ranges from 2,000 pounds for the standard 2.5L four-cylinder engine up to 3,500 pounds with the turbocharged 2.5L four-cylinder engine, which can be enhanced by adding Kia’s tow package.

Whether you’re an avid camper or like to help your mates move, having a good towing capacity on your vehicle can come in handy. Most new models of SUVs have a relatively good towing capacity, but the exact amount of pull weight is determined by several factors, including engine power and size, transmission, drivetrain (AWD or FWD), and the total weight of your vehicle.

The 2022 Kia Sorento SX comes standard with an impressive number of features, one of which is towing capability. But if you’re looking to tow with your Sorento and aren’t sure about the weight capacities,

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is here to break it down for you. We’ll cover the maximum towing capacity of the Sorento SX, how to determine your towing capacity needs, and the best tips to maximize your Sorento’s pulling power.

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How much can a Kia Sorento SX tow?

Base towing capacity: 2,000 pounds

Maximum towing capacity: 3,500 pounds

Engines: 191-hp 2.5L DOHC 4-cylinder engine or 281-hp turbocharged 2.5L DOHC 4-cylinder engine

The 2022 Kia Sorento SX offers a totally different vehicle than the previous models with its revamped exterior. Another big change: the towing capacity. While the 2021 Sorento was equipped with a 2.5L turbocharged four-cylinder engine and the tow package could pull up to 5,000 pounds, the 2022 Sorento SX has seen a drop in maximum towing capacity to just 3,500 pounds with the upgraded engine.

Here’s how the different engines available for the Sorento SX affect towing performance.

2.5L DOHC 4-cylinder engine:

191 hp and 181 lb-ft of torque

8-speed automatic transmission

Maximum towing capacity: 2,000 lbs

Turbocharged 2.5L DOHC 4-cylinder engine:

281 hp and 311 lb-ft of torque

8-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission

Maximum towing capacity: 3,500 lbs

Trailer hitches for the Kia Sorento SX

If you’re going to tow with your Sorento SX, you’ll need to attach a trailer hitch. Don’t worry—it is pretty simple. If your SUV doesn’t come with a hitch, you can purchase one from the Kia dealership or invest in an aftermarket hitch like the

CURT Manufacturing Class 3 Trailer Hitch

that has a 3,500-pound towing capacity and a 350-pound maximum tongue weight.

It’s also recommended to upgrade to the tow package, which includes:

Locking center differential and torque vectoring cornering control (TVCC)

Blind spot collision warning

Rear cross-traffic collision warning

Electronic stability control

Traction control system

Hill-start assist control

MORE:

How to install a tow bar

How to calculate the towing capacity you need

The Kia Sorento SX may be capable of towing a good size load, but it’s important to make sure that the total weight you’re hauling does not exceed the maximum towing capacity of your vehicle.

Here are some examples of items you can tow with the Kia Sorento SX.

2.5L inline 4-cylinder engine (2,000 lbs.):

Kayak/canoe trailer (200 to 800 lbs.)

Small enclosed utility trailer, empty (400 to 1,800 lbs.)

Small open utility trailer, empty (300 to 1,100 lbs.)

2.5L turbocharged inline 4-cylinder engine (3,500 lbs.):

ATV trailer (600 to 3,000 lbs.)

Teardrop trailer, empty (500 to 3,200 lbs.)

Pop-up camper, empty (1,400 to 3,000 lbs.)

Remember that towing weights aren’t going to be consistent between items, so it’s important to calculate the total weight of your load and hitch when fully loaded before hitting the road. You also must account for passengers and cargo inside your haul, if applicable.

How to increase towing capacity

Opting for the turbo 2.5L engine may give you an additional 1,500 pounds of towing capacity, but if it’s still not quite enough, there are a few things you can do to boost your max. Here are some tips to help maximize your Sorento’s towing capacity:

Upgrade your hitch to a class higher (from class 3 to 4)

Add a weight-distribution hitch that uses spring bars to improve the distribution

Upgrade to larger brake pads and rotors

Increase the size of your radiator to support more efficient engine cooling

Upgrade to heavy-duty axles to increase the gross axle weight rating (GAWR)

But remember that manufacturers provide a maximum towing capacity for safety, so it’s not recommended to exceed your vehicle’s towing capacity by over 1,000 pounds.

If the towing capacity of your Kia Sorento SX isn’t sufficient to support your towing needs, it may be time to consider upgrading to a vehicle with more towing power. If you’re looking for a vehicle of comparable size, the

Dodge Durango R/T

offers a massive 8,700-pound towing capacity, while the

Nissan Pathfinder SL

can haul up to 6,000 pounds.

MORE:

Why you should consider an SUV over a sedan

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How to find affordable car insurance

If you’re planning to haul a trailer with your Kia Sorento this summer, you’ll want to make sure your car insurance is in tow, too. That means getting the appropriate coverage to keep you protected on the road. Finding cheap car insurance used to be tough—but not anymore with

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FAQs

Is the Kia Sorento SX good for towing?

With up to a 3,500-pound towing capacity, the Kia Sorento SX offers a good amount of power to tow an ATV or small fishing boat. However, if you’re looking to pull larger items like a utility trailer or camper, you may want to consider upgrading to a larger SUV with a higher towing capacity like the Nissan Pathfinder SL.

Can you put a trailer hitch on a Kia Sorento SX?

Yes—although the Kia Sorento doesn’t come standard with a trailer hitch, there are several aftermarket options like the

CURT Manufacturing 13073 Class 3 Trailer Hitch

that can pull up to 3,500 lbs. You’ll also want to make sure you upgrade to the towing package if you’re planning to haul a trailer.

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