What Size Camper Can a GMC Acadia Pull

By Nick Marchenko, PhD

The GMC Acadia is a midsize SUV geared towards enhancing the leisure pursuits of Columbus, Grove City, and Dublin OH drivers.

Thanks to its impressive towing capacity, with the appropriate equipment, you will be able to haul substantial trailer weights.

In the following sections, we will explore the capabilities of the GMC Acadia and how it can redefine your current lifestyle. Let's kick things off.

GMC Acadia Engine Specs

You have the option to equip your Acadia with one of three robust engines. Curious about the towing capacity differences between the base and upgraded engine in a GMC Acadia?

It is worth noting that to achieve the maximum 4,000-pound towing capacity, you will need the optional 3.6-liter V6 upgrade. Let's delve into the specifications for both engines:

Base engine

2.5-liter 4-cylinder. Base engine output: 193 horsepower and 188 pound-feet of torque.

Upgrade engine

3.6-liter V6. Upgrade engine output: 310 horsepower and 271 pound-feet of torque. A 6-speed automatic transmission is linked to both engines, delivering effective acceleration and smooth gear changes.

A 2.0-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder engine is also an optional choice. All-wheel drive is a choice for better handling on slick roads and difficult off-road terrain.

How Much Can the GMC Acadia Tow?

The GMC Acadia boasts a maximum towing capacity of 4,000 pounds when properly equipped. To haul your family camper or fishing boat, the available 3.6-liter V6 engine is the ideal choice, generating 310 horsepower and 271 lb-ft of torque.

Even the Acadia's standard 2.0-liter turbo 4-cylinder engine possesses the power for towing. When suitably equipped, it achieves a towing capacity of 3,500 pounds, featuring performance metrics at 228 horsepower and 250 lb-ft of torque.

To ensure you have the necessary equipment for either engine, adding the available trailering package is essential to unlock the full towing potential of the Acadia. This package includes the following items:

• 7-pin wiring harness
• Class III hitch
• Heavy-duty cooling system
• 170 AMP alternator.

These crucial components seamlessly connect the trailer to the vehicle, ensuring its safety during the entire journey to the campground or the dock.

What Camper Size Can a GMC Acadia Pull?

The GMC Acadia's towing capacity, when appropriately configured, spans from 1,000 pounds in the base trim to a maximum of 4,000 pounds when fully equipped, allowing for campers with a weight of less than 4,000 pounds.

Does GMC Acadia Have a Tow Package?

To achieve the best results when towing with the Acadia, it is crucial to have all the necessary components. Fortunately, the Acadia comes equipped with a variety of exceptional safety features designed to enhance your towing experience:

• High-definition rear vision camera
• High-definition surround vision
• Trailer sway control (TSC)
• Lane change warning with blind spot monitoring
• Lane departure alert and lane keep assist
• Mirror with rear camera.

Using the right hitch while towing your Acadia can significantly impact the overall experience, ensuring safety and performance.

Shop From Amazon

LT Sport Aluminum Made Tow Trailer Hitch Cover Receiver Black American Flag Emblem Plug

Xotic Tech Smoked Lens Trailer Hitch Cover w/Trailer Adapter Hitch Pin Red Square Brake Ta...

LED | Hitch Receiver Cover | Brake Turn Running Light | Trailer Tow

What Is Included in GMC Acadia Towing Package?

The V92 RPO code for the GMC Acadia trailer towing package includes the following components:

• Factory-installed hitch
• 7-pin wiring harness
• Class III hitch
• Heavy-duty cooling system
• 170 AMP alternator
• Hitch guidance with hitch view
• Hitch guidance

The pricing for the trailering package for the Acadia has been set at $650. To add the towing package, the driver convenience package priced at $1,750 is required.

For Denali trim levels, the tow package is included in the Denali Ultimate package, which costs $5,045. Additionally, SLE trims require the infotainment package, which is priced at $995, for the hitch guidance with hitch view and hitch guidance CTT features.

GMC Acadia Towing Features

The GMC Acadia offers versatile towing capabilities, starting at 3,300 pounds with the base engine and increasing when equipped with the V6 engine and the available trailering package.

The vehicle features a traction select system, a standard offering on all GMC Terrain models equipped with all-wheel drive. This system enhances safety and control for drivers by providing various driving modes:

Front-wheel drive mode

In normal conditions, this mode mechanically disconnects the rear axle, reducing fuel consumption.

All-wheel drive mode

Power is distributed to all four wheels, improving traction on slippery, icy, or snowy surfaces.

Off-road mode

Available on the Terrain AT 4, this mode adapts the all-wheel drive system for better stability and grip on unpaved surfaces like sand, gravel, or dirt.

Available tow haul mode

This mode includes trailer sway control and automatically engages AWD mode when necessary, enhancing grip on boat ramps or uneven roads. It maximizes your GMC Terrain's towing capabilities.

To find out what your vehicle's gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) is, always refer to your owner's handbook. The GVWR stipulates the maximum weight your Acadia can pull, and it is essential to stay under this limit for performance and safety reasons.

Is GMC Acadia Good for Towing?

The GMC Acadia offers a towing capacity ranging from 3,300 to 4,000 pounds, starting at a base price of $34,800. It positions itself among the more expensive models in the midsize SUV segment.

For the Acadia AT4, which is the highest-priced trim level with available pricing information, the starting price is set at $41,400. On the other hand, it is projected that the top-tier Acadia Denali will sell for a lot more money.

Although official pricing information has not been confirmed, the Denali is anticipated to start at roughly $47,000, which is in line with the typical price for top-of-the-line vehicles in this class.

Now that you have a clear understanding of the Acadia's maximum towing capacity and have explored great options for towing various boats and campers, you can take full advantage of the trailer towing package's exciting features and various trim levels to meet your specific requirements. With this information, you are well-prepared for your upcoming outdoor adventures.

Nick Marchenko, PhD

Industrial Engineer & Automotive Content Specialist

Nick writes in-depth guides on car clubs, engine specs, vehicle ownership, and modifications, combining engineering knowledge with automotive passion.

Full profile → LinkedIn →