Kia Sorento: Trailer towing: (if equipped)

If you are planning to tow a trailer with your Kia Sorento, your first step should be to check with your local Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) or regional transport authorities to ensure full compliance with all applicable legal requirements and weight classifications.

Because towing laws and licensing regulations vary significantly by region, requirements for hauling trailers, recreational equipment, or other apparatus can differ. For precise guidance tailored to your setup, consult an authorized Kia dealer before hitting the road.

WARNING

Towing a trailer

Improper driving techniques or the use of incorrect towing equipment can lead to a dangerous loss of vehicle control while towing a trailer with your Kia Sorento. For instance, if an attached trailer exceeds safe weight thresholds, your vehicle's braking system may become overwhelmed, resulting in drastically increased stopping distances or complete brake failure. Such scenarios put you, your passengers, and fellow motorists at severe risk of serious or fatal injury. Always verify that you have meticulously followed every preparation step outlined in this manual before attempting to tow.

WARNING

Weight limits

Prior to embarking on any journey involving a towed load, verify that the total trailer weight, gross combination weight rating, gross vehicle weight rating, individual gross axle weight ratings, and trailer tongue load all strictly adhere to the manufacturer-specified limits for your Kia Sorento.

NOTE

The technically permissible maximum load on the rear axles may not exceed 15%, and the technically permissible maximum laden mass of your Kia Sorento may not exceed 10% or 220 lbs (100 kg), whichever value is lower. Do not drive above 60 mph (100 km/h) for category M1 vehicles or 50 mph (80 km/h) for category N1 vehicles.

When towing a trailer, the additional load at the trailer coupling device may exceed the rear tire maximum load ratings, but should not exceed 15%. Do not drive above 60 mph (100 km/h). The rear tire pressure should be at least 0.2 bar (20 kPa) above the recommended tire pressure for normal use of the vehicle (without a trailer attached).

NOTE

Towing a trailer improperly can damage your Kia Sorento and result in costly repairs not covered by your manufacturer warranty. To ensure a safe and mechanically sound towing experience, follow all expert recommendations provided throughout this section.

Your Kia Sorento is fully engineered to handle trailer towing responsibilities. To identify the specific towing capacity and load limits designated for your vehicle model configuration, refer to the official specifications section covering the weight of the trailer.

Keep in mind that towing a heavy load alters the fundamental driving dynamics of your Kia Sorento compared to driving unattached. Hooking up a trailer introduces noticeable changes in vehicle handling, acceleration response, mechanical durability, and fuel economy. Achieving a successful and safe towing experience relies entirely on utilizing correct, high-quality equipment and maintaining heightened situational awareness.

This section contains essential, time-tested safety rules and operational tips designed to protect you and your equipment. Read through these guidelines thoroughly before connecting any trailer to your Kia Sorento.

Critical load-pulling components—including the engine, automatic transmission, wheel hub assemblies, and tires—are subjected to substantially higher stress when fighting against the additional mass and momentum of a trailer. The engine must operate at elevated RPMs and under heavier loads for extended periods, generating significant excess heat within the engine bay and transmission housing. Furthermore, a trailer creates considerable aerodynamic wind resistance, compounding the workload required from your Kia Sorento powertrain.

TIP

Location of trailer mounting

The dedicated factory-engineered mounting points and attachment holes for securing approved trailer hitches are positioned securely on both sides of the underbody structure directly behind the rear tires of your Kia Sorento.

• Hitches
• Safety chains
• Trailer brakes
• Driving with a trailer
• Maintenance when towing a trailer
• If you decide to tow a trailer