The Hyundai Santa Fe was introduced into Hyundai’s lineup as a SUV in 2001 and remains one of the most popular vehicles that they offer today. Hyundai vehicles are known for their affordability and for having the features consumers expect from today’s SUVs, including towing. But what is the towing capacity of a 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe?
The Hyundai Santa Fe has a towing capacity of 1,650 to 4,500 pounds.
There’s a bit more to know about Hyundai Santa Fe towing capabilities which we’ll cover in today’s guide.
2025 Hyundai Santa Fe Towing Capacity
As we covered earlier, the current 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe can tow between 1,650 lbs and 4,500 lbs.
The 2025 Hyunda Santa Fe SE can pull 3,500 pounds.
The 2025 Hyunda Santa Fe SEL can pull 3,500 pounds.
The 2025 Hyunda Santa Fe Limited can pull 3,500 pounds.
The 2025 Hyunda Santa Fe Calligraphy can pull 3,500 pounds.
The 2025 Hyunda Santa Fe XRT can pull 4,500 pounds.
| Hyundai Santa Fe Trim Level | Towing Capacity |
| SE | 3,500 pounds / 1,587 kg |
| SEL | 3,500 pounds / 1,587 kg |
| XRT | 3,500 pounds / 1,587 kg |
| Limited | 3,500 pounds / 1,587 kg |
| Calligraphy | 3,500 pounds / 1,587 kg |
| XRT | 4,500 pounds / 2,041 kg |
2025 Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid Towing Capacity
The 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe hybrid models can tow 2,000 pounds across all trim levels.
| Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid Trim Level | Towing Capacity |
| SEL Hybrid | 2,000 lbs / 907 kg |
| Limited Hybrid | 2,000 lbs / 907 kg |
| Calligraphy Hybrid | 2,000 lbs / 907 kg |
You can also read our guide on what makes a vehicle towing capacity to learn all the aspects that go into it.
Here’s a review video showing the a Hyundai Santa Fe being put to a real-world towing test:
Hyundai Santa Fe Braked Vs. Unbraked Towing Capacity
All vehicles have different towing capacities based on whether or not you’re towing a trailer that has trailer brakes installed.
Trailer brakes allow the trailer to stop faster than if only the vehicle is using its brakes, allowing the vehicle to tow more weight, so braked towing capacity will always be higher than unbraked towing capacity.
Hyundai Santa Fe Braked Towing Capacity: 3,500 to 4,500 lbs.
Hyundai Santa Fe Unbraked Towing Capacity: 1,650 lbs.
Hyundai Santa Fe Towing Capacity Factors
There are a few factors that affect the Hyundai Santa Fe tow capacity.
Model Year
The Santa Fe’s tow capability varied a bit by year and generation.
The towing cap of the Hyundai Santa Fe stayed steady across all years at a maximum of 3,500 pounds, but the minimum changed a bit for a few model years in the middle of the production history.
The 2025 model years marked a bump in the max tow capability for the SE and SEL trims up to 3,500 pounds, matching the Limited and Calligraphy trim levels. Max towing remained at 4,500 pounds for the XRT trim.
Engine Type
Some engine options for the Santa Fe have a much higher towing capability than others.
The 2025 Santa Fe is no exception, as the turbo engine models can pull 1,500 pounds more than the standard engine models!
Trim Level
Certain trim levels had access to beefier engine types, so the higher trim levels of the Santa Fe could generally tow more. On the 2025 model year, the the XRT can tow more than all the others.
Towing Package
The Hyundai Santa Fe owner’s manuals specified that you could only tow the maximum if you had a towing package installed.
Number Of Passengers
This is true for determining how much you should tow with any vehicle, but the number of passengers in your Santa Fe can impact how heavy of a trailer you can pull with it.
This impacts the total weight inside the vehicle, which plays a part in determining how much weight you have left for towing when considering the vehicle’s Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR).
Hyundai Santa Fe Engine Specs
Hyundai offers two engines in the current Santa Fe lineup: a turbocharged gas engine and a hybrid engine.
2.5 Liter 4-Cylinder Engine (Gas)
The base Hyundai Santa Fe gas engine is a 2.5 Liter 4-Cylinder naturally-aspirated gas engine.
This engine produces 191 horsepower and 181 lb.-ft of torque.
2025 Santa Fe 2.5L I4 Engine Max Tow Capacity: 4,500 pounds.
1.6 Liter 4-Cylinder Engine (Hybrid)
The hybrid and plug-in hybrid Hyundai Santa Fe engine is a turbocharged 1.6 Liter 4-Cylinder engine.
This engine produces a combined 232.
2025 Santa Fe Hybrid Engine Max Tow Capacity: 2,000 pounds.
Hyundai Santa Fe Tow Package Info
Does The Hyundai Santa Fe Have A Tow Package?
Yes, the 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe offers a towing package to enhance its towing capabilities. The Towing Kit includes:
Towing Equipment
- Tow Hitch: A 2-inch receiver hitch is available
- 7-Pin Tow Hitch Harness: For connecting trailer lights and brakes
- Tow Hitch Cover: Available in different versions for standard, XRT, and Calligraphy trims
Towing Technology
- Trailer Sway Control: Standard on all trim levels
- Trailer Pre-wire Connection: Integrated into all trim levels
- Digital Center Mirror: Helps maintain visibility when towing
- Full-Display Digital Rearview Mirror: Assists in monitoring the trailer
Towing Features
- HTRAC All-Wheel Drive System: Available for improved traction and stability
- Drive Mode Select: Allows customization of driving dynamics, including Normal, Sport, and Smart modes
- Hillstart Assist Control: Provides added stability when starting on inclines
Can You Install A Trailer Hitch On a Hyundai Santa Fe?
If you plan on towing anything with your Hyundai Santa Fe, you’ll need a tow hitch and wiring harness.
Depending on what you’re towing, you’re going to need a ball mount (aka a trailer ball hitch) so you can attach items for towing.
Make sure to get the right trailer ball size that matches your hitch and trailer.
Hyundai Santa Fe Tow Hitch
Trailer hitches come in different hitch classes, which are rated for different vehicle sizes and weight limits.
The Hyundai Santa Fe uses a Class 2 or Class 3 hitch.
Here’s a great option for a Class III Hyundai Santa Fe trailer hitch:
- DEPENDABLE STRENGTH — This trailer hitch is rated for 4,000 lbs. gross trailer weight and 600 lbs. tongue weight (limited to lowest-rated towing component)
- VERSATILE DESIGN — This class 3 hitch equips your vehicle with a standard 2-inch x 2-inch hitch receiver, allowing for a wide variety of towing options. It can accept a ball mount, cargo carrier, bike rack, tow hook and much more
- FULLY TESTED — Every CURT class 3 trailer hitch design is tested in real-world, on-vehicle conditions at our Detroit engineering facility. Aftermarket hitches are tested according to SAE J684 standards for the utmost safety while hauling
- RUST, CHIP, UV-RESISTANT — This tow hitch is protected with a unique dual-coat finish of rust-resistant liquid A-coat and highly durable black powder coat. The two finishes are co-cured together for exceptional resistance to rust, chipping and UV rays
- EASY TO INSTALL — This hitch offers a custom, factory fit on select model years of the Hyundai Santa Fe and Kia Sorento
Here’s a great ball mount option so you can hook up different types of trailers for towing with your Santa Fe:
- DEPENDABLE STRENGTH. Rated to tow 3,500 pounds gross trailer weight and 350 pounds tongue weight, this ball hitch offers dependability for your towing setup (weight capacity may change if trailer ball is removed)
- VERSATILE USE. This trailer hitch ball mount comes with a 1-1/4-inch shank to fit virtually any industry-standard 1-1/4-inch receiver. The ball mount has a 3-1/4-inch drop, 2-inch diameter ball, 1/2-inch hitch pin hole and 7-1/4-inch overall length
- READY TO TOW. Hitching up your trailer is easy with this ready-to-use trailer hitch ball mount. It comes with a pre-attached tow ball for ready coupling and a trailer hitch pin to securely mount onto your hitch receiver
- CORROSION-RESISTANT. For long-lasting use, this ball hitch is protected with a durable black powder coat finish, and the trailer ball has a polished chrome plating. These finishes resist damage from rain, dirt, road salt and other corrosive threats
- EASY TO INSTALL. To install the trailer hitch ball mount on your vehicle, simply insert the shank into your vehicle's 1-1/4-inch hitch receiver. The rounded shank makes installation easy
Hyundai Santa Fe Trailer Hitch Installation
If you’re considering having a tow hitch added to your Santa Fe, expect to pay between $100 and $200 to have a tow package professionally installed (excluding the cost of the tow hitch and wiring harness).
If you’re handy and looking to save money, you can install the trailer hitch and wiring harness yourself.
Always follow the manufacturer’s directions and use proper safety precautions.
Here’s a great video walkthrough on a Hyundai Santa Fe trailer hitch installation:
How Do I Know If My Hyundai Santa Fe Has A Tow Package?
You can start by looking under the rear bumper of your Santa Fe to see if you notice a trailer hitch or trailer ball.
That will give you a good indication of if you have a tow hitch already installed on your Santa Fe.
Another way to research this is by checking the paperwork that came with your vehicle or taking it to a local dealer to see what’s installed.
Make sure to have your VIN (Vehicle Identification Number) handy if you call the dealer so they can look up the exact specs and whether or not your vehicle has any towing packages or features installed on it.
2025 Hyundai Santa Fe Payload Capacity
The payload capacity of the 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe ranges from 1,190 to 1,223 pounds.
Note that the max payload capacity of your 2025 Santa Fe will vary based on factors like the engine type, drivetrain and whether or not a towing package that includes other features like an engine oil cooler or transmission oil cooler is installed.
You can always contact your local dealership for extra details if you’re unsure of your vehicle’s payload capability.
What Can You Tow With A 2025 Santa Fe?
1. Lightweight Travel Trailers
One of the most common items to tow with an SUV is a lightweight travel trailer or pop-up camper. Many of these campers range between 2,000 to 4,000 pounds, making them a perfect match for the Santa Fe’s towing capacity. Just keep an eye on the exact weight of your camper (and any extra gear) to ensure you stay within safe limits.
Popular Lightweight Camper Examples
- Pop-Up Campers (1,500–3,000 lbs)
- Teardrop Trailers (1,200–2,000 lbs)
- Compact Travel Trailers (2,500–4,000 lbs)
2. Small Boats or Personal Watercraft
Love spending weekends on the water? The 2025 Santa Fe’s 4,500-pound max towing capacity lets you comfortably haul smaller boats, jet skis, or personal watercraft.
Most small fishing boats, john boats, and ski boats fit well within that range—especially when you factor in the trailer’s weight.
Boat Weight Ranges
- Bass Boats: 1,500–3,000 lbs (including trailer)
- Jet Skis/Personal Watercraft: 400–1,000 lbs each (plus trailer)
- Small Sailboats: Under 2,500 lbs
3. Utility and Cargo Trailers
Whether you’re moving furniture, picking up building supplies, or clearing out the garage, having a utility trailer is a huge convenience.
Many single-axle cargo trailers weigh under 2,000 pounds, giving you plenty of capacity for added cargo before hitting the Santa Fe’s 4,500-pound limit.
Ideal Utility Loads
- Furniture & Appliances
- Landscaping Equipment
- Building Materials
4. ATVs and Side-by-Sides
If you’re an outdoor enthusiast who loves riding ATVs and side-by-sides, you can tow them behind the Santa Fe without breaking a sweat.
An average ATV weighs around 500–700 pounds, so even two of them plus a lightweight trailer often stay under that 4,500-pound threshold.
Off-Road Vehicle Examples
- Single ATV: 400–700 lbs
- Side-by-Side (UTV): 1,000–1,500 lbs
- Trailer: 500–1,000 lbs
5. Small Horse Trailers (One Horse)
Horse owners sometimes need a compact one-horse trailer, which can weigh 2,300–3,000 pounds empty.
When you add a single horse (roughly 1,000 lbs), you’re typically still below 4,500 pounds total. Just be sure to confirm the weight of the trailer, horse, and any tack you’re carrying.
Things to Note
- Trailer Weight: 2,300–3,000 lbs
- Average Horse: ~1,000 lbs
Pro Tips for Safe Towing
- Know Your Trailer Weight: Check the trailer’s Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) to avoid overloading.
- Use the Right Hitch: Ensure your hitch receiver is rated for 4,500 pounds or more.
- Distribute Weight Evenly: Keep cargo balanced inside the trailer to reduce sway and improve handling.
- Check Tire Pressure: Properly inflated tires on both your SUV and trailer help ensure a smooth ride.
- Practice Before Hitting the Road: If you’re new to towing, spend time in an empty parking lot practicing turns and backing up.
2025 Hyundai Santa Fe Towing Capacity Vs Competitors
The 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe has a maximum towing capacity of 4,500 pounds, which makes it capable of light-duty and medium-duty trailer towing.
This number is a little less than the Santa Fe’s main competitors which are the 2025 Kia Telluride and the 2025 VW Atlas.
Here are some similar vehicles to the 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe and their towing capacities below:
2025 Kia Telluride Towing Capacity: 5,500 pounds
2025 Ford Explorer Towing Capacity: 5,000 pounds
2025 Honda Pilot Towing Capacity: 5,000 pounds
2025 Subaru Ascent Towing Capacity: 5,000 pounds
2025 Toyota Highlander Towing Capacity: 5,000 pounds
2025 VW Atlas Towing Capacity: 5,000 pounds
2025 Hyundai SUVs Towing Capacity Chart
| 2025 Hyundai SUV Model | Towing Capacity |
| 2025 Hyundai Palisade | 5,000 pounds |
| 2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz | 5,000 pounds |
| 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe | 3,500 pounds |
| 2025 Hyundai Ioniq 5 | 2,300 pounds |
| 2025 Hyundai Tucson | 2,000 pounds |
| 2025 Hyundai Venue | 1,500 pounds |
| 2025 Hyundai Kona | 1,500 pounds |
| 2025 Hyundai Nexo | 1,000 pounds |
2025 Hyundai SUVs Towing Capacity Chart
Data Accuracy
We’ve gathered all data represented here from the official 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe Owner’s Manual on Hyundai’s site and have checked all data thoroughly for accuracy.