The Kia Sorento is a popular midsize SUV that offers families space, comfort, and versatility. With available seating for up to 7 passengers and ample cargo room, the Sorento can easily accommodate people, luggage, and gear for adventures. One key feature for many SUV owners is towing capability – being able to tow a boat, camper, ATVs, or other recreational equipment. So what is the Kia Sorento’s towing capacity and how does it stack up against competitor models? Let’s take a closer look.
Overview of Kia Sorento Towing Capacities
The towing capacity of the Kia Sorento varies depending on the specific trim level, drivetrain configuration, and whether an optional towing package is equipped. Here is a quick rundown of the maximum towing capacities by Sorento model and year:
- 2022 Kia Sorento: 3,500 lbs (front-wheel drive models); 5,000 lbs (all-wheel drive models with towing package)
- 2021 Kia Sorento: 3,500 lbs
- 2020 Kia Sorento: 3,500 lbs
- 2019 Kia Sorento: 3,500 lbs
- 2018 Kia Sorento: 3,500 lbs
- 2017 Kia Sorento: 3,500 lbs
As you can see, most Sorento models over the last several years have had a standard towing capacity of 3,500 lbs. However, for the 2022 model year, Kia introduced an available heavy-duty towing package for AWD models only, pushing the max tow rating to 5,000 lbs. This package includes an engine oil cooler, upgraded radiator, and revised suspension tuning to handle heavier loads.
How Kia Sorento Towing Compares to Other Midsize SUVs
The Kia Sorento sits in the heart of the hotly contested midsize SUV segment, competing with models like the Toyota Highlander, Honda Pilot, Nissan Pathfinder, Ford Explorer, and Chevrolet Traverse. Here’s how the Sorento’s max tow rating stacks up against key rivals:
- Toyota Highlander – 5,000 lbs
- Honda Pilot – 5,000 lbs
- Nissan Pathfinder – 6,000 lbs
- Ford Explorer – 5,300 to 5,600 lbs
- Chevrolet Traverse – 5,000 lbs
The Sorento’s 3,500-lb tow rating is decent, but trails most competitors when not equipped with the heavier-duty towing package. However, the 2022 Sorento AWD with the max towing setup matches or exceeds all but the Pathfinder. Overall, the Sorento offers competitive towing capabilities for a midsize crossover SUV.
Towing Features and Technology
To provide safe, stable towing, the Kia Sorento offers several helpful features and technologies:
- Trailer-Sway Control – monitors for trailer sway and automatically applies brakes to help control and stabilize the vehicle
- Surround-View Monitor – 360-degree camera system helps when hooking up a trailer
- Smart Power Liftgate – opens with hands-free activation for easier access to cargo area
- Tow/Haul Mode – adjusted transmission shift points and throttle response when towing
- Trailer Light Check – performs an automatic check of connected trailer lights
- Blind Spot View Monitor – displays video feed in instrument cluster of adjacent lanes when using turn signals
New for 2022, the Sorento’s available towing package also adds:
- Upgraded radiator cooling fan
- Transmission oil cooler
- Revised suspension tuning
These features allow drivers to tow heavy loads with greater confidence and control.
Kia Sorento Towing Capacity by Year and Model
Now let’s take a more detailed look at how towing capacity varies across different model years and trims of the Kia Sorento:
2022 Kia Sorento Towing Capacity
- FWD models – 3,500 lbs max towing capacity
- AWD models – 3,500 lbs standard; 5,000 lbs with optional Towing Package
The biggest change for 2022 was the new optional towing package for AWD Sorentos, pushing max capacity to 5,000 lbs from 3,500. This also added transmission cooling, upgraded radiator fan, and revised suspension.
2021 Kia Sorento Towing Capacity
- All models – 3,500 lbs max towing capacity
No changes for 2021. Max towing remained at 3,500 lbs across all trims and drivetrains.
2020 Kia Sorento Towing Capacity
- All models – 3,500 lbs max towing capacity
The 2020 Sorento also retained the max 3,500-lb tow rating. No heavy-duty towing package was available.
2019 Kia Sorento Towing Capacity
- All models – 3,500 lbs max towing capacity
Again, no changes for 2019 with towing capped at 3,500 lbs.
2018 Kia Sorento Towing Capacity
- All models – 3,500 lbs max towing capacity
Max towing capacity continued to stay at 3,500 lbs for all 2018 Sorento variants.
2017 Kia Sorento Towing Capacity
- All models – 3,500 lbs max towing capacity
Going back to the 2017 model year, the story remains the same – 3,500 lbs was the highest tow rating offered.
Towing Tips for Kia Sorento Owners
If you own a Kia Sorento and plan to do some towing, here are some useful tips to follow:
- Do not exceed vehicle’s max tow rating – overloading can compromise braking and handling
- Use a weight-distributing hitch for heavier loads – helps maintain control and stability
- Load trailer correctly – heavier items toward front, double-check tongue weight
- Adjust side mirrors – essential for visibility when towing
- Allow extra stopping distance – increases with added trailer weight
- Take turns wider – trailer tracking needs extra room
- Use lower gears on grades – prevent transmission strain and overheating
- Check trailer lights and connections – confirm proper function before each trip
- Inflate tires to max pressure – helps handle the added weight
- Bring tools/supplies for roadside issues – could need hitch balls, electrical items, jacks, etc
Properly preparing your Sorento and trailer, driving conservatively, and avoiding overloading will lead to secure, trouble-free towing.
Adding an Aftermarket Towing Package
Owners of older Sorento models without the max towing package have some options for increasing capacity. Certain aftermarket companies offer towing upgrade packages that can safely boost your tow rating to 4,500 lbs or more. These kits include:
- Heavy-duty hitch receiver and ball mount
- Adjustable trailer brake controller
- Transmission cooler
- Upgraded suspension components
- Electrical harness for trailer lights
Kits from Draw-Tite, Hidden Hitch, and CURT are popular options that allow you to safely pull heavier trailers and better control sway. Ensure proper installation and confirm warranties are still valid before towing.
Key Takeaways on Kia Sorento Towing Capacity
The Kia Sorento delivers competitive midsize SUV towing capabilities:
- Most models over the years have had 3,500 lbs capacity
- New for 2022, AWD models can tow up to 5,000 lbs with tow package
- Handles trailer weight reliably when equipped properly
- Offer helpful towing tech features for safety and control
- Aftermarket kits can add capacity for older models
- Follow proper guidelines for secure towing performance
With seating for up to 7 and ample cargo versatility, the Sorento remains a strong choice for an SUV that can pull its weight when needed. Understanding your specific model’s factory tow rating – and exploring options to enhance it – allows you to take full advantage of the Sorento’s well-rounded functional capabilities.
