Community Forums

MO Fred · 08-16-2024, 08:44 AM

Does anyone tow a GMC terrain? Are they difficult or good for towing? I’m looking at buying one.

Scepter40 · 08-16-2024, 12:38 PM

I would first look at the owners manual for the year you're looking at. Also the towing guides. I looked quickly at the 2020 Dinghy Towing Guide and the Terrain isn't on there.

NXR · 08-16-2024, 01:09 PM

As Scepter40 noted, you need to check the Owners Manual for any vehicle you're thinking about flat towing, or even dolly towing. Some require special option packages.

The GMC Terrain lost the ability to be flat towed beginning with the 2018 model year due to a new electronic shifting mechanism GM started using.

Prior to 2018 the Terrain was a gussied-up Equinox.

And now the Owners Manual for the 2025 Equinox says it, too, has lost the ability to be flat towed.

Ray

MO Fred · 08-16-2024, 02:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by NXR

As Scepter40 noted, you need to check the Owners Manual for any vehicle you're thinking about flat towing, or even dolly towing. Some require special option packages.

The GMC Terrain lost the ability to be flat towed beginning with the 2018 model year due to a new electronic shifting mechanism GM started using.

Prior to 2018 the Terrain was a gussied-up Equinox.

And now the Owners Manual for the 2025 Equinox says it, too, has lost the ability to be flat towed.

Ray

Wow, didn’t know that about the equinox. Getting harder to find new cars to tow each year. I am currently towing a 2019 diesel equinox and was looking at switching to the Terrain. According to searching the internet the 2024 AWD GMC Terrain does have the capability to be flat towed. I just wanted to get some perspective from someone already towing one.

kenandterry · 08-16-2024, 03:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MO Fred

Wow, didn’t know that about the equinox. Getting harder to find new cars to tow each year. I am currently towing a 2019 diesel equinox and was looking at switching to the Terrain. According to searching the internet the 2024 AWD GMC Terrain does have the capability to be flat towed. I just wanted to get some perspective from someone already towing one.

What’s the problem with continuing to tow your Equinox?

I towed our 2017 GMC Terrain all over the place……no problems.
Since 2018….you really need to read the owners manual as to whether you can flat tow Terrains or Equinox vehicles, and it can change depending on the year, engine, transmission, FWD vs AWD etc.

If the heading “Recreational Towing” does not clearly identify the vehicle in particular, it probably can’t be done. As others have said, unless you absolutely feel the need to buy NEW, past model years of vehicles give you more selection.

NXR · 08-16-2024, 03:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MO Fred

Wow, didn’t know that about the equinox. Getting harder to find new cars to tow each year. I am currently towing a 2019 diesel equinox and was looking at switching to the Terrain. According to searching the internet the 2024 AWD GMC Terrain does have the capability to be flat towed. I just wanted to get some perspective from someone already towing one.

If you could find such a person their perspective might be "Dang, every time we flat tow our 2024 Terrain it costs us thousands of dollars for a new transmission and GM keeps denying the warranty!"

On a more serious note, the 2024 Terrain Owners Manual: https://cdn.dealereprocess.org/cdn/s...24-terrain.pdf

Page 315 says that not only can the 2024 Terrain not be flat towed, the 2024 Terrain AWD cannot be dolly towed either.

Unless by flat towed you meant "pulled on a flatbed trailer", of course. In that case tow away!

Ray

MO Fred · 08-16-2024, 04:49 PM

Thanks all for your input. Guess I was wrong about the Terrain being flat towable so… I will hang on to the equinox for a while. I bought it new but It’s currently in the shop for an out of warranty item costing nearly $1000. I am PO’ed about it and thought about dumping the car for a new toad.