The 2023 Hyundai Palisade is a popular midsize SUV acclaimed for its comfortable ride, spacious interior, and generous list of standard features. However, one key specification many potential buyers want to know is the Palisade’s towing capacity.
As an automotive expert specializing in Hyundai vehicles, I’m often asked, “What is the 2023 Palisade’s towing capacity?” In this detailed guide, I’ll explain everything you need to know about the 2023 Palisade’s towing abilities, limits, and recommendations.
Overview of the 2023 Hyundai Palisade Towing Capacity
The short answer is that the 2023 Hyundai Palisade has a maximum towing capacity of 5,000 lbs when properly equipped with the factory towing package. This allows the Palisade to tow small-to-midsize campers, boats, ATVs, snowmobiles, and utility trailers.
However, maximum towing capacity doesn’t tell the whole story. There are a few important notes and specifics to understand:
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The 5,000 lb tow rating applies to both FWD and AWD Palisade models when equipped with the factory tow package.
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Towing capacity is reduced to 2,000 lbs without the tow package.
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Towing capacity is based on the vehicle being properly equipped and with a driver and minimal gear in the SUV. Heavy loads inside the Palisade can further reduce tow ratings.
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The towing package includes an engine oil cooler, upgraded radiator, and harness.
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Trailer tongue load should be limited to 500 lbs.
Now let’s take a deeper look at what goes into the Palisade’s tow ratings and towing considerations.
Diving Deeper into the 2023 Palisade Towing Capacity
Towing capacity isn’t determined randomly. Engineers carefully calculate a vehicle’s maximum tow rating based on its design, power, braking, and cooling capabilities. There are both human safety and mechanical factors that determine safe tow limits.
Here are some key elements that affect the 2023 Palisade’s tow capacities:
Engine Power
The Palisade utilizes a 3.8L V6 engine that produces 291 hp and 262 lb-ft of torque. This provides adequate low-end torque for towing needs while maintaining lower RPMs for smooth, efficient highway cruising. The V6 provides 18% more horsepower than the 4-cylinder engine in the Santa Fe.
Transmission
An 8-speed automatic transmission is standard on all Palisade models. The gearing allows the engine to stay in the optimal powerband when towing and ascending grades. The transmission also has a tow/haul mode to improve performance when towing.
Chassis and Suspension
The Palisade utilizes a unibody chassis for car-like comfort and handling, while maintaining sufficient body rigidity for towing stability. The front strut and rear multi-link suspension is specially tuned to provide load-leveling capabilities when towing and hauling.
Braking System
All Palisades come standard with 4-wheel antilock disc brakes and electronic brake-force distribution. The integrated trailer brake controller works in tandem with the trailer brakes for smooth, balanced braking power.
Cooling Systems
The factory tow package includes an upgraded transmission fluid cooler, larger radiator, and supplemental engine oil cooler. This provides the extra cooling capacity needed when towing in hot conditions or challenging terrain.
Trailer Sway Control
A built-in trailer sway control system uses selective wheel braking to counteract dangerous trailer sway if it occurs. This important safety system comes standard on the Palisade.
Wiring Harness
The factory tow package includes a 4-pin wiring harness to connect trailer lighting and charge a trailer battery. A 7-pin harness is optional.
Vehicle Load Limits
Even with the robust towing capabilities, the Palisade still has total vehicle weight limits. Towing capacity accounts for the SUV, passengers, and cargo. Exceeding the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) or Gross Combined Weight Rating (GCWR) can be dangerous.
What Can You Tow with the 2023 Palisade?
Now that we’ve reviewed the vehicle’s towing equipment and capabilities, what types of trailers and toys can you actually tow with the new Palisade? Here are some examples, along with their typical weight ranges:
- Small pop-up camper: 2,500-4,000 lbs
- Lightweight travel trailer: 3,000-5,000 lbs
- Fishing boat: 1,500-3,500 lbs
- Pontoon boat: 3,000-5,000 lbs
- ATV on trailer: 1,500-3,000 lbs
- Motorcycle on trailer: 800-1,500 lbs
- Small utility trailer: 750-2,500 lbs
- 2-3 snowmobiles on trailer: 1,000-2,500 lbs
As you can see, the Palisade’s robust 5,000 lb tow rating allows you to haul many common trailers and recreational gear. But the vehicle may not be ideal for larger 5th wheel RVs or heavy boats over 20 feet. Always double-check your trailer specs to ensure you remain within the Palisade’s safe towing capacities.
Towing Tips and Recommendations
While the Hyundai Palisade can certainly tow impressively heavy loads on paper, I always recommend my customers exercise caution and understand real-world towing dynamics:
- Ensure your Palisade has the factory tow package for maximum tow rating. Don’t exceed 2,000 lbs without it.
- Consider a weight distribution hitch for improved stability and level towing. This transfers tongue weight to the front axle.
- Never exceed the 500 lb tongue weight recommendation. Excessive tongue weight reduces steering response.
- Account for passengers and cargo as part of overall vehicle loading. Reduced tow capacity accordingly.
- Use lower tow/haul gearing mode when available. This improves power delivery when accelerating and descending grades.
- Monitor transmission temperature in challenging conditions. If overheating occurs, take a break to allow cooling.
- Adjust side mirrors to fully visualize the trailer and surrounding traffic.
- Allow extra braking distance compared to unloaded driving.
- Reduce speed and use caution during cornering with a loaded trailer.
- Check trailer lights, tires, and wheel bearings before each trip.
- Verify safety chains are properly connected.
- Practice maneuvers like backing up, parking, and tight turns in low-risk areas until comfortable.
- Ensure your trailer’s GVWR, GCWR, and hitch ratings do not exceed the vehicle’s rated capacities.
While the Palisade makes towing easier than ever, it’s still a big responsibility. Keeping your SUV and trailer well-maintained while driving carefully will ensure maximum safety and enjoyment.
Comparing the Palisade Towing Capacity to Other Hyundai SUVs
To give additional context around the Palisade’s tow ratings, here’s a quick comparison to Hyundai’s other SUV models:
2023 Hyundai Tucson: 1,500 lb max towing capacity
2023 Hyundai Santa Fe: 3,500 lb max towing capacity
2023 Hyundai Palisade: 5,000 lb max towing capacity
2023 Hyundai Nexo: 2,000 lb max towing capacity
As you can see, the midsize Palisade offers substantially more towing muscle than Hyundai’s smaller and larger SUV models. Only the full-size Toyota Sequoia, Chevrolet Tahoe, and Ford Expedition can best the Palisade’s tow ratings in this segment.
Frequently Asked Palisade Towing Questions
I’m often asked additional questions by customers about getting the most out of the Palisade’s towing abilities. Here are some of the most common questions and answers:
Does tongue weight reduce towing capacity?
Yes, exceeding the 500 lb tongue weight limit requires subtracting that overloaded weight from the total tow rating. Tongue weight is factored into overall vehicle loading.
Does the Palisade need the towing package to get the 5,000 lb rating?
Yes, maximum towing of 5,000 lbs requires getting the factory tow package on the Palisade. Tow rating drops to 2,000 lbs without it.
What is the Palisade’s towing capacity for an unbraked trailer?
Towing capacity is reduced to 1,000 lb for an unbraked trailer. Always use braked trailers when exceeding 1,000 lbs.
Can the Palisade tow 5,000 lbs safely?
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