Kia Telluride Towing Capacity (2020 – 2023)

The Telluride was introduced into Kia’s lineup as a mid-size crossover SUV and remains one of the most popular in its class today. Kia vehicles are known for their affordability and for having the features consumers expect from today’s vehicles, including towing. But what is the towing capacity of a Kia Telluride?

The Kia Telluride has a towing capacity of 5,500 pounds.

There’s a bit more to know about Kia Telluride towing capabilities which we’ll cover in today’s guide.

Kia Telluride Towing Capacity By Year

what is the towing capacity of a kia telluride
How much weight can a Kia Telluride tow is up to 5,500 lbs.

As we covered earlier, the current Kia Telluride can tow a maximum of 5,500 lbs when properly equipped.

The Telluride has been in production from 2020 through the present. We’ve listed out the maximum tow capacity by year below for reference.

Note that for each model year, there are many variables that affect the total towing capability of each vehicle year, so we recommend checking your specific Telluride model year and trim level in the links below for an in-depth guide and to get the most accurate information for that year.

Here’s the maximum Kia Telluride towing capacity by year:

2023 Kia Telluride Tow Capacity: 5,500 pounds

2022 Kia Telluride Tow Capacity: 5,000 pounds

2021 Kia Telluride Tow Capacity: 5,000 pounds

2020 Kia Telluride Tow Capacity: 5,000 pounds

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 Telluride being put to a real-world off-road and towing test:

Kia Telluride 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 Telluride Braked Towing Cap: 5,000 lbs – 5,500 lbs.

Kia Telluride Unbraked Towing Cap: 1,500 lbs.

Kia Telluride Towing Capacity Factors

There are a few factors that affect the Kia Telluride tow capacity.

Trim Level

Kia’s trim levels vary, with many trim levels having access to the same engine size.

Traditionally, all model years and trim levels of the Kia Telluride have had a max tow capacity of 5,000 pounds.

This changes with the 2023 model year, as the Kia Telluride X-Pro trim level will be able to pull up to 5,500 pounds.

Kia Telluride Engine Specs

All model years and trims of the Kia Telluride have the same engine.

3.8 Liter V6 Engine

The only Kia Telluride engine offered is the 3.8 Liter six-cylinder engine.

This engine produces 291 horsepower and 262 lb.-ft of torque.

Kia Telluride Tow Package Info

2020 Kia Telluride
How much can a Kia Telluride tow is up to 5,500 pounds.

Does The Kia Telluride Have A Tow Package?

Kia offers a factory-installed Telluride tow package option.

It is available on most trim levels and includes the following enhancements:

  • Kia Telluride factory Class III trailer hitch
  • 4-pin and 7-pin harness and connector

Can You Install A Trailer Hitch On a Kia Telluride?

2021 White Kia Telluride
How much weight can a Kia Telluride pull is 5,500 pounds.

If you plan on towing anything with your Kia Telluride, 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 Telluride Tow Hitch

Trailer hitches come in different hitch classes, which are rated for different vehicle sizes and weight limits.

The Kia Telluride uses a Class 3 hitch.

Here’s a great option for a Class III Kia Telluride trailer hitch:

Curt Class 3 Trailer Hitch 2 Inch Receiver fits 2020 2024 Kia Telluride | 5,000 Pounds Gross Trailer Weight and 750 Pounds Tongue Weight | 13420
  • Custom Fit: Curt Class 3 trailer hitches are engineered with a vehicle-specific design for a custom fit
  • Rust Resistant: Protected by a durable high-gloss black powder coat finish and co-cured in a rust-resistant liquid A-coat; inside and out
  • Weight Carrying Capacity: This CURT class 3 trailer hitch has a weight carrying capacity of 5,000 lbs. gross trailer weight and 750 lbs. tongue weight
  • Vehicle Compatibility - This particular custom class 3 hitch fit 2020-2024 Kia Telluride; it is designed to integrate with the vehicle's existing features and offer a reliable connection to your trailer
  • Trailer hitch weight ratings are limited to the vehicle manufacturer's stated capacities

Here’s a great ball mount option so you can hook up different types of trailers for towing with your Telluride:

Sale
CURT 45148 Trailer Hitch Mount, 2-Inch Ball, Pin, Fits 1-1/4-In Receiver, 3,500 lbs, 3-1/4" Drop, GLOSS BLACK POWDER COAT
  • 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 Telluride Tow Hitch Installation

If you’re considering having a tow hitch added to your Telluride, 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 Telluride 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 Telluride?

The Kia Telluride does not allow for bumper towing, so you’ll need to use a frame mounted hitch.

How Do I Know If My Kia Telluride Has A Tow Package?

Kia Telluride towing a camper
The Kia Telluride can tow up to 5,500  pounds.

You can start by looking under the rear bumper of your Telluride 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 Telluride.

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.

Data Accuracy

We’ve gathered all data represented here from the official Kia Telluride Owner’s Manuals on Kia’s site 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 a 2023 Kia Telluride.

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