If you’re shopping for a family SUV in the Cowichan Valley and you also need to pull a boat, a small camper, or a trailer on weekends, towing capacity is a number worth understanding before you commit. Not every SUV on the lot is built for serious hauling — but several models in the Chevrolet, GMC, and Buick lineup clear the 3,000-pound threshold when properly equipped, and a few go considerably higher.

Here’s a clear-eyed look at which 2026 models meet that bar, how their towing ratings break down, and what makes each one suited to different buyers in and around Duncan.

The Quick Answer: Seven SUVs That Make the Cut

Seven models from the Chevrolet, GMC, and Buick families reach or exceed 1,361 kg (3,000 lbs) of towing capacity when properly equipped: the Chevrolet Tahoe, Chevrolet Suburban, Chevrolet Traverse, GMC Yukon, GMC Yukon XL, GMC Acadia, and Buick Enclave.

SUV	Brand	Rows	Max Towing (when properly equipped)
Traverse	Chevrolet	3	2,267 kg (5,000 lbs)
Acadia	GMC	3	2,268 kg (5,000 lbs)
Enclave	Buick	3	2,268 kg (5,000 lbs)
Tahoe	Chevrolet	3	Up to 3,810 kg (8,400 lbs)
Suburban	Chevrolet	3	Up to 3,538 kg (7,800 lbs)
Yukon	GMC	3	Up to 3,810 kg (8,400 lbs)
Yukon XL	GMC	3	Up to 3,719 kg (8,200 lbs)

Maximum trailering ratings are for comparison purposes only. Ratings vary by configuration, drivetrain, and equipment. Review the Owner’s Manual and speak with your dealer before purchasing for trailering purposes.

The Mid-Size Three: Traverse, Acadia, and Enclave

These three SUVs share a common towing ceiling of around 2,267–2,268 kg (5,000 lbs) when equipped with the available trailering package. That’s enough to pull a personal watercraft, a small travel trailer, or a utility trailer loaded with gear — well within the range of what many Vancouver Island families haul on a weekend.

Chevrolet Traverse runs a 2.5L Turbo 4-cylinder producing 328 hp and 326 lb-ft of torque, paired with an 8-speed automatic and standard AWD. It seats up to 8 and offers up to 2,764 L of maximum cargo volume — a genuinely large number for this class. Towing is 2,267 kg (5,000 lbs) with the available Trailering Package (V92) on AWD configurations.

GMC Acadia uses the same 2.5L Turbo 4-cylinder (328 hp, 326 lb-ft), standard AWD on all trims, and an 8-speed automatic. It’s offered in four trims for 2026: Elevation, AT4, Denali, and Denali Ultimate. The AT4 adds off-road capability with raised ride height, Hill Descent Control, and red recovery hooks. Maximum towing is 2,268 kg (5,000 lbs) when properly equipped.

Buick Enclave is the premium option in this tier. Powered by the same 2.5L Turbo 4-cylinder (328 hp, 326 lb-ft), with standard AWD and an 8-speed automatic across all trims. What sets it apart is the 30-inch diagonal ultrawide display standard across the lineup, available Super Cruise hands-free driver assistance, QuietTuning Active Noise Cancellation, and available Continuous Damping Control suspension on the Avenir trim. Maximum available towing is 2,268 kg (5,000 lbs) with the available trailering package.

• All three mid-size SUVs: 2.5L Turbo 4-cylinder, 328 hp, 326 lb-ft torque
• All three: standard AWD
• All three: up to approximately 2,267–2,268 kg (5,000 lbs) towing when properly equipped

The Full-Size Four: Tahoe, Suburban, Yukon, and Yukon XL

These are body-on-frame SUVs built on a truck platform, and their towing ratings reflect that. All four run V8 or available diesel engines, and their towing ceilings run well above the mid-size group.

Chevrolet Tahoe is offered in seven trims for 2026, from LS through High Country. The 5.3L EcoTec3 V8 is standard on all trims except High Country, with the 6.2L EcoTec3 V8 and 3.0L Duramax Turbo-Diesel I-6 available on upper trims. Maximum conventional towing reaches 3,810 kg (8,400 lbs) on a Tahoe 2WD with the 5.3L EcoTec3 V8 and Max Trailering Package. That’s enough for a mid-size travel trailer, a horse trailer, or a larger boat.

Chevrolet Suburban shares its platform and powertrain lineup with the Tahoe but offers considerably more interior space and cargo room — up to 4,092 L with all seats folded. Max towing on a 2WD Suburban with the 5.3L EcoTec3 V8 and Max Trailering Package reaches 3,765 kg (8,300 lbs).

GMC Yukon matches the Tahoe’s capability in a GMC package. The 5.3L V8 is standard on Elevation and AT4 trims, while the 6.2L V8 is standard on AT4 Ultimate and Denali. The 3.0L Duramax Turbo-Diesel is available across all trims. Maximum towing for a properly equipped Yukon reaches 3,810 kg (8,400 lbs) — the same ceiling as the Tahoe. The Denali Ultimate adds a 16.8-inch diagonal infotainment display, available Night Vision, and Magnetic Ride Control for a more refined driving experience.

GMC Yukon XL stretches the Yukon’s wheelbase for additional third-row and cargo space. Its towing ceiling comes in at 3,719 kg (8,200 lbs) when properly equipped — slightly lower than the standard Yukon, a typical trade-off with the longer body. It carries the same trim lineup as the Yukon: Elevation, AT4, AT4 Ultimate, Denali, and Denali Ultimate.

SUV	Engine (Standard)	Max Towing (properly equipped)	Seating
Tahoe	5.3L EcoTec3 V8	3,810 kg (8,400 lbs)	Up to 9
Suburban	5.3L EcoTec3 V8	3,765 kg (8,300 lbs)	Up to 9
Yukon	5.3L or 6.2L V8	3,810 kg (8,400 lbs)	Up to 9
Yukon XL	5.3L or 6.2L V8	3,719 kg (8,200 lbs)	Up to 9

How to Choose the Right One for Your Needs

The right SUV depends on what you’re towing and how often. For families in Duncan who need a daily driver that can occasionally pull a small trailer or boat — and want three rows plus premium features — the Traverse, Acadia, or Enclave all cover the range up to 2,268 kg (5,000 lbs) comfortably. The Enclave leans toward luxury and quiet cabin refinement; the Acadia AT4 adds off-road capability; the Traverse prioritises maximum cargo volume and family seating.

For anyone who regularly hauls larger trailers — or who wants the confidence of a full-size, truck-based platform for trips up Highway 18 into the backcountry — the Tahoe, Suburban, Yukon, or Yukon XL step up to towing ratings in the 3,538–3,810 kg (7,800–8,400 lbs) range. The Suburban and Yukon XL offer the most interior space of the group if you need room for the whole family along with gear.

Talk Towing with Island Chevrolet Buick GMC in Duncan

The team at Island Chevrolet Buick GMC in Duncan carries vehicles from all three brands and can walk you through which model and configuration matches your actual towing needs. Towing ratings vary by engine, drivetrain, trim, and installed equipment — so getting the spec sheet for your specific setup matters before you hitch anything up.

Stop by the dealership in Duncan or get in touch to explore current inventory and find the SUV that fits your life in the Cowichan Valley.