Have you ever stood in your driveway wondering if your car is actually strong enough to pull your camper, boat, or trailer? A lot of people don’t realize that there are actually several Kias that can tow, and they’re not just about comfort or family space, they’ve got real muscle for everyday adventures too. It can be frustrating trying to figure out which SUV will handle the job without feeling like you’re pushing it too hard.
That’s exactly what this post will help you with. We’ll walk through the most popular Kias that can tow, their towing capacities, and the features that make each one worth considering. Whether you’re planning family trips, outdoor weekends, or just need extra strength for hauling, you’ll find clear answers here so you can pick the right Kia with confidence.
Which Kia models have towing availability?
Not every Kia is designed to tow heavy loads, but the lineup does include some strong performers. The main models capable of towing are the Kia Telluride, Sorento, Sportage, and Carnival. These vehicles stand out because they balance passenger comfort with functional towing features like trailer stability assist and AWD options.
Most compact Kia cars aren’t built for towing, but the SUVs and MPVs are different. Whether you need to haul jet skis, camping gear, or a medium-sized trailer, Kia has a model with enough horsepower, torque, and safety features to get the job done.
Kia Sorento
The Kia Sorento is one of the most popular midsize SUVs in the lineup, and it’s capable of towing up to 3,500 to 4,000 pounds when properly equipped. With its 2.5-liter four-cylinder or turbocharged engine options, the Sorento balances efficiency with strength. Families who need third-row seating appreciate how it can haul gear while still fitting up to seven passengers.
What makes the Sorento special is versatility. It’s the kind of SUV that feels just as comfortable on a daily commute as it does pulling a small camper for a weekend getaway. With 75.5 cubic feet of cargo space and AWD options, it’s a reliable choice for anyone needing both passenger room and towing capability.
Kia Telluride SUV
When it comes to towing strength, the Kia Telluride leads the pack. Powered by a 3.8-liter V6 engine delivering 291 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque, it tows up to 5,000 pounds or 5,500 pounds with the X-Pro trims. This makes it ideal for medium-sized trailers, boats, or camper vans.
Inside, the Telluride feels like a luxury SUV. With space for up to eight individuals, a refined interior, and advanced safety features like tow mode with sway control, it’s built for long road trips. For families or adventurers who don’t want to compromise between comfort and towing ability, the Telluride is hard to beat.
Kia Carnival
The Kia Carnival might look like a minivan, but it’s no ordinary people-mover. With its 3.5-liter V6 engine producing ample horsepower, the Carnival can tow up to 3,500 pounds. This makes it a perfect choice for families who want the seating capacity of an MPV but also need to haul small trailers, pop-up campers, or recreational gear.
On top of towing power, the Carnival offers a spacious interior with 145.1 cubic feet of passenger space and innovative tech features. It’s one of the most family-friendly vehicles that also happens to double as a solid towing companion.
What does the average trailer weigh?
Knowing what you want to tow is just as important as knowing a vehicle’s limits. A small utility trailer might weigh around 1,000 lbs, while a 24’ camper trailer can easily exceed 5,000 lbs. Boats, jet skis, and lightweight watercraft fall somewhere in between.
That’s why checking trailer weight and Kia’s towing recommendations is crucial. Exceeding the towing limit can strain the engine, transmission, and brakes. Always factor in both the dry hitch weight and cargo carrying capacity before hitching up.
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What Are You Looking For?
Some drivers prioritize towing capacity, while others want the right mix of fuel efficiency, space, and comfort. Kia gives you options. From compact SUVs that can tow smaller loads to full-size SUVs that rival competitors in power, the lineup offers a match for just about any towing need.
So before deciding, ask yourself: are you towing for weekend fun, long family trips, or heavy equipment? The answer will help you narrow down the right Kia model.
Check Availability
Once you’ve picked the right model, the next step is checking inventory at your local Kia dealership. Many dealers offer certified pre-owned SUVs, new inventory, and financing options that make upgrading easier. Test driving is always recommended so you can feel how the vehicle handles with towing features engaged.
Dealership experts can also walk you through towing packages, trailer hitches, and safety add-ons that make towing safer. Don’t just compare specs online seeing the vehicle in person will give you a better sense of fit.
1. Kia Telluride
The Telluride deserves a closer look. With seating for eight, a towing capacity of up to 5,500 pounds, and luxury-level features, it’s Kia’s flagship SUV. Its surround view monitor helps with parking while towing, and roof rails add extra cargo options.
For serious towing that doesn’t sacrifice passenger comfort, the Telluride consistently ranks as one of the best SUVs in its class.
2. Kia Sorento
Compact but mighty, the Sorento offers flexibility. Its maximum towing ability of 4,000 pounds means it can handle small campers, boats, or bike trailers. Plus, it comes with multiple engine configurations so you can choose the right balance of power and efficiency.
For smaller families or those who don’t need heavy-duty towing, the Sorento strikes the perfect balance between daily drives and outdoor adventures.
3. Kia Sportage
The Kia Sportage is a compact SUV that shines for lighter towing tasks. It can pull 1,653 pounds without trailer brakes or up to 2,500 pounds with brakes attached. Perfect for jet skis, small boats, or recreational gear.
It’s also equipped with Trailer Stability Assist and Downhill Brake Control, making it surprisingly capable for its size. If you want an efficient SUV that can still tow, the Sportage is worth considering.
4. Kia Carnival
Unlike other minivans, the Carnival is designed with towing in mind. Its 3,500-pound towing capacity makes it more versatile than many people realize. Families who want one vehicle that works for both school runs and camping trips often find the Carnival to be the sweet spot.
Its spacious interior and advanced powertrain make long road trips easy, while still giving you enough strength to haul a camper or utility trailer.
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Test Drive These Vehicles at Battleground Kia
Specifications are helpful, but nothing beats a hands-on experience. Schedule a test drive at a Kia dealership to see how each model feels behind the wheel. You’ll notice differences in cabin space, ride comfort, and handling when towing.
Dealerships like Battleground Kia also provide towing guides, financing options, and pre-owned specials. Whether you’re upgrading from an older vehicle or buying your first SUV, driving the models in person will give you peace of mind.
Which Kia Is Best for Towing?
If you want the strongest Kia for towing, the Telluride is your best bet. For a more versatile family-friendly SUV, the Sorento hits the sweet spot. The Carnival is excellent for families who want MPV comfort with towing ability, and the Sportage covers light towing needs.
The “best” Kia really depends on your lifestyle. Think about what you’ll tow most often, how many passengers you carry, and whether you want AWD or FWD.
Top Kia Models for Towing
- Kia Telluride: up to 5,500 pounds
- Kia Sorento: up to 4,000 pounds
- Kia Carnival: up to 3,500 pounds
- Kia Sportage: up to 2,500 pounds
Each model has different strengths, but together they show Kia’s towing range covers everything from small trailers to family camping setups. No matter your towing needs, Kia has a capable option.
Conclusion
Kia may not be the first brand people think of when it comes to towing, but models like the Sorento, Telluride, Sportage, and Carnival prove otherwise. With engines ranging from efficient four-cylinders to powerful V6s, Kia SUVs and MPVs can confidently handle small trailers, recreational gear, and even larger loads for family adventures.
If you’re looking for kias that can tow, the key is matching the model to your lifestyle. Need maximum strength? Go for the Telluride. Want versatility and family seating? The Sorento or Carnival might be perfect. And if you only tow light gear like jet skis, the Sportage has you covered.
FAQs
Which Kia can tow?
Kia models like the Telluride, Sorento, Sportage, and Carnival are designed with towing capacity. Each offers different limits depending on the trim and engine.
What is the best Kia for towing?
The Kia Telluride is the best choice for towing, with a capacity of up to 5,500 pounds, making it the strongest option in the lineup.
Which Kia can tow 3500kg?
Currently, no Kia SUV tows 3500kg (about 7,700 lbs). The highest capacity is the Telluride at 5,500 lbs, which covers most medium-sized trailers.
How much can my Kia tow?
It depends on the model Sportage can tow up to 2,500 lbs, Sorento up to 4,000 lbs, Carnival up to 3,500 lbs, and Telluride up to 5,500 lbs.
Can a Kia Sportage tow?
Yes, the Kia Sportage can tow up to 2,500 pounds with trailer brakes, making it a solid option for smaller boats, jet skis, or utility trailers.
What is the best tow car?
The best tow car depends on your needs. For Kia, the Telluride is strongest, while other top brands offer SUVs like the Ford Explorer or Toyota Highlander.
Is a Kia Sportage a good tow car?
Yes, for light towing. The Sportage isn’t built for heavy trailers but is excellent for small loads and recreational gear.
What can a Skoda Kodiaq tow?
The Skoda Kodiaq can tow up to 2,000 to 2,500kg (4,400 to 5,500 lbs) depending on the engine and configuration, making it similar to Kia’s larger SUVs.
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