GMC Terrain Towing Capacity Guide

SUVs have a lot to offer drivers in terms of practicality. A significant portion of the value proposition stems from the vehicle’s ability to tow. You can pull a trailer with the GMC Terrain in any of its versions for business, travel, or any other purpose you may have in mind.

With four trim levels to choose from, the GMC Terrain lineup gives you a lot of flexibility when deciding which model to take home. How much weight can the GMC Terrain tow? In this article, we look at exactly how much cargo the SUV can haul and what features are included in the GMC Terrain Towing Package.

Is GMC Terrain Good For Towing?

Despite its size, the GMC Terrain has a great towing capacity which is pretty impressive. The towing capacity of the 2022 GMC Terrain is the same for all trim levels and combinations, with a maximum trailer weight rating of 1,500 pounds.

How much do GMC Terrains Cost?

GMC Terrain SLE’s starting price of $27,900 is above the industry average for the model year 2022. The SLT trim costs $31,900, while the AT4 trim, which will be available in 2022, begins at $34,000. The most expensive trim level, the Denali, has a starting Manufacturer’s suggested retail price of $36,600.

GMC Terrain towing features

Both the FWD and AWD Terrain models can tow up to 3,500lbs on the SLE, SLT, AT4, and Denali variants, depending on the engine combination. As of 2022, many active safety measures will be required by law, including:

• Lane Change Alert with Blind Zone Alert
• Parking sensors, 
• Blind-spot monitors
• Rear Cross-traffic Alert
• Rear Park Assist
• Automatic emergency braking
• Active lane control

GMC Terrain engine options

The new 2022 GMC Terrain has several trim grades, powertrain, and engine choices. The Terrain SLE, Terrain SLT, the first-ever Terrain AT4, and the Terrain Denali all come standard with a 1.5L turbocharged engine and a Front-wheel drive (FWD) or All-Wheel Drive (AWD) drivetrain. A 2.0L turbocharged engine is an optional upgrade and can be combined with either the FWD or AWD layout.

What can a GMC Terrain tow?

The Terrain’s 1500-pound towing capacity excludes many RVs that may be towed. Pop-up and small campers weighing less than 1500 pounds are readily available; however, they have limited storage space for luggage and camping necessities.

The GMC Terrain’s towing capacity of 1500lbs makes it an excellent choice for road trips, whether you’re hauling a small trailer and camper, ATVs, or even a smaller boat.

How Much Towing Capacity Does A GMC Terrain Have?

Because GMC no longer offers an improved version of the Terrain’s 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine, this model year’s trim levels all come standard with the same standard engine, producing 170 horsepower.

However, the lack of power makes itself felt at highway speeds, even with this engine running well in the city. As a result, the nine-speed automatic gearbox is sluggish to change gears.

The GMC Terrain Denali is unlike any other Terrain trim since it comes standard with a 2.0-liter turbocharged engine and many design elements and equipment exclusive to the Denali.

This chart shows the GMC Terrain’s engine and towing capacity and drivetrain specs for the 2010-2022 model years:

GMC Terrain SLE/ SLT/ AT4/Denali

Engine 1: 1.5L Turbo Engine

• Drivetrain: Terrain FWD/AWD
• Towing Capacity: 1,500 pounds

Engine 2: 2.0L Turbo Engine

• Drivetrain: Terrain FWD/AWD
• Towing Capacity: 3,500 pounds

Terrain Denali FWD/AWD

Engine 1: 1.5L Turbo Engine

• Drivetrain: Terrain Denali FWD/AWD
• Towing Capacity: 1,500 pounds

Engine 2: 2.0L Turbo Engine

• Drivetrain: Terrain Denali FWD/AWD
• Towing Capacity: 3,500 pounds

Which GMC Terrain model has the highest towing capacity?

When fitted with the 1.5L turbocharged engine, the GMC Terrain SLT can tow 1,500 lbs1. The maximum towing capacity will rise to 3,500 pounds for drivers who choose the 2.0-liter gas engine.

Do GMC Terrains Have A Tow Package?

To establish whether a GMC Terrain has a factory tow package, you need to inspect the rear fuse box on the driver’s side of the SUV. In the fuse box, you’ll find two areas you’ll need to check: the K2 and K3.

If you see silver terminals, you have the factory tow package; if not, you don’t have it. Make sure no wires are flowing from the rear of K2 and K3 locations if you’re unsure about silver terminals. If wires are there, then you have the factory tow package, but if they are not, then you do not.

You may save money by purchasing a tow hitch for your vehicle from an online auto part supplier that provides expert tow hitch installation services. You can also install a towing kit if you’re an expert at modifying your car and are equipped with the proper tools.

What is included in the GMC Terrain towing package?

It’s possible to add the GMC Max Trailering Package to GMC Terrain models to improve not only their vehicle’s towing performance but also their towing capabilities. The starting price for a trailering package is $490; however, dealer pricing may vary.

In addition to the automatic locking rear differential, the GMC Max Trailering Package includes the following features:

• 9-speed automatic transmission
• Trailer Brake Controller
• Trailer Sway Control – made easier with an all-wheel-drive system, which distributes power to all four wheels and, as a result, improves traction and vehicle stability.
• All-Wheel Drive
• Advanced Traction Selection System
• Hill Descent Control
• Lane Change Alert
• Side Blind Zone Alert
• Rear Cross-Traffic Alert
• 4-Link Rear Suspension
• Performance Brake Linings
• Handling/Trailering Suspension Package:
• Rear Camera Mirror
• Standard Rear Camera View
• Rear Trailer View

FAQs

Can a GMC Terrain tow 3,500lbs?

When fitted with the 1.5L turbocharged engine, the GMC Terrain SLT can tow 1,500 lbs1. The maximum towing capacity will rise to 3,500 pounds for drivers who choose the 2.0-liter gas engine.

How much can a 4-Cylinder GMC Terrain tow?

To transport heavy loads, you’ll need an adequate truck. Standard driver equipment will be a 1.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine with up to 170 horsepower and 203 pound-feet of torque, and it has a powerful engine that can pull up to 1,500 pounds.

What size trailer can a GMC Terrain tow?

The GMC Terrain’s towing capability ranges from 1,500 lbs1 to 3,500 lbs1, depending on the engine type and configurations.

Is the GMC Terrain reliable?

Even though the GMC Terrain has a reasonable dependability rating, it is still ranked lower than many other small SUVs on the market in terms of reliability. In terms of small SUV reliability, the GMC Terrain has a rating of 3.5 out of 5 stars, placing it 22nd overall out of 26 models tested by Consumer Reports.

The Bottom Line

In addition to the incredible GMC Terrain towing capacity, the SUV is equipped with a broad range of accessories to use these towing capabilities. The GMC Terrain tow features offer a comfortable ride no matter what kind of terrain or weather you’re traveling through.

Despite the fact that it is classified as a small SUV, the 2022 GMC Terrain has the right amount of power for your recreational towing requirements. Whether you need to haul a trailer, a pair of jet skis, or even a small boat, this little SUV is up to the challenge!