The 2023 Buick Encore GX represents the fourth model year of the first-generation crossover, and is set to receive a mid-cycle refresh for the upcoming 2024 model year. Before this revision arrives, GM Authority is taking a closer look at the 2023 Buick Encore GX towing capacities with the following spec breakdown.
Before we begin, here’s a look at powertrain specifications. Engine options include the turbocharged 1.2L I3 LIH gasoline engine, which produces 137 horsepower and 162 pound-feet of torque, and the turbocharged 1.3L I3 L3T gasoline engine, which develops 155 horsepower and 174 pound-feet of torque.
As for drivetrain options, FWD models are equipped with a continuously variable automatic transmission, while AWD models receive the GM nine-speed automatic transmission.
Notably, the Buick Encore GX is offered with a $695 Trailering Package (RPO code PDE). This package is an LPO, or dealer-installed option, and includes the following (relevant RPO code in parenthesis):
- Trailer hitch, LPO (SDE)
- Trailering harness, LPO (RZW)
- Trailer hitch bezel, LPO (5KE)
It’s interesting to note that the PDE package doesn’t affect towing capacity, as it doesn’t include any mechanical enhancements.
With all that covered, here’s the full list of 2023 Buick Encore GX towing capacities:
2023 Buick Encore GX Towing Capacities
| Model | Drivetrain | Turbo 1.2L LIH I3 | Turbo 1.3L L3T I3 | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Axle Ratio | Max Trailer Weight (lbs / kg) | Axle Ratio | Max Trailer Weight (lbs / kg) | ||
| Preferred | FWD | 5.45 | 1,000 / 454 | 5.45 | 1,000 / 454 |
| Preferred with (PDE) Trailering Package, LPO | FWD | 5.45 | 1,000 / 454 | 5.45 | 1,000 / 454 |
| Preferred | AWD | - | - | 3.17 | 1,000 / 454 |
| Preferred with (PDE) Trailering Package, LPO | AWD | - | - | 3.17 | 1,000 / 454 |
| Select | FWD | 5.45 | 1,000 / 454 | 5.45 | 1,000 / 454 |
| Select with (PDE) Trailering Package, LPO | FWD | 5.45 | 1,000 / 454 | 5.45 | 1,000 / 454 |
| Select | AWD | - | - | 3.17 | 1,000 / 454 |
| Select with (PDE) Trailering Package, LPO | AWD | - | - | 3.17 | 1,000 / 454 |
| Essence | FWD | - | - | 5.45 | 1,000 / 454 |
| Essence with (PDE) Trailering Package, LPO | FWD | - | - | 5.45 | 1,000 / 454 |
| Essence | AWD | - | - | 3.17 | 1,000 / 454 |
| Essence with (PDE) Trailering Package, LPO | AWD | - | - | 3.17 | 1,000 / 454 |
As can be seen in the table above, Encore GX towing capacity is standard across the board at 1,000 pounds, and doesn’t change depending on drivetrain, axle ratio, or engine option.
As a remainder, the 2023 Buick Encore GX rides on the GM VSS-F vehicle set. It should be noted that despite similarities in the nameplate, the Encore GX is mechanically unrelated to the Buick Encore, the latter of which rides on the Gamma 2 platform, and whose production ended on November 30th.
Production of the 2023 model year for the North American market began earlier this year in April 2022Â at the GM Bupyeong plant in South Korea, while Chinese-spec models are produced at the SAIC-GM Dongyue South plant in China.
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Comments
Is the towing capacity 1000 pounds as stated in the article or 454 pounds as stated in the chart?
1000 pounds = 454 Kilos, yes, the tags on the chart are inversely typed.
Stan mentioned the same question I had.
Thanks!
Does the hands free lift gate work with the trailer hitch?
I own a Chevy Blazer and a Chevy Equinox. Both have factory installed trailer hitches and the hand free lift gate feature works perfectly fine.
However, if you install an aftermarket hitch it may block the sensor and the feature may not work as should, it happened to me on a Nissan Rouge I owned before the Equinox.