The Kia Sorento was introduced into Kia’s lineup as a mid-size crossover SUV in 2002 and remains available through today. The Sorento is known for its unique styling and for having the features consumers expect from SUVs, including towing. But what is the towing capacity of a Kia Sorento?
The Kia Sorento has a towing capacity starting at 1,650 pounds and up to 9,565 pounds depending on the model year, drivetrain, engine size, if it has a towing package installed, and the transmission type.
There’s a bit more to know about Kia Sorento towing capabilities which we’ll cover in today’s guide.
2023 Kia Sorento Towing Capacity
The 2023 Kia Sorento can tow between 2,000 lbs and 3,500 lbs depending on the engine size and whether it has a towing package.
Refer to the chart below to find how much your 2023 Kia Sorento can tow.
| Kia Sorento Trim Level | Towing Capacity | Engine |
| LX | 2,000 lbs / 907 kg | 2.5L |
| S | 2,000 lbs / 907 kg | 2.5L |
| X-Line S AWD | 2,000 lbs / 907 kg | 2.5L |
| EX | 3,500 lbs / 1,588 kg | 2.5L Turbo |
| X-Line EX AWD | 3,500 lbs / 1,588 kg | 2.5L Turbo |
| SX | 3,500 lbs / 1,588 kg | 2.5L Turbo |
| SX Prestige | 3,500 lbs / 1,588 kg | 2.5L Turbo |
| X-Line SX Prestige AWD | 3,500 lbs / 1,588 kg | 2.5L Turbo |
Kia Sorento Hybrid Towing Capacity
The Kia Sorento Hybrid can tow 2,000 lbs.
The Kia Sorento Plug-In Hybrid can tow 2,000 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 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 Tow Capacity: up to 3,500 lbs.
Kia Sorento Unbraked Tow Capacity: 1,653 lbs / 750 kg
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 lot by year and generation.
The range of Sorento model years had a max towing capability ranging from 1,650 lbs to 9,565 lbs, while the later models can only tow up to 3,500 pounds.
Engine Size
Most Kia Sorento model years had the towing capacities designated by engine. Typically, the more powerful the engine, the more the vehicle can tow.
Transmission Type
If your Kia Sorento has a manual transmission, it can usually tow more than a similar model for an automatic transmission.
2WD vs 4WD
Whether or not your Sorento was 2WD or 4WD also affected how much it can tow.
4WD Sorentos typically had greater towing power than the 2WD versions.
Towing Package Installed
Kia specified different towing amounts for whether or not the Kia Sorento had a tow package installed, but in reality this shouldn’t matter much.
This is because Kia only offered the factory-installed towing package on the higher-spec engine options for some model years, so it really comes down to the engine.
There were no other towing feature packages like a transmission cooler or anything else, so as long as you know your engine specs, you’re fine.
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 Kia Sorento, so always take into consideration the total load of your passengers and gear in addition to what you’re towing.
Kia Sorento Tow Package Info
Does The Kia Sorento Have A Tow Package?
Kia offers a Sorento towing package which includes the following:
- Class III Hitch Receiver
- 4-Pin Wiring Harness
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 Kia Sorento trailer hitch:
- DEPENDABLE STRENGTH. This trailer hitch is rated for 6,000 lbs. gross trailer weight, 900 lbs. tongue weight, 8,000 lbs. weight distribution capacity and 900 lbs. weight distribution 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 Kia Sorento and Hyundai Santa Fe
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
Always follow the manufacturer’s directions and use proper safety precautions.
Here’s a great video walkthrough on a Kia Sorento trailer hitch installation:
Kia Sorento Trailer Hitch Installation Cost
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.
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 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 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.
2022 Kia Sorento Towing Capacity
The 2022 Kia Sorento can tow between 2,000 lbs and 3,500 lbs depending on the engine size.
Refer to the chart below to find how much your 2022 Kia Sorento can tow.
| Kia Sorento Trim Level | Towing Capacity | Engine |
| LX | 2,000 lbs / 907 kg | 2.5L |
| S | 2,000 lbs / 907 kg | 2.5L |
| X-Line S AWD | 2,000 lbs / 907 kg | 2.5L |
| EX | 3,500 lbs / 1,588 kg | 2.5L Turbo |
| X-Line EX AWD | 3,500 lbs / 1,588 kg | 2.5L Turbo |
| SX | 3,500 lbs / 1,588 kg | 2.5L Turbo |
| SX Prestige | 3,500 lbs / 1,588 kg | 2.5L Turbo |
| X-Line SX Prestige AWD | 3,500 lbs / 1,588 kg | 2.5L Turbo |
2021 Kia Sorento Tow Capacity
The 2021 Kia Sorento can tow between 2,000 lbs and 3,500 lbs depending on the engine size.
The 2021 Kia Sorento with 2.5L engine can pull 2,000 pounds.
The 2021 Kia Sorento with 2.5L Turbo engine can pull 3,500 pounds.
| Kia Sorento Trim Level | Towing Capacity | Engine |
| All | 2,000 lbs / 907 kg | 2.5L |
| All | 3,500 lbs / 1,588 kg | 2.5L Turbo |
2020 Kia Sorento Towing Capacity
The 2020 Kia Sorento can tow between 2,000 lbs and 5,000 lbs depending on the engine size and whether it is 2WD or 4WD.
A 2020 Kia Sorento with 2.4L engine can pull 2,000 pounds.
A 2020 Kia Sorento with 2WD and 3.3L engine can pull 3,500 pounds.
A 2020 Kia Sorento with 4WD and 3.3L engine can pull 5,000 pounds.
| Kia Sorento Trim Level | Towing Capacity | Engine | 2WD or 4WD |
| All | 2,000 lbs / 907 kg | 2.4L | All |
| All | 3,500 lbs / 1,588 kg | 3.3L | 2WD |
| All | 5,000 lbs / 2,267 kg | 3.3L | 4WD |
2019 Kia Sorento Towing Capacity
The 2019 Kia Sorento can tow between 2,000 lbs and 5,000 lbs depending on the engine size and whether it is 2WD or 4WD.
A 2019 Kia Sorento with 2.4L engine can pull 2,000 pounds.
A 2019 Kia Sorento with 2WD and 3.3L engine can pull 3,500 pounds.
A 2019 Kia Sorento with 4WD and 3.3L engine can pull 5,000 pounds.
| Kia Sorento Trim Level | Towing Capacity | Engine | 2WD or 4WD |
| All | 2,000 lbs / 907 kg | 2.4L | All |
| All | 3,500 lbs / 1,588 kg | 3.3L | 2WD |
| All | 5,000 lbs / 2,267 kg | 3.3L | 4WD |
2018 Kia Sorento Towing Capacity
The 2018 Kia Sorento can tow between 2,000 lbs and 5,000 lbs depending on the engine size and whether it is 2WD or 4WD.
A 2018 Kia Sorento with 2.4L engine can pull 2,000 pounds.
A 2018 Kia Sorento with 2WD and 3.3L engine can pull 3,500 pounds.
A 2018 Kia Sorento with 4WD and 3.3L engine can pull 5,000 pounds.
| Kia Sorento Trim Level | Towing Capacity | Engine | 2WD or 4WD |
| All | 2,000 lbs / 907 kg | 2.4L | All |
| All | 3,500 lbs / 1,588 kg | 3.3L | 2WD |
| All | 5,000 lbs / 2,267 kg | 3.3L | 4WD |
2017 Kia Sorento Towing Capacity
The 2017 Kia Sorento can tow between 2,000 lbs and 5,000 lbs depending on the engine size and if it has a trailer package installed.
A 2017 Kia Sorento with 2.0L engine without a trailer package can pull 2,000 pounds.
A 2017 Kia Sorento with 2.0L engine with a trailer package can pull 3,500 pounds.
A 2017 Kia Sorento with 2.4L engine can pull 2,000 pounds.
A 2017 Kia Sorento with 3.3L engine without a trailer package can pull 2,000 pounds.
A 2017 Kia Sorento with 3.3L engine with a trailer package can pull 5,000 pounds.
| Kia Sorento Trim Level | Towing Capacity | Engine | Trailer Package Installed |
| All | 2,000 lbs / 907 kg | 2.0L | No |
| All | 3,500 lbs / 1,587 kg | 2.0L | Yes |
| All | 2,000 lbs / 907 kg | 2.4L | N/A |
| All | 2,000 lbs / 907 kg | 3.3L | No |
| All | 5,000 lbs / 2,267 kg | 3.3L | Yes |
2016 Kia Sorento Towing Capacity
The 2016 Kia Sorento can tow between 2,000 lbs and 5,000 lbs depending on the engine size and if it has a trailer package installed.
A 2016 Kia Sorento with 2.0L engine without a trailer package can pull 2,000 pounds.
A 2016 Kia Sorento with 2.0L engine with a trailer package can pull 3,500 pounds.
A 2016 Kia Sorento with 2.4L engine can pull 2,000 pounds.
A 2016 Kia Sorento with 3.3L engine without a trailer package can pull 2,000 pounds.
A 2016 Kia Sorento with 3.3L engine with a trailer package can pull 5,000 pounds.
| Kia Sorento Trim Level | Towing Capacity | Engine | Trailer Package Installed |
| All | 2,000 lbs / 907 kg | 2.0L | No |
| All | 3,500 lbs / 1,587 kg | 2.0L | Yes |
| All | 2,000 lbs / 907 kg | 2.4L | N/A |
| All | 2,000 lbs / 907 kg | 3.3L | No |
| All | 5,000 lbs / 2,267 kg | 3.3L | Yes |
2015 Kia Sorento Towing Capacity
The 2015 Kia Sorento can tow between 1,999 lbs and 3,500 lbs depending on the engine size and if it has a trailer package installed.
A 2015 Kia Sorento with 2.4L engine without a trailer package can pull 1,999 pounds.
A 2015 Kia Sorento with 3.3L engine without a trailer package can pull 1,999 pounds.
A 2015 Kia Sorento with 3.3L engine with a trailer package can pull 3,500 pounds.
| Kia Sorento Trim Level | Towing Capacity | Engine | Trailer Package Installed |
| All | 1,999 lbs / 907 kg | 2.0L | No |
| All | 1,999 lbs / 907 kg | 3.3L | No |
| All | 3,500 lbs / 1,588 kg | 3.3L | Yes |
2014 Kia Sorento Towing Capacity
The 2014 Kia Sorento can tow between 1,999 lbs and 3,500 lbs depending on the engine size and if it has a trailer package installed.
A 2014 Kia Sorento with 2.4L engine without a trailer package can pull 1,999 pounds.
A 2014 Kia Sorento with 3.3L engine without a trailer package can pull 1,999 pounds.
A 2014 Kia Sorento with 3.3L engine with a trailer package can pull 3,500 pounds.
| Kia Sorento Trim Level | Towing Capacity | Engine | Trailer Package Installed |
| All | 1,999 lbs / 907 kg | 2.0L | No |
| All | 1,999 lbs / 907 kg | 3.3L | No |
| All | 3,500 lbs / 1,588 kg | 3.3L | Yes |
2013 Kia Sorento Towing Capacity
The 2013 Kia Sorento can tow between 1,650 lbs and 3,500 lbs depending on the engine size.
A 2013 Kia Sorento with 2.4L engine can pull 1,650 pounds.
A 2013 Kia Sorento with 3.5L engine can pull 3,500 pounds.
| Kia Sorento Trim Level | Towing Capacity | Engine |
| All | 1,650 lbs / 750 kg | 2.4L |
| All | 3,500 lbs / 1,588 kg | 3.5L |
2012 Kia Sorento Towing Capacity
The 2012 Kia Sorento can tow between 1,650 lbs and 3,500 lbs depending on the engine size.
A 2012 Kia Sorento with 2.4L engine can pull 1,650 pounds.
A 2012 Kia Sorento with 3.5L engine can pull 3,500 pounds.
| Kia Sorento Trim Level | Towing Capacity | Engine |
| All | 1,650 lbs / 750 kg | 2.4L |
| All | 3,500 lbs / 1,588 kg | 3.5L |
2011 Kia Sorento Towing Capacity
The 2011 Kia Sorento can tow between 1,650 lbs and 3,500 lbs depending on the engine size.
A 2011 Kia Sorento with 2.4L engine can pull 1,650 pounds.
A 2011 Kia Sorento with 3.5L engine can pull 3,500 pounds.
| Kia Sorento Trim Level | Towing Capacity | Engine |
| All | 1,650 lbs / 750 kg | 2.4L |
| All | 3,500 lbs / 1,588 kg | 3.5L |
2010 Kia Sorento Towing Capacity
The 2010 Kia Sorento can tow between 4,409 lbs and 5,511 lbs depending on the engine size and transmission type.
A 2010 Kia Sorento with 2.4L engine can pull 4,409 pounds.
A 2010 Kia Sorento with 2.0L diesel engine can pull 4,850 lbs.
A 2010 Kia Sorento with 2.2L diesel engine and manual transmission can pull 5,511 pounds.
A 2010 Kia Sorento with 2.2L diesel engine and automatic transmission can pull 4,409 pounds.
| Kia Sorento Trim Level | Towing Capacity | Engine | Transmission |
| All | 4,409 lbs / 2,000 kg | 2.4L gas | N/A |
| All | 4,850 lbs / 2,200 kg | 2.0L diesel | N/A |
| All | 5,511 lbs / 2,500 kg | 2.2L diesel | Manual |
| All | 4,409 lbs / 2,000 kg | 2.2L diesel | Automatic |
2009 Kia Sorento Towing Capacity
The 2009 Kia Sorento can tow between 7,874 lbs and 9,565 lbs depending on the engine size and transmission type.
A 2009 Kia Sorento 4WD with 3.3L engine can pull 8,079 pounds.
A 2009 Kia Sorento 2WD with 3.3L engine can pull 7,874 pounds.
A 2009 Kia Sorento 4WD with 3.8L engine can pull 9,565 pounds.
A 2009 Kia Sorento 2WD with 3.8L engine can pull 9,314 pounds.
| Kia Sorento Trim Level | Towing Capacity | Engine | 2WD or 4WD |
| All | 8,709 lbs / 3,665 kg | 3.3L | 4WD |
| All | 7,874 lbs / 3,572 kg | 3.3L | 2WD |
| All | 9,565 lbs / 4,339 kg | 3.8L | 4WD |
| All | 9,314 lbs / 4,255 kg | 3.8L | 2WD |
2008 Kia Sorento Towing Capacity
The 2008 Kia Sorento can tow between 7,874 lbs and 9,565 lbs depending on the engine size and transmission type.
A 2008 Kia Sorento 4WD with 3.3L engine can pull 8,079 pounds.
A 2008 Kia Sorento 2WD with 3.3L engine can pull 7,874 pounds.
A 2008 Kia Sorento 4WD with 3.8L engine can pull 9,565 pounds.
A 2008 Kia Sorento 2WD with 3.8L engine can pull 9,314 pounds.
| Kia Sorento Trim Level | Towing Capacity | Engine | 2WD or 4WD |
| All | 8,709 lbs / 3,665 kg | 3.3L | 4WD |
| All | 7,874 lbs / 3,572 kg | 3.3L | 2WD |
| All | 9,565 lbs / 4,339 kg | 3.8L | 4WD |
| All | 9,314 lbs / 4,255 kg | 3.8L | 2WD |
2007 Kia Sorento Towing Capacity
The 2007 Kia Sorento can tow between 7,874 lbs and 9,565 lbs depending on the engine size and transmission type.
A 2007 Kia Sorento 4WD with 3.3L engine can pull 8,079 pounds.
A 2007 Kia Sorento 2WD with 3.3L engine can pull 7,874 pounds.
A 2007 Kia Sorento 4WD with 3.8L engine can pull 9,565 pounds.
A 2007 Kia Sorento 2WD with 3.8L engine can pull 9,314 pounds.
| Kia Sorento Trim Level | Towing Capacity | Engine | 2WD or 4WD |
| All | 8,709 lbs / 3,665 kg | 3.3L | 4WD |
| All | 7,874 lbs / 3,572 kg | 3.3L | 2WD |
| All | 9,565 lbs / 4,339 kg | 3.8L | 4WD |
| All | 9,314 lbs / 4,255 kg | 3.8L | 2WD |
2006 Kia Sorento Towing Capacity
The 2006 Kia Sorento can tow between 7,877 lbs and 8,115 lbs depending on the transmission type and whether it is 2WD or 4WD.
A 2006 Kia Sorento 2WD with manual transmission can pull 7,877 pounds.
A 2006 Kia Sorento 2WD with automatic transmission can pull 7,919 pounds.
A 2006 Kia Sorento 4WD with manual transmission can pull 8,074 pounds.
A 2006 Kia Sorento 4WD with automatic transmission can pull 8,115 pounds.
| Kia Sorento Trim Level | Towing Capacity | Transmission | 2WD or 4WD |
| All | 7,877 lbs / 3,573 kg | Manual | 2WD |
| All | 7,919 lbs / 3,592 kg | Automatic | 2WD |
| All | 8,074 lbs / 3,662 kg | Manual | 4WD |
| All | 8,115 lbs / 3,681 kg | Automatic | 4WD |
2005 Kia Sorento Towing Capacity
The 2005 Kia Sorento can tow 3,500 pounds.
| Kia Sorento Trim Level | Towing Capacity |
| All | 3,500 lbs / 1,590 kg |
2004 Kia Sorento Tow Capacity
The 2004 Kia Sorento can tow 3,500 pounds.
| Kia Sorento Trim Level | Towing Capacity |
| All | 3,500 lbs / 1,590 kg |
2003 Kia Sorento Tow Capacity
The 2003 Kia Sorento can tow 5,000 pounds.
| Kia Sorento Trim Level | Towing Capacity |
| All | 5,000 lbs / 2,270 kg |
2002 Kia Sorento Towing Capacity
The 2002 Kia Sorento can tow 5,000 pounds.
| Kia Sorento Trim Level | Towing Capacity |
| All | 5,000 lbs / 2,270 kg |