Buick has long been known for producing comfortable and capable vehicles. While performance and handling take center stage in Buick’s sportier sedans and coupes, their SUVs and crossovers offer excellent towing capacities for weekend warriors and outdoor enthusiasts.
This guide will cover the towing capabilities of Buick’s current SUV and crossover lineup, as well as towing tips and considerations for safe towing.
Overview of Buick SUVs and Their Towing Capacities
Buick currently offers three SUV models in their lineup:
- Encore GX – Buick’s smallest SUV with seating for 5. Towing capacity of 1,000 lbs.
- Envision – Compact 5-seat SUV. Towing capacity of 1,500 lbs.
- Enclave – Midsize 3-row SUV with room for 7. Towing capacity of 5,000 lbs.
The Enclave is clearly the towing champion of the Buick lineup. With its standard 3.6L V6 engine producing 310 horsepower and the available trailering package, it can pull substantial loads.
The Encore GX and Envision have more modest tow ratings, but can still manage small utility or recreational trailers.
Below is a detailed towing capacity chart for recent model years of Buick SUVs:
| Model | Year | Engine | Max Towing Capacity* |
|---|---|---|---|
| Encore GX | 2021-2022 | 1.3L Turbo I4 | 1,000 lbs |
| Envision | 2018-2022 | 2.0L Turbo I4 | 1,500 lbs |
| Enclave | 2018-2022 | 3.6L V6 | 5,000 lbs |
*With factory towing package equipped
As you can see, the Enclave truly stands out when it comes to towing abilities. Next, let’s go over some key towing considerations.
Important Towing Tips for Buick SUV Owners
Towing a trailer or camper is very different than regular driving. Greater mass means longer stopping distances, and trailers can affect handling and control. Here are some key areas to focus on for safe towing:
-
Use the proper hitch setup – Use a hitch that is rated for the Enclave’s max loads. Go with a weight-distributing hitch for better stability.
-
Check trailer weight ratings – Never exceed the maximum tow rating for your specific Buick model and configuration. Also obey max weights for the tongue/hitch.
-
Allow extra stopping distance – Increase following distance from vehicles ahead to account for increased braking distance when towing.
-
Load the trailer correctly – Balance the load appropriately so the tongue weight falls within spec. Heavier items should be placed low and centered between the axles.
-
Inflate tires – Make sure tires on both the Buick and trailer are inflated to maximize load capacity and stability.
-
Adjust side mirrors – Expand your field of view by adjusting side mirrors when towing.
-
Go easy on acceleration – Smoothly accelerate and avoid jerky inputs when towing.
-
Practice backing up – Test backing up maneuvers in an open lot before hitting the road.
-
Verify all trailer lights work – Make electrical connections and check all rear trailer lights before each trip.
Following these tips will help ensure you have a safe and uneventful towing journey with your Buick Encore, Envision or Enclave.
Deep Dive on the Towing Capabilities of the Buick Enclave
Now let’s take a more detailed look at the trailer towing abilities of Buick’s flagship SUV, the Enclave.
The current 3rd generation Enclave debuted in 2018 and is capable of towing up to 5,000 pounds when properly equipped. This allows the Enclave to tow travel trailers, boats, ATVs, snowmobiles, and small campers with ease.
How the Enclave Achieves Its Max Tow Rating
The stout towing capacity of the Enclave comes thanks to its:
-
Strong V6 engine – A 3.6L V6 generating 310 horsepower and 266 lb-ft of torque provides ample low-end power for pulling and hill climbing when loaded.
-
9-speed automatic transmission – Quick, smooth shifts from the 9-speed auto optimize the V6’s torque output.
-
Optional trailering package – This adds a heavy-duty radiator and fan plus an integrated trailer brake controller.
-
Stable chassis and advanced traction control – Buick’s advanced AWD system with torque vectoring helps maintain control.
Together, these mechanicals allow the latest Enclave to confidently tow loads up to 5,000 pounds.
Towing Experience and Performance
Owners report the Enclave tows smoothly and steadily when hauling loads within its limits. The standard torque-rich V6 offers strong acceleration when getting up to speed or merging with highway traffic.
The transmission shifts decisively, putting the V6 in the optimal power band. The AWD platform provides reassurance, eliminating the tail-wagging some SUVs exhibit when towing.
Braking firmly with minimal nosedive instills confidence in the Enclave’s trailering abilities. Owners are impressed with how composed the Enclave remains when subjected to the forces of towing.
Enclave Towing Features and Amenities
To aid trailering duties, the Enclave offers some purpose-built features including:
-
Integrated trailer brake controller – Conveniently adjusts trailer brake bias from the cab.
-
Rear blind zone alert – Helps monitor side blind spots when towing.
-
Rear cross traffic alert – Alerts the driver to approaching perpendicular traffic.
-
Hitch guidance lines – Provides a handy reference when backing up to a hitch.
-
In-vehicle trailering app – Displays key info like hitch angle, trailer lights, and tire pressure.
Beyond towing-specific aids, the Enclave cab is well-suited for long trips with ample stretch-out room in all three rows and seating for up to seven.
Optimal Configurations for Towing
The Enclave’s maximum tow rating of 5,000 pounds applies to FWD and AWD models in Preferred, Essence and Avenir trims equipped with the trailering package.
The Avenir serves as the ultimate towing trim with every possible amenity plus adaptive cruise control and 20-inch wheels. But the Enclave Essence offers the core towing gear for less.
Key Specs and Dimensions
Here are some key specs and dimensions relevant to understanding the Enclave’s towing capabilities:
- Wheelbase – 120.9 inches
- Overall Length – 204.3 inches
- Curb Weight – 4,363 to 4,646 lbs
- Max Payload – 1,100 to 1,500 lbs
- GVWR – Up to 6,060 lbs
- Ground Clearance – 7.5 inches
- Hitch Receiver Size – 2″
The Enclave provides a long, stable platform for managing trailers. And its beefy curb weight gives it the brawn to confidently tow suitable loads.
The Takeaway on Buick SUV Towing Abilities
While the Encore GX and Envision have modest capabilities, the Enclave is clearly the towing leader of the Buick SUV lineup. With its strong V6, advanced drivetrain, and available trailering package, the Enclave can stably haul loads up to 5,000 pounds. This allows owners to tow boats, campers, ATVs, small horse trailers, and more. By adhering to tow ratings, loading trailer properly, and focusing on safe practices, Buick owners can enjoy no-compromise family hauling along with impressive trailering abilities.
