2026 GMC Sierra 2500 HD Towing Capacity
A trim-by-trim breakdown of every engine, towing figure, and payload rating on the 2026 lineup.
When you're interested in the GMC Sierra 2500 HD, all you want is to ensure you're dealing with a stress-free and pressure-free GMC dealership solely focused on helping you compare trims, engine options, towing capacities, and payload ratings. At GMC of Madras, we pride ourselves on our ability to provide exceptional service. For us, it's about showing you how our family-first and customer-focused approach is the most reliable way to confidently choose the GMC Sierra 2500 HD that best fits your needs.
If you've been wondering which trim best suits your needs, this breakdown of the 2026 GMC Sierra 2500 HD Towing Capacity by trim is guaranteed to make your decision easier.
Key Takeaways
Towing Capacity by Trim, at a Glance
Maximum towing figures across every 2026 Sierra 2500 HD trim and engine combination.
2026 GMC Sierra 2500 HD – PRO, SLE and SLT Trims
Wanting to ensure that all customers have the very best that the Sierra has to offer, GMC quickly introduces two engine configurations from the outset with the entry-level PRO trim. These two engine configurations continue through the SLE and SLT trims. Those engines are a 6.6-liter V8 (8-cylinder) gas engine and a 6.6-liter Duramax Turbo-Diesel V8.
The 6.6-liter V8 gas engine is paired with the always reliable Allison® 10-speed automatic transmission, allowing the PRO, SLE and SLT trims to achieve 401 horsepower, 464 pound-feet of torque and an 18,700-pound maximum towing capacity. With a maximum payload of 4,049 pounds (depending on trim configuration), it's easy to see why the PRO, SLE and SLT trims are so highly valued by GMC of Madras customers.
The diesel engine is a 6.6-liter Duramax Turbo-Diesel V8 that instantly ratchets up the horsepower and torque. It too is available on all three trims (PRO, SLE and SLT) and is also combined with the Allison® 10-speed automatic transmission.
This unbelievable powertrain allows the Duramax Turbo-Diesel V8 configuration to attain an incredible 470 horsepower and 975 pound-feet of torque for a maximum 22,390-pound towing capacity. While the payload does decline to a maximum of 3,850 pounds, that is entirely configuration-dependent and largely due to the size of the diesel engine.
The Duramax 6.6L Turbo-Diesel V8 is significantly heavier than the 6.6L gas V8.
PRO, SLE & SLT
6.6L V8 Gas · Allison® 10-speed automatic
PRO, SLE & SLT
6.6L Duramax Turbo-Diesel V8 · Allison® 10-speed automatic
Achieving these towing capacities only comes from having the right trailering package. For the PRO, SLE, and SLT trims, the max trailering package is needed alongside the Gooseneck/Fifth-Wheel Prep Package.
2026 GMC Sierra 2500 HD – AT4
The AT4 trim provides the same engine options as the PRO, SLE, and SLT trims. However, there is a slight decrease in the maximum towing capacity for both the gas and diesel configurations.
AT4
6.6L V8 Gas · Allison® 10-speed automatic
AT4
6.6L Duramax Turbo-Diesel V8 · Allison® 10-speed automatic
The slight decrease in towing capacity of the AT4 compared to the previous trims is driven largely by the fact that the AT4 is an off-road variant. It comes in a heavier, standard 4WD configuration, has off-road suspension and a factory suspension lift.
2026 GMC Sierra 2500 HD – Denali and Denali Ultimate
The Denali continues with what works by keeping the same 6.6-liter V8 gas and 6.6-Liter Duramax Turbo-Diesel V8 engine options and Allison® 10-speed automatic transmissions.
The Gas engine on the Denali generates 401 horsepower and 464 pound-feet of torque for a maximum towing capacity of 18,700 pounds and a maximum payload of 3,600 pounds.
Denali
6.6L V8 Gas · Allison® 10-speed automatic
Denali
6.6L Duramax Turbo-Diesel V8 · Allison® 10-speed automatic
Finally, the Denali Ultimate trim only offers the 6.6-liter Duramax Turbo-Diesel V8. It keeps the same Allison® 10-speed automatic, and the powertrain maintains the 470 horsepower and 975 pound-feet of torque capabilities for a 21,600-pound maximum towing capacity and a 3,200-pound maximum payload.
Denali Ultimate
6.6L Duramax Turbo-Diesel V8 · Allison® 10-speed automatic
Test Drive the GMC Sierra 2500 HD at GMC of Madras Today
The awe-inspiring and always-powerful GMC Sierra 2500 HD has a long and storied history as one of North America's most reliable heavy-duty pickups. Consistently among the best-selling pickups in its class, customers value the strength, durability, heavy-hauling, and heavy-towing capacity of the iconic and legendary pickup.
If you are interested in taking a GMC Sierra 2500 HD for a test drive, call our sales team at 541-906-8158 or contact us now.
Ready to Talk Towing Numbers?
Call our sales team at 541-906-8158 or reach out online — we'll help you match the right trim and engine to the trailer you're actually pulling.
Frequently Asked Questions
QWhat's the maximum towing capacity of the 2026 GMC Sierra 2500 HD?
The highest max towing figure in the lineup is 22,390 lbs, achieved by the Duramax Turbo-Diesel V8 on the PRO, SLE, SLT, and Denali trims.
QWhat's the difference between the gas and diesel engine options?
The 6.6L V8 gas engine produces 401 hp and 464 lb-ft of torque, while the 6.6L Duramax Turbo-Diesel V8 produces 470 hp and 975 lb-ft of torque — the diesel tows more but carries a lower maximum payload due to its added weight.
QWhy does the AT4 trim tow less than the other trims?
The AT4 is an off-road variant with a heavier standard 4WD configuration, off-road suspension, and a factory suspension lift, which brings its max towing slightly below the PRO, SLE, SLT, and Denali trims.
QIs the Denali Ultimate available with a gas engine?
No — the Denali Ultimate is offered exclusively with the 6.6L Duramax Turbo-Diesel V8.
QWhat's needed to achieve the maximum towing capacity?
The max trailering package is required across the lineup, and PRO, SLE, and SLT trims also need the Gooseneck/Fifth-Wheel Prep Package to reach their maximum towing figures.