The Hyundai Kona was introduced into Hyundai’s lineup as a subcompact crossover SUV in 2018 and is still currently offered. The Kona is known for its unique styling and for having the features consumers expect from modern SUVs, including towing. But what is the towing capacity of a Hyundai Kona?
The Hyundai Kona has a towing capacity of up to 3,527 pounds depending on the model year. Hyundai does not recommend using the Kona for towing.
There’s a bit more to know about Hyundai Kona towing capabilities which we’ll cover in today’s guide.
2023 Hyundai Kona Towing Capacity
The 2023 Hyundai Kona can tow up to 3,527 lbs across all trim levels and configurations.
Refer to the chart below to find how much your 2023 Hyundai Kona can tow.
| Hyundai Kona Trim Level | Towing Capacity |
| SE | 3,527 lbs / 1,600 kg |
| SEL | 3,527 lbs / 1,600 kg |
| N Line | 3,527 lbs / 1,600 kg |
| Limited | 3,527 lbs / 1,600 kg |
| Kona N | 3,527 lbs / 1,600 kg |
Hyundai Kona Electric Towing Capacity
The Hyundai Kona Electric Vehicle (EV) can tow 2,105 lbs.
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 showing the Hyundai Kona being put to a real-world towing test:
Hyundai Kona 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 Kona Braked Towing Capacity: up to 3,527 lbs / 1,600 kg
Hyundai Kona Unbraked Towing Capacity: 1,543 lbs / 700 kg
Hyundai Kona Towing Capacity Factors
There are a few factors that affect the Hyundai Kona tow capacity.
Model Year
The Kona’s tow capability varied a little by year and generation.
The early model years had a max towing capability ranging from 2,755 lbs to 2,866 lbs, while the later models can only tow up to 3,527 pounds.
Number of Passengers
A big factor in calculating your vehicle’s towing capacity is how many passengers you’re carrying, which directly calculates into the vehicle’s GCWR.
This is true of all vehicles, not just the Hyundai Kona, so always take into consideration the total load of your passengers and gear in addition to what you’re towing.
Hyundai Kona Tow Package Info
Does The Hyundai Kona Have A Tow Package?
Hyundai does not offer a Kona towing package, so you’ll need to have a hitch and wiring harness installed by doing it yourself or hiring a professional.
Can You Install A Trailer Hitch On a Hyundai Kona?
If you plan on towing anything with your Hyundai Kona, 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 Kona Tow Hitch
Trailer hitches come in different hitch classes, which are rated for different vehicle sizes and weight limits.
The Hyundai Kona uses a Class 1, Class 2, or Class 3 hitch.
Here’s a great option for a Class III Hyundai Kona trailer hitch:
- 2 in. Square Receiver Tube Opening
- Rated Up To 2,000 lbs. Gross Trailer Weight (GTW) And Up To 300 lbs. Tongue Weight (TW)
Here’s a great ball mount option so you can hook up different types of trailers for towing with your Kona:
- 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 Kona Trailer Hitch Installation
Always follow the manufacturer’s directions and use proper safety precautions.
Here’s a great video walkthrough on a Hyundai Kona trailer hitch installation:
Hyundai Kona Trailer Hitch Installation Cost
If you’re considering having a tow hitch added to your Kona, 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.
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 Hyundai Kona?
The Hyundai Kona stock bumper is not rated for bumper towing, so you’ll need to install a frame-mounted hitch like the one we listed earlier in this guide or an aftermarket bumper with a hitch ball on it.
How Do I Know If My Hyundai Kona Has A Tow Package?
You can start by looking under the rear bumper of your Kona 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 Kona.
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.
2022 Hyundai Kona Towing Capacity
The 2022 Hyundai Kona can tow up to 3,527 lbs across all trim levels and configurations.
Refer to the chart below to find how much your 2022 Hyundai Kona can tow.
Note that per Hyundai’s US manuals, Hyundai does not recommend using the Kona for towing. These figures were found in Hyundai’s owners manuals outside the US.
| Hyundai Kona Trim Level | Towing Capacity |
| SE | 3,527 lbs / 1,600 kg |
| SEL | 3,527 lbs / 1,600 kg |
| Limited | 3,527 lbs / 1,600 kg |
2021 Hyundai Kona Towing Capacity
The 2021 Hyundai Kona can tow 2,866 pounds.
Note that per Hyundai’s US manuals, Hyundai does not recommend using the Kona for towing. These figures were found in Hyundai’s owners manuals outside the US.
| Hyundai Kona Trim Level | Towing Capacity |
| All | 2,866 lbs / 1,250 kg |
2020 Hyundai Kona Towing Capacity
The 2020 Hyundai Kona can tow 2,866 pounds.
Note that per Hyundai’s US manuals, Hyundai does not recommend using the Kona for towing. These figures were found in Hyundai’s owners manuals outside the US.
| Hyundai Kona Trim Level | Towing Capacity |
| All | 2,866 lbs / 1,250 kg |
2019 Hyundai Kona Towing Capacity
The 2020 Hyundai Kona can tow 2,755 pounds.
Note that per Hyundai’s US manuals, Hyundai does not recommend using the Kona for towing. These figures were found in Hyundai’s owners manuals outside the US.
| Hyundai Kona Trim Level | Towing Capacity |
| All | 2,755 lbs / 1,250 kg |
2018 Hyundai Kona Towing Capacity
The 2018 Hyundai Kona can tow 2,866 pounds.
Note that per Hyundai’s US manuals, Hyundai does not recommend using the Kona for towing. These figures were found in Hyundai’s owners manuals outside the US.
| Hyundai Kona Trim Level | Towing Capacity |
| All | 2,866 lbs / 1,250 kg |
Data Accuracy
We’ve gathered all data represented here from the official Hyundai Kona Owner’s Manuals on Hyundai’s website and have checked all data thoroughly for accuracy.
Having said that, we still recommend you refer to your vehicle’s owner’s manual yourself before towing with your Hyundai Kona.
