DETROIT – Towing items to their destination is a steady proposition with Trailer Sway Control on the GMC Terrain and Acadia crossovers.

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 lbs., while the eight-passenger Acadia midsize crossover has a towing capacity of up to 5,200 lbs.

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.”  

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-lb. 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.

With the standard 2.4L I-4, Terrain has a tow rating of 1,500 lbs. 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.