Posted on May 5, 2025
Towing capability has become essential for SUV buyers across Canada, whether for weekend adventures with boats and campers or practical needs like moving equipment and trailers. Kia has developed a robust lineup of SUVs engineered to handle substantial hauling requirements while maintaining the comfort, technology, and efficiency the brand has become known for.
2025 Blue Kia EV6
The Kia SUV portfolio offers hauling capacities ranging from 750 kg to an impressive 2,495 kg, depending on the specific model and configuration. These capabilities have purpose-built features including trailer stability assist systems, integrated trailer pre-wiring, available self-levelling suspensions, and specialized drive modes designed to optimize performance when hauling heavy loads.
The Telluride X-Pro stands at the pinnacle of the Kia towing hierarchy with an impressive 2,495 kg maximum capacity, making it capable of handling substantial campers, boats, and utility trailers. This capability comes courtesy of its naturally aspirated 3.8L V6 GDI engine producing 291 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque, paired with a refined 8-speed automatic transmission.
The X-Pro trim enhances this foundation with 18-inch black alloy wheels fitted with all-terrain tires and a specialized tow mode that optimizes power delivery and transmission behaviour specifically for hauling heavy loads. This combination creates a towing experience that feels confident and controlled, even when handling maximum loads.
The all-electric EV9 in Long Range AWD configuration offers a remarkable 2,267 kg towing capacity, matching the conventional Telluride's capabilities from an entirely different technological approach. This capability comes from the EV9’s dual electric motors generating a combined 379 horsepower and an impressive 516 lb-ft of near-instantaneous torque.
The EV9 represents a compelling option with zero tailpipe emissions and substantial hauling ability for drivers transitioning to electric vehicles who won't compromise on towing needs. The instant torque delivery characteristic of electric motors provides exceptionally smooth and confident hauling performance, particularly when starting from a standstill or climbing steep grades.
The Sorento rounds out the heavy-duty lineup with its X-Pro trim delivering 2,041 kg of towing capacity, powered by a 2.5L turbocharged 4-cylinder GDI engine generating 281 horsepower and 311 lb-ft of torque. This powertrain uses an 8-speed wet-type dual-clutch automatic transmission engineered to handle substantial loads while maintaining responsive performance.
All three of these high-capacity models come standard with trailer stability assist systems that detect and help correct potential trailer sway before it becomes problematic, integrated trailer pre-wiring for simplified hookups, and all-wheel drive systems that optimize traction across varied surfaces.
For drivers with moderate towing requirements, the Sorento X-Line provides a substantial 1,588 kg capacity, making it suitable for smaller campers, personal watercraft, and utility trailers. This capability comes from the same potent 2.5L turbocharged engine found in the X-Pro model, but with a different suspension calibration focused on balancing on-road comfort with respectable hauling performance.
Standard Telluride models deliver exceptional credentials with a 2,267 kg capacity across all non-X-Pro trims. This consistent capability throughout the lineup means buyers can select their preferred comfort and technology features without sacrificing towing performance.
The standard Telluride combines practicality with premium features, offering the same powerful 3.8L V6 GDI engine as the X-Pro but with wheel and tire combinations optimized for everyday comfort and efficiency. This makes it an excellent choice for families needing serious hauling capability without compromising daily driving refinement.
The EV6 electric crossover joins the Kia towing-capable lineup with a respectable 1,225 kg maximum capacity in its Land AWD configuration. This capability comes from the EV6’s dual electric motors, which deliver 320 kW of power and 446 lb-ft of torque for confident towing performance.
What makes the EV6 particularly suited to towing duties is its 800V electrical architecture, which enables ultra-fast charging, regaining up to 80% battery capacity in just 20 minutes at compatible 350kW stations. This rapid recharging ability proves especially valuable when hauling, which naturally increases energy consumption.
The EV6 comes standard with trailer pre-wiring and trailer stability assist systems in its AWD configurations, underlining its serious towing credentials despite its sleek, sporty appearance.
For lighter towing needs, the Sportage offers up to 1,134 kg of capacity from its 2.5L 4-cylinder engine, producing 187 horsepower and 178 lb-ft of torque. Available in both front-wheel and all-wheel drive configurations, the Sportage provides a balanced approach to utility, offering respectable hauling capacity in a more compact and fuel-efficient package.
The Sportage’s available X-Line trim enhances its off-road capability with design elements that complement its functionality. It is an excellent choice for outdoor enthusiasts who need to tow smaller loads like dirt bikes, kayaks, or small utility trailers.
All these mid-range options include thoughtful features designed specifically for towing applications. The available surround view monitor system provides clear visibility around the vehicle and trailer during low-speed maneuvers, particularly valuable when backing up or navigating tight spaces with a trailer attached.
On higher trim levels, the blind spot monitoring systems are calibrated to account for the additional length when towing. The drive mode selectors include specialized terrain modes on AWD models, optimizing power delivery, transmission behaviour, and electronic stability controls for confident hauling across varied driving conditions.
The electrified Kia SUV lineup brings a fresh perspective to towing by combining capable pulling power with exceptional efficiency. The Sportage HEV and PHEV models both offer a 907 kg capacity, powered by a hybrid system featuring a 1.6L turbocharged engine paired with electric motors.
The hybrid version generates a combined 227 horsepower, while the plug-in hybrid produces 261 horsepower, delivering 258 lb-ft of torque—ideal for pulling small trailers while maintaining impressive fuel economy.
The Sorento HEV continues the efficient towing approach with a 1.6L Turbo HEV powertrain that combines a gasoline engine with a permanent magnet synchronous motor. This system produces a combined 227 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque, delivered through a 6-speed automatic transmission to all four wheels.
With a hauling capacity between 750 and 907 kg, the Sorento HEV balances utility efficiently, achieving an impressive 7.0/6.9 L/100km city/highway fuel consumption rating even when equipped for towing.
The Sorento PHEV takes the electrified towing concept further with its plug-in hybrid system. Generating 261 combined horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque, this model can tow between 750 and 907 kg while offering an all-electric range of up to 48 kilometers.
This dual-capability allows owners to handle daily commutes with zero emissions, then seamlessly transition to hybrid operation for weekend towing adventures without range anxiety.
What sets these electrified models apart is their instant torque delivery, which provides confident pulling power from a standstill, often the most challenging part of towing. The regenerative braking systems on these vehicles also offer an advantage when hauling downhill, helping to control speed while simultaneously recharging the battery system.
When towing with the plug-in hybrid models, drivers can travel up to 55 kilometres in all-electric mode for daily driving, then seamlessly transition to hybrid operation for longer journeys. This dual-nature capability means these vehicles are zero-emission commuters and weekend adventure enablers with minimal compromise.
The sophisticated power management systems in these electrified models continuously optimize between gasoline and electric power sources to maintain stable, consistent performance regardless of load.
For Kia SUV buyers, the towing experience extends beyond raw capacity numbers to include thoughtfully designed features that make the process simpler and safer. From the integrated trailer pre-wiring that simplifies electrical connections to the advanced driver assistance systems calibrated to function effectively with trailers attached, these vehicles reflect a comprehensive approach to hauling functionality.
By matching the right model to specific needs, drivers can find the ideal balance of capability, efficiency, and technology for their unique requirements:
The diversity within the Kia SUV lineup ensures that virtually any requirement can be met, whether it’s hauling a substantial camper with the Telluride X-Pro, pulling a boat with zero emissions using the EV9, or pulling a small utility trailer while maximizing fuel efficiency with one of the hybrid models.
The engineering focus on creating stable, confident towing experiences through purpose-built features like trailer stability assist, specialized drive modes, and optimized suspensions means these vehicles deliver on their promised capabilities without compromising the driving experience.
As recreational towing continues to grow in popularity across Canada, this attention to the complete experience, not just the maximum capacity numbers, represents a thoughtful approach to meeting real-world needs in all driving conditions.
The Kia SUV lineup demonstrates how modern utility vehicles can serve as both practical solutions and sophisticated family transportation, combining work-ready capabilities with the comfort, technology, and efficiency expected in contemporary vehicles. Whether you need to tow occasionally or regularly, there’s a Kia SUV engineered to meet your specific hauling requirements with confidence and capability.
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Categories: Kia