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2021 Kia Sorento towing capacity

Max tow rating

3,500lb

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Trailer check

Yes. 2,800 lb is within 80% of the rating.

Tow rating
3,500 lb
80% rule
Up to 2,800 lb
Margin
700 lb (20%)
Hitch class needed
II, up to 3,500 lb
Share of curb weight
70% of 3,999 lb

Within the 85% curb weight guideline.

Expect 20-40% lower mpg when towing: 15-20 mpg.

05,00010,00015,000Teardrop camperUtility trailerPop-up camperBoat on a trailerSmall travel trailerMid-size travel trailerCar on a car haulerLarge travel trailerFifth wheel80%: 2,800 lbRating: 3,500 lb
Pounds. Blue: fits under 2,800 lb, 80% of the rating. Orange: lighter ones fit. Grey: too heavy.

What it can pull

Rule: keep the trailer at 80% of the rating or less.

Max tow rating
3,500 lb
80% of the rating
2,800 lb
Hitch class at max
II, up to 3,500 lb
What it can pull at 2,800 lb
TrailerLoaded weightFits
Teardrop camper1,000 to 2,500 lbYes
Utility trailer1,000 to 3,000 lbSome, up to 2,800 lb
Pop-up camper1,500 to 3,000 lbSome, up to 2,800 lb
Boat on a trailer2,000 to 6,000 lbSome, up to 2,800 lb
Small travel trailer3,000 to 5,000 lbNo
Mid-size travel trailer5,000 to 7,500 lbNo
Car on a car hauler5,500 to 7,500 lbNo
Large travel trailer7,500 to 10,000 lbNo
Fifth wheel10,000 to 16,000 lbNo

Trailer weights are typical loaded weights.

Tow rating by trim

Cheapest at 3,500 lb: EX FWD, $34,990.

2021 Kia Sorento tow rating by trim
TrimEngineDrivetrainTow ratingCurb weightMSRP
EX FWD2.5LFWD3,500 lb3,999 lb$34,990
EX AWD2.5L 4cylAWD3,500 lb3,825 lb to 4,120 lb$36,790
SX FWD2.5LFWD3,500 lb3,999 lb$37,990
SX AWD2.5L 4cylAWD3,500 lb3,825 lb to 4,120 lb$39,790
SX Prestige FWD2.5LFWD3,500 lb3,999 lb$40,590
SX-Prestige FWD2.5L 4cylFWD3,500 lb3,999 lb$40,950
SX Prestige X-Line AWD2.5LAWD3,500 lb3,825 lb to 4,120 lb$42,590
SX-Prestige X-Line AWD2.5L 4cylAWD3,500 lb3,825 lb to 4,120 lb$42,950
LX FWD2.5L 4cylFWD2,000 lb3,794 lb$29,390
LX AWD2.5LAWD2,000 lb3,935 lb$31,190
S FWD2.5LFWD2,000 lb3,794 lb$31,890
Hybrid S FWD1.6L 4cylFWD2,000 lb3,979 lb$33,590
S AWD2.5L 4cylAWD2,000 lb3,935 lb$33,690
Hybrid EX FWD1.6L 4cylFWD2,000 lb3,979 lb$36,590

Max rating by year

01,0002,0003,0004,0005,0002009201320162019202220252026
Highest rating each year, 2009 to 2026. Pounds.
  • Changed in 2011: 5,000 lb to 3,500 lb.
  • Changed in 2016: 3,500 lb to 5,000 lb.
  • Changed in 2021: 5,000 lb to 3,500 lb.
  • Changed in 2025: 3,500 lb to 4,500 lb.

Rivals: max tow rating

2021 rivals by max tow rating
ModelMax tow ratingCheapest trim at maxMSRP
Kia Telluride5,000 lbLX FWD$32,190
Toyota Highlander5,000 lbL FWD$35,085
Kia Sorento (this car)3,500 lbEX FWD$34,990
Hyundai Santa Fe3,500 lbLimited FWD$38,750
Kia Sportage1,653 lbLX AWD$25,590
Hyundai Tucson1,000 lbSE AWD$25,100

Lists by trailer weight

Other models rated for these weights.

What this cannot tell you

Ratings need the right hitch and tow package.

Passengers and cargo count against the payload.

How values are checked