The Buick Encore was introduced in Buick’s lineup as a subcompact crossover SUV in 2013 and has remained a popular Buick vehicle since then. Buicks are known for their affordability and the Encore also has the features consumers expect from today’s cars, including towing. But how much can a Buick Encore tow?
The Buick Encore has a towing capacity of 1,000 lbs for all trim levels.
There’s a bit more to know about Buick Encore towing which we’ll cover in today’s guide.
2022 Buick Encore Towing Capacity
As we covered earlier, the Buick Encore can tow a maximum of 1,000 lbs.
| Encore Trim Level | Engine | Axle Ratio | Horsepower | Torque | Towing Capacity |
| Preferred FWD | 1.4L V4 Turbo | 5.44 | 153 hp | 177 lb.-ft | 1.000 lbs / 453 kg |
| Preferred AWD | 1.4L V4 Turbo | 5.44 | 153 hp | 177 lb.-ft | 1.000 lbs / 453 kg |
You can also read our guide on what makes a vehicle towing capacity to learn all the aspects that go into it.
Buick Encore Braked Vs. Unbraked Towing Capacity
All vehicles have different towing capacities based on whether or not you’re towing a trailer that has trailer brakes installed.
Trailer brakes allow the trailer to stop faster than if only the vehicle is using its brakes, allowing the vehicle to tow more weight, so braked towing capacity will always be higher than unbraked towing capacity.
Buick Encore Braked Towing Capacity: 1,000 lbs.
Buick Encore Unbraked Towing Capacity: 1,000 lbs.
Buick Encore Towing Capacity Factors
As we covered earlier, the fact of whether your Encore is All-Wheel Drive or not will affect the towing power.
The AWD Encore tow capacity is 1,000 lbs.
The FWD Encore tow capacity is 1,000 lbs.
Buick Encore Engine Specs
All trim levels of the Buick Encore have a 1.4L turbocharged 4-cylinder gas engine that’s paired with a 6-speed automatic transmission .
This engine offers a max 153 horsepower and 177 lb.-ft of torque along with a CVT transmission.
Buick Encore Tow Packages
Does The Buick Encore Have A Tow Package?
Buick offers an Encore hitch carrier mount on select years, but it’s rated as a 110-lb. Capacity hitch which is only good for small accessories like bike racks.
The Buick Encore Towing Package includes:
Trailer Hitch with 1.25” Receiver Tube
Can You Install A Trailer Hitch On a Buick Encore?
If you plan on towing anything with your Encore, you’ll need a tow hitch and wiring harness.
Depending on what you’re towing, you’re going to need a ball mount (aka a trailer ball hitch) so you can attach items for towing.
Make sure to get the right trailer ball size that matches your hitch and trailer.
Buick Encore Tow Hitch
Trailer hitches come in different hitch classes, which are rated for different vehicle sizes and weight limits.
The Buick Encore fits a Class 1 hitch.
Here’s a great option for a Buick Encore trailer hitch:
- DEPENDABLE STRENGTH. With a strong, welded steel build, this class 1 hitch is rated for 2,000 lbs. gross trailer weight and 200 lbs. tongue weight (limited to lowest-rated towing component)
- HIGHLY VERSATILE. Add useful, versatile towing options to your vehicle with this class 1 trailer hitch. It provides a standard 1-1/4-inch x 1-1/4-inch receiver hitch, allowing you to tow a small trailer or mount a cargo carrier or bike rack
- DUAL-COAT FINISH. For industry-leading rust, chip and UV resistance inside and out, this aftermarket tow hitch kit is submersed in a liquid A-coat and co-cured with a durable black powder coat finish
- EASY INSTALLATION. This class 1 hitch is designed to factory fit select model years of the Buick Encore and Chevy Trax (excluding GX)
- TESTED FOR SAFETY. Each CURT class 1 trailer hitch design is thoroughly tested, using real vehicles in real-world conditions. Our hitches are tested to SAE J684 specifications for safety on the road ahead
Here’s a great ball mount option so you can hook up different types of trailers for towing with your Encore:
- DEPENDABLE STRENGTH. Rated to tow 3,500 pounds gross trailer weight and 350 pounds tongue weight, this ball hitch offers dependability for your towing setup (weight capacity may change if trailer ball is removed)
- VERSATILE USE. This trailer hitch ball mount comes with a 1-1/4-inch shank to fit virtually any industry-standard 1-1/4-inch receiver. The ball mount has a 3-1/4-inch drop, 2-inch diameter ball, 1/2-inch hitch pin hole and 7-1/4-inch overall length
- READY TO TOW. Hitching up your trailer is easy with this ready-to-use trailer hitch ball mount. It comes with a pre-attached tow ball for ready coupling and a trailer hitch pin to securely mount onto your hitch receiver
- CORROSION-RESISTANT. For long-lasting use, this ball hitch is protected with a durable black powder coat finish, and the trailer ball has a polished chrome plating. These finishes resist damage from rain, dirt, road salt and other corrosive threats
- EASY TO INSTALL. To install the trailer hitch ball mount on your vehicle, simply insert the shank into your vehicle's 1-1/4-inch hitch receiver. The rounded shank makes installation easy
Buick Encore Tow Hitch Installation
If you’re considering having a tow hitch added to your Encore, expect to pay between $100 and $200 to have a tow package professionally installed (excluding the cost of the tow hitch and wiring harness).
If you’re handy and looking to save money, you can install the trailer hitch and wiring harness yourself.
Always follow the manufacturer’s directions and use proper safety precautions.
Here’s a great video walkthrough on a Buick Encore trailer hitch installation:
Hitch Receiver Vs Rear Step Bumper Towing
Some vehicles allow for bumper towing, which means you can mount a tow hitch ball directly on the bumper instead of installing a tow hitch to the vehicle’s frame.
Can I Bumper Tow With Buick Encore?
The Buick Encore does not allow for bumper towing, so you’ll need to use a frame-mounted hitch.
How Do I Know If My Buick Encore Has A Tow Package?
You can start by looking under the rear bumper of your Encore to see if you notice a trailer hitch or trailer ball.
That will give you a good indication of if you have a tow hitch already installed on your Encore.
Another way to research this is by checking the paperwork that came with your vehicle or taking it to a local dealer to see what’s installed.
Make sure to have your VIN (Vehicle Identification Number) handy if you call the dealer so they can look up the exact specs and whether or not your vehicle has any towing packages or features installed on it.
Buick Encore GX Towing Capacity
Buick started offering the Encore GX in 2019 and beyond.
Although there is a slightly different engine in this model, the Buick Encore GX towing capacity is 1,000 lbs for all years.
2021 Buick Encore Towing Capacity
The 2021 Buick Encore had two versions available: the standard Encore and the Encore GX.
It’s important to note that the standard Encore was not rated for towing, but the Encore GX had a 1,000 pound towing capacity.
| Encore Trim Level | Towing Capacity |
| Encore (Standard) | 0 lbs / 0 kg |
| Encore GX | 1,000 lbs / 453 kg |
2020 Buick Encore Towing Capacity
The 2020 Buick Encore had two versions available: the standard Encore and the Encore GX.
It’s important to note that the standard Encore was not rated for towing, but the Encore GX had a 1,000 pound towing capacity.
| Encore Trim Level | Towing Capacity |
| Encore (Standard) | 0 lbs / 0 kg |
| Encore GX | 1,000 lbs / 453 kg |
2019 Buick Encore Towing Capacity
The 2019 Buick Encore had two versions available: the standard Encore and the Encore GX, both of which had the same towing limits as the 2020-2021 models.
The standard Encore was not rated for towing, while the Encore GX had a 1,000 pound towing capacity.
| Encore Trim Level | Towing Capacity |
| Encore (Standard) | 0 lbs / 0 kg |
| Encore GX | 1,000 lbs / 453 kg |
2018 Buick Encore Towing Capacity
The 2018 Buick Encore is not rated for towing per the 2018 Buick Encore owners manual.
| Encore Trim Level | Towing Capacity |
| All Trim Levels | 0 lbs / 0 kg |
2017 Buick Encore Towing Capacity
The 2017 Buick Encore is not rated for towing per the 2017 Buick Encore owners manual.
| Encore Trim Level | Towing Capacity |
| All Trim Levels | 0 lbs / 0 kg |
2016 Buick Encore Towing Capacity
The 2016 Buick Encore is not rated for towing per the owners manual.
| Encore Trim Level | Towing Capacity |
| All Trim Levels | 0 lbs / 0 kg |
2015 Buick Encore Towing Capacity
The 2015 Buick Encore offered the same towing capacity as the 2016 models.
| Encore Trim Level | Towing Capacity | Encore Trim Level | Towing Capacity | Encore Trim Level | Towing Capacity |
| All Trim Levels | 0 lbs / 0 kg | All Trim Levels | 0 lbs / 0 kg | All Trim Levels | 0 lbs / 0 kg |
2014 Buick Encore Towing Capacity
The 2014 Buick Encore is not rated for towing per the owners manual.
| Encore Trim Level | Towing Capacity |
| All Trim Levels | 0 lbs / 0 kg |
2013 Buick Encore Towing Capacity
The 2013 Buick Encore is not rated for towing per the owners manual.
| Encore Trim Level | Towing Capacity |
| All Trim Levels | 0 lbs / 0 kg |