The table below lists every trim of the 2012 Kia Sorento 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
Base 4dr Front-wheel Drive 175 169 3.74 1,650 3,763 1,771
LX 4dr Front-wheel Drive 175 169 3.91 1,650 3,845 1,689
LX V6 4dr Front-wheel Drive 276 248 3.2 3,500 3,977 1,557
EX 4dr Front-wheel Drive 191 181 3.91 1,650 3,845 1,689
EX V6 4dr Front-wheel Drive 276 248 3.2 3,500 3,977 1,557
SX V6 4dr Front-wheel Drive 276 248 3.2 3,500 3,977 1,557
LX 4dr All-wheel Drive 191 181 3.91 1,650 3,878 1,656
LX V6 4dr All-wheel Drive 276 248 3.2 3,500 4,131 1,403
EX 4dr All-wheel Drive 191 181 3.91 1,650 3,878 1,656
EX V6 4dr All-wheel Drive 276 248 3.2 3,500 4,131 1,403
SX V6 4dr All-wheel Drive 276 248 3.2 3,500 4,131 1,403

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 2011

The 2011 Kia Sorento carried a maximum tow rating of 3,500 lb. The 2012 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 2011 Kia Sorento page for the full per-trim breakdown of the prior year.

Other 2012 Kia models

The rest of Kia's 2012 lineup, ranked by maximum tow rating. Click through for the per-trim breakdown of any of these.

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.