Buick Encore Towing Capacity
The standard Buick Encore is not rated for towing, but its GX model has a maximum towing capacity of 1,000 pounds.
Written by Shannon Fitzgerald
Reviewed by Jessica Barrett
The Buick Encore has a towing capacity of 1,000 pounds, but only if you have the GX model. A standard Encore SUV was not designed to tow a trailer, so any attempts to do so are unadvised.
When you’re getting ready to hit the road for that next camping trip, knowing your vehicle’s towing capacity can help you determine whether your trailer can hitch a ride, too. While most SUVs are built to handle some towing capabilities, the size of your SUV along with its engine and transmission systems can play a big role in determining its maximum weight for hauling.
That’s why
car insurance
super app Jerry
put together this towing capacity guide! We’ll go through everything you’ll need to know before you haul out with your Buick Encore—from tips to calculate your maximum towing weight, to tricks to increase your towing capacity altogether, and even how to save on your Buick Encore insurance costs
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How much can a Buick Encore tow?
Maximum towing capacity: 1,000 pounds
Gross Combination Weight Rating (GCWR): 4,519 to 4,695 pounds
Engines: 1.2-liter (137 hp) turbo, 1.3-liter (174 hp) turbo
While the standard Buick Encore does not have towing capability, the GX model can handle a light towing job when properly equipped with a trailer hitch and safety features like Stabilitrak, which monitors trailer traction and balance.
The maximum towing capacity for this model comes to 1,000 pounds whether you have the 1.2-liter or 1.3-liter engine. However, if you go with the 1.2-liter all-wheel drive (rather than the front-wheel drive option), the total maximum weight of your loaded vehicle (your GCWR) increases to 4,695 pounds from 4,519 pounds.
Trailer hitches for the Buick Encore
When purchasing a new Buick Encore GX, you can equip it with an optional tow hitch. You can also add on a four-wire electrical harness that allows you to use the trailer’s brake lights, turn signals, and running lights for safer towing.
If your Encore GX has not been equipped with a trailer hitch, you can add an aftermarket hitch. You can find a diverse range of compatible options online, like the
CURT 11612 Class 1
hitch, which can handle a maximum trailer weight up to 2,000 pounds. One thing to be aware of—if your Buick Encore GX has a liftgate kick sensor equipped, some add-on trailer hitch kits will not be compatible with your model. Be sure to carefully check which products will work with your vehicle.
How to calculate the towing capacity you need
It’s important to note that your towing capacity should never exceed your maximum limits. For the Encore GX, this means that you should anticipate towing lighter loads that weigh less than 1,000 pounds fully packed.
While load weight can vary widely depending on how much you fill your towing cargo, you can generally expect your Encore GX to tow the following:
- A rowboat or fishing boat (300 to 600 lbs)
- Small utility trailer or pop-up camper (700 to 840 lbs)
- Canoe trailer (250 lbs)
- Two dirt bikes in a trailer (730 lbs)
Keep in mind that you’ll need to calculate your passenger and cargo weight when determining how much weight your GX will be towing, too. Every load is different, so if you’re worried you’re getting close to that 1,000 lb limit, head to a weigh station to measure the hitch and trailer weight before you continue loading your vehicle.
How to increase towing capacity
While smaller SUVs like the Encore GX aren’t typically heavy-haulers, you can usually increase your towing capacity by upgrading the following:
- Your hitch—a weight-distribution hitch can better distribute the tongue force, while higher classes of hitches can tow more weight altogether
- Your axles—stronger axles can handle more towing weight
- Your radiator—getting a larger radiator can help your engine better regulate its temperature while towing heavier loads
- Your brakes—this will ease your capacity to control your haul
It’s important to note that these adjustments will only be able to give a minor boost to your vehicle’s maximum towing capacity. If you’re itching to regularly haul campers and trailers in your Encore GX, you may want to consider upgrading to a mid-size SUV like a
Buick Enclave
with a moderate 5,000-pound maximum towing capacity or the Dodge Durango SRT R/T
, which can haul an impressive 8,700 pounds. Additionally, be aware that some other upgrades for your GX can actually put more pressure on your engine, which decreases the towing capacity. Bigger wheels, for example, require more energy from your engine to turn—reducing towing capacity in effect.
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How to find affordable car insurance
Whether you choose to up your towing game with a GX model or stick with the standard Encore, you’ll want to protect your investment with quality car insurance. Just as you should never overhaul your towing limits, you should never overpay on your premiums either. That’s where
Jerry
steps in! This
trustworthy super app
is free to use and instantly cross-analyzes custom quotes from top insurance companies to track down the lowest rates available for your coverage needs. When you find a plan you like, simply select it through the app, and Jerry’s expert team of brokers will help cancel your old policy to get your savings started seamlessly. The average Jerry user ends up saving $800+ a year on car insurance, so it’s definitely worth a look!
“Jerrywas quick and provided me with various choices. I found the policy I wanted in 10 minutes and was able to drive off with my new car!” —Emiya S.
Compare insurance quotes from 50+ carriers with Jerry in under 45 seconds
Compare insurance quotes from 50+ carriers with Jerry in under 45 seconds
4.7/5 rating on the App Store | Trusted by 5+ million customers and 7 million cars4.7/5 app rating | Trusted by 5M+ driversIs Buick Encore good for towing?
The Buick Encore is not rated for towing. It is therefore not recommended to attempt to tow in this vehicle. However, the sportier GX model has a modest towing capacity of 1,000 pounds for smaller towing jobs like a rowboat or canoe trailer.
Can you put a trailer hitch on a Buick Encore?
Buick has an option to equip new GX models with a tow hitch, but you can also find compatible aftermarket hitch kits to add to an existing GX.
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