Hyundai Santa Fe Towing Capacity (by Engine & Year)
TL;DR
Santa Fe towing ranges from about 2,000 lb on base and hybrid engines up to 3,500 lb on turbocharged Limited/Calligraphy trims, and 4,500 lb on the 2024+ XRT with the Trailer Tow Package - always confirm your exact vehicle's rating before hitching up.
There is no single Santa Fe towing number
The Hyundai Santa Fe has been sold in several distinct generations and engine lineups, and towing capacity changes with engine, drivetrain and whether the optional tow package was fitted. Figures below are compiled from multiple independent towing-guide and dealer-spec sources that agree with each other; where sources disagreed we show the range rather than guessing.
Towing capacity by generation and engine
| Generation / years | Engine and configuration | Max towing (lb / kg) |
|---|---|---|
| Santa Fe XL (2013-2018, 3-row) | 3.3L V6, AWD, properly equipped | 5,000 lb / 2,268 kg |
| Santa Fe Sport (2013-2018, 2-row) | 2.0L turbo, tow prep package | 3,500 lb / 1,588 kg |
| Santa Fe Sport (2013-2018, 2-row) | 2.4L naturally aspirated (base) | 2,000 lb / 907 kg |
| Santa Fe TM (2019-2023) | 2.0T / 2.5T on Limited or Calligraphy, tow prep package | 3,500 lb / 1,588 kg |
| Santa Fe TM (2019-2023) | 2.4L / 2.5L naturally aspirated (SE, SEL and base trims) | 2,000 lb / 907 kg |
| Santa Fe MX5 (2024-2026) | 2.5L turbo, XRT trim with Trailer Tow Package | 4,500 lb / 2,041 kg |
| Santa Fe MX5 (2024-2026) | 2.5L turbo, Limited / Calligraphy | 3,500 lb / 1,588 kg |
| Santa Fe MX5 (2024-2026) | 2.5L naturally aspirated (SE, SEL) and Hybrid / plug-in hybrid | 2,000 lb / 907 kg |
Tongue weight
For the current 2024-2026 generation, dealer spec sheets list approximate maximum tongue weights of about 200 lb (91 kg) on 2,000 lb-rated trims, 350 lb (159 kg) on 3,500 lb-rated trims, and 450 lb (204 kg) on the 4,500 lb-rated XRT - roughly 10% of the trailer's gross weight, which is the standard rule of thumb. We could not fully corroborate tongue-weight figures for the 2013-2023 model years across sources, so for those years use the 10% rule as an estimate and confirm the exact number in your owner's manual.
Why the number on your car may differ
Do not rely on any number from an article, including this one, as final. The figure that actually applies to your vehicle depends on the exact engine, drivetrain, trim and whether the factory tow package was ordered. Always verify using:
- The driver's door jamb placard, which lists your specific vehicle's GVWR and towing-related weights.
- Your owner's manual towing chapter, matched to your engine and drivetrain.
- The manufacturer's towing guide for your exact model year, cross-checked against your build sheet or window sticker.
Summary
| Max towing, best-equipped (2024-2026 XRT, tow package) | 4,500 lb / 2,041 kg |
|---|---|
| Max towing, turbo engines, most trims/years | 3,500 lb / 1,588 kg |
| Max towing, naturally aspirated / hybrid engines | 2,000 lb / 907 kg |
| Santa Fe XL 3.3L V6 (2013-2018, 3-row) | 5,000 lb / 2,268 kg |
| Tongue weight, 4,500 lb-rated XRT (2024-2026) | ~450 lb / 204 kg |
| Tongue weight, 2,000 lb-rated trims (2024-2026) | ~200 lb / 91 kg |
| Verify for your exact vehicle | Driver's door placard and owner's manual |
Full diagnostics
For the complete step-by-step diagnostic and repair guide, see Hyundai Santa Fe: Common Problems, Fault Codes & Repairs.
Frequently asked questions
What is the maximum towing capacity of a Hyundai Santa Fe?
The highest documented figure is 4,500 lb (2,041 kg), and it applies only to the 2024-2026 XRT trim with the turbocharged 2.5L engine and the factory Trailer Tow Package installed. Without that package, or on other trims and earlier generations, the maximum is typically 3,500 lb (turbo engines) or 2,000 lb (naturally aspirated engines and hybrids).
Do all Santa Fe engines tow the same amount?
No. Naturally aspirated 2.4L/2.5L engines and hybrid/plug-in hybrid versions are generally rated around 2,000 lb (907 kg), while turbocharged engines (2.0T or 2.5T depending on year) reach 3,500 lb (1,588 kg) or, on the current XRT with the tow package, 4,500 lb (2,041 kg).
Does the Santa Fe need a tow package to reach its maximum rating?
Yes. The higher towing figures (3,500 lb and especially 4,500 lb on the XRT) require the factory tow prep or Trailer Tow Package, which typically adds an upgraded wiring harness, transmission cooling and sometimes a hitch receiver. Without it, the vehicle is generally limited to the lower, base rating for its engine.
Where can I find the exact towing capacity for my Santa Fe?
Check the placard on the driver's door jamb, the towing section of your owner's manual, and the manufacturer's official towing guide for your specific model year - matched to your engine, drivetrain and any tow package installed. These are the only sources that reflect your individual vehicle rather than a general model-line figure.