For serious hauling and towing across Ontario, GMC's 2026 truck lineup delivers the capability drivers need - from weekend boat launches to heavy fifth-wheel trailers. Understanding each model's maximum towing capacity helps you match the right truck to your specific needs, whether you're a contractor moving equipment or a family planning cross-province camping trips.
This comprehensive guide ranks every 2026 GMC truck by towing capacity, from the most capable heavy-duty haulers to versatile mid-size options. We'll break down how engine choices, cab configurations, and drivetrain selections impact your real-world towing limits, ensuring you make an informed decision for your lifestyle.
|
Rank |
Model |
Maximum Towing Capacity |
Hitch Type |
|
1 |
Sierra 3500 HD |
16,329 kg (36,000 lbs) |
Gooseneck |
|
2 |
Sierra 2500 HD |
10,205 kg (22,500 lbs) |
Gooseneck |
|
3 |
Sierra 1500 |
5,987 kg (13,200 lbs) |
Conventional |
|
4 |
Sierra EV |
5,534 kg (12,200 lbs) |
Conventional |
|
5 |
Canyon |
3,492 kg (7,700 lbs) |
Conventional |
The 2026 Sierra 3500 HD stands at the top of GMC's capability ladder with a maximum gooseneck towing capacity of 16,329 kg (36,000 lbs) when properly equipped. This rating applies to Regular Cab 2WD configurations with the 6.6L Duramax Turbo-Diesel V8 engine and the Max Trailering Package.
For fifth-wheel applications, the 3500 HD delivers up to 14,515 kg (32,000 lbs), while conventional trailer towing maxes out at 9,072 kg (20,000 lbs). The Duramax diesel produces 470 hp and 975 lb-ft of torque, paired with an Allison 10-speed automatic transmission specifically engineered for heavy-duty work.
Key configurations include Regular Cab DRW 2WD (Diesel) at 16,329 kg (36,000 lbs) gooseneck, Crew Cab Long Bed 4WD (Diesel) at 9,756 kg (21,510 lbs) gooseneck, and Regular Cab DRW 2WD (Gas) at 8,482 kg (18,700 lbs) gooseneck.
The 3500 HD also offers payload capacity reaching up to 3,283 kg (7,234 lbs) in certain configurations, making it ideal for contractors hauling heavy equipment or recreational users towing large fifth-wheel campers.
The 2026 Sierra 2500 HD delivers capability with a maximum gooseneck towing capacity of 10,205 kg (22,500 lbs) when equipped with the 6.6L Duramax Turbo-Diesel V8 and Max Trailering Package. This rating increased by 1,814 kg (4,000 lbs) over previous generations (introduced in the 2024 refresh).
Conventional trailer towing reaches 9,072 kg (20,000 lbs) on properly equipped Crew Cab models with the diesel engine. The 2500 HD's versatility shines through multiple cab and bed configurations, allowing buyers to optimize for their specific hauling needs.
Available powertrain options include the 6.6L Duramax Turbo-Diesel V8 (470 hp, 975 lb-ft torque) and the 6.6L Gas V8 (401 hp, 464 lb-ft torque), both paired with an Allison 10-speed automatic transmission.
For those prioritizing fuel efficiency without sacrificing capability, the Duramax diesel provides superior torque delivery at lower RPM ranges, making it particularly effective for sustained highway towing.
The 2026 Sierra 1500 offers a maximum conventional towing capacity of 5,987 kg (13,200 lbs) when equipped with the available 3.0L Duramax Turbo-Diesel I6 engine and Max Trailering Package. This rating applies to properly configured Double Cab 2WD models with 20-inch wheels.
Engine choices impact towing capacity: the 3.0L Duramax Turbo-Diesel I6 and 6.2L EcoTec3 V8 both reach up to 5,987 kg (13,200 lbs), the 5.3L V8 achieves up to 5,035 kg (11,100 lbs), and the TurboMax 2.7L Turbo I4 reaches up to 4,309 kg (9,500 lbs).
The Sierra 1500 excels for recreational towing - think travel trailers, boat packages, and utility trailers - while maintaining daily-driver comfort and fuel efficiency.
Crew Cab 4WD configurations with the diesel engine and Max Trailering Package achieve 5,897 kg (13,000 lbs), making them ideal for families who need both passenger space and serious towing capability.
The 2026 Sierra EV brings electric power to the towing conversation with a maximum capacity of 5,534 kg (12,200 lbs) on AT4 Extended Range and Denali Max Range configurations. This achievement for electric trucks approaches traditional light-duty gasoline truck capabilities.
The Sierra EV's dual-motor e4WD system delivers 605-760 horsepower depending on trim and battery configuration, providing instant torque delivery that benefits trailer acceleration and hill climbing. However, towing does impact electric range more than with gasoline engines, particularly at highway speeds.
Towing capacity by trim:
For Ontario drivers considering the Sierra EV for towing, plan for reduced range when hauling - typically 30-40 per cent less than unloaded highway driving. The truck's advanced trailering technology, including trailer-specific camera views and integrated weight distribution monitoring, helps optimize the electric towing experience.
The 2026 GMC Canyon delivers a maximum conventional towing capacity of 3,492 kg (7,700 lbs) when properly equipped with the TurboMax 2.7L Turbo I4 engine. This capability positions the Canyon as an excellent choice for weekend warriors who need towing versatility without full-size truck dimensions.
The Canyon's 310 hp and 430 lb-ft of torque from the TurboMax engine provides strong low-end pulling power, paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission and available two-speed Autotrac transfer case for 4WD models.
Key towing features include a Standard Towing Package (trailer hitch platform, 7-pin connector), available Trailering Camera Package (multiple camera angles for hitching and maneuvering), and Tow/Haul Mode (optimized transmission shift points and throttle response).
For drivers hauling smaller travel trailers, boat packages, or utility trailers, the Canyon offers an ideal combination of capability and maneuverability. The Crew Cab Short Box configuration provides five-passenger seating while maintaining the 3,492 kg (7,700 lbs) maximum rating.
Across the GMC lineup, Duramax diesel engines consistently deliver superior towing capacity compared to gasoline alternatives. The 6.6L Duramax Turbo-Diesel V8 in HD models produces 975 lb-ft of torque at just 1,600 rpm, providing pulling power from low engine speeds - critical for trailer acceleration and hill climbing.
The 3.0L Duramax Turbo-Diesel I6 in the Sierra 1500 achieves the lineup's maximum light-duty towing rating while delivering better fuel economy when towing compared to gasoline V8 options. This makes it particularly attractive for frequent long-distance haulers.
GMC's TurboMax 2.7L Turbo I4 engine provides a balance of capability and efficiency in both the Sierra 1500 and Canyon. While maximum towing ratings are lower than diesel or larger V8 options, the TurboMax delivers adequate capability for most recreational towing needs at a lower initial cost.
The 6.2L EcoTec3 V8 matches diesel towing capacity on the Sierra 1500 when properly equipped, offering buyers who prefer gasoline engines a high-capability option. The 5.3L V8 provides mid-level towing capacity with proven reliability and widespread service availability.
For large fifth-wheel campers or gooseneck equipment trailers, the Sierra 3500 HD and 2500 HD are purpose-built solutions. The gooseneck hitch positions trailer weight over the rear axle, improving stability and weight distribution compared to conventional hitching.
Proper fifth-wheel and gooseneck towing requires kingpin weight at 15-25 per cent of total trailer weight, payload capacity sufficient to handle kingpin load plus passengers and cargo, and Rear Gross Axle Weight Rating (RGAWR) that must not be exceeded when fully loaded.
GMC's available Gooseneck/5th Wheel Prep Package includes a hitch platform, box-mounted trailer harness, spray-on bedliner, and all necessary mounting holes pre-drilled and capped.
For conventional bumper-pull trailers - including most travel trailers, boat packages, and utility trailers - the Sierra 1500, Sierra EV, and Canyon provide excellent capability. These applications typically require tongue weight at 10-15 per cent of total trailer weight, a weight-distributing hitch (recommended for trailers over 2,268 kg / 5,000 lbs), and a trailer brake controller (required for trailers over 454 kg / 1,000 lbs in Ontario).
The Sierra 1500's maximum 5,987 kg (13,200 lbs) conventional rating handles most family travel trailers and boat packages, while the Canyon's 3,492 kg (7,700 lbs) capacity suits smaller camping trailers and recreational equipment.
Contractors and commercial users benefit from the Sierra HD lineup's payload and towing ratings. A properly equipped Sierra 3500 HD can simultaneously carry 3,283 kg (7,234 lbs) of payload while towing up to 16,329 kg (36,000 lbs), making it ideal for hauling heavy equipment to job sites.
The Sierra 2500 HD's 10,205 kg (22,500 lbs) gooseneck rating handles most equipment trailers, while maintaining better maneuverability than 3500 HD DRW (dual rear wheel) configurations for urban job sites.
GMC's available ProGrade Trailering System includes advanced technologies designed to simplify hitching, improve visibility, and enhance control while towing. The system offers up to 14 camera views, including Hitch Guidance with Hitch View (close-up receiver hitch alignment), Bed View with Zoom (fifth-wheel and gooseneck hitching assistance), Transparent Trailer View (virtual see-through view combining truck and trailer cameras), and Trailer Length Indicator (visual lane-change assistance showing trailer position).
The integrated Trailering App within GMC's infotainment system allows drivers to create up to five trailer profiles, including trailer name, type, and hitch configuration. The system provides maintenance reminders (track trailer service intervals), pre-departure checklists (ensure proper setup before each trip), Trailer Light Sequence Test (verify electrical connections), and trailer mileage and fuel economy tracking (monitor towing efficiency).
Compatible trailers equipped with ASA Electronics iN•Command Control System can integrate with GMC's infotainment system and myGMC Mobile App, allowing drivers to monitor and control trailer functions including water tank levels, climate controls, and power slide-outs directly from the truck.
Selecting the right GMC truck depends on your specific towing requirements, budget, and intended use.
Choose the Sierra 3500 HD if you regularly tow fifth-wheel campers over 11,340 kg (25,000 lbs), haul heavy equipment trailers for commercial applications, need maximum payload capacity exceeding 2,722 kg (6,000 lbs), or prioritize absolute capability over fuel economy and maneuverability.
Choose the Sierra 2500 HD if you tow large travel trailers or equipment in the 6,804-10,205 kg (15,000-22,500 lbs) range, want heavy-duty capability without dual rear wheels, need a balance of towing capacity and daily drivability, or prefer diesel efficiency for frequent long-distance towing.
Choose the Sierra 1500 if you tow recreational trailers under 5,443 kg (12,000 lbs), need a comfortable daily driver with weekend towing capability, want multiple engine options to match budget and efficiency priorities, or prioritize ride quality and technology features.
Choose the Sierra EV if you want electric performance with serious towing capability, have reliable charging infrastructure for your routes, tow primarily shorter distances (under 300 km round-trip), or value instant torque delivery and advanced technology.
Choose the Canyon if you tow smaller trailers under 3,175 kg (7,000 lbs), need a more maneuverable truck for urban environments, want lower ownership costs while maintaining towing versatility, or prefer compact dimensions for daily driving and parking.
Understanding towing capacity specifications is essential, but experiencing how a properly equipped GMC truck handles your specific trailer makes the real difference. The combination of powerful engine options, advanced trailering technology, and purpose-built chassis engineering ensures GMC trucks deliver the confidence you need for serious hauling.
Whether you're planning to tow a fifth-wheel camper across Ontario, haul equipment to job sites, or pull a boat to cottage country, the 2026 GMC truck lineup offers a solution matched to your requirements. Contact our team at Applewood Chevrolet Buick GMC to discuss which model and configuration best fits your towing needs.
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