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2021 GMC Terrain towing capacity

Max tow rating

1,500lb

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Trailer check

Yes. 1,200 lb is within 80% of the rating.

Tow rating
1,500 lb
80% rule
Up to 1,200 lb
Margin
300 lb (20%)
Hitch class needed
I, up to 2,000 lb
Share of curb weight
35% of 3,449 lb

Within the 85% curb weight guideline.

Expect 20-40% lower mpg when towing: 16-22 mpg.

05,00010,00015,000Teardrop camperUtility trailerPop-up camperBoat on a trailerSmall travel trailerMid-size travel trailerCar on a car haulerLarge travel trailerFifth wheel80%: 1,200 lbRating: 1,500 lb
Pounds. Blue: fits under 1,200 lb, 80% of the rating. Orange: lighter ones fit. Grey: too heavy.

What it can pull

Rule: keep the trailer at 80% of the rating or less.

Max tow rating
1,500 lb
80% of the rating
1,200 lb
Hitch class at max
I, up to 2,000 lb
What it can pull at 1,200 lb
TrailerLoaded weightFits
Teardrop camper1,000 to 2,500 lbSome, up to 1,200 lb
Utility trailer1,000 to 3,000 lbSome, up to 1,200 lb
Pop-up camper1,500 to 3,000 lbNo
Boat on a trailer2,000 to 6,000 lbNo
Small travel trailer3,000 to 5,000 lbNo
Mid-size travel trailer5,000 to 7,500 lbNo
Car on a car hauler5,500 to 7,500 lbNo
Large travel trailer7,500 to 10,000 lbNo
Fifth wheel10,000 to 16,000 lbNo

Trailer weights are typical loaded weights.

Tow rating by trim

Cheapest at 1,500 lb: SL FWD, $25,000.

2021 GMC Terrain tow rating by trim
TrimEngineDrivetrainTow ratingPayloadGVWRCurb weightMSRP
SL FWD1.5L 4cylFWD1,500 lb1,146 lb4,595 lb3,449 lb$25,000
SLE FWD1.5L 4cylFWD1,500 lb1,146 lb4,595 lb3,449 lb$28,500
SLE AWD1.5LAWD1,500 lbN/AN/A3,622 lb$30,100
SLT FWD1.5L 4cylFWD1,500 lb1,146 lb4,633 lb3,487 lb$32,600
SLT AWD1.5LAWD1,500 lbN/AN/A3,659 lb$34,200
Denali FWD1.5LFWD1,500 lbN/AN/A3,537 lb$35,900
Denali AWD1.5L 4cylAWD1,500 lb1,146 lb4,755 lb3,609 lb$37,500

Max rating by year

01,0002,0003,0004,000201120142017202020232026
Highest rating each year, 2011 to 2026. Pounds.
  • Changed in 2018: 3,500 lb to 1,500 lb.

Rivals: max tow rating

2021 rivals by max tow rating
ModelMax tow ratingCheapest trim at maxMSRP
Jeep Compass2,000 lbSport 4WD$25,995
Mazda CX-52,000 lbSport FWD$25,370
GMC Terrain (this car)1,500 lbSL FWD$25,000
Chevrolet Equinox1,500 lbL FWD$23,800
Honda CR-V1,500 lbLX 2WD$25,350
Subaru Forester1,500 lbAWD$24,795
Volkswagen Tiguan1,500 lbS FWD$25,245

Lists by trailer weight

Other models rated for these weights.

What this cannot tell you

Ratings need the right hitch and tow package.

Passengers and cargo count against the payload.

How values are checked