Hyundai Kona Towing Capacity (by Engine & Year)
TL;DR
Kona towing capacity depends heavily on engine, drivetrain and market: up to about 1,600 kg (3,527 lb) for the turbo N/N Line variant, lower for standard petrol trims, and effectively 0 for the Electric. Always confirm your own vehicle's rating rather than relying on a single headline number.
There is no single Kona towing number
The Hyundai Kona has been sold with several very different powertrains across two generations (first generation 2017-2023, second generation 2023-present), including a 2.0L naturally aspirated petrol, a 1.6L turbo petrol paired with all-wheel drive, a performance-oriented N/N Line 2.0L turbo, a hybrid, and a fully electric version. Towing capacity is set per powertrain and drivetrain combination, and it also differs by market because Hyundai publishes separate homologated figures for regions such as Australia versus North America. Treat any single headline figure with caution.
What is verified
Manufacturer-derived specification data (compiled via Hyundai regional spec sheets and towing-guide aggregators) shows the following braked towing ratings for Kona petrol variants sold with a factory-approved tow bar kit fitted:
| Generation / years | Engine & configuration | Max towing (kg / lb, braked) |
|---|---|---|
| 1st gen (2017-2023) | 2.0L MPi petrol, FWD, CVT/6-speed auto (base, Active, Elite trims) | 1,300 kg (2,866 lb) |
| 1st gen (2021-2023) | 1.6L turbo petrol, AWD, 7-speed DCT (Highlander, N Line AWD) | 1,250 kg (2,756 lb) |
| 1st gen (2021-2023) | 2.0L turbo petrol, N / N Line performance, 8-speed DCT | 1,600 kg (3,527 lb) - highest verified figure |
| All generations | Kona Electric (any battery size) | Not rated to tow (0 kg) in the markets reviewed |
| 2nd gen (2023-present) | 2.0L MPi / 1.6L turbo petrol, FWD/AWD | Figures vary by market; not fully corroborated across independent sources - verify on your own vehicle |
An unbraked trailer (no trailer brakes) is capped at 750 kg (1,653 lb) as a general rule for vehicles rated to tow at all - this is a regulatory ceiling, not a Kona-specific figure, and only applies if your specific Kona is rated to tow in the first place.
Tongue / ball weight
No manufacturer-published maximum tongue (ball) weight for the Kona was found in the sources reviewed for this page. As a rough industry rule of thumb, tongue weight is commonly kept to roughly 10-15% of the actual trailer weight, but this is not a Hyundai-specific figure and must not be treated as an official rating.
Where to find your exact rating
- Your vehicle's driver-door pillar placard (also called the tire and loading information label)
- The Owner's Manual section on towing, specific to your model year and trim
- The manufacturer's official towing guide for your country/region
- Your dealer's parts/service department, who can confirm whether a factory tow bar kit is fitted and rated for your exact build
Because towing ratings depend on exact trim, drivetrain, options and market of sale, and because North American Kona specifications were not fully corroborated in the sources used for this page, do not rely on the figures above as a substitute for checking your own vehicle's documentation.
Summary
| Highest verified braked tow rating | 1,600 kg / 3,527 lb (2021-2023 Kona N / N Line 2.0L turbo) |
|---|---|
| Standard FWD petrol (2.0L MPi) | 1,300 kg / 2,866 lb braked |
| AWD petrol (1.6L turbo) | 1,250 kg / 2,756 lb braked |
| Kona Electric | Not rated to tow in markets reviewed |
| Unbraked trailer general limit | 750 kg / 1,653 lb (only if rated to tow at all) |
| Official maximum tongue weight | Not published - confirm with dealer/owner's manual |
| Where to confirm your exact rating | Driver-door placard, owner's manual, manufacturer towing guide |
Full diagnostics
For the complete step-by-step diagnostic and repair guide, see Hyundai Kona: Common Problems, Fault Codes & Repairs.
Frequently asked questions
What is the maximum the Hyundai Kona can tow?
The highest verified figure is 1,600 kg (about 3,527 lb) braked, for the 2021-2023 Kona N / N Line 2.0L turbo variant fitted with the factory tow bar kit. This is not representative of the whole model line - other petrol variants are rated at 1,250-1,300 kg (2,756-2,866 lb), and the Kona Electric is generally not rated to tow at all.
Can a Hyundai Kona Electric tow a trailer?
In the markets reviewed for this page, the Kona Electric is not given a braked towing rating and is treated as not approved for towing. Some markets may differ, so confirm on the driver-door placard or owner's manual for your specific electric Kona before attempting to tow anything.
What is the Kona's maximum tongue or ball weight?
No official Hyundai-published tongue/ball weight figure for the Kona was found. Do not estimate this yourself - check your Owner's Manual or ask a Hyundai dealer for the tongue weight limit tied to your specific tow bar kit and trailer coupling.
Does towing capacity differ between countries for the same Kona?
Yes. Homologated towing figures are set per market, and this page's verified figures come from Australian-market Hyundai specifications. North American, European, and other regional ratings for the same engine can differ, so always check the figure published for your specific country and model year.