Buick Towing Guide
Buick SUV Towing.
Ready for Your Northwest Adventures.
From hauling a small utility trailer near Tacoma to bringing recreational equipment toward Puget Sound or the Cascades, the right Buick SUV can give you the comfort and capability you need. Compare Buick towing capacities and find the model that fits your lifestyle.
Buick Towing Capacity at a Glance
Buick offers several SUV options for drivers with different towing and everyday driving needs. From the comfortable Envista for daily driving to the three-row Enclave with up to 5,000 pounds of available towing capacity, there is a Buick SUV for a variety of lifestyles.
Buick SUV Towing Capacity
Compare the Buick SUV lineup to see which model best matches your trailer, recreational equipment, and everyday driving needs.
| Buick SUV | Maximum Available Towing Capacity* | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Buick Envista | Not rated for towing | Daily driving, commuting, passenger comfort, and cargo needs |
| Buick Encore GX | Up to 1,000 lbs. | Small utility trailers, lightweight gear, and personal watercraft |
| Buick Envision | Up to 1,500 lbs. | Small boats, jet skis, ATVs, and light utility trailers |
| Buick Enclave | Up to 5,000 lbs. | Larger boats, select campers, medium utility trailers, and family adventures |
Which Buick SUV Is Right for Towing?
Your trailer size and typical load should help determine which Buick SUV makes the most sense for your needs.
Buick Envista
The Buick Envista is designed for stylish and efficient everyday driving. It offers flexible passenger and cargo space, but Buick does not rate the Envista for trailer towing and it does not offer a trailering package.
The Envista may be an excellent choice when your priorities are commuting, city driving, passenger comfort, and cargo flexibility without towing needs.
Explore Buick Envista InventoryBuick Encore GX
The Buick Encore GX offers a practical balance of maneuverability, passenger comfort, and light towing capability. When properly equipped, the Encore GX can tow up to 1,000 pounds.
The Encore GX may be suitable for:
- Small utility trailers
- Lightweight yard equipment
- Bicycle carriers and small gear trailers
- Personal watercraft
- Light camping gear
The Encore GX is not designed for heavy trailers or large campers.
Buick Envision
The Buick Envision offers more towing capability than the Encore GX while maintaining a refined compact SUV design. When properly equipped, the Envision can tow up to 1,500 pounds.
The Envision may be a good fit for:
- A lightweight utility trailer
- Small personal watercraft
- A small aluminum fishing boat
- ATVs or motorcycles
- Light landscaping equipment
- Small recreational gear trailers
Buick Enclave
The Buick Enclave is Buick's most capable towing SUV. When properly equipped with the available Trailering Package, the Enclave can tow up to 5,000 pounds.
This makes the Enclave a strong choice for drivers who want three rows of seating, premium comfort, and useful towing capability for family recreation.
The Enclave may be suitable for:
- Medium-size boats
- Pop-up campers and select travel trailers
- Larger utility trailers
- Small horse trailers, depending on loaded weight
- Recreational equipment trailers
- Family camping gear and weekend projects
How to Choose the Right Buick SUV
Start with the fully loaded weight of your trailer. Do not rely only on the trailer's empty or dry weight. Add equipment, water, fuel, tools, supplies, and everything stored inside the trailer.
You should also account for the people and cargo inside your Buick. Trailer tongue weight counts toward your vehicle's payload, along with passengers, luggage, accessories, and cargo.
Your Typical Load
| Your Typical Load | Buick Model to Consider |
|---|---|
| No trailer towing | Buick Envista |
| Small utility trailer or lightweight recreational equipment | Buick Encore GX |
| Small boat, jet skis, ATVs, motorcycles, or a light utility trailer | Buick Envision |
| Larger boat, select camper, or heavier recreational trailer | Buick Enclave |
Important Towing Considerations
Towing involves more than simply comparing maximum trailer weights. Consider the complete vehicle and trailer setup before heading out.
Before You Tow
- Loaded trailer weight: Include cargo, equipment, fuel, water, and supplies when determining the actual weight of your trailer.
- Vehicle payload: Passengers, luggage, accessories, hitch equipment, and trailer tongue weight all contribute to the vehicle's overall payload.
- Tongue weight: The downward force placed on the hitch by the trailer must remain within the vehicle and hitch manufacturer's ratings.
- Trailer brakes: Depending on the trailer and its weight, a separate braking system may be required. Check applicable requirements before towing.
Think About the Northwest
- Hitch setup: Use an approved hitch and follow Buick's trailering instructions for your specific SUV.
- Road conditions: Rain, hills, wind, mountain routes, and changing weather around Washington can affect towing performance.
- Tow/Haul mode: If your Buick is equipped with Tow/Haul mode, use it as directed in the owner's manual for appropriate towing situations.
- Vehicle-specific ratings: Always confirm the towing capacity, payload rating, hitch rating, and required equipment for your exact Buick SUV before towing.
Buick SUV Towing Near Tacoma, WA
Tacoma drivers have access to a wide variety of outdoor destinations and recreational activities throughout the Pacific Northwest. The right Buick SUV can help you handle everything from everyday commuting to light recreational towing.
For Everyday Driving
If you do not plan to tow, the Buick Envista provides a comfortable option for commuting, city driving, passengers, and everyday cargo.
For Light Recreation
The Encore GX and Envision provide increasing levels of towing capability for lightweight trailers, personal watercraft, ATVs, motorcycles, small boats, and similar recreational equipment when properly equipped.
For Larger Family Adventures
Drivers who need more towing capability may want to consider the Buick Enclave. With up to 5,000 pounds of available towing capacity when properly equipped with the available Trailering Package, the Enclave is Buick's most capable towing SUV.
Always confirm your vehicle's specific towing, payload, hitch, and trailer requirements before towing.
Buick SUV Towing FAQs
Get answers to common questions about Buick SUV towing capacity and choosing the right model.
Which Buick SUV has the highest towing capacity?
The Buick Enclave is Buick's most capable towing SUV. When properly equipped with the available Trailering Package, the Enclave can tow up to 5,000 pounds.
How much can the Buick Encore GX tow?
When properly equipped, the Buick Encore GX can tow up to 1,000 pounds. It is better suited for light-duty towing such as small utility trailers, lightweight recreational equipment, and personal watercraft.
How much can the Buick Envision tow?
When properly equipped, the Buick Envision can tow up to 1,500 pounds. It may be a good fit for small boats, personal watercraft, ATVs, motorcycles, and light utility trailers.
Can the Buick Envista tow a trailer?
Buick does not rate the Envista for trailer towing and does not offer a trailering package for the Envista. If towing is important, consider the Buick Encore GX, Envision, or Enclave.
What can a Buick Enclave tow?
When properly equipped with the available Trailering Package, the Buick Enclave can tow up to 5,000 pounds. Depending on loaded weight and the specific vehicle setup, it may be suitable for medium-size boats, select campers, larger utility trailers, recreational equipment trailers, and family camping gear.
What should I consider before towing with a Buick SUV?
Consider the fully loaded trailer weight, vehicle payload, tongue weight, hitch requirements, trailer brakes, road conditions, and your Buick SUV's specific equipment and ratings. Always follow the owner's manual and applicable towing requirements.
Where can I shop for a Buick SUV near Tacoma?
Gilchrist Buick GMC in Tacoma can help you compare Buick SUV models and available inventory to find the right combination of passenger space, cargo flexibility, comfort, and towing capability for your needs.
Find the Right Buick SUV for Your Next Adventure
Compare Buick SUVs at Gilchrist Buick GMC in Tacoma, WA. Our team can help you review available Encore GX, Envision, and Enclave models, discuss trailering equipment, and schedule a test drive.