The 2021 Buick Enclave is a midsize luxury SUV that offers a refined ride, ample passenger space, and a generous amount of cargo room. But what about its towing capabilities? If you’re someone who enjoys weekend camping trips or hauling your boat to the lake, you’ll be pleased to know that the Enclave can handle moderate towing duties.
In this article, we’ll take an in-depth look at the 2021 Enclave’s towing capacity. We’ll cover key specs, how it compares to competitors, tips for safe towing, and the best Enclave models and packages for towing. Whether you’re considering an Enclave for your next family vehicle or simply want to know what it’s capable of, read on to learn all about the 2021 Buick Enclave towing capacities.
2021 Buick Enclave Towing Capacity Overview
The 2021 Enclave has a maximum towing capacity of 5,000 pounds when properly equipped. This allows it to tow small- to medium-sized trailers, boats, ATVs, and UTVs.
To achieve that 5,000-pound tow rating, your Enclave needs to have:
- The available 3.6L V6 engine (310 horsepower and 266 lb-ft of torque)
- Front-wheel drive (AWD models are limited to just 2,000 pounds)
- The Trailering Package, which includes a heavy-duty cooling system, trailer hitch, and wiring harness
With this powertrain and the trailering package installed, you’ll have up to 5,000 pounds of towing muscle. The Enclave’s torque-rich V6 provides plenty of acceleration when getting up to highway speeds while towing.
It’s also worth noting that the Enclave has a maximum tongue weight capacity of 500 pounds. This is the amount of weight that can be loaded on and supported by the trailer hitch itself. Too much tongue weight can overload the rear suspension, so be mindful of this specification when loading your trailer.
How the Buick Enclave Towing Capacity Compares to Competitors
The Enclave sits in the midsize luxury SUV segment alongside competitors like the Acura MDX, Lincoln Aviator, and Volvo XC90. Here’s how the Buick stacks up against key rivals:
- Acura MDX: 6,000 lbs max towing capacity (AWD model limited to 3,500 lbs)
- Lincoln Aviator: 6,700 lbs max towing capacity (AWD model limited to 6,000 lbs)
- Volvo XC90: 5,000 lbs max towing capacity
The Enclave essentially ties with the Volvo XC90 for towing abilities, with both rated at 5,000 pounds. The Acura MDX and Lincoln Aviator have an edge when it comes to max tow ratings, but the Enclave still offers strong towing for the segment.
Considering its refined ride quality and luxurious interior, the Enclave offers a compelling overall package for those needing to balance towing duties with everyday comfort and refinement.
Tips for Towing Safely with the Buick Enclave
Towing a trailer comes with great responsibility. To make sure you and your cargo stay safe, follow these trailering tips:
Use a weight distribution hitch – This type of hitch applies leverage to distribute tongue weight evenly across both axles, enhancing control.
Stick close to maximum capacities – Don’t exceed the maximum towing or tongue weight capacities. Overloading can affect steering, braking, and stability.
Load the trailer carefully – Make sure cargo is balanced and secured to prevent shifting. Heavy items should be placed low and centered near the trailer axles.
Adjust tire pressure – Inflate tires on both vehicles to the pressures stated on placards or tire sidewalls to handle the extra load.
Drive slowly and steadily – Avoid abrupt acceleration and hard braking. Give yourself extra room to speed up, slow down, and turn.
Use tow/haul mode – This feature (standard on all Enclaves) adjusts transmission shift points to reduce gear hunting under load.
Following these simple guidelines will help ensure you move your cargo safely and enjoy peace of mind on every trip.
Best 2021 Buick Enclave Models and Packages for Towing
Not all Enclave models and trim levels offer the same towing capabilities. Here are the ones to choose if you plan on doing regular towing:
Preferred trim (or higher) – The base Enclave trim doesn’t offer the trailering package. You’ll need to step up to Preferred or higher to get the full 5,000-lb towing capacity.
3.6L V6 engine – The standard engine on all trims. More power than the base 2.0L turbo four-cylinder.
Front-wheel drive – Towing capacity is limited to just 2,000 lbs with AWD models. Stick to FWD if heavy towing is a priority.
Trailering Package – Again, this adds the necessary transmission cooler, wiring harness, and hitch to enable the max tow rating. It’s standard on Premium and Avenir models.
Heavy-Duty Trailering Package (optional) – Includes a more robust cooling system and integrated trailer brake controller for even greater towing confidence.
Advanced Towing Package (optional) – Adds a surround-view camera system, adaptive cruise control, and other tech aids when towing large loads.
By opting for an Enclave Preferred or higher with the V6, front-wheel drive, and the trailering package, you’ll have an SUV perfectly suited for weekend adventures out on the water or winding trails.
The Bottom Line on the 2021 Buick Enclave Towing Capacity
While luxury SUVs like the Enclave emphasize comfort and refinement over utility, the 2021 Buick Enclave still offers strong towing capabilities for the segment. Properly equipped with the V6 engine and trailering package, it can tow up to 5,000 pounds – on par with pricier competitors.
Smart trailer loading and safe driving habits are still a must, but the Enclave provides the power, stability, and transmission programming to capably tow boats, ATVs, small campers, and more. Just be sure to get the right packages installed and stick within the recommended capacity limits.
Here at Antich Automotive, we’re experts on getting the most out of your vehicle’s towing abilities. If you have any other questions about the 2021 Enclave’s towing capacity or want advice on equipping yours for trailering, don’t hesitate to contact us. We’re always happy to help fellow outdoor and towing enthusiasts!
