The 2023 Kia Telluride’s towing capacity is one of the most commonly asked questions among potential buyers. As a rugged yet refined midsize SUV, the Telluride needs to balance family hauling duties with some moderate towing capabilities. At Antich Automotive, we aim to provide a detailed overview of the 2023 Telluride’s towing specs, capabilities, equipment, tips and configurations.
2023 Telluride Towing Capacity
The 2023 Kia Telluride has a maximum towing capacity of 5,000 lbs when properly equipped with the available factory tow package. This allows the Telluride to tow small-to-midsize campers, boats, ATVs, snowmobiles, enclosed trailers and more.
The 5,000 lb tow rating applies to all Telluride trim levels when equipped with the towing package. This includes the LX, S, EX, SX and SX-Prestige trims.
Here is a quick rundown of the 2023 Telluride towing capacities:
- Maximum Towing Capacity: 5,000 lbs
- Minimum Towing Capacity: 2,000 lbs
- Standard Towing Capacity: 3,500 lbs
To achieve the max 5,000 lb rating, the available tow package must be equipped. Without the tow package, towing is limited to 3,500 lbs.
Towing Features and Equipment
In order to handle moderate towing duties, the Telluride SUV must be equipped with the following factory towing features:
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Tow Package – This is the key requirement to unlock the max 5,000 lb tow rating. It includes an engine oil cooler, upgraded radiator, upgraded fan coupling and integrated trailer brake controller. This package is available on all trims for $795 MSRP from the factory.
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Class III Trailer Hitch – The hitch has a maximum tongue weight of 500 lbs and provides a standard 2″ receiver for attaching ball mounts and bike racks. Included with the tow package.
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Load Leveling Rear Shocks – Helps maintain proper ride height when towing or hauling heavy loads. Only available on SX and SX-Prestige trims equipped with the tow package.
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7-Pin Wiring Harness – Provides a plug-and-play electrical connection for trailer lights and brake controls. Included with tow package.
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Transmission Cooler – An auxiliary transmission oil cooler prevents overheating when towing. It is integrated into the radiator on models equipped with the tow package.
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Upgraded Brake System – Models with the tow package get high-performance brakes for improved stopping power under load. Includes ventilated front rotors and twin-piston front calipers.
Towing Capacity By Trim Level
The 2023 Kia Telluride towing capacity remains consistent across all trim levels when properly equipped:
| Trim Level | Towing Capacity |
|---|---|
| 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 (with tow package) |
As you can see, the max tow rating does not change based on trim. The key is opting for the factory tow package to unlock the full 5,000 lb capacity.
Without the tow package, capacity is limited to 3,500 lbs on all trims.
Towing Tips and Guidelines
While the Telluride can tow up to 5,000 lbs when properly equipped, there are some important towing tips to keep in mind:
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Do not exceed tongue weight rating – The Telluride’s max tongue/hitch weight is 500 lbs. Exceeding this can impact handling and braking.
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Use a weight distribution hitch – This transfers tongue weight to the front axle for better stability and control when towing heavier loads near capacity.
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Load trailer correctly – Distribute weight appropriately so the tongue weight falls within the acceptable range of 10-15% of total trailer weight.
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Adjust driving habits – Towing requires more gradual acceleration and braking as well as extra room for turning and stopping. Engage tow/haul mode for optimized transmission gearing.
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Check trailer lights and brakes – Ensure all electrical connections are working and trailer brakes are properly adjusted and synchronized with the controller.
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Verify all towing equipment – Use appropriate ball size, safety chains, electrical connectors and torque all hitches/mounts to spec. Check tire pressure on truck and trailer.
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Stay within GCWR – The max Gross Combined Weight Rating is 9,800 lbs for a properly equipped Telluride, including passengers, cargo, and the trailer itself.
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Use rearview camera – The wide-angle camera makes hitching up trailers much easier. Enlist a spotter to guide you.
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Verify local towing laws – Some states require certain permits, inspections or auxiliary equipment like side mirrors for heavier trailers. Always check regulations.
Ideal Uses for Telluride Towing
Thanks to its robust V6 engine, nimble chassis and array of towing features, the 2023 Kia Telluride can handle a wide range of moderate towing needs:
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Small travel trailers, pop-up campers and teardrop trailers – Perfect for weekend getaways and camping trips. Stick with lightweight trailers under 3,500 lbs capacity.
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Enclosed cargo trailers – The large SUV has room to tow enclosed trailers for gear, motorcycles, lawn equipment, band equipment and other cargo. Double check trailer width.
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Boats and personal watercraft – The Telluride can tow most 18-21 foot boats including bowriders, bass boats, pontoons, and jet boats weighing less than 4,000 lbs.
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ATVs and powersports – Small and mid-size ATVs, side-by-sides, jet skis and snowmobiles are well within the Telluride’s tow rating. Use a tilt-bed trailer and ramp for easy loading.
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Car trailer – Capable of towing a small single-axle car trailer for transporting a mid-size car or pickup for local service and storage.
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Construction, lawn equipment – Good for hauling lighter utility trailers with landscaping, contracting or construction equipment weighing under 5,000 lbs total.
While it can tow a wide range of smaller trailers with ease, the Telluride is not ideal for towing larger 5th wheels, travel trailers, horse trailers or especially heavy equipment. For larger towing needs, a heavy-duty pickup is a better fit.
Towing Technology and Safety Features
Tow hauling requires special technologies and safety considerations. Here are some of the key towing tech features of the 2023 Telluride:
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Trailer Sway Control – Uses ABS and stability control sensors to detect and mitigate trailer sway caused by improper loading, wind gusts and passing trucks. Can apply individual wheel braking to stabilize the sway.
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Surround View Camera – Provides a top-down view around the vehicle to easily maneuver and park when connected to a trailer. Helpful for lining up hitch and spotting obstacles.
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Smart Cruise Control with Stop and Go – Adaptive cruise takes the hassle out of maintaining consistent speed and distance when towing on highways. Includes stop-and-go capability.
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Blind Spot Collision Warning – Warns drivers if turn signals are activated when a vehicle is detected in the blind spot to help avoid collisions when changing lanes with a trailer.
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Rear Cross Traffic Alert – Provides alerts about approaching cross traffic when slowly backing up with a trailer attached to make hitching and launching easier.
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Trailer Light Check – Automatically monitors trailer light connections and alerts the driver of any shorts, bad fuses or faulty connections.
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Rear Occupant Alert – Helps prevent forgetting to offload rear cargo or trailer contents by reminding the driver to check the rear seats before exiting.
Towing Packages and Costs
There are a few different ways potential buyers can equip a Telluride for optimal towing:
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Factory Tow Package – As outlined above, this comprehensive package adds the required gear for max towing and costs $795 from Kia. It includes the hitch, wiring, transmission cooler, brake controller and upgraded radiator fan/coupler.
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Dealer-Installed Hitch – Those who don’t require the full tow package can opt for just the hitch receiver and wiring from the dealer for around $400-600. Towing is limited to 3,500 lbs.
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Aftermarket Hitch – Owners can purchase a basic Class III hitch, wiring harness and controls from a local towing equipment retailer for self-installation. This will also limit max capacity to 3,500 lbs without the cooling upgrades. Cost around $600-800 for parts
