2026 Buick Enclave Towing Capacity

How Much Can the 2026 Buick Enclave Tow?

Every 2026 Buick Enclave is rated to tow up to 5,000 pounds, and unlike prior model years, that rating now applies identically across the Preferred, Sport Touring, and Avenir trims, in either front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive. This is possible because Buick made the Trailering Package standard equipment for the 2026 model year — on the 2025 Enclave, buyers had to add the package for an extra $650 to reach the full 5,000-lb rating. That change removes a common point of confusion for shoppers who assumed towing capability was tied to trim level or price point.

Because every trim now qualifies for the full tow rating, shoppers who prefer the value-oriented Preferred trim no longer have to step up to Sport Touring or Avenir just to get factory-ready towing hardware. If you want to see how the towing hardware fits into the rest of the lineup, our Enclave trim level breakdown covers feature differences between Preferred, Sport Touring, and Avenir in more detail.

2026 Buick Enclave Engine, Specs & Trim Pricing

All three 2026 Enclave trims share identical mechanical specifications — the differences between Preferred, Sport Touring, and Avenir come down to styling, technology, and interior features rather than towing capability. Here's the full powertrain and towing spec sheet that applies across the lineup:

Where the trims do differ is starting price: the Preferred opens at $48,395, the Sport Touring starts at $51,895, and the range-topping Avenir begins at $61,995. All three qualify for the same 5,000-lb tow rating, so buyers can choose based on features and budget without giving up towing capability. Our finance center team can help structure a payment that fits whichever trim works best for your towing needs.

What's Included in the Standard Trailering Package?

Buick's Trailering Package bundles everything most owners need to start towing safely right off the lot: a factory-installed trailer hitch and receiver, a heavy-duty engine cooling system to manage the extra strain of pulling a load, hitch guidance with hitch view (a camera-assisted system that helps line up the hitch to your trailer), and a tow/haul mode that adjusts transmission shift points for smoother, more controlled towing. Making this package standard for 2026 means buyers no longer need to specifically request it or pay extra to get factory-grade towing equipment. If you own an earlier Enclave that didn't come with the factory package, our service department can evaluate aftermarket hitch and wiring options.

Towing Capacity Compared to the Outgoing V6

Prior to the Enclave's full redesign for the 2025 model year, the outgoing generation used a 3.6L V6 producing 310 horsepower paired with a 9-speed automatic, with towing capacity ranging from 1,500 to 5,000 lbs depending on trim and whether the optional trailering equipment was fitted. When Buick introduced the turbocharged 2.5L four-cylinder for 2025, the maximum tow rating held steady at 5,000 lbs despite the new engine producing more horsepower and torque than the V6 it replaced. Standardizing the Trailering Package for 2026 is the more meaningful change for buyers: instead of only the best-equipped trims reaching the full 5,000-lb capacity, every 2026 Enclave now qualifies out of the box.

How to Properly Set Up and Tow with Your Enclave

Reaching the Enclave's rated towing capacity safely depends on more than the number on the spec sheet. A few setup and planning steps make a real difference in how the vehicle handles a loaded trailer, especially on the mountain grades common around Newport and the Smokies.

Trailer Hitch, Wiring & Brake Controllers

The standard Trailering Package equips a factory 2-inch receiver hitch and trailer wiring harness, so most owners won't need aftermarket hardware for common trailer types. As trailer weight increases toward the Enclave's 5,000-lb maximum, trailer brakes become necessary; Buick's owner's manual specifies the exact weight threshold above which a trailer must have its own functioning brake system, and a properly matched brake controller is essential for safe stopping distances. Our service team can inspect your hitch wiring and confirm your trailer's brake controller is functioning correctly before a long trip — you can schedule a pre-tow inspection online.

Payload, Tongue Weight & Cargo Trade-offs

Tongue weight typically runs about 10% of total trailer weight, so a trailer near the Enclave's 5,000-lb maximum adds roughly 500 lbs pressing down on the hitch — weight that counts against the vehicle's total payload capacity alongside passengers and cargo. Loading a full third row of passengers and gear while also towing near maximum capacity can eat into that payload margin quickly, so a weight-distribution hitch is worth considering for heavier trailers. Families planning a fully loaded trip should review how much room is left for gear — see our Enclave interior and cargo guide for seating and storage details.

Maintenance for Frequent Towers

Owners who tow regularly should plan on more frequent oil changes, transmission fluid service, and cooling system checks than the standard maintenance schedule assumes, particularly for trips through the mountain terrain around East Tennessee. Staying ahead of routine service helps protect the turbocharged engine and 8-speed transmission from the added strain of towing near the vehicle's rated capacity.

How the Enclave's Towing Capacity Compares to Other 3-Row SUVs

The 2026 Buick Enclave's 5,000-lb tow rating is competitive with, though not class-leading among, other three-row midsize SUVs. Here's how it stacks up against key rivals:

The Kia Telluride currently leads the segment at 5,500 lbs, while the Enclave ties the Hyundai Palisade, Toyota Highlander, and Honda Pilot at 5,000 lbs. Where the Enclave stands out is that every trim now includes the full towing hardware standard, whereas some competitors reserve their strongest tow ratings for higher trims or optional packages. Shoppers who want the same 5,000-lb capability with three-row Chevrolet styling can also compare the Chevy Traverse in our new inventory.