 3.6L V6 and Trailering Package: 4,000 lbs

  • AT4 trim (off-road-oriented):

    • With 3.6L V6 and Trailering Package: 4,000 lbs

  • Denali trim (top-of-the-line):

    • With 3.6L V6 and Trailering Package: 4,000 lbs

Model Year Changes (if applicable)

For the latest model year, there have been no significant changes to the GMC Acadia's towing capacity or related features compared to the previous year. However, it's always a good idea to check the manufacturer's specifications for the most up-to-date information.

Conclusion

The GMC Acadia is a versatile and capable midsize SUV that offers impressive towing capabilities, making it an excellent choice for families who need a vehicle that can handle their outdoor adventures or hauling needs. With its maximum towing capacity of 4,000 lbs, advanced towing technology features, and generous cargo space, the Acadia provides the perfect combination of power, convenience, and practicality. Whether you're hauling a boat, camper, or trailer, the GMC Acadia has you covered, ensuring a safe and enjoyable journey every time.

FAQs

What is the maximum towing capacity of the GMC Acadia?

The GMC Acadia can tow up to 4,000 lbs when properly equipped with the 3.6L V6 engine and the Trailering Package. This allows you to bring along your boat, camper, or trailer for outdoor adventures.

Does the Acadia's towing capacity vary by trim level?

Yes, the towing capacity can vary depending on the trim level, engine option, and whether the Trailering Package is added. The SLE, SLT, AT4, and Denali trims can all achieve the maximum 4,000 lbs towing capacity with the right configuration.

What is included in the Trailering Package?

The Trailering Package includes a 7-pin wiring harness, a Class III hitch, a heavy-duty cooling system, and a 170-amp alternator to support the increased demands of towing.

What towing technology features does the Acadia offer?

The Acadia offers features like Hitch Guidance with Hitch View, an Active Torque Control AWD system, and a Traction Select System with a dedicated Trailer/Tow mode to enhance towing performance and control.

How much cargo space is available in the Acadia?

With all rear seats folded, the Acadia offers up to 79 cubic feet of cargo space, allowing you to bring along additional gear for your outdoor adventures.

Can the base 2.0L Turbo engine tow a trailer?

Yes, the 2.0L Turbo 4-cylinder engine can tow up to 3,500 lbs when equipped with the Trailering Package, making it suitable for light towing needs.

Does the Acadia's towing capacity change for the latest model year?

No, there have been no significant changes to the Acadia's towing capacity or related features for the latest model year compared to the previous year.

What is the horsepower and torque output of the 3.6L V6 engine?

The 3.6L V6 engine produces 310 horsepower and 271 lb-ft of torque, providing ample power for towing and hauling heavy loads.

Can the Acadia tow a small boat or camper?

Yes, with its maximum towing capacity of 4,000 lbs, the Acadia is capable of towing small boats, campers, or trailers, making it a versatile choice for outdoor enthusiasts.

Does the Acadia offer any towing-specific driving modes?

Yes, the Traction Select System on the Acadia includes a dedicated Trailer/Tow mode that optimizes the vehicle's performance for towing scenarios, providing enhanced stability and control.

Sarah Khan
Sarah Khan

Sarah isn't your average gearhead. With a double major in Mechanical Engineering and Automotive Technology, she dived straight into the world of car repair. After 15 years of turning wrenches at dealerships and independent shops, Sarah joined MICDOT to share her expertise and passion for making cars run like new. Her in-depth knowledge and knack for explaining complex issues in simple terms make her a valuable asset to our team.

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