With its handsome, rugged styling and 3-row family-hauling capabilities, the 2022 Kia Telluride has fast become one of the most popular midsize SUVs on the market. Beyond just shuttling kids to school and adults to work, many Telluride owners also use their vehicles for weekend adventures, which often involves towing boats, ATVs, campers, and more.
If you’re considering a new 2022 Telluride, understanding its maximum towing capabilities is important. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll break down everything you need to know about how much the Telluride can tow.
Key Takeaways on 2022 Telluride Towing:
- Top-end tow rating of 5,000 pounds
- Factory tow package required on certain trims
- V6 engine and AWD for max towing capacity
- Advanced trailering technologies available
- Tow/Haul drive mode optimizes performance
- Tips for safe towing near the max limit
Whether you just need to hitch up a small utility trailer or want to pull a substantial camper, the 2022 Telluride can handle it. Let’s take a closer look at what gives this 3-row Kia its brawny towing chops.
What is the Maximum Towing Capacity of the 2022 Telluride?
When properly equipped, the 2022 Kia Telluride boasts a maximum towing capacity of 5,000 pounds. This allows it to confidently pull small-to-medium-sized campers, boats, enclosed trailers, ATVs, snowmobiles, and more.
It’s important to note that the top 5,000 lb tow rating only applies to Telluride models with:
- 3.8L V6 engine
- All-wheel drive
- Factory towing package
On FWD models or those without the tow package, capacities drop as low as 2,000 lbs. We’ll break down the towing variances in more detail shortly.
2022 Telluride Towing Capacity by Trim Level
Not all Tellurides offer the same tow rating, even with the V6 and AWD. Towing capacity can vary slightly depending on the trim level:
- LX – 5,000 lbs (with tow package)
- S – 5,000 lbs (with tow package)
- EX – 5,000 lbs (with tow package)
- SX – 5,000 lbs (with tow package)
- SX-Prestige – 5,000 lbs (tow package standard)
The LX, S, and EX require adding the towing package as a standalone option. It comes standard on the SX-Prestige.
Surprisingly, the Telluride Nightfall Edition also has a 5,000 lb tow rating when equipped with AWD despite lacking the tow package.
Telluride Towing Features – Hitch, Wiring & More
Part of what gives the 2022 Telluride its stout towing capabilities is Kia’s available towing package. Here are the key components it adds:
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Class III hitch receiver – Sturdy square receiver allows for use of 2″ hitch balls and ball mounts. Rated for up to 5,000 lbs gross trailer weight.
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7-pin wiring harness – Provides power connections for trailer tail lights, turn signals, and brake lights. 7-pins allow for electric brake integration.
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Transmission cooling – Protects against overheating when towing heavy loads.
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Engine oil cooler – Provides additional engine cooling capability when towing.
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Trailer Sway Control – Uses selective braking to counteract trailer sway if detected.
The tow package also pre-wires the Telluride for an aftermarket electronic trailer brake controller.
How Does the Telluride Tow?
Under the hood, all 2022 Kia Tellurides pack a 3.8-liter naturally aspirated V6 engine. It churns out a healthy 291 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque. The power gets routed through an 8-speed automatic to either the front wheels or available AWD system.
This traditional powertrain provides steady low-end torque for getting heavier loads moving from a stop. The gearing allows the engine to reach peak horsepower at higher RPMs when at highway speeds. It may not win any drag races, but the Telluride V6 has the muscle to confidently manage mid-sized campers and boats near its max rating.
Helping haul heavy loads up to speed and providing control when descending hills, the Telluride also offers:
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Tow/Haul Mode – Optimizes transmission gearing and engine power delivery when towing or hauling a full load. Engages automatically when a trailer is plugged in.
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Downhill Brake Control – Helps maintain a steady low speed when descending steep grades.
Properly set up within its weight limits, most drivers report the Telluride feels planted and secure while towing. The available AWD provides stability and the four-wheel disc brakes deliver strong stopping power.
Is the 2022 Telluride Good for Towing?
The Kia Telluride earns excellent marks when it comes to towing ability. The 5,000 max tow rating is class-competitive and allows owners to bring medium-weight toys and trailers along for weekend getaways. Technologies like the transmission cooler, trailer sway control, and downhill brake assist promote towing confidence.
Just be mindful that reaching the full 5,000 lb towing capacity requires opting for AWD and the factory towing package. Dropping to a lower front-drive trim saves money upfront but limits towing to just 2,000 pounds.
For regular towing needs under 3,500 lbs, the Telluride will perform admirably in any configuration. But targeting the max rating gives you flexibility now and down the road. Overall, the 2022 Telluride strikes an appealing balance between family transportation and weekend adventure.
Is the Telluride Better for Towing than the Palisade?
The Telluride shares its underlying platform and powertrain with the Hyundai Palisade. As such, both SUVs offer a max tow rating of 5,000 pounds when properly equipped. There are no major differences in their base towing capabilities.
In terms of technology, Hyundai does offer a few extra towing convenience features:
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Surround View Monitor – 360-degree camera system aids hitching.
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Smart Trailer Backup Assist – Automates backing up with a trailer.
However, these features are only available on the top Palisade Calligraphy trim. Those extras aside, the Telluride and Palisade are evenly matched when it comes to rated towing chops. Choosing between them likely comes down to styling preferences and pricing.
Towing Safely with the 2022 Telluride
While the 2022 Telluride can tow impressive loads on paper, it’s important to tow responsibly within its limits. Here are some tips:
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Know your max towing capacity – V6, AWD, tow package required for 5,000 lbs.
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Use a weight distribution hitch for heavier trailers.
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Verify trailer and cargo weight stay under limits.
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Load trailer correctly with 60% of cargo weight forward of the axles.
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Adjust driving habits – accelerate and brake smoothly, allow extra distance.
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Properly use safety chains, electric brake controllers, and hitch locks.
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Check tire pressures, wheel bearings, and trailer brake function before each trip.
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Take extra care when backing up – use spotters or backup cameras.
Staying within the Telluride’s ratings and following safe towing practices ensures you’ll get where you’re going reliably. Consult the owner’s manual for full guidelines.
Conclusion
With its sharp styling, premium interior, and generous passenger space, the 2022 Kia Telluride stands out as a 3-row crossover SUV buyers crave. Yet it still retains the versatility for weekend adventure, boasting a max tow rating of 5,000 pounds when properly equipped.
Whether you just need to pull a small utility trailer or want to haul ATVs and a mid-sized camper, the capable Telluride handles it all with composure. Add in high-tech safety systems and attractive pricing, and it’s easy to see why the Telluride is winning over modern families.
