Big Red’s midsize pickup model now enters its second model year since the 2023 overhaul with the 2025 GMC Canyon, bringing several new updates and features with it. Here, GM Authority is looking closely at the towing capacities offered by the truck’s latest model year.
To begin with the basics, motivation is supplied to the 2025 GMC Canyon by the same powerplant cradled by the 2024 Canyon, specifically the turbocharged 2.7L I4 L3B gasoline TurboMax engine. This engine is rated at 310 horsepower along with a significant – especially for towing – 430 pound-feet of torque.
Power reaches the wheels via the GM second-gen eight-speed automatic transmission, while the Elevation trim offers either 2WD or 4WD and the AT4 and Denali trim levels are equipped with 4WD only. Axle ratio is 3.42 for all configurations.
With the groundwork laid out, the following table shows the towing capacities offered by the 2025 GMC Canyon:
2025 GMC Canyon Towing Capacities
| Model | Drivetrain | Turbo 2.7L I4 L3B | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Axle Ratio | Max Trailer Weight (lbs / kg) | ||
| Canyon Elevation | 2WD | 3.42 | 7,700 / 3,493 |
| Canyon Elevation | 4WD | 3.42 | 7,700 / 3,493 |
| Canyon AT4 | 4WD | 3.42 | 7,700 / 3,493 |
| Canyon AT4 with AT4X Package | 4WD | 3.42 | 6,000 / 2,722 |
| Canyon AT4 with AT4X AEV Edition Package | 4WD | 3.42 | 6,000 / 2,722 |
| Canyon Denali | 4WD | 3.42 | 7,700 / 3,493 |
From this chart it can be seen that the 2025 GMC Canyon can tow 7,700 pounds in most configurations, though this is reduced to 6,000 pounds for the off-road-focused AT4 trim when equipped with either the AT4X Package or the AT4X AEV Edition Package.
These towing capacities are unchanged from the pickup’s 2024 tow ratings. The following towing-related content is equipped as standard on every trim level (with relevant RPO codes in parenthesis):
- Trailering package with trailer hitch and 7pin connector (Z82)
- Integrated trailer brake controller (JL1)
- ProGrade Trailering System (ZL6)
- In-vehicle Trailering App (U1D)
- Hitch View (PZ8)
The 2025 GMC Canyon owner’s manual includes extensive info and recommendations on proper towing procedures to ensure safety, lack of damage to the vehicle and maximum effectiveness.
Among the recommendations is installation of extended side-view mirrors if the towed trailer, camper or other load will obscure rearward lines of sight. When new, the 2025 GMC Canyon ought to be driven for 500 miles with no towing at all as a break-in period. Towing sooner could cause damage to the pickup. This includes possible damage to the engine or the axles.
Following the 500-mile break-in period, the oil should be changed for the first time before towing. After this, towing can be carried out, but at a maximum of 50 miles per hour or less for the first 500 miles. The driver should also avoid full-throttle starts during this initial towing period.
Drive mode should be used for lighter loads and Tow/Haul mode, if available, for heavier loads. If the truck downshifts frequently switching to Manual mode may be the best course of action. More information and advice can be found in the manual.
In addition to these considerations, GM recommends disabling some Advanced Driver Assistance System (ADAS) technology while using the GMC Canyon to haul a tow load. Assuming the vehicle is equipped with these features, the following should be switched off while towing (though the pickup may disable some automatically when its systems identify an attached trailer):
- Park Assist
- Automatic Parking Assist
- Reverse Automatic Braking
- Rear Cross Traffic Alert
- Rear Cross Traffic Braking
- Lane Change Alert
- Adaptive Cruise Control
Additionally, Automatic Emergency Braking (RPO code AEB), and Front Pedestrian Braking (RPO code FPB) should be set to Alert while towing. If the vehicle is equipped with Super Cruise this is not necessary.
Under the body panels, the 2025 Canyon is supported by an updated variant of the GMT 31XX platform that it shares with the third-generation Chevy Colorado. The GM Wentzville plant in Missouri is the production site for the Canyon pickup.
Comment
My dad’s GMT400 towed this much, and was just as tall, maybe 1-2″ wider, but not much.
Today’s 1/4 tons really are sweet, and a good truck for those who are a weekend warrior. My dad’s GMT with an LM7 5.3 also only made 288/325 and 16MPG vs the 310/430 and over 20 mpg. Only thing missing is a 6’5″ bed!