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A Red GMC Canyon Pickup Truck Towing an Adventure Trailer Over a Rocky, Uneven Dirt Road in a Canyon

2026 GMC CANYON TOWING CAPACITY AND PAYLOAD SPECS

Whether you’re hauling gear for a weekend camping trip or towing an ATV, the 2026 GMC Canyon is a great choice. With a maximum towing capacity of 7,700 lbs.* and a payload capacity up to 1,670 lbs.,* Canyon can handle a wide variety of trailers. It comes powered by the TurboMax® engine and is equipped with a 3.42 axle ratio, offering the performance and reliability to handle all kinds of adventures. 

 

Here’s what you need to know about the 2026 GMC Canyon towing capacity and payload capacity by trim. 

A Red GMC Canyon Pickup Truck and a Man Standing Next to an Adventure Trailer with a Rooftop Tent and Bicycle in a Desert Landscape

TOWING CAPACITY BY TRIM

The 2026 GMC Canyon offers strong tow specs across its lineup. The AT4X, designed for extreme off-road performance, has a slightly lower towing capacity to accommodate its specialized suspension and equipment.

TRIM 

MAX TOWING CAPACITY

Elevation (2WD)

7,700 lbs.*

Elevation (4WD)

7,700 lbs.*

AT4

7,700 lbs.*

AT4X

6,000 lbs.*

AT4X AEV

5,500 lbs.*

Denali

7,700 lbs.*

At 7,700 lbs.* of towing capacity, the Canyon Elevation, AT4 and Denali have enough power to tow things like RV travel trailers or utility trailers with gear. The AT4X’s slightly lower 6,000-lb.* (5,500-lb.* for AT4X AEV)  tow capacity can handle many compact RV travel trailers.
The Rear View of a Black GMC Canyon Denali Pickup Truck Parked on a Gravel Driveway in Front of a Modern House

PAYLOAD CAPACITY BY TRIM

Payload capacity determines how much weight you can carry within the truck and its bed, including passengers, fuel and any cargo you’ve added. The 2026 GMC Canyon payload capacity varies slightly by drive type and trim.

TRIM 

MAX TOWING CAPACITY

Elevation (2WD)

1,670 lbs.*

Elevation (4WD)

1,610 lbs.*

AT4

1,570 lbs.*

AT4X

1,260 lbs.*

Denali

1,390 lbs.*

Learn more about the difference between payload vs. towing capacity.

UNDERSTANDING TONGUE WEIGHT

When towing, you also need to take tongue weight into account. Tongue weight is the downward force of the trailer onto your truck’s hitch.

Tongue weight counts toward a truck’s payload capacity. If you were towing a trailer with a 500-lb. tongue weight, you would subtract that from your maximum capacity. For example, if you were towing a trailer with a Canyon Denali, which has a payload capacity of 1,390 lbs.,* subtracting the 500-lb. tongue weight would leave you with 890 lbs. of weight capacity. That means you could safely carry up to 890 lbs. of people, cargo and equipment within safety guidelines.

Tongue weight is recommended to be 10–15 percent of the total trailer weight and will vary depending on what’s being towed and how the weight is distributed. A properly balanced trailer within your maximum payload capacity will help reduce trailer sway, contributing to a smoother, safer towing experience.
A Close-Up of the Rear Taillight and Bumper of a Red GMC Canyon AT4X Pickup Truck in a Rugged Outdoor Setting
A Gray GMC Canyon AT4X Pickup Truck Kicking Up Dust While Driving Off-Road in a Desert Landscape

WHAT POWERS THE 2026 GMC CANYON

The 2026 GMC Canyon is equipped with the TurboMax engine with an 8-speed automatic transmission and a 3.42 axle ratio, delivering the power and torque needed for confident towing and hauling.

With a Gross Combined Weight Rating (GCWR) of 11,600 lbs.* for the AT4X and 13,250 lbs.* for all other trim levels, Canyon is engineered with enough weight capacity to offer great utility without compromising performance.

CHOOSING THE RIGHT TRIM FOR YOUR NEEDS

Your ideal trim depends on how you plan to use your truck. For maximum towing and payload capacity, look at the Elevation, AT4 or Denali trims. They’re all well-suited for towing travel trailers, ATVs and more.

If off-road capability is your priority, the AT4X offers a rugged suspension, skid plates and specialized terrain features, along with a towing capacity and payload capacity that still provide plenty of versatility.

To find the trim that fits your needs, explore the full 2026 GMC Canyon lineup.

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