General Motors introduced the all-new Buick Encore GX for the 2020 model year, filling the space between the compact Buick Envision and subcompact Buick Encore with an all-new “subcompact-plus” crossover offering. Now, GM Authority has learned that buyers will be able to purchase a new Buick Encore GX tow package around the September/October timeframe.
The upcoming Buick Encore GX tow package will include an accessory hitch, enabling the new crossover to tow upwards of 1,000 pounds / 453 kg – enough for something like a jet ski.
Installation of the new Buick Encore GX tow package is likely similar in process to installation of the Trailering Provisions package (RPO code V92) for the 2021 Chevrolet Trailblazer. As we covered previously, installing the tow package on the new Trailblazer includes removal and modification of the rear bumper to accommodate the new hitch.
Availability with regard to trim levels and powertrain configurations is not yet known. Pricing is also unknown at this time. However, it does bear mentioning that the Encore GX comes as standard with a few trailering provisions, including a four-wire electric harness and a four-pin sealed connector. That said, this new Encore GX tow package will add the requisite hitch to make it all work.
As a reminder, the Buick Encore GX is based on the VSS-F vehicle set, similar to its corporate cousin, the 2021 Chevrolet Trailblazer. Also like the Trailblazer, the new Encore GX is powered by a pair of turbocharged three-cylinder engines, including the 1.2L LIH, which produces 137 horsepower and 162 pound-feet of torque, and the 1.3L L3T, which produces 155 horsepower and 174 pound-feet of torque. The LIH connects to a CVT, while the L3T connects to a nine-speed automatic. Both FWD and AWD are offered. Production for the North American market takes place at the GM Bupyeong plant in Bupyeong-gu, Incheon, South Korea.
What would you tow with the Buick Encore GX? Let us know in the comments, and make sure to subscribe to GM Authority for more Buick Encore news, Buick news, and around-the-clock GM news coverage.
Comments
I would not tow anything with this car. It barely gets out of its own way with 2 average size Americans in the cabin with the A/C running. What is this love affair GM is having with micro engines? 1.2 litre 3 cylinder!? Granted, the torque and horsepower numbers look pretty decent for the size. But that is only because it’s turbo’d. My Harley has more displacement. This is a lease only car. Especially to family and friends. We have already had oil pump and cam actuator issues on about half of our inventory and could not sell them. It’s starting to feel like the late 70’s again with the quality I am seeing lately.
With you 100%! Sadly the fuel economy figures with those sewing machine motors are not all that impressive!
@Little Buick Dealer: I’m curious to know. Are you actually a Buick dealer? If yes, and without saying too much info, what state is your dealership in?
I worked at a Buick, Cadillac, GMC and Honda store in the mid-west for many years. I’m just curious if I may know your store.
Dan, yes I am a Buick dealer. I swear on a stack of warranty RO’s. And no, you don’t know my store.
Let me be clear. I’m not totally sold on the 3 cyl engines yet, but I’m not against them either. No, I’m not a fan of CVT equipped cars (although I now have one, but it’s the tiny Chevy Spark city car), but if all you do is scoot around town and drive in a very easy way, then the CVT may not be so bad. With that said, HECK NO would I EVER attempt to tow with this vehicle.
I’m currently working at the Volvo and Mazda store. Neither of those brands offer a true towing package with the needed upgrade to brakes, cooling and transmission. Any time I have a client even mention towing with either brand, I tell them don’t do it. These cars are not built to tow. They don’t have the proper braking ability, cooling ability, heavy duty mechanicals, etc. The only time I’ll agree to a hitch is for a bike rack only. Now look at this Encore GX. Although I feel its a really nice vehicle, it’s not even close to having the power, braking or cooling ability to tow even 1,000 lbs. Towing isn’t just about getting something moving. It’s about stopping that load safely and not stressing the mechanical parts in doing so.
Some people may like the fact that the AWD model is dinghy towable ( behind a motorhome, 4 wheels down)
But have to wait for companies like BlueOx & Roadmaster design build baseplate brackets to attach the towing bars, etc. Probably will take 2-3 months before available. Hopefully sooner.
What in the H are you going to tow with a measly three cylinder engine?
I towed my seadoo with my 2011 Cruze 1.4 turbo and the this 1.3 is more powerful. It had no issues towing at all, no over heating or stopping issues. If your an idiot when towing and not understanding you need more time to brake and accelerate you will have issues in any vehicle you tow with.
Dan, yes I am a Buick dealer. I swear on a stack of warranty RO’s. And no, you don’t know my store.
But don’t get lost. The GPS is OVER TWO YEARS out of date and Buick Customer Service believes this is acceptable. They have no plans to update even though each state provides all changes online in a format to be incorporated in the GPS data. Buick sales people will tell you that the GPS is current . . . all lies. What else isn’t Buick telling us?
I doubt people who buy the tow package plan to do a lot of towing – probly just the little utility trailer to haul the lawnmower or landscape materials on occasion. However, a hitch mount bike rack would be good.
Hey, I’d gladly tow One of my motorcycles with an Encore GX equipped with a 1.3 . I recently had a hitch installed in our 2017 Encore & towed an Empty trailer to Minneapolis and then loaded a bike and proceeded to Madison Wi.
Well , GM does not recommend towing , However it wasn’t lack of power that was an issue . The short wheelbase caused a Pogo affect and I found it necessary to readjust bike to Lessing tongue weight . Once done it worked okay lol. So I look forward to updating to the GX for its towing ability.
Specialized single rail trailer weighted 280 lbs , BMW 310R about 350lbs & another 300lbs for my wife and I put us under the gross vehicle weight btw .
Do any of you Buick encore GX haters even have a GX? Don’t post here unless you have one. You might be somewhat surprised if you got behind one and drove it for a few days and see how peppy it is. I have one and I’m most pleased with it.
Do you tow the Encore GX in 2 or 4 wheel drive. No one seems to have the answer, even Buick.
Anyone have any news ?? –
still waiting to hear from Buick (GM) whether flat (4 wheel down) towing package (base plate_ is available for the new GX Encore ?
Previously advised 4th quarter 2020, any news ? I am talking about flat towing GX behind a motorhome (not the other way around!!) ….. apparently says in manual with AWD it’s permitted ,,,,,
The 2021 Encore GX AWD Essence model with the turbo is a great small SUV with lots of pep & great for towing behind a motorhome. Getting the accessories for towing installed this week, including battery disconnect switch.
Very easy to place in tow mode & when driving has lots of sensible safety features like cross alerts, surround cameras, adaptive cruise, keep lane change alerts, collision warnings, heads-up display, etc.
Very good small suv option.
Have now purchased 2021 Buick Encore GX Essence AWD. Very happy with all the safety features (alerts, adaptive cruise, surround cameras, heads up display, rear & front collision alerts, etc. etc. & 1.3L turbo very peppy engine. Comfortable & enough space for our 2 golf bags & electric trolleys; will tow to Florida.
Looking now to attach a rotary battery disconnect switch to negative cable; will probably mount it on the fuse panel over adjacent to battery cover with enough slack to be able to access fuses; mount switch with screws from inside fuse panel cover. Not yet sure if disconnect will delete all radio stations, controls & would have to be reset again …. but if so not a major problem.
If anyone has already used it for towing (4 wheel down), the manual instructions not too explicit but dealer helped clarify. For instance, need to be in AWD mode, set electric hand brake, push & hold acc start stop button for about 5 seconds, hear dinging chime, not starting engine, then shift gear from park to neutral with foot brake pressed, disconnect battery. Not sure if mileage counter works when battery disconnected, probably not then a bonus.
Any comments or experiences ??
i want ti dinghy tow my 2020Encore GX,the instructions for putting it into neutral in the owners manual do not match what the car does,,,first it doesnt state to take it out of 2wd and put it in awd,then it does not go into the acc mode and then into neutral