2021 Kia Sorento towing capacity
The 2021 Kia Sorento is published in 10 configurations, with tow ratings ranging from 2,000 to 3,000 lb depending on cab, bed, drivetrain, and hitch class. The peak figure (3,000 lb) sits in light utility / small-trailer territory.
The table below lists every trim of the 2021 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| LX 4dr Front-wheel Drive | — | 191 | 181 | 3.8 | 2,000 | 5,357 | 3,794 | 1,563 |
| LX 4dr All-wheel Drive | — | 191 | 181 | 4.08 | 2,000 | 5,467 | 3,935 | 1,532 |
| S 4dr Front-wheel Drive | — | 191 | 181 | 3.8 | 2,000 | 5,357 | 3,794 | 1,563 |
| S 4dr All-wheel Drive | — | 191 | 181 | 4.08 | 2,000 | 5,467 | 3,935 | 1,532 |
| EX 4dr Front-wheel Drive | — | 281 | 311 | 3.32 | 3,000 | 5,357 | 3,999 | 1,358 |
| EX 4dr All-wheel Drive | — | 281 | 311 | 3.32 | 3,000 | 5,467 | 4,120 | 1,347 |
| SX 4dr Front-wheel Drive | — | 281 | 311 | 3.32 | 3,000 | 5,357 | 3,999 | 1,358 |
| SX 4dr All-wheel Drive | — | 281 | 311 | 3.32 | 3,000 | 5,467 | 4,120 | 1,347 |
| SX Prestige 4dr Front-wheel Drive | — | 281 | 311 | 3.32 | 3,000 | 5,357 | 3,999 | 1,358 |
| SX Prestige X-Line 4dr All-wheel Drive | — | 281 | 311 | 3.32 | 3,000 | 5,467 | 4,120 | 1,347 |
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 2020
The 2020 Kia Sorento carried a maximum tow rating of 5,000 lb. The 2021 model is rated 2,000 lb lower — sometimes a real spec change, sometimes a re-test under a stricter standard like SAE J2807. See the 2020 Kia Sorento page for the full per-trim breakdown of the prior year.
Other 2021 Kia models
The rest of Kia's 2021 lineup, ranked by maximum tow rating. Click through for the per-trim breakdown of any of these.
| Model | Max tow (lb) |
|---|---|
| 2021 Kia Telluride | 5,000 |
| 2021 Kia Sorento Hybrid | 3,500 |
| 2021 Kia RIO | 2,000 |
| 2021 Kia Sportage | 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.