The 2023 GMC Acadia midsize SUV offers impressive towing capabilities for an SUV in its class. With the ability to tow up to 4,000 pounds when properly equipped, the Acadia can haul small boats, ATVs, utility trailers, and more with confidence.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explain everything you need to know about the 2023 GMC Acadia’s towing capacity, including:
- Key factors that affect towing capacity
- Towing capacity by trim level and drivetrain
- Towing technologies and features
- Tips for safe towing
- How the Acadia compares to other SUVs
Whether you’re looking to occasionally haul lightweight gear or regularly tow larger loads, understanding the 2023 Acadia’s towing specs and equipment will help you get the most out of this versatile SUV.
What Determines the GMC Acadia Towing Capacity?
The maximum towing capacity of the 2023 GMC Acadia depends on a few key factors:
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Engine – More powerful engines can haul more weight. The Acadia offers a choice of two engines: a 2.0L turbocharged 4-cylinder or a 3.6L V6.
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Drivetrain – Acadia models with all-wheel drive (AWD) can tow more than front-wheel drive models.
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Axle ratio – Differential gearing affects torque output. Lower numerical ratios provide more torque for towing.
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Trim Level – Higher trims levels are equipped with more robust towing components.
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Payload – Payload refers to cargo and passenger weight. The more payload in the vehicle, the less it can tow.
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Factory Tow Package – This includes heavy-duty engine cooling, hitch receiver, and wiring for brake controls.
Understanding these key factors will help you choose the optimal Acadia configuration for your towing needs.
2023 GMC Acadia Towing Capacity by Trim
The 2023 Acadia is available in five trim levels, each offering different maximum towing capacities:
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SLE – 3,500 lbs with the 2.0L turbo engine and FWD.
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SLT – 3,500 lbs with the 4-cylinder turbo.
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AT4 – 4,000 lbs with the V6 engine and AWD. The AT4 also comes standard with the factory tow package.
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Denali – 4,000 lbs with the V6 and AWD. Adding the tow package is optional.
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Elevation – 3,500 lbs with the turbo 4-cylinder and FWD. The Elevation trim is a mid-year model for 2023.
The maximum capacities require opting for the available towing package. Tow ratings are lowered by 500 lbs on most configurations without the tow package.
As you can see, the most potent Acadia towing combination is the 3.6L V6 with AWD and the trailering package, offering a max rating of 4,000 lbs.
Both the AT4 and Denali trims can achieve that number. The AT4 comes standard with the V6, AWD, and tow package, while the Denali requires adding them as options.
2023 GMC Acadia Towing Features and Technology
To make towing safe and convenient, GMC equips the 2023 Acadia with specialized technologies:
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Rear Vision Camera – Standard on all trims, provides a view behind the SUV to assist with hooking up a trailer.
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Hitch Guidance – Optional camera system adds a zoomable overhead image and guiding line to help align the hitch ball and trailer coupler while backing up.
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Integrated Trailer Brake Controller – Optional factory controller manages electric trailer brakes with a dash-mounted control. Works in tandem with the SUV’s brakes.
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Hill Start Assist – Prevents rollback when starting from a stop on an incline. Standard on all trims.
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Hill Descent Control – Applies the brakes to maintain low speeds when traveling downhill off-road. Standard on the AT4.
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Traction Select – Enables toggling between different modes for varying road conditions. Standard on all trims.
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Heavy-Duty Cooling – Tow package upgrades the transmission cooler, engine oil cooler, and radiator fan to handle high-load towing.
Properly using these technologies while towing helps keep the Acadia and your cargo secure.
Towing Tips for GMC Acadia Owners
Follow these tips to safely maximize your towing experience:
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Do not exceed weight ratings – Exceeding GVWR, GAWR, or the max trailer weight can jeopardize driving safety. Consult the driver door jamb labels or owner’s manual.
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Use a weight distributing hitch – Required for towing up to Acadia’s max capacities. This transfers trailer tongue weight to the front and rear axles.
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Load cargo properly – 60% of the cargo weight should be positioned over the trailer axles. 30% over the tow vehicle’s axle.
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Adjust driving habits – Brake earlier and accelerate slowly. Allow extra distance for stopping and passing. Reduce speed on inclines.
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Check trailer lights and brakes – Ensure all trailer lights and electric/hydraulic brakes function properly each time you tow.
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Focus on maintenance – Closely follow the recommended maintenance schedule and check tire pressures before each trip.
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Use tow/haul mode – This feature on the Acadia’s automatic transmission optimizes gearing and engine power output when towing.
Following GMC’s towing guidelines and these tips will allow you to safely haul trailers, boats, ATVs, and cargo up to the Acadia’s maximum rated capacities.
How Does Acadia Towing Compare to Other SUVs?
The 2023 GMC Acadia’s max tow rating of 4,000 pounds slots it in the middle of the pack compared to other midsize SUVs:
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Ford Edge – 3,500 lbs max towing capacity
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Nissan Murano – 1,500 lbs max towing capacity
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Toyota Highlander – 5,000 lbs max towing capacity
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Honda Passport – 3,500 lbs max towing capacity
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Hyundai Santa Fe – 3,500 lbs max towing capacity
The Acadia beats out rivals like the Murano and Santa Fe in terms of max tow rating, but trails the Highlander. The Edge and Passport virtually tie with the top-level Acadia.
Compared to full-size truck-based SUVs, the Acadia understandably lags behind. For example, the Chevy Tahoe offers towing up to 8,400 lbs while the GMC Yukon reaches 8,200 lbs.
Overall, the 2023 Acadia offers strong towing capabilities for a midsize crossover SUV. The max 4,000 lb rating covers small-to-medium sized trailers, boats, ATVs, and cargo for weekend adventures. Larger trailers will require a pickup truck or full-size truck-based SUV.
Conclusion: 2023 Acadia Delivers Capable Towing
The 2023 GMC Acadia’s maximum tow rating of 4,000 pounds provides owners plenty of capability to haul small boats, ATVs, snowmobiles, utility trailers, and cargo. Choosing the 3.6L V6 engine, AWD, and the available trailering package unlocks the top capacities.
Smart towing technologies like the hitch camera system, integrated brake controller, and traction modes give Acadia owners control and confidence while towing. Following GMC’s guidelines and proper hauling techniques allows you to get the most from the Acadia’s towing performance safely.
While it does not match the tow ratings of full-size truck SUVs, the 2023 Acadia hits the sweet spot with family-friendly utility, generous passenger space, and usable towing chops. For weekend adventures and vacations, the Acadia has the brawn to haul your toys and gear nearly anywhere your wanderlust takes you.
