2003 Hyundai Santa FE towing capacity
The 2003 Hyundai Santa FE is published in 3 configurations, with tow ratings ranging from 1,200 to 2,700 lb depending on cab, bed, drivetrain, and hitch class. The peak figure (2,700 lb) sits in light utility / small-trailer territory.
The table below lists every trim of the 2003 Hyundai Santa FE with the engine, drivetrain, axle ratio, horsepower, torque, GVWR, curb weight, and payload that go with that trim's headline tow rating. Manufacturers often publish more than one tow figure per truck — a conventional bumper-hitch rating, a weight-distributing rating, and a gooseneck or fifth-wheel rating — so the highest number here is the maximum across all hitch classes the source carries for the trim.
Per-trim breakdown
| Configuration | Engine | HP | Torque | Axle | Tow (lb) | GVWR | Curb | Payload |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sport Utility 4D | 4-Cyl, 2.4 Liter | 138 | 147 | — | 1,200 | — | 3,494 | — |
| GLS Sport Utility 4D | V6, 2.7 Liter | 173 | 182 | — | 2,700 | — | 3,752 | — |
| LX Sport Utility 4D | V6, 3.5 Liter | 195 | 219 | — | 2,700 | — | 3,752 | — |
How to interpret the headline tow figure
Tow ratings at this level are normally achievable with a conventional Class II or Class III receiver hitch. Always verify your vehicle has the manufacturer's tow package installed if you intend to tow at the upper end of the rating, and inspect the door-jamb sticker for the actual maximum permitted on your specific configuration.
How this year compares to 2002
The 2002 Hyundai Santa FE carried a maximum tow rating of 2,700 lb. The 2003 model carries the same headline figure — manufacturers usually leave the rating alone year-over-year unless there's a powertrain or hitch change. See the 2002 Hyundai Santa FE page for the full per-trim breakdown of the prior year.
Other 2003 Hyundai models
The rest of Hyundai's 2003 lineup, ranked by maximum tow rating. Click through for the per-trim breakdown of any of these.
| Model | Max tow (lb) |
|---|---|
| 2003 Hyundai Elantra | 3,086 |
| 2003 Hyundai Santa Fe 2WD | 2,700 |
| 2003 Hyundai Santa Fe 4WD | 2,200 |
| 2003 Hyundai Xg350 | 2,000 |
All figures sourced from manufacturer documentation. See our methodology for how the dataset is compiled. Always confirm against your vehicle's door-jamb sticker before towing.