If you are in the market for a compact SUV that can tow, the Kia Sorento is a great option to consider. It is known for its spacious cabin, comfortable ride, and towing capability. But how much can a Kia Sorento tow? The answer depends a lot on which model year, trim, and engine you’re looking at, so we’re breaking it all down here.
Also, if you’re wondering whether Kia parts are expensive when it comes to long-term maintenance and towing wear, it’s worth reading before making your decision.
In this post, we’ll provide a comprehensive guide to the Kia Sorento’s towing capacity, so keep on reading!
How Much Can a Kia Sorento Tow?
For the current generation Kia Sorento (2021 and newer), towing capacity ranges from 2,000 pounds on base trims up to 4,500 pounds on the top X-Pro SX Prestige AWD trim, depending on your engine and trim. If you’re looking at an older, 2020-or-earlier Sorento with the V6 engine, that generation topped out at 5,000 pounds, but that engine and rating are no longer available. Always confirm the exact figure for your specific year and trim using Kia’s official specs page or your owner’s manual, since these numbers shift between model years.
Towing Capacity by Engine and Trim
The current Sorento comes with a few powertrain options, and towing capacity varies significantly between them:
2.5L four-cylinder (non-turbo): Standard on base LX and S trims, rated to tow up to 2,000 pounds.
2.5L turbocharged four-cylinder: Available on EX trim and above, rated to tow up to 3,500 pounds on most trims.
Turbo with X-Pro towing package: The X-Pro and X-Pro SX Prestige AWD trims add towing-specific hardware, including enhanced cooling, pushing maximum towing capacity up to 4,500 pounds, the highest in the current lineup.
Hybrid and plug-in hybrid Sorento models are also available, and their towing capacity generally falls somewhere in the 2,000 to 3,500 pound range depending on trim and model year, so it’s worth double-checking your specific configuration rather than assuming.
What About the Older V6 Sorento?
If you’ve come across a 5,000-pound towing figure for the Kia Sorento, that’s accurate, but only for the 2020-and-earlier Sorento generation, which offered a 3.3-liter V6 engine. Kia discontinued the V6 when it redesigned the Sorento for the 2021 model year, replacing it with the turbocharged four-cylinder lineup described above. If you’re shopping used, this is an important distinction, since a pre-2021 V6 Sorento actually tows meaningfully more than any current Sorento trim.
FWD vs. AWD: Which Tows More?
It’s a common assumption that a lighter front-wheel-drive vehicle will tow more than its all-wheel-drive counterpart, but that’s not really how it plays out on the current Sorento. The highest towing ratings are actually reserved for specific AWD trims, like the X-Pro, that come with dedicated towing hardware such as upgraded cooling, rather than being determined by drivetrain weight alone. In other words, it’s less about FWD versus AWD and more about which specific engine, trim, and towing package you choose.
Other Factors That Affect Towing
Beyond engine and trim, other elements affect how much your Kia Sorento can safely tow. One of the most important is the trailer hitch: it must be correctly installed and rated for the load, or it can compromise towing safety and stability. Only use a hitch specifically designed and rated for your Sorento’s configuration. If you’re planning to tow a trailer regularly, it’s also worth checking whether your trailer’s tires need balancing, since that affects towing stability too.
Finally, remember that the rated capacity already accounts for passengers and cargo in most cases, so it’s essential to follow the manufacturer’s recommendations rather than just the headline number. Exceeding the vehicle’s towing capacity can cause significant damage to the engine, brakes, and suspension, and it’s a real safety hazard.
Conclusion
The Kia Sorento is a dependable compact SUV, with towing capacity ranging from 2,000 to 4,500 pounds on the current generation, depending on engine and trim, or up to 5,000 pounds on the discontinued V6 model from 2020 and earlier. Since these numbers vary so much by year, trim, and engine, it’s crucial to confirm the exact rating for the specific Sorento you’re considering rather than relying on a single number.
So, if you’re in need of a compact SUV that can tow, the Kia Sorento is undoubtedly worth considering, just make sure you’re looking at the right year and trim for your towing needs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the Kia Sorento still come with a V6 engine?
No. The 3.3-liter V6 was discontinued after the 2020 model year when Kia redesigned the Sorento. Current Sorento models use 2.5-liter four-cylinder engines (non-turbo, turbo, hybrid, and plug-in hybrid).
What is the maximum towing capacity of a current Kia Sorento?
On the current generation (2021 and newer), the maximum is 4,500 pounds, available on the X-Pro SX Prestige AWD trim with the turbocharged engine and towing package.
Do all-wheel-drive Sorentos tow more than front-wheel-drive ones?
Not necessarily just because of the drivetrain. The highest towing ratings come from specific AWD trims with dedicated towing hardware, like the X-Pro, rather than AWD or FWD alone determining the rating.
Can a base Kia Sorento tow a small camper or boat trailer?
With the base 2.5L engine’s 2,000-pound rating, you’re limited to very light trailers. For most small campers or boats, you’ll want a trim with the turbocharged engine, which raises the rating to 3,500 pounds or more.
Where can I find the exact towing capacity for my specific Sorento?
Check your owner’s manual, the door-jamb sticker, or Kia’s official specs page for your exact model year and trim, since towing capacity has changed across Sorento generations and even between recent model years.
