Blog

When it comes to full-size pickups, towing power is always at the top of the list. Whether you’re hauling a camper, boat, or work equipment, the GMC Sierra 1500 has the muscle to get the job done. But with so many trims, engines, and configurations, the numbers on the spec sheet can be overwhelming. This guide breaks it all down - so you’ll know exactly which Sierra setup fits your towing needs. Towing Ranges The GMC Sierra 1500 offers a vast range of towing capabilities depending on the trim of the vehicle. At the lower end, certain builds can tow around 8,700 pounds, which is still more than enough for hauling boats, small campers, and utility trailers. Your average everyday setup falls between 9,000 and 11,500 pounds, offering solid versatility for a variety of towing needs. For those who require maximum, heavy duty performance, the Sierra 1500 can tow up to 13,200 pounds when equipped with the right engine and Trailering Package. This level of capability makes it suitable for towing large RVs, horse trailers, and even heavy equipment. What Affects Towing Capacity? There are several factors that influence the towing capacity of the GMC Sierra 1500, engine choice, being one of the most important. The 2.7L Turbo I4 engine can tow up to approximately 9,500 pounds, making it a great option for light-duty towing with an emphasis on fuel efficiency. Moving on up to the 3.0L Duramax diesel increases towing capability to around 13,200 pounds, offering excellent torque and efficiency for long hauls. The 5.3L V8 delivers up to 11,200 pounds of towing power, providing a good balance between everyday performance and capability. At the top of the range, the 6.2L V8 can tow up to 13,000 pounds when paired with the Max Trailering Package, offering the highest towing capacity in the lineup. As a general rule, larger engines provide more towing power—but they also add to the truck’s curb weight. Here’s a quick-reference chart showing how each engine stacks up: ENGINE 3.0 Duramax Turbo-Diesel 6.2L V-8 5.3L V-8 2.7L TurboMax Horsepower 305 420 355 310 Torque 495 lb-ft 460 lb-ft 383 lb-ft 430 lb-ft Transmission 10-speed automatic 10-speed automatic 10-speed automatic 8-speed automatic Max Towing Capacity 13,200 lb 13,000 lb 11,200 lb 9,500 lb Eligible Trims SLE Elevation SLT AT4 AT4X Denali Denali Ultimate SLT AT4 AT4X Denali Denali Ultimate Pro SLE Elevation SLT Denali Pro SLE Elevation Beyond the engine, cab and bed size also play a role. A Regular Cab with a Long Bed is lighter and typically allows for higher tow ratings, while a Crew Cab with a Short Bed is heavier and may see slightly reduced towing capacity. The axle ratio is another key factor: higher ratios (like 3.73) deliver more pulling power, while lower ratios (such as 3.23) favor fuel efficiency at the expense of towing strength. Finally, the Max Trailering Package significantly boosts towing capability by adding upgraded cooling systems, suspension enhancements, and higher weight ratings. It's also required to hit the Sierra’s maximum 13,200-pound towing capacity. Sierra 1500 Collection Pro Tips for Safe Towing Not a towing pro? No worries - we’ve got you covered with some professional safety tips to help you tow with confidence. Always leave a 10–15% buffer between your trailer’s actual weight and your truck’s maximum tow rating to ensure safe and stable performance. Be sure to check the tongue weight, which should be 10–15% of the total trailer weight for proper balance and control. And don’t forget - cargo and passengers count toward your truck’s payload, which reduces how much you can safely tow, so be sure to factor everything in before hitting the road. The GMC Sierra 1500 is an incredibly versatile truck that can be customized for all your towing needs from light towing and daily driving to serious heavy-duty hauling, depending on how you spec it. For lighter towing needs under 9,500 lbs, the 2.7L Turbo engine is more than capable and offers solid performance with efficiency. If you're looking for a well-rounded option, the 5.3L V8 strikes a great balance between everyday drivability and weekend towing. For long hauls or mountainous terrain, the 3.0L Duramax Diesel stands out with its strong torque and fuel efficiency. And if you need maximum towing power, the 6.2L V8 paired with the Max Trailering Package is the ultimate choice, delivering the highest towing capacity in the lineup. Bottom line: don’t just chase the biggest towing number - match your Sierra to what you tow most often to get the best blend of performance, comfort, and confidence on the road! Sierra 1500 Collection Contact Us

Buick has refined the Buick Enclave in it's latest model year to offer a full first-class driving experience for every member of your family. The 2026 Buick Enclave was built with comfort for the entire family in mind with luxurious seven passenger seating, one-touch folding second row, and power folding third row, every member of the fam is sure to have a great time. The Enclave is also a IIHS top safety pick, so you can be assured that your family will not only be comfortable, but also SAFE! There wasn't a detail missed in the 2026 Buick Enclave that you won't love... and at a starting price tag of $45,000! This might be the best bang for your buck you'll find in a family SUV on the market. First-Class Features This 7-passenger SUV is jam-packed with features for every seat in the vehicle to enjoy. Sit back and relax in the driver's seat with available Super Cruise hands-free driver-assistance tech, the largest in its class 30 inch diagonal screen, available massaging seats, available head-up display, and available heated/ventilated seats. Take control with drive mode control in the 2.5L Turbo engine with 8-speed transmission! You'll enjoy every road trip in this seat. The driver and passenger both can enjoy the multicolor ambient interior lighting, heated and ventilated available seats, and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto capability. Feel the effects (or don't) of the continuous damping control to make the drive smooth. The road ahead is wide open to comfort and class in this SUV. The second row finds available heated seats and can also enjoy the light from the panoramic moonroof with driver and passenger. With plenty of leg space, passengers can enjoy 41.4 inches, which is roughly 2 inches more than most other competitors in this 3-row family SUV segment. Between the first, second, and third rows, Enclave families enjoy up to 4 inches more leg room across the SUV! Comfort is the name of the game here in the Buick Enclave. The third row of the Enclave is ready for anything - comfortable seating for your family, or easy fold-flat seating. If you're needing to expand your 22.9 cubic feet of cargo space, use the available fold-flat seating in the push of a button to get 57.1 cubit feet of cargo space! Perfect for hauling sporting gear and equipment or fitting all of your camping supplies in the back. The Enclave will fit and adapt to you and your family's needs! Now that's first-class. **There were minimal changes made from the 2025 model to the 2026 model years of the Buick Enclave. This video does correctly depict a 2026 Buick Enclave. First-Class Aesthetic The 2026 Buick Enclave offers a timeless yet modern stylistic approach to families. The Enclave decries timeless lines paired with modern twists through the floating center console and Avenir custom stitching in the interior, and exterior styles like the low, wide grille and sculpted contours of the body. Pictures don't do it justice - come see it for yourself today! Enclave Collection First-Class Safety The 2025 Buick Enclave is an IIHS top safety pick and comes with one of the most robust standard safety packages in its class. Here's what is STANDARD safety across any trim - Blind Zone Steering Assist Brake lining wear indicator Buckle to Drive Enhanced Automatic Emergency Braking Following Distance Indicator Forward Collision Alert Front Pedestrian and Bicyclist Braking HD Surround Vision IntelliBeam Intersection Automatic Emergency Braking LATCH system (Lower Anchors and Tethers for CHildren), for child restraints seats LED Reflective Windshield Collision Alert Lane Keep Assist with Lane Departure Warning OnStar services capable Rear Cross Traffic Braking Rear Park Assist Rear Pedestrian Alert Rear Seat Reminder Reverse Automatic Braking Safety Alert Seat Side Bicyclist Alert Teen Driver Traffic Sign Recognition Don't settle for aesthetic and give up safety, the Enclave offers aesthetic and safety for the whole family. First-Class Options Find the Enclave that's right for your family without having to sacrifice safety. Here's our easy cheat-sheet to help you decide what might be best for you! Let's find your family their new Enclave today. Feature Category Preferred Sport Touring Avenir $45,100 $49,700 $59,600 Technology 30" ultrawide infotainment screen with Google built-in Same screen as Preferred Head-Up Display, Rear Camera Mirror Driver Assistance Adaptive Cruise Control, HD Surround Vision, Reverse Automatic Braking Same advanced safety suite as Preferred Premium suite + continuously variable damping suspension Interior Comfort Heated front seats, tri-zone climate, hands-free liftgate Flat-bottom wrapped steering wheel (sport look) Ventilated & massage front seats, premium carpeted mats Styling Standard exterior design Gloss Black grille, moldings, roof rails, exclusive wheels Chrome & Pearl Nickel accents, exclusive 22" alloy wheels Ride & Handling 8-speed automatic, performance suspension Same as Preferred, with sportier styling cues Premium Ride suspension with real-time damping Luxury Add-ons Solid value trim Sport appearance package Power panoramic sunroof, memory settings, 110V outlet, Universal Home Remote Ready to test drive an Enclave today? View our collection and contact us to test drive one today! Enclave Collection Contact Us

Modified August 30, 2025 If you haven't met the 2026 Buick Envision here at Lighthouse, you could be sleeping on this up-and-coming leader in the compact SUV market! With it's compact size, performance-handling, and luxurious style and features, you're sure to feel the luxury without the large price tag. It's a 5-passenger SUV that was designed to make a statement without having to say a word. Luxury that speaks! more We're currently still ordering and building out the 2026 Buick Envision collection with hopes of seeing these hit our showroom in December 2025. If you're interested in a new 2026 Envision, contact us! We would love to serve you. Contact Us Luxury Style The sleek lines on the exterior and the fine details inside are giving luxury. The sleek grill, check-shaped LED daytime running headlamps, 18"-20" available pearl nickel alloy wheels, and the new Buick badging showing elevated elegance. There's luxury in the details, but luxury where you chose to have it with the 2 advanced trims available. Sport Touring The Sport Touring trim radiates bold confidence. Just like the name, it's sport-luxury. The blacked out accents (trim, wheels, grill) make the vehicle color POP and the 20" black-finish wheels enhance the design. The pop of color follows us inside with unique interior color options available - ebony (black) or garnet (red). You'll turn heads at the first look and the first ride in the cabin. Avenir The Avenir trim is all about inspired luxury - timeless lines, colors, and exclusive features. The accent grill, 20" Pearl Nickel finish wheels, and LED taillights shine on the exterior. Luxury your way speaks with tailored stitching on the seating, available massaging front seats, and customizable ambient lighting. There isn't an inch of missed capacity in the Envision Avenir! Luxurious Comfort The 2026 Buick Envision was designed to take a load off while you're getting to your destination. Enjoy the drive in the front seat or the back seat with first-class seating throughout the whole incredibly quiet cabin. Let the light in with an available panoramic moonroof. We could go on and on about the luxurious features in this compact SUV, so we will. Check out our list of favorite available comforts below - First-Class Seating Quiet Cabin (QuietTuning & Active Noise Cancelling technology) Panoramic Moonroof Heated Steering Wheel Front & Rear Heated Seats Customizable Ambient Lighting (Choose your Color!) Bose Premium Audio Massaging Driver Seat Ultrawide 30" Diagonal Screen Wireless Charging 2.0L Turbo Engine Hands-free Power Liftgate Don't miss out on all the 2026 Buick Envision has to offer! Come experience the luxury for yourself and test drive one today. Luxurious Technology One of the most underrated but important offers of this 5-passenger compact SUV is the tech and safety value it brings to the table. If you needed one more convincing factor to test drive a Buick Envision, let it be this - the 2026 Buick Envision is a top IIHS safety pick, in-part due to the technology that it presents. Again, we could go on and on of the technology features available on the Buick Envision, so we will! Comfort Technology 30" Diagonal Driver/Infotainment Screen Bose Premium Audio Remote Commands Google Built-In Compatibility Head-Up Display Wireless Smartphone Charging Onstar Basics In-Vehicle Wi-Fi Hotspot Continuous Damping Suspension Control (smoother ride!) Intelligent All-Wheel Drive Safety Technology Front Pedestrian Braking Lane Change Alert with Side Blind Zone Alert Lane Keep Assist with Lane Departure Warning Rear Cross Traffic Alert Automatic Emergency Braking Forward Collision Alert Following Distance (Gap) Indicator IntelliBeam Teen Drive System Safety Alert Seat Blind Zone Steering Assist Front Pedestrian & Bicyclist Braking Side Bicyclist Alert Rear Cross Traffic Braking Intersection Automatic Emergency Braking Rear Pedestrian Alert There's one word to summarize the 2026 Buick Envision - luxury. At Lighthouse, we pride ourselves on being your Buick Envision experts in the Central Illinois area. If you're interested in being one of the first to drive away in a 2026 Buick Envision from Morton, let us know! Contact us and we'll get the perfect Buick Envision coming for you. Come see our Buick Envision collection and test drive one today. Experience the Buick Envision! Experience luxury. Order Your Envision Envision Collection Why Lighthouse

The Next Step in Trucks When people hear “electric truck,” it usually sparks one of two reactions. Some imagine a futuristic gadget that can’t possibly stand up to the demands of real truck owners. Others think of massive torque, silent acceleration, and technology you can’t find in gas-powered models. The truth lies somewhere in the middle—and GMC is leading the charge with two very different but equally bold options: the all-new Sierra EV and the Hummer EV. Both of these vehicles push beyond the old idea that EVs are only about efficiency. They’re about capability, design, and giving drivers something new to get excited about. Let’s break down what makes each of these trucks worth paying attention to. Sierra EV: Familiar, but Smarter The GMC Sierra has always been a cornerstone for truck buyers. The Sierra EV carries that same DNA, but reimagined for an electric future. Power and Range Denali Edition 1 models can deliver up to 754 horsepower and 785 lb-ft of torque in Max Power mode. Expect up to 440 miles of range on a full charge in certain configurations. That’s more than enough for daily work and weekend trips without constantly hunting for a charger. DC Fast Charging capability means you can add about 100 miles of range in just 10 minutes —a feature designed for real-world truck use. Features That Work for Truck Owners Super Cruise hands-free driving is standard on Denali and available on other trims, making long trips far less tiring. The MultiPro MidGate allows you to extend the bed into the cab when you need to haul longer items. Up to 12,500 pounds of towing capacity means it’s not just a lifestyle vehicle—it’s a true workhorse. An 11-cubic-foot eTrunk up front provides lockable storage that you won’t find on a gas truck. Trim / Model Battery Range Max Towing Capacity Sierra EV – Elevation (Standard Range) 283 miles (EPA est.) 8,500 lbs Sierra EV – Elevation (Extended Range) 410 miles (EPA est.) 12,500 lbs Sierra EV – AT4 (Extended Range) 390 miles (GM est.) 12,300 lbs Sierra EV – AT4 (Max Range) 478 miles (GM est.) 10,200 lbs Sierra EV – Denali (Standard Range) 283 miles (EPA est.) 8,500 lbs Sierra EV – Denali (Extended Range) 410 miles (EPA est.) 12,500 lbs Sierra EV – Denali (Max Range) 478 miles (GM est.) 10,200 lbs Trims for Different Needs Denali is the flagship: luxury, power, and the longest range. Elevation offers the essentials with strong performance and a lower price point. AT4 is built for off-road with a factory lift, all-terrain tires, improved ground-clearance, and heightened approach and departure angles. The Sierra EV is built for drivers who want the advantages of electric without sacrificing what makes a truck useful. Ask Us A Question Sierra EV Collection Hummer EV: No Apologies, Just Power If the Sierra EV is the practical side of electric trucks, the Hummer EV is the extreme. It’s heavy, oversized, and in-your-face—but it’s also packed with tech that no other vehicle on the market can match. What You Get with Hummer EV Available with up to 830 horsepower and jaw-dropping 11,500 lb-ft of torque. 0–60 mph in about 3.5 seconds with “Watts to Freedom” launch mode—numbers usually reserved for sports cars, not 9,000-pound SUVs. CrabWalk diagonal drive and Extract Mode (which raises the suspension by 6 inches) give the Hummer EV real off-road credibility. Infinity Roof panels can be removed for open-air driving, turning the SUV into something that feels more like an experience than just transportation. Trim / Model Battery Range Max Towing Capacity Hummer EV SUV – 2X Up to 381 miles 12,000 lbs Hummer EV SUV – 3X 312 miles 8,500 lbs Hummer EV Pickup – 2X / Edition 1 329 miles 12,000 lbs Hummer EV Pickup – 3X Up to 381 miles Not published Trim Levels 2X SUV – strong power and range with dual motors, offering around 315 miles per charge. 3X SUV – tri-motor setup, 830 hp, and torque that feels more like a rocket launch than a truck. The Hummer EV isn’t for everyone, and GMC knows that. It’s meant for buyers who want the boldest, wildest electric truck available today. Ask Us A Question Hummer EV Collection What These EVs Mean for Truck Buyers Switching to electric isn’t just about plugging in instead of fueling up. It’s about redefining what a truck can do: Instant torque makes towing and hauling smoother. Lower operating costs —no oil changes, fewer moving parts, and less maintenance overall. Quiet driving without sacrificing power. Advanced tech that is being developed first for EVs before it makes its way into traditional gas trucks. For many buyers, the Sierra EV will feel like a natural next step. For others, the Hummer EV offers an over-the-top experience that can’t be ignored. Both vehicles show how far EVs have come in just a few years. A Note on the EV Tax Credit For buyers considering either of these vehicles, there’s one detail worth remembering: the federal EV tax credit of up to $7,500 is currently set to expire on September 30, 2025. That means the window to take advantage of the savings is closing. While incentives shouldn’t be the only reason to buy, they do make a difference. Once the credit expires, EV prices effectively rise by thousands of dollars overnight. If you’ve been on the fence about going electric, it’s worth acting sooner rather than later.

The 2025 GMC Sierra 2500HD is a BEAST on the road. It’s hard to miss it, easy to spot with the bold presence it brings to the road, job site, field, and campsite. There’s so many ways to utilize the Sierra HD, but even more ways to sit back and enjoy the ride here. At Lighthouse, we like the best of both worlds. Let’s dive in! 2025 GMC Sierra HD Towing Capacity When choosing a Sierra HD, the engine under the hood makes the biggest change in towing performance. Here’s how the gas engine compares to the diesel engine when deciding which truck will give you the towing capacity you need – 6.6L V8 Gasoline Conventional (Ball Hitch): 14,500 – 16,000 lbs. 5th Wheel / Gooseneck: 18,200 – 18,700 lbs. What can change this range? Cab Style & Bed Length: Regular Cabs tend to offer the highest tow ratings, while Double and Crew Cabs can be slightly lower due to added weight. Drive Type: 2WD models usually tow a little more than 4WD because they’re lighter. Trim Packages: AT4, AT4X, and Denali models may have reduced capacities compared to standard trims due to off-road hardware or added luxury features. Duramax 6.6L Turbo-Diesel V8 Conventional (Ball Hitch): 14,500 – 20,000 lbs. 5th Wheel / Gooseneck: 17,700 – 22,390 lbs. What affects the range? Cab Style & Bed Length: Just like the gas engine, Regular Cab Long Beds are usually at the top of the towing spectrum. Drive Type: 2WD versions typically offer higher tow ratings than 4WD. Trim Packages: NHT (Max Tow) Package boosts capacities significantly, pushing ball hitch ratings up to 20,000 lbs. and gooseneck up to 22,390 lbs. Off-Road (AT4, AT4X, AEV) and luxury trims (Denali, Denali Ultimate) often reduce max towing slightly because of added weight and equipment. Key takeaways The Gas V8 engine tops out just under 19,000lbs max towing capacity. The Duramax Diesel has the highest pulling power, especially with the NHT Max Tow Package, topping out at 22,000 lbs. When deciding between trims and engines, keep in mind, the cab/bed configuration, drive type, and trim package all factor into the max towing capacity. Engine Hitch Type Towing Range What Influences It 6.6L V8 Gasoline Conventional (Ball Hitch) 14,500 – 16,000 lbs. Cab/bed size, 2WD vs. 4WD, trim weight 5th Wheel / Gooseneck 18,200 – 18,700 lbs. Cab/bed size, drivetrain, trim (AT4/Denali slightly lower) 6.6L Duramax Turbo-Diesel V8 Conventional (Ball Hitch) 14,500 – 20,000 lbs. Cab/bed size, 2WD vs. 4WD, trim weight, NHT Max Tow Package 5th Wheel / Gooseneck 17,700 – 22,390 lbs. Cab/bed size, drivetrain, off-road or luxury trims may reduce, NHT boosts max capacity We hope this has been a great resource for towing capacity, but if there’s any further questions you have, our sales team in Morton, IL is willing and equipped to answer your questions. Further, if you’re ready to view our Sierra HD collection here at Lighthouse, check it out here. We have a great selection and are the Sierra HD for Bloomington, Peoria, Lacon, Lincoln, and the Central Illinois area! Don't miss out, experience the Lighthouse Difference Today. Ask Us A Question Sierra HD Collection 2025 GMC Sierra HD Tech Now that you’ve found the right engine and options for your towing needs, now it’s time to get comfortable in your Sierra HD. Here’s the best of the tech in the 2025 GMC Sierra HD – Up to 14 Available Camera Views, including transparent trailer view Available best-in-class 16-way power front seats with massage feature Available adapative Cruise Control with Trailering Best-in Class crew cab front head and leg room 13.4” Diagonal Center Touchscreen 15” diagonal multicolor head-up display 12.3” diagonal color drive information center 6-function Multipro tailgate Sierra HD Pro Safety Features like Forward Collision Alert, Lane Departure Warning, Front Pedestrian Braking, Automatic Emergency Braking, and so many more! With all of the technology, there’s lots of other accessories you’re probably looking to add onto your Sierra HD from Lighthouse in Morton, IL. Are you ready to accessorize your truck? Let’s get started with these standard, frequently-added accessories to your truck – Assist Steps/Running Boards Truck Bed Covers Blacked-out or Illuminated Emblems Trailering Products Exterior Mirror Covers View all available accessories in the truck shop - https://accessories.gmc.com/categories/truck-shop View Sierra HD Collection Shop Accessories Ask Us A Question