The 2026 GMC Acadia can tow up to 5,000 pounds, but that rating does not apply to every older Acadia. Model year, engine, and factory trailering equipment can make a substantial difference. For example, a 2023 Acadia with the 3.6L V6 is rated for 4,000 pounds with the V92 trailering package, versus just 1,000 pounds without it.
Before choosing a trailer, identify your Acadia’s configuration and check its owner’s manual. A receiver hitch alone does not establish the vehicle’s towing capacity.
GMC Acadia Towing Capacity Examples
These U.S.-market examples show why a single towing figure can be misleading. They are reference points, not a complete chart for every model year.
| Model year | Configuration | Maximum trailer weight |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | All trims, with standard Trailering Package | 5,000 lb |
| 2024 | Properly equipped with Trailering Package | 5,000 lb |
| 2023 | 2.0L turbo, with V92 package | 3,250 lb |
| 2023 | 2.0L turbo, without V92 package | 1,500 lb |
| 2023 | 3.6L V6, with V92 package | 4,000 lb |
| 2023 | 3.6L V6, without V92 package | 1,000 lb |
Do not carry a rating across model years simply because the engine size or trim name matches. GMC redesigned the Acadia for 2024, replacing the previous engine lineup with a 2.5L turbocharged four-cylinder.
How to Find Your Acadia’s Actual Tow Rating
- Confirm the model year and engine. Use the vehicle’s documentation rather than relying on its appearance or an online sales listing.
- Verify the factory trailering equipment. Check the original window sticker or ask a GMC dealer to retrieve the equipment record using the VIN. V92 is the trailering-package code referenced in the 2023 manual.
- Find the matching row in the owner’s manual. Look under “Trailer Towing” for engine, drivetrain, and equipment distinctions.
- Check the other weight limits. The SUV, axles, hitch, and trailer must all remain within their respective ratings when loaded for the trip.
An installed hitch may have been added after the vehicle was built. Its rating describes the hitch’s capability and does not automatically raise the Acadia’s factory tow rating.
Why Passengers and Cargo Matter
The advertised maximum is a starting point. Additional passengers, luggage, and accessories can reduce the trailer weight available for your trip.
Trailer tongue weight also loads the SUV. The 2023 manual specifies a maximum tongue weight of 400 pounds; that load must fit within the vehicle’s remaining carrying capacity. A trailer can therefore fall below the headline tow rating while still exceeding another limit.
Can an Acadia Tow a Camper or Boat?
Possibly, provided the fully loaded combination meets every applicable limit. Compare the trailer’s actual travel weight, including equipment and supplies, rather than its empty or “dry” weight.
For example, a camper advertised at 3,500 pounds dry could weigh considerably more after adding a battery, propane, water, and camping gear. For a boat, include the trailer, fuel, and equipment.
Before buying, have the loaded weights and hitch setup checked. The Acadia’s model-specific manual should also guide trailer brakes, wiring, and any weight-distributing hitch requirements.
Sources
- GMC: 2026 Acadia — towing capability and standard Trailering Package.
- GMC: All-New 2024 Acadia — redesigned powertrain and 5,000-pound maximum with required equipment.
- 2023 GMC Acadia Owner’s Manual, reproduced by Manuals+ — configuration-specific tow ratings and loading limits.
- GMC Owner’s Manuals and Guides — locate the manual for your model year.
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