Hyundai Elantra GT Towing Capacity

The 2020 Hyundai Elantra GT has a maximum towing capacity of 750 to 2,000 lbs.
Written by Andrea Barrett
Reviewed by Jessica Barrett
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The towing capacity of the 2020 Hyundai Elantra GT is 750 pounds. However, the addition of an aftermarket trailer hitch can increase the towing capacity to 2,000 pounds with a 200-pound maximum tongue weight.
Hitting the highways with a load in tow is a great feature to have if you’re someone who loves camping or going on outdoor adventures. While SUVs and trucks are known for having the best towing capacity, if you’re not keen on paying crazy amounts for gas, some smaller vehicles can accommodate small tow loads. However, how much will depend on the vehicle’s size, engine power, drivetrain, and transmission. 
The 2020 Hyundai Elantra GT offers great fuel economy, outstanding cargo space, and a pretty good lineup of equipment for the money. But when it comes to towing capacity it underperforms. Here to give you all the details on the towing capacity of the Hyundai Elantra GT is
car insurance
super app
Jerry
. We’ll cover the basics of the Elantra’s towing capacity, determine the towing capacity you need, and discuss tips to maximize it. 
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How much can a Hyundai Elantra GT tow?

Base towing capacity: 750 pounds
Maximum towing capacity: 2,000 pounds
Engine: 2.9L engine, 161 hp
Compared to other vehicles its size, the towing capacity of a Hyundai Elantra GT is pretty low—a mere 750 pounds, with a maximum tongue weight of 75 pounds. While the Elantra may not be built for towing, it does have the ability to pull small loads. And if you’re looking to maximize its towing capacity, adding an aftermarket hitch can boost the towing capabilities to over 2,000 pounds

Trailer hitches for the Hyundai Elantra GT

The towing capacity of the Elantra GT may be low compared to other models of similar size, but if you need to add extra weight, investing in a tow hitch may be to your advantage. 
If you’re driving the sport version of the Elantra GT, the
Draw-Tite Sportframe Trailer Hitch Class 1
can extend your towing capacity to a maximum of 2,000 pounds and a maximum tongue weight of 200 pounds.

How to calculate the towing capacity you need

The Elantra wasn’t built to tow heavy loads like an SUV or pickup truck can, but if you’re looking to tow small items under 700 pounds, chances are you’ll be safe.
Here are some examples of what you can tow with the Hyundai Elantra GT:
  • Canoe or kayak trailer (200 to 400 lbs.)
  • Jet ski trailer, unloaded (300 lbs.)
  • Motorcycle trailer, unloaded (500 lbs.)
  • Fishing boat trailer (600 lbs.)
If you upgrade to a class 1 trailer hitch capable of towing 2,000 pounds:
  • Small utility trailer, unloaded (1,000 lbs.)
  • A-frame camper, empty (1,700 lbs.)
  • Teardrop trailer, empty (1,700 lbs.)
  • Car trailer, unloaded (1,900 lbs.)
A class 1 trailer hitch can expand your towing capacity by almost three times, which means your Elantra can tow a good amount. But keep in mind that you should always check the weight of your haul when fully loaded to ensure your Elantra can handle it. You’ll also have to take into account the weight of extra cargo or passengers.

How to increase towing capacity

If you need to tow an item that exceeds the Elantra’s 750-pound max—or even a trailer hitch’s 2,000-pound max—you’re in luck. There are a few ways your vehicle can accommodate a bit of an extra load: 
  • Upgrade your suspension to enhance weight distribution
  • Swap out your axles for heavy-duty axles to reduce damage from increased loads
  • Upgrade your brake pads and rotors to higher-performance and higher-quality parts
  • Increase the size of the radiator to improve the vehicle’s cooling process
With that said, it's important to remember that manufacturers provide a maximum towing capacity for your safety. Exceeding towing recommendations can result in:
  • Failed brake system
  • Decreased speed and acceleration
  • Reductions in stability, agility, and balance of the vehicle
  • Higher fuel consumption 
If the load you’re trying to haul exceeds the maximum recommended amount for the Elantra, you may want to consider investing in a larger vehicle that’s capable of a higher towing capacity. You may not want to purchase a truck or SUV, but here are some other options with higher towing capacities:
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How to find affordable car insurance

Having the ability to tow with your vehicle is great, but saving money on car insurance is even better! Whether you use your vehicle for towing or not, you shouldn’t have to pay through the roof for insurance. Car insurance super app
Jerry
can help. 
All you have to do is download the Jerry app, answer a few questions, and Jerry connects you with over 50 of the best insurance providers so you can find the best coverage at the lowest rate. Once you make your pick, Jerry’s team of experts will take care of getting you switched over. That way you can hit the road, trailer in tow, knowing you’re fully covered. 
What’s even better, the average Jerry user saves $887 a year on car insurance! 
“When using
Jerry
, I just put in a bit of information, and they found lots of different quotes for me. I was paying $305 a month for 2 brand-new cars, but now I’m paying $150 a month for both with full coverage!” —Robin U.
Compare insurance quotes from 50+ insurance companies with Jerry in under 45 seconds
Compare insurance quotes from 50+ insurance companies with Jerry in under 45 seconds
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FAQs

The Elantra GT wasn’t designed as a vehicle for towing. If you intend to tow any load over about 500 pounds, you’d be better choosing another vehicle. However, for small loads like a kayak or canoe, the Elantra GT can pull its weight.
The Hyundai Elantra GT may not come standard with a trailer hitch, but there are several aftermarket hitches designed specifically for the Elantra. For example, the Draw-Tite Sportframe Trailer Hitch Class 1 increases the towing capacity of the Elantra GT to 2,000 pounds.
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