is technically capable of hauling as much as 1,500 kg, but realistically it is not the type of car that does well with a large payload. If you have a lot of towing needs, the Optima may not be the right car for you.

When it comes to buying a car, you should always keep passenger and cargo space in mind. But towing capacity can be just as important, especially if you enjoy outdoor activities that require you to haul something long distances.

The Kia Optima Hybrid might not be the ideal car for towing, but that doesn’t mean it can’t fit your needs with the right preparation. The

car insurance

comparison app

Jerry

is breaking down everything you need to know about the towing capacity of the Kia Optima Hybrid.

How much can a Kia Optima Hybrid tow?

Max towing capacity: 1,500 kg (3,300 pounds)

Engine: 1.6L 4-cyclinder with 139 hp

The Kia Optima offers a visually appealing hybrid option at a relatively affordable price. As you’d expect from a hybrid, the Optima is fuel-efficient and also comes with an easy-to-use infotainment system.

Although the Kia Optima Hybrid is approved for a maximum towing capacity of 1,500 kg, that number may be misleading. The Optima is not the type of vehicle designed with towing in mind and the hybrid version of the car will likely struggle to deal with

loads of that weight

. A weight of around 700 kg, or around 1,500 lb, is a more realistic payload capacity for the vehicle.

Trailer hitches for the Kia Optima Hybrid

The Kia Optima Hybrid does not come standard with a trailer hitch or trailer hitch pin, but you should have no problem locating and installing one of the many aftermarket options. If you’re not sure where to start looking,

try the U-Haul website

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How to calculate the towing capacity you need

Simply towing the towing capacity of your car isn’t nearly as helpful as understanding what that capacity allows it to tow. Although trailers and other objects that are commonly towed vary dramatically in size, looking at their average weight can help you determine what your car can handle.

Here are some things you may be able to tow with a payload capacity of around 3,300 pounds:

A canoe or kayak (600-800 lbs.)

A motorcycle trailer (1000-3000 lbs.)

Multiple dirt bikes (200-300 lbs.)

Whatever you choose to tow, be sure that your load is well under your maximum capacity. This will help to ensure your

vehicle is not damaged

and that you can complete your trip safely.

In addition, never rely on estimates alone. Be sure to measure your entire load before driving and remember to take into account any passengers or cargo riding in your car.

How to increase towing capacity

Unfortunately, there aren’t any ways to significantly increase your Kia Optima Hybrid’s towing capacity. There are, however, some ways that you can reduce the chances of anything breaking down if you do use it for towing:

Add a weight-distribution hitch to reduce the sway of your load

Install stronger axles

Upgrade your brake pads so that they can handle a bigger payload

There is a common misconception that

hybrid cars

are incapable of towing, but that is not the case. If you plan on towing with your Kia Optima Hybrid, be sure not to make any customizations that could reduce the vehicle's towing capacity.

If you have aspirations to tow large trailers or campers, doing so with a Kia Optima Hybrid just isn't realistic. Instead, you may want to consider other Kia models such as the Kia Telluride. The 2022 Telluride has a maximum towing capacity of 5,000 lbs which is quite respectable for an SUV.

MORE:

How to prepare your car to be towed

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FAQs

Is Kia Optima Hybrid a good car for towing?

Although it may be rated to tow up to 1,500kg, the Kia Optima Hybrid is not an ideal car for towing large loads. If you want a Kia with a high towing capacity, consider the Telluride.

Can you put a trailer hitch on a Kia Optima Hybrid?

Yes, it should be quite easy both to find and then install an aftermarket trailer hitch onto your Kia Optima Hybrid.

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