2012-05-10
Trailer Sway Control on Terrain and Acadia makes hauling a steady proposition
Both vehicles offer improved fuel efficiency and maneuverability versus traditional truck-based tow vehicles and are capable of towing many of today’s most popular sport boats, camping trailers or a pair of dirt bikes.
Terrain, the brand’s small SUV, tows up to a class-leading 3,500 pounds, while the eight-passenger Acadia midsize crossover has a towing capacity of up to 5,200 pounds.
StabiliTrak stability control with Trailer Sway Control is standard on all GMC vehicles. The feature uses sensors that measure the yaw created by unexpected side-to-side motions created by a trailer. The vehicle automatically corrects those motions by applying individual brakes to bring the vehicle and trailer back in line.
Terrain and Acadia both have a rearview camera system standard on most or all trim levels, making hitching up a trailer easier.
“GMC customers have high demands for comfort, performance, and capability,” said Robert Krause, lead trailering engineer for General Motors. “Those qualities have to stand up to the boaters, bikers, and campers who own our vehicles.”
According to the National Marine Manufacturers Association, 95 percent of the 17 million boats registered in the United States can be towed. A typical 19-foot bowrider-style pleasure boat is within the Terrain’s limits with trailer, fuel, and gear weight factored in, while the Acadia has the capability to tow many boats over 20 feet long.
“For most uses, there are very few sacrifices that come with downsizing a tow vehicle,” said Krause. “The vast majority of consumers are towing smaller boats and even the smallest GMC can handle a sizeable boat and trailer. Drivers simply need to match with the necessary performance level.”
The 2013 Terrain, coming later this year, will be the only vehicle in its class with the combination of a 301-hp V-6 and a 3,500-pound tow rating. The advanced 3.6L engine features direct injection and continuously variable valve timing, resulting in power and torque levels designed to make passing and climbing boat ramps even easier.
“GMC brings big truck towing technology like StabiliTrak with Trailer Sway Control as standard features to its family-friendly Arcadia and Terrain crossovers,” said Boating World executive editor Alan Jones. “Throw in standard back-up cameras on most trim levels along with affordable towing packages and trailer boaters can finally own an urban-friendly vehicle that tows like a big boy rig.”
With the standard 2.4L I-4, Terrain has a tow rating of 1,500 pounds – enough for dirt bikes or jet skis – and delivers an EPA-estimated 32 highway MPG when the trailer is left at home.
GMC offers a factory towing package for Terrain costing $350, less than similar options from Ford and Toyota.
Acadia, which is also powered by a 3.6L V-6 and has a longer wheelbase to help stabilize larger trailers, offers a towing package for $525. It includes upgraded cooling for heavier loads and costs less than optional equipment from Ford, Toyota, Honda and Dodge.
| Vehicle | Towing Package Cost |
| GMC Terrain | $350 |
| Toyota RAV4 | $1810 (part of package) |
| Ford Edge | $395 |
| GMC Acadia | $525 |
| Toyota Highlander | $699 |
| Ford Explorer | $570 |
Boat owners should consider the best trailers to use with their GMC vehicles as well. Trailers with a National Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA) Certification, which is indicated by a sticker on the trailer, are inspected to ensure couplings, safety equipment and electrical systems have been inspected and meet industry standards."
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