Ushering in several additional updates following the refreshed 2024 model, the 2025 Buick Encore GX adds an E85-compatible powerplant choice and several other changes. Now, GM Authority is putting the focus on its towing capacity.
While the subcompact crossover model is not a towing monster, the 2025 Buick Encore GX still has the capacity for hauling modestly sized trailers along with some towing-related options.
Looking first at the vehicle’s powerplants, the 2025 Buick Encore GX cradles one of two engine options under the hood. These include the turbocharged 1.2L I3 LBP engine rated at 137 horsepower and 162 pound-feet of torque with E85 fuel compatibility. This engine is equipped on the front-wheel-drive entry-level Preferred trim. Also offered is the turbocharged 1.3L I3 L3T gasoline engine developing 155 horsepower and 174 pound-feet of torque.
Axle ratio is 5.45 unless the Trailering Package (RPO code LDE) is equipped, when the ratio becomes 3.17 instead.
With these preliminaries in mind, here is a table summarizing the 2025 Buick Encore GX towing capacities:
2025 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 Trailering Package (LPO, PDE) FWD 5.45 1,000 / 454 5.45 1,000 / 454 Preferred AWD - - 3.17 1,000 / 454 Preferred with Trailering Package (LPO, PDE) AWD - - 3.17 1,000 / 454 Sport Touring FWD - - 5.45 1,000 / 454 Sport Touring with Trailering Package (LPO, PDE) FWD - - 5.45 1,000 / 454 Sport Touring AWD - - 3.17 1,000 / 454 Sport Touring with Trailering Package (LPO, PDE) AWD - - 3.17 1,000 / 454 Avenir FWD - - 5.45 1,000 / 454 Avenir with Trailering Package (LPO, PDE) FWD - - 5.45 1,000 / 454 Avenir AWD - - 3.17 1,000 / 454 Avenir with Trailering Package (LPO, PDE) AWD - - 3.17 1,000 / 454
As can be seen, trailering capacity for the Buick Encore GX is 1,000 pounds regardless of engine or configuration. Every Encore GX unit is equipped as standard with trailering provisions (RPO code V92) that include a 4-wire electrical harness and a 4-pin sealed connector.
The aforementioned Trailering Package (PDE) is an LPO or dealer-installed option that costs $725, is available on all trim levels, and includes the following content:
- Trailer hitch (LPO, SDE)
- Trailering harness (LPO, RZW)
- Trailer hitch bezel (LPO, 5KE)
The Trailering Package is included in the $825 Active Lifestyle Package (RPO code PCZ) that also bundles the cargo area liner (RPO code CAV). The Active Lifestyle Package is available on all trim levels.
A newly purchased 2025 Encore GX should be given a 500-mile break-in period before it is used for towing at all. Following this break-in, the crossover should be given its first oil change before towing, the owner’s manual recommends.
In addition, the Encore GX should be driven at 50 mph or less – avoiding full-throttle starts – during the first 500 miles of towing to avoid damage to the vehicle.
GM suggests disabling certain Advanced Driver Assistance System (ADAS) features while towing, though the vehicle may switch some of these off automatically if it detects a trailer. The ADAS features include the following, if present:
- Park Assist
- Automatic Parking Assist
- Reverse Automatic Braking
- Rear Cross Traffic Alert
- Rear Cross Traffic Braking
- Lane Change Alert
- Adaptive Cruise Control
As a reminder, the 2025 Buick Encore GX rides on the GM VSS-F vehicle set under the body panels. Production takes place at the GM Bupyeong plant in South Korea.
Comments
That’s a lot of writing just to say 1K pounds
Common sense would be don’t buy one these 3 cylinder clown cars to tow your circus with.
GM Authority must pay their contributors *by the word*. Or maybe it’s just cut ‘n paste from AI.
1,000 lb max trailering?? Please.
Better to rate it at zero, and say the hitch is for a cargo rack instead.
So they can’t rent a single axle utility trailer to pick up some furniture or take something to the dump? It needs a rating to do that, it doesn’t need to tow a 25ft boat or anything. Different people have different needs…