Kia Sorento Towing Capacity (by Engine & Year)
TL;DR
Kia Sorento towing ranges from 2,000 lb on base four-cylinder and hybrid models up to 5,000 lb on the 2016-2020 V6 with the tow package; 2021-2024 turbo models max out around 3,500 lb, and the 4,500 lb X-Pro/X-Line SX Prestige trims (2024 and up) sit in between. Always confirm your own vehicle's rating on the driver door placard.
Kia Sorento towing capacity by generation
The Sorento has been built in several generations with very different engines and tow ratings, so there is no single correct number for the whole model line. The figures below are the ones we could confirm across multiple dealer spec sheets and towing-guide compilations; treat them as reliable estimates rather than a substitute for your own paperwork.
| Generation / years | Engine & configuration | Max towing (lb / kg) |
|---|---|---|
| Third gen (2016-2020) | 2.4L I4, FWD or AWD, no tow package | 2,000 lb / 907 kg |
| Third gen (2016-2020) | 3.3L V6, AWD, with factory tow package (2-inch receiver) | up to 5,000 lb / 2,268 kg |
| Fourth gen (2021-2024) | 2.5L naturally aspirated I4 or hybrid, no tow package | 2,000 lb / 907 kg |
| Fourth gen (2021-2024) | 2.5L turbocharged I4, AWD, with Trailer Tow Package | 3,500 lb / 1,588 kg |
| 2024-2026 (facelift) | 2.5L turbocharged I4, X-Pro / X-Line SX Prestige AWD | 4,500 lb / 2,041 kg |
| 2025-2026 | Base LX FWD (non-turbo or hybrid) | 2,000 lb / 907 kg |
What drives the difference
- Engine matters most: the discontinued 3.3L V6 (through 2020) was rated highest, followed by the 2.5L turbo four-cylinder introduced from 2021 onward.
- The factory tow package (upgraded cooling, wiring harness, and in some years a larger receiver) is required to reach the maximum figure - without it, capacity drops sharply, often to 2,000 lb.
- Hybrid and plug-in hybrid Sorentos are generally rated lower than the equivalent gasoline turbo engine, closer to 2,000 lb in most years.
Tongue weight
Tongue weight (the downward force the trailer puts on the hitch) is typically about 10 percent of the trailer's weight, but Kia sets its own ceiling regardless of that rule of thumb. On the 2016-2020 V6 model with the tow package, the owner's manual lists 350 lb with the standard 1.25-inch receiver and up to 500 lb once a 2-inch receiver is fitted. We could not confirm a single precise tongue-weight figure for every turbo-engine model year, so for 2021 and newer Sorentos check your own owner's manual or door placard rather than assuming a number.
Always verify on your own vehicle
Advertised maximums assume a specific, often expensive, configuration. The rating that legally and safely applies to your Sorento is printed on the driver's door placard (sometimes called the tire and loading information label) and repeated in your owner's manual towing section. If you plan to tow, also check your hitch receiver's own weight rating, since it can be lower than the vehicle's rating.
Summary
| Highest confirmed max tow rating | 5,000 lb / 2,268 kg (2016-2020 V6 AWD with tow package) |
|---|---|
| Typical turbo-engine max (2021-2024) | 3,500 lb / 1,588 kg with Trailer Tow Package |
| X-Pro / X-Line SX Prestige (2024-2026) | 4,500 lb / 2,041 kg |
| Base four-cylinder / hybrid, no tow package | 2,000 lb / 907 kg |
| Tongue weight, 2016-2020 V6 (1.25-inch receiver) | 350 lb / 159 kg |
| Tongue weight, 2016-2020 V6 (2-inch receiver) | up to 500 lb / 227 kg |
| Authoritative source for your vehicle | Driver's door placard and owner's manual |
Full diagnostics
For the complete step-by-step diagnostic and repair guide, see Kia Sorento: Common Problems, Fault Codes & Repairs.
Frequently asked questions
What is the maximum towing capacity of a Kia Sorento?
The highest confirmed figure is 5,000 lb (2,268 kg), achieved only on the 2016-2020 third-generation Sorento with the 3.3L V6 engine, all-wheel drive, and the factory tow package fitted with a 2-inch receiver. Newer turbocharged four-cylinder Sorentos (2021 onward) top out lower, typically 3,500 lb, with the 2024-2026 X-Pro and X-Line SX Prestige trims reaching 4,500 lb.
Can a base Kia Sorento without a tow package tow anything?
Yes, but capacity is much lower - about 2,000 lb (907 kg) on most four-cylinder, hybrid, and non-tow-package Sorentos. This is enough for a small utility trailer or lightweight camper, but not for a mid-size travel trailer or boat that would need the factory tow package rating.
Does the Kia Sorento hybrid tow less than the gas model?
Generally yes. Hybrid and plug-in hybrid Sorentos have historically carried lower towing ratings than the equivalent turbocharged gasoline engine in the same model year, often closer to 2,000 lb, because the added battery weight and electric drive components leave less margin. Confirm the exact figure for your model year on the door placard.
Where do I find the exact towing capacity for my specific Kia Sorento?
Look at the driver's door placard (also called the tire and loading information label), which lists the gross vehicle weight rating and towing figures for your exact build, and cross-check it against the towing section of your owner's manual. Dealer and manufacturer towing guides can help you understand the range, but the placard on your own vehicle is the authoritative number.