How Much Can a GMC Sierra 1500 Tow?
GMC Sierra 1500 Towing Capacity
- Maximum towing: Up to 13,300 lbs when properly equipped
- Best overall hauler: 3.0L Duramax Turbo Diesel (495 lb-ft of torque)
- Strong gas option: 6.2L V8 with up to 13,100 lbs towing
- Everyday towing: 2.7L TurboMax handles up to 9,400 lbs
2026 GMC Sierra 1500 Towing Capacity Explained
Maximum towing capacity is a huge signal in terms of a pickup truck's strength and durability. It's one of the top factors that new truck buyers consider. The 2026 GMC Sierra 1500 is a great full-size pickup truck that offers the power that consumers want.
The Sierra 1500 is highly customizable in 2026. When you stop by Coulter Buick GMC Phoenix to "spec" the Sierra 1500, there's a choice between four engines, two transmissions, multiple cab and bed lengths, and the choice of rear- or four-wheel drive. Those things all matter when it comes to towing. Each configuration delivers a different level of capability. The right setup depends on what Phoenix-area drivers are planning to haul.
The 2026 GMC Sierra 1500 lineup has a maximum tow capacity of 13,300 pounds, but the truck has to be properly outfitted. Here's a closer look at what the different configurations can really tow.
Understanding the 2026 Sierra 1500 Towing
Towing capacity in the Sierra 1500 varies based on several factors. Engine size is the most influential, but the cab style, bed length, axle ratio, and drivetrain are also part of the mix. Rear-wheel drive typically delivers the highest tow ratings. Four-wheel drive adds traction for off-road trips or towing in the mountains north of Phoenix. GMC's Max Trailering Package adds important features like a higher-capacity rear axle and upgraded cooling to increase how much weight the truck can pull.
The TurboMax 2.7-Liter I4 Engine
- Up to 9,400 lbs of towing capacity with the standard TurboMax engine
- 430 lb-ft of torque delivers strong, V8-like pulling power
- 2.7L turbocharged design balances performance with efficiency
- Ideal for boats, campers, ATVs, and light trailers
The Sierra's standard engine is anything but basic. GMC's TurboMax 2.7-liter four-cylinder produces 310 horsepower and 430 pound-feet of torque. This gives the truck the punch of a small V8, combined with the efficiency of a modern turbocharged design. Properly equipped, the base engine can tow up to 9,400 pounds. This should cover a wide range of recreational and work needs for many drivers.
That rating makes the TurboMax ideal for drivers who tow occasionally or haul lighter loads. It can easily pull a 20-foot fiberglass fishing boat, a small camper trailer, or a utility trailer loaded with two ATVs for weekend desert rides. It also has enough strength to handle a compact car or a lightweight car hauler. For many Phoenix-area owners, GMC's TurboMax engine delivers the right balance of power and efficiency.
Two Solid GMC V8 Engine Choices
5.3-Liter V8
- Up to ~11,200 lbs of towing with Max Trailering Package
- 355 horsepower / 383 lb-ft of torque for confident pulling
- Ideal for frequent towing of travel trailers, boats, and equipment
The available 5.3-liter V8 produces 355 horsepower and 383 pound-feet of torque. This adds nearly a full ton of weight to the truck's tow rating. When equipped with the Max Trailering Package, this engine can tow nearly 11,200 pounds. That capability opens the door to towing mid-size travel trailers, larger boats, and equipment trailers loaded with landscaping tools or construction materials. This is a strong choice if you tow frequently but don't need the absolute maximum rating.
6.2-Liter V8
- Up to 13,100 lbs of towing capacity when properly equipped
- 420 horsepower / 460 lb-ft of torque for maximum gas V8 performance
- Best for heavy trailers, toy haulers, and enclosed car haulers
GMC's 6.2-liter V8 sits near the top of the lineup with 420 horsepower and 460 pound-feet of torque. Its maximum tow rating clocks in at 13,100 pounds when properly equipped. That allows you to tow large "toy" haulers, enclosed car trailers, and heavier equipment trailers. It's the right fit if you're looking for gas-powered performance and the responsiveness of a high-output V8.
3.0-Liter Duramax Turbo Diesel
- Up to 13,300 lbs of towing — Sierra 1500’s maximum rating
- 495 lb-ft of torque for strong, low-RPM pulling power
- Excellent long-distance efficiency for frequent towing
- Ideal for heavy equipment & livestock trailers
The Duramax turbo diesel engine is the Sierra 1500's towing leader. With 305 horsepower and 495 pound-feet of torque, it delivers exceptional low-end towing power and long-distance efficiency. When paired with the Max Trailering Package, a Double Cab, Standard Bed, 2WD, and the 3.73 axle ratio, the engine reaches the Sierra's max towing capacity of 13,300 pounds.
If you need to pull a heavy equipment trailer loaded with a compact tractor or a horse trailer loaded with livestock, the Duramax setup is the way to go. It's perfect for drivers who tow long distances or haul heavy loads regularly.
2026 GMC Sierra 1500 Towing Capacity Comparison
| Engine Option | Max Towing Capacity | Key Strength | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2.7L TurboMax I4 | Up to 9,400 lbs | High torque, strong efficiency | Boats, campers, ATVs, light trailers |
| 5.3L V8 | Up to ~11,200 lbs | Balanced power & capability | Frequent towing of travel trailers & equipment |
| 6.2L V8 | Up to 13,100 lbs | Maximum gas V8 performance | Toy haulers, enclosed car trailers, heavy loads |
| 3.0L Duramax Turbo Diesel | Up to 13,300 lbs | Best low-end torque & efficiency | Heavy equipment, livestock, long-distance towing |
Bottom line: The Sierra 1500 offers a towing setup for nearly every need—from weekend recreation to serious work-duty hauling. Choosing the right engine depends on how often and how heavy you plan to tow.
Towing Technology to Make Every Job Easier
Hitching up a trailer and maneuvering it is much easier with the advanced towing technology that the Sierra 1500 can be equipped with.
- ProGrade Trailering System: An integrated suite of tools that streamlines trailer setup and monitoring.
- Hitch Guidance with Hitch View: Provides an on-screen line and camera angle to help smoothly attach the trailer.
- Trailer Side Blind Zone Alert: Extends your blind-spot coverage to account for the trailer's full length.
- Integrated Trailer Brake Controller: Allows you to adjust trailer braking force directly from the cabin.
- Multiple Camera Views: Offers up to 14 angles to improve visibility when backing up, changing lanes, or maneuvering.
Our team at Coulter Buick GMC Phoenix can help you compare engines and explore towing packages on a new 2026 GMC Sierra 1500. Visit our dealership, and let's start building your ideal truck today!