The Kia Sportage was introduced into Kia’s lineup as a compact crossover SUV in 1993 and remains available through today. The Sportage 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 Sportage?
The Kia Sportage has a towing capacity of up to 2,500 pounds depending on the year, if it is 2WD or 4WD, engine size, axle ratio, and if it has an HD cooling package.
There’s a bit more to know about Kia Sportage towing capabilities which we’ll cover in today’s guide.
2023 Kia Sportage Towing Capacity
The 2023 Kia Sportage can tow between 2,500 pounds.
Refer to the chart below to find how much your 2023 Kia Sportage can tow.
| Kia Sportage Trim Level | Towing Capacity |
| LX | 2,500 lbs / 1,133 kg |
| EX | 2,500 lbs / 1,133 kg |
| X-Line AWD | 2,500 lbs / 1,133 kg |
| SX | 2,500 lbs / 1,133 kg |
| SX Prestige | 2,500 lbs / 1,133 kg |
| X-Pro | 2,500 lbs / 1,133 kg |
| X-Pro Prestive | 2,500 lbs / 1,133 kg |
2023 Kia Sportage Hybrid Towing Capacity
The 2023 Kia Sportage Hybrid can tow 2,000 lbs across all trim levels.
The Kia Sportage Plug-In Electric Vehicle (PHEV) can tow 2,000 lbs across all trim levels.
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 Sportage being put to a real-world towing test:
Kia Sportage 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 Sportage Braked Towing Capacity: up to 2,500 lbs / 1,133 kg.
Kia Sportage Unbraked Towing Capacity: 1,653 lbs / 750 kg
Kia Sportage Towing Capacity Factors
There are a few factors that affect the Kia Sportage tow capacity.
Model Year
The Sportage’s tow capability varies a lot by year and generation.
The early model years had a max towing capability of 2,000 lbs, while the later models can tow up to 2,500 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 Kia Sportage, so always take into consideration the total load of your passengers and gear in addition to what you’re towing.
Kia Sportage Tow Package Info
Does The Kia Sportage Have A Tow Package?
Kia does not offer a towing package or factory-installed tow hitch on the Sportage, so you’ll need to have one installed.
Can You Install A Trailer Hitch On a Kia Sportage?
If you plan on towing anything with your Kia Sportage, 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 Sportage Tow Hitch
Trailer hitches come in different hitch classes, which are rated for different vehicle sizes and weight limits.
The Kia Sportage uses a Class 2 or Class 3 hitch.
Here’s a great option for a Class II Kia Sportage trailer hitch:
- DEPENDABLE STRENGTH. With a strong, welded steel build, this class 2 hitch is rated for 3,500 lbs. gross trailer weight and 350 lbs. tongue weight (limited to lowest-rated towing component)
- HIGHLY VERSATILE. This class 2 trailer hitch kit has a standard 1-1/4-inch receiver and includes a ball mount with a 3/4-inch hole, allowing you to tow a small trailer or mount a cargo carrier or bike rack (trailer ball sold separately)
- DUAL-COAT FINISH. For industry-leading rust, chip and UV resistance inside and out, this tow hitch is submersed in a liquid A-coat and co-cured with a durable black powder coat finish
- EASY INSTALLATION. This class 2 hitch kit fits select model years of the Hyundai Tucson and Kia Sportage
- TESTED FOR SAFETY. Each CURT class 2 trailer hitch design is thoroughly tested at our Detroit facility, using real vehicles in real-world conditions. Our hitches are tested to SAE J684 specs to give you confidence and safety on the road ahead
Here’s a great ball mount option so you can hook up different types of trailers for towing with your Sportage:
- 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 Sportage Trailer Hitch Installation
Always follow the manufacturer’s directions and use proper safety precautions.
Here’s a great video walkthrough on a Kia Sportage trailer hitch installation:
Kia Sportage Trailer Hitch Installation Cost
If you’re considering having a tow hitch added to your Sportage, 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 Sportage?
The Kia Sportage 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 Sportage Has A Tow Package?
You can start by looking under the rear bumper of your Sportage 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 Sportage.
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 Sportage Towing Capacity
The 2022 Kia Sportage can tow 2,000 across all trim levels and engine sizes.
Refer to the chart below to find how much your 2022 Kia Sportage can tow.
| Kia Sportage Trim Level | Towing Capacity | Engine |
| All | 2,000 lbs / 907 kg | All |
2021 Kia Sportage Towing Capacity
The 2021 Kia Sportage can tow 2,000 across all trim levels and engine sizes.
Refer to the chart below to find how much your 2021 Kia Sportage can tow.
| Kia Sportage Trim Level | Towing Capacity | Engine |
| All | 2,000 lbs / 907 kg | All |
2020 Kia Sportage Towing Capacity
The 2020 Kia Sportage can tow 2,000 across all trim levels and engine sizes.
Refer to the chart below to find how much your 2020 Kia Sportage can tow.
| Kia Sportage Trim Level | Towing Capacity | Engine |
| All | 2,000 lbs / 907 kg | All |
2019 Kia Sportage Towing Capacity
The 2019 Kia Sportage can tow 2,000 across all trim levels and engine sizes.
Refer to the chart below to find how much your 2019 Kia Sportage can tow.
| Kia Sportage Trim Level | Towing Capacity | Engine |
| All | 2,000 lbs / 907 kg | All |
2018 Kia Sportage Towing Capacity
The 2018 Kia Sportage can tow 2,000 across all trim levels and engine sizes.
Refer to the chart below to find how much your 2018 Kia Sportage can tow.
| Kia Sportage Trim Level | Towing Capacity | Engine |
| All | 2,000 lbs / 907 kg | All |
2017 Kia Sportage Towing Capacity
The 2017 Kia Sportage can tow 2,000 across all trim levels and engine sizes.
Refer to the chart below to find how much your 2017 Kia Sportage can tow.
| Kia Sportage Trim Level | Towing Capacity | Engine |
| All | 2,000 lbs / 907 kg | All |
2016 Kia Sportage Towing Capacity
The 2016 Kia Sportage can tow 2,000 across all trim levels and engine sizes.
Refer to the chart below to find how much your 2016 Kia Sportage can tow.
| Kia Sportage Trim Level | Towing Capacity | Engine |
| All | 2,000 lbs / 907 kg | All |
2015 Kia Sportage Towing Capacity
The 2015 Kia Sportage can tow 2,000 across all trim levels and engine sizes.
Refer to the chart below to find how much your 2015 Kia Sportage can tow.
| Kia Sportage Trim Level | Towing Capacity | Engine |
| All | 2,000 lbs / 907 kg | All |
2014 Kia Sportage Towing Capacity
The 2014 Kia Sportage can tow 2,000 across all trim levels and engine sizes.
Refer to the chart below to find how much your 2014 Kia Sportage can tow.
| Kia Sportage Trim Level | Towing Capacity | Engine |
| All | 2,000 lbs / 907 kg | All |
2013 Kia Sportage Towing Capacity
The 2013 Kia Sportage can tow 2,000 across all trim levels and engine sizes.
Refer to the chart below to find how much your 2013 Kia Sportage can tow.
| Kia Sportage Trim Level | Towing Capacity | Engine |
| All | 2,000 lbs / 907 kg | All |
2012 Kia Sportage Towing Capacity
The 2012 Kia Sportage can tow 2,000 across all trim levels and engine sizes.
Refer to the chart below to find how much your 2012 Kia Sportage can tow.
| Kia Sportage Trim Level | Towing Capacity | Engine |
| All | 2,000 lbs / 907 kg | All |
2011 Kia Sportage Towing Capacity
The 2011 Kia Sportage can tow 2,000 across all trim levels and engine sizes.
Refer to the chart below to find how much your 2011 Kia Sportage can tow.
| Kia Sportage Trim Level | Towing Capacity | Engine |
| All | 2,000 lbs / 907 kg | All |
2010 Kia Sportage Towing Capacity
The 2010 Kia Sportage can tow 2,000 across all trim levels and engine sizes.
Refer to the chart below to find how much your 2010 Kia Sportage can tow.
| Kia Sportage Trim Level | Towing Capacity | Engine |
| All | 2,000 lbs / 907 kg | All |
2009 Kia Sportage Towing Capacity
The 2009 Kia Sportage can tow 2,000 across all trim levels and engine sizes.
Refer to the chart below to find how much your 2009 Kia Sportage can tow.
| Kia Sportage Trim Level | Towing Capacity | Engine |
| All | 2,000 lbs / 907 kg | All |
2008 Kia Sportage Towing Capacity
The 2008 Kia Sportage can tow 2,000 across all trim levels and engine sizes.
Refer to the chart below to find how much your 2008 Kia Sportage can tow.
| Kia Sportage Trim Level | Towing Capacity | Engine |
| All | 2,000 lbs / 907 kg | All |
2007 Kia Sportage Towing Capacity
The 2007 Kia Sportage can tow between 1,500 lbs and 2,000 lbs depending on the engine size.
A 2007 Kia Sportage with 2.0L engine can pull 1,500 pounds.
A 2007 Kia Sportage with 2.7L engine can pull 2,000 pounds.
Refer to the chart below to find how much your 2007 Kia Sportage can tow.
| Kia Sportage Trim Level | Towing Capacity | Engine |
| All | 1,500 lbs / 680 kg | 2.0L |
| All | 2,000 lbs / 907 kg | 2.7L |
2006 Kia Sportage Towing Capacity
The 2006 Kia Sportage can tow between 1,500 lbs and 2,000 lbs depending on the engine size.
A 2006 Kia Sportage with 2.0L engine can pull 1,500 pounds.
A 2006 Kia Sportage with 2.7L engine can pull 2,000 pounds.
Refer to the chart below to find how much your 2006 Kia Sportage can tow.
| Kia Sportage Trim Level | Towing Capacity | Engine |
| All | 1,500 lbs / 680 kg | 2.0L |
| All | 2,000 lbs / 907 kg | 2.7L |
2005 Kia Sportage Towing Capacity
The 2005 Kia Sportage can tow between 1,500 lbs and 2,000 lbs depending on the engine size.
A 2005 Kia Sportage with 2.0L engine can pull 1,500 pounds.
A 2005 Kia Sportage with 2.7L engine can pull 2,000 pounds.
Refer to the chart below to find how much your 2005 Kia Sportage can tow.
| Kia Sportage Trim Level | Towing Capacity | Engine |
| All | 1,500 lbs / 680 kg | 2.0L |
| All | 2,000 lbs / 907 kg | 2.7L |
2004 Kia Sportage Towing Capacity
The 2004 Kia Sportage can tow between 1,500 lbs and 2,000 lbs depending on the engine size.
A 2004 Kia Sportage with 2.0L engine can pull 1,500 pounds.
A 2004 Kia Sportage with 2.7L engine can pull 2,000 pounds.
Refer to the chart below to find how much your 2004 Kia Sportage can tow.
| Kia Sportage Trim Level | Towing Capacity | Engine |
| All | 1,500 lbs / 680 kg | 2.0L |
| All | 2,000 lbs / 907 kg | 2.7L |
2003 Kia Sportage Towing Capacity
The 2003 Kia Sportage can tow 2,000 across all trim levels.
| Kia Sportage Trim Level | Towing Capacity |
| All | 2,000 lbs / 907 kg |
2002 Kia Sportage Towing Capacity
The 2002 Kia Sportage can tow 2,000 across all trim levels.
| Kia Sportage Trim Level | Towing Capacity |
| All | 2,000 lbs / 907 kg |
2001 Kia Sportage Towing Capacity
The 2001 Kia Sportage can tow 2,000 across all trim levels.
| Kia Sportage Trim Level | Towing Capacity |
| All | 2,000 lbs / 907 kg |
2000 Kia Sportage Towing Capacity
The 2000 Kia Sportage can tow 2,000 across all trim levels.
| Kia Sportage Trim Level | Towing Capacity |
| All | 2,000 lbs / 907 kg |
1999 Kia Sportage Towing Capacity
The 1999 Kia Sportage can tow 2,000 across all trim levels.
| Kia Sportage Trim Level | Towing Capacity |
| All | 2,000 lbs / 907 kg |
1998 Kia Sportage Towing Capacity
The 1998 Kia Sportage can tow 2,000 across all trim levels.
| Kia Sportage Trim Level | Towing Capacity |
| All | 2,000 lbs / 907 kg |
1997 Kia Sportage Towing Capacity
The 1997 Kia Sportage can tow 2,000 across all trim levels.
| Kia Sportage Trim Level | Towing Capacity |
| All | 2,000 lbs / 907 kg |
1996 Kia Sportage Towing Capacity
The 1996 Kia Sportage can tow 2,000 across all trim levels.
| Kia Sportage Trim Level | Towing Capacity |
| All | 2,000 lbs / 907 kg |
1995 Kia Sportage Towing Capacity
The 1995 Kia Sportage can tow 2,000 across all trim levels.
| Kia Sportage Trim Level | Towing Capacity |
| All | 2,000 lbs / 907 kg |
1994 Kia Sportage Tow Capacity
The 1994 Kia Sportage can tow 2,000 across all trim levels.
| Kia Sportage Trim Level | Towing Capacity |
| All | 2,000 lbs / 907 kg |
1993 Kia Sportage Tow Capacity
The 1993 Kia Sportage can tow 2,000 across all trim levels.
| Kia Sportage Trim Level | Towing Capacity |
| All | 2,000 lbs / 907 kg |
Data Accuracy
We’ve gathered all data represented here from the official Kia Sportage Owner’s Manuals on Kia’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 Kia Sportage.
