2026 GMC Sierra 1500 Towing Capacity & Rating
The GMC Sierra 1500 towing abilities are ultracompetitive in the pickup truck category, reaching up to 13,300 pounds.1 This towing figure is achieved using the potent available 3.0-liter Duramax turbo-diesel engine, which lets you bring various types of boats, trailers, and campers on your next journey. The three other engine options don't slack either; even the standard engine boasts a 9,400-pound maximum trailer limit.1
Explore our guide highlighting this truck's tow rating by engine type, trim level, and model year. Then, visit the DeVoe Buick GMC showroom to experience the 2026 GMC Sierra 1500 in person.
How Much Can a 2026 GMC Sierra 1500 Tow?
The 2026 GMC Sierra 1500 towing ratings reach a maximum capacity of 13,300 pounds.1 However, a specific configuration is required to reach this peak capability; the truck must be equipped with the Duramax 3.0-liter turbo-diesel engine, 2WD, a Double Cab, and a Standard Bed. The Max Trailering Package and 20-inch wheels are also required.
Before hitching up, we encourage you to check your owner's manual and trailer manufacturer's recommendations to ensure you are properly prepared to haul. If you're still unsure, you can get in touch with our seasoned team for further questions, and we'll be happy to assist you.
2026 GMC Sierra 1500 Towing by Engine
The engine powering your Sierra 1500 plays a major role in determining how much weight you can attach to it. This GMC Sierra 1500 towing capacity chart details the four engines' specs, towing capacities, and trim level eligibility.
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2026 GMC Sierra 1500 Towing by Engine |
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| Engine | 3.0L Duramax Turbo-Diesel | 6.2L V-8 | 5.3L V-8 | TurboMax |
| Horsepower | 305 | 420 | 355 | 310 |
| Torque | 495 lb-ft | 460 lb-ft | 383 lb-ft | 430 lb-ft |
| Transmission | 10-speed automatic | 10-speed automatic | 10-speed automatic | 8-speed automatic |
| Max Towing Capacity | 13,300 lbs1 | 13,100 lbs1 | 11,200 lbs1 | 9,400 lbs1 |
| Eligible Trims |
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The higher-powered 3.0-liter turbo-diesel and 6.2-liter V-8 gas engines are quite strong and only feature a towing difference of 200 pounds within each other.1 The TurboMax and 5.3-liter V-8 powertrains can also handle plenty, with 9,400 pounds and 11,200 pounds respectively.1 From payload to power, GMC Sierra 1500 trucks are powerful and rugged, and we invite you to find your ideal fit at our auto dealership.
GMC Sierra 1500 Towing Capacity by Trim
A crucial piece of the GMC Sierra 1500 towing puzzle is the configurations that can handle the weight. In our chart above, we include the trim levels in which each engine can be found – either standard or available. However, the maximum towing capacity may not apply to each listed trim level. This is because only specific setups can obtain these capacities.
For example, the Pro trim can reach the total 9,400-pound towing capacity1 with the TurboMax engine because it is offered with 2WD, a Regular Cab, and a Long Bed, which is the required arrangement.
Meanwhile, although the AT4, AT4X, Denali, and Denali Ultimate trims can wield the massive 3.0-liter Duramax turbo-diesel engine, these vehicles don't come equipped with the bed or cab size needed to properly support a 13,300-pound trailer.1 Don't worry, however. You'll still be able to use the engine's maximum towing capacity when sitting behind the wheel of the SLE and Elevation trims.
Several configurations are available for the 2026 GMC Sierra 1500, each with a unique curb weight. For further details on the engine options, trim levels, and required arrangement for achieving the maximum GMC Sierra 1500 towing capability, contact our GMC sales team. We'll help you learn more about your chosen trim level. And, if for any reason you're not in love with this lineup, our sales experts can guide you through a Sierra 1500 AT4 vs. AT4X comparison for another set of options.
On top of that, we can also run through the Denali vs. High Country pros and cons to check how the Sierra 1500 trims stack up to competing trucks.
GMC Sierra 1500 Towing Capacity by Year
The GMC Sierra 1500 towing specs are constantly evolving, and constantly ahead of the competition, such as how the GMC Sierra 1500 vs. Toyota Tundra comparison leaves the Tundra high and dry for towing specs. See the towing capacity chart below to find out how this capable pickup has performed over the last several model years.
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GMC Sierra 1500 Towing Capacity by Year |
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|---|---|---|
| Sierra 1500 Model Year | Max Towing Capacity | Engine Achieved By |
| 2020 | 12,100 lbs1 | 6.2L V-8 |
| 2021 | 11,800 lbs1 | 6.2L V-8 |
| 2022 | 13,000 lbs1 | 6.2L V-8 |
| 2023 | 13,200 lbs1 | 3.0L turbo-diesel |
| 2024 | 13,300 lbs1 | 3.0L turbo-diesel |
| 2025 | 13,200 lbs1 | 3.0L turbo-diesel |
| 2026 | 13,300 lbs1 | 3.0L turbo-diesel |
More than 1,000 pounds of extra capability over 2020 is quite impressive for the 2026 and 2025 GMC Sierra 1500 towing performance. Staying sturdy at or above 13,000 pounds since the 2022 refresh,1 the new GMC Sierra 1500 for sale promises to continue its reign as a high-performance workhorse, perfect for any job a half-ton truck can handle.
GMC Sierra 1500 Towing Packages & Accessories
Of the available GMC Sierra 1500 towing packages, the must-have option for heavy-duty work is the Max Trailering Package. This package includes a trailer brake controller, revised shock tuning, an enhanced cooling radiator, an automatic locking rear differential, and heavy-duty rear springs.
If you add the Sierra Safety Plus package to your full-size pickup truck, you benefit from Trailer Side Blind Zone Alert and Trailer Camera provisions, helping you better navigate the road with cargo in tow and keep an eye on your haul.
The Trailering Package, which is also available in select configurations, includes a trailer hitch, four- and seven-pin connectors, and Hitch Guidance, among more features.
Various GMC Sierra 1500 towing accessories are offered to maximize your hauling potential even further. Check out your options below:
- Hitch ball
- Hitch ball mount
- Wiring harness
- Receiver lock
- Hitch Trailering
- MultiPro/Multi-Flex protective hitch cap
- Trailer Brake Controller
- Pintle hitch
Each component fills a role that helps ensure a seamless towing venture. These and many other options await your selection in our parts inventory; if we don't have the accessory in stock, we can order it for you.
Experience the 2026 GMC Sierra 1500 With a Test Drive Today
Now that you know the numbers behind the GMC Sierra 1500 towing capacity, it's time to experience the power yourself. Visit DeVoe Buick GMC, your local Naples GMC dealer, and test-drive this rugged half-ton truck.
Once you find the trim level, engine, and configuration that fit your personal or work style, we can go through any of our revolving GMC Sierra 1500 specials to see which ones can be applied to your chosen financing or leasing plan.
CUSTOMER TESTIMONIALS FOR THE GMC SIERRA 1500
1GM-estimated. Maximum trailering ratings are intended for comparison purposes only. Before you buy a vehicle or use it for trailering, carefully review the trailering section of the Owner's Manual. The trailering capacity of your specific vehicle may vary. The weight of passengers, cargo and options or accessories may reduce the amount you can trailer.