The Kia Sorento was introduced into Kia’s lineup as a small SUV in 2002 and remains popular to this day. Kia 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 Kia Sorento?
The Kia Sorento has a towing capacity of 1,650 pounds and 5,000 pounds depending on the year, engine, and trim level.
There’s a bit more to know about Kia Sorento towing capabilities which we’ll cover in today’s guide.
2025 Kia Sorento Towing Capacity
As we covered earlier, the current 2025 Kia Sorento can tow between 2,000 and 4,500 pounds.
| 2025 Kia Sorento Trim Level | Towing Capacity |
| LX | 2,000 lbs / 907 kg |
| S | 2,000 lbs / 907 kg |
| EX | 3,500 lbs / 1,588 kg |
| X-Line EX AWD | 3,500 lbs / 1,588 kg |
| SX | 3,500 lbs / 1,588 kg |
| X-Line SX AWD | 3,500 lbs / 1,588 kg |
| X-Line SX Prestige AWD | 3,500 lbs / 1,588 kg |
| X-Pro SX Prestige AWD | 4,500 lbs / 2,041 kg |
2025 Kia Sportage Hybrid Towing Capacity
All of the 2025 Kia Sportage Hybrid models can tow 2,500 pounds.
| 2025 Kia Sorento Hybrid Trim Level | Towing Capacity |
| EX Hybrid | 2,000 lbs / 907 kg |
| SX Prestige Hybrid | 3,500 lbs / 1,588 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 video of a Kia Sorento being put to a real-world towing test:
Kia Sorento 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.
Kia Sorento Braked Towing Capacity: up to 4,500 lbs.
Kia Sorento Unbraked Towing Capacity: 1,650 lbs.
Kia Sorento Towing Capacity Factors
There are a few factors that affect the Kia Sorento tow capacity.
Model Year
The Sorento’s tow capability varied a bit by year and generation.
For example, the 2020 Sorento had a max tow capacity of 5,000 lbs, while the 2022 Sorento model had a max tow capacity of 3,500 lbs.
Engine Type
Some engine options for the Sorento have a much higher towing capability than others, such as the turbo engine option in recent model years having the ability to pull 1,500 pounds more than the non-turbo engine.
Trim Level
Certain trim levels had access to beefier engine types, so the higher trim levels of the Sorento could generally tow more.
Number Of Passengers
This is true for determining how much you should tow with any vehicle, but Kia makes a point to specify how the number of passengers in your Sorento 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).
Kia Sorento Engine Specs
Kia offers three engine options for the 2025 Sorento:
Base Engine (2.5L 4-Cylinder)
The LX and S trims, equipped with the base 2.5L 4-cylinder engine, have a maximum towing capacity of 2,000 pounds when properly equipped. These trims are ideal for light towing tasks, such as hauling small trailers or recreational gear.
Turbocharged Engine (2.5L 4-Cylinder)
For those needing extra towing power, the EX trim and above come with a turbocharged 2.5L 4-cylinder engine, boosting the maximum towing capacity to 3,500 pounds. This setup is perfect for towing mid-size trailers, small boats, or other moderate loads.
X-Pro SX Prestige AWD
The top-tier X-Pro SX Prestige AWD trim stands out with the highest towing capacity in the Sorento lineup. It delivers an impressive 4,500-pound maximum towing capacity, making it ideal for heavier towing needs, such as larger travel trailers or utility trailers.
1.6L Turbocharged Hybrid Engine
The Sorento hybrid delivers an impressive 3,500-pound maximum towing capacity for AWD models, making it ideal for heavier towing needs, such as larger travel trailers or utility trailers. If the hybrid is 2WD, the towing capacity is limited to 2,000 pounds with the hybrid engine.
Kia Sorento Tow Package Info
Does The 2025 Kia Sorento Have A Tow Package?
Kia offers a factory-installed Kia Sorento tow hitch and other accessories.
The Kia Sorento trailer hitch towing package includes the following:
- Tow Hitch: Factory-installed Class 3 hitch with a 2″ receiver
- 4-Pin Connector: Standard for lights and ground connection
Trim-Specific Towing Features
X-Pro SX Prestige AWD: All-terrain tires and the highest towing capacity
X-Line and X-Pro: Higher ground clearance (8.2 inches), AWD, and roof rails
Can You Install A Trailer Hitch On a Kia Sorento?
If you plan on towing anything with your Kia Sorento, 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.
Kia Sorento Tow Hitch
Trailer hitches come in different hitch classes, which are rated for different vehicle sizes and weight limits.
The Kia Sorento uses a Class 3 hitch.
Here’s a great option for a Class III 2025 Kia Sorento 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 Sorento:
- 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
Kia Sorento Trailer Hitch Installation
If you’re considering having a tow hitch added to your Sorento, 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 Kia Sorento trailer hitch installation:
Hitch Receiver Vs Rear Step Bumper Towing
Some vehicles allow for bumper towing, which means you can mount a tow hitch ball directly on the bumper instead of installing a tow hitch to the vehicle’s frame.
Can I Bumper Tow With a Kia Sorento?
The Kia Sorento does not allow for bumper towing, so you’ll need to use a frame mounted hitch.
How Do I Know If My Kia Sorento Has A Tow Package?
You can start by looking under the rear bumper of your Sorento 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 Sorento.
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.
What Can You Tow With A 2025 Kia Sorento?
The 2025 Kia Sorento offers a versatile towing capacity that ranges from 2,000 to 4,500 pounds, depending on the trim and engine configuration. With a standard towing capacity of around 3,500 pounds, the Sorento is ideal for a wide range of towing tasks. Here’s what you can tow based on its capabilities:
Lightweight Travel Trailers
Many compact travel trailers and teardrop campers fall within the Sorento’s towing range, offering a great option for weekend getaways.
- Teardrop Campers: 1,500–2,500 lbs
- Small Travel Trailers: 2,500–3,500 lbs
Utility Trailers
Perfect for hauling furniture, small loads of building materials, or landscaping equipment.
- Utility Trailers: 1,500–3,000 lbs
Boats and Watercraft
The Sorento can easily tow smaller boats, jet skis, or personal watercraft.
- Fishing Boats: 2,000–3,000 lbs
- Jet Skis (with trailer): 1,000–2,500 lbs
ATVs and Off-Road Vehicles
Bring your adventure gear along—most ATVs and side-by-sides fit comfortably within the Sorento’s towing capacity.
- Single ATV: 500–700 lbs
- Side-by-Sides: 1,200–2,000 lbs
X-Pro SX Prestige AWD Towing
For the highest towing capacity of 4,500 pounds, the X-Pro SX Prestige AWD trim can handle larger trailers or heavier loads, such as small horse trailers or larger utility trailers.
2025 Kia Sorento Payload Capacity
The payload capacity of the 2025 Kia Sorento ranges from 1,348 to 1,563 pounds.
Note that the max payload capacity of your 2025 Sorento 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.
2025 Kia Sorento Fe Towing Capacity Vs Competitors
The 2025 Sorento 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 Sorento’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 Hyundai Santa Fe Towing Capacity: 4,500 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 Kia Models Towing Capacity Chart
| Model | Towing Capacity |
| 2025 Kia EV6 | 2,300 lbs |
| 2025 Kia Sorento | 2,000–4,500 lbs |
| 2025 Kia Sorento Hybrid | 2,000 lbs |
| 2025 Kia Carnival | 3,500 lbs |
| 2025 Kia Sportage | 2,500 lbs |
| 2025 Kia Niro | 1,500 lbs |
| 2025 Kia Telluride | 5,500 lbs |
| 2025 Kia Soul | 1,500 lbs |
2025 Kia Vehicles Towing Capacity Chart
Data Accuracy
We’ve gathered all data represented here from the official 2025 Kia Sorento Owner’s Manual on Kia’s site and have checked all data thoroughly for accuracy.