Owner guide · Michigan City Kia · Michigan City, IN
Kia EV9 Towing Capacity and Towing Guide
Towing with an all-electric three-row SUV raises two questions: how much weight, and how much range. This guide answers both from the 2026 Kia EV9 owner's manual (published on ownersmanual.kia.com under code MV1 and read October 28, 2026), with the trailer and tongue weight chart for 2WD and AWD models, the driver assistance features that switch off with a trailer, and Kia's rules for hitches, chains, wiring, hills and maintenance. The 5,000 lb. headline figure is also on kia.com. Towing requires additional equipment, and the manual for your vehicle is the final word.
5,000 lbs.AWD with trailer brakes
2,000 lbs.2WD with trailer brakes
1,653 lbs.AWD without trailer brakes (2WD: 1,000 lbs.)
up to 50%possible range loss, depending on the trailer
What is the Kia EV9 towing capacity?
Kia's 2026 EV9 owner's manual lists 5,000 lbs. (2,268 kg) with a trailer brake system for AWD models and 2,000 lbs. (907 kg) for 2WD models. Without trailer brakes the limits are 1,653 lbs. (750 kg) for AWD and 1,000 lbs. (454 kg) for 2WD, and the maximum tongue weight is 500 lbs. (227 kg) AWD or 201 lbs. (91 kg) 2WD. Kia says towing can cut the EV9's driving range by up to 50%, depending on the trailer.
EV9 trailer weight chart
The EV9 manual splits its "Reference weight when towing a trailer" chart by drivetrain: 2WD or AWD.
| Item | 2WD | AWD |
|---|---|---|
| Maximum trailer weight, with brake system | 2,000 lbs. (907 kg) | 5,000 lbs. (2,268 kg) |
| Maximum trailer weight, without brake system | 1,000 lbs. (454 kg) | 1,653 lbs. (750 kg) |
| Maximum tongue weight | 201 lbs. (91 kg) | 500 lbs. (227 kg) |
From "Reference weight when towing a trailer" in the 2026 Kia EV9 owner's manual (MV1), read October 28, 2026. Kia.com (October 28, 2026): up to 5,000 lbs. towing capacity on the 2026 EV9; towing may significantly reduce electric range and requires additional equipment.
Kia's manual says the maximum safe weight of a trailer should never exceed the maximum trailer weight with trailer brakes, and even that may be too heavy depending on how you use the trailer: speed, altitude, road grades, outside temperature, how often you tow and any special equipment on the vehicle all matter. Before towing, make sure the total trailer weight, gross combination weight, gross vehicle weight, gross axle weight and tongue load are all within the limits. For extra requirements such as a towing kit, the manual says to consult an authorized Kia dealer.
Range when you tow
This is the part that is different from towing with a gas SUV. The EV9 manual says an electric vehicle's driving range is affected by the weight and shape of the trailer, and that depending on the trailer, range can decrease by up to 50%. Plan charging stops around that before a long trip.
The manual also explains why: a trailer makes the motor, gearing, wheels and tires work harder, the motor runs at relatively higher speeds and loads, the extra burden creates heat, and the trailer adds considerable wind resistance. Kia.com describes available self-leveling rear suspension and a dedicated trailering mode for the EV9, alongside up to 5,000 lbs. of towing capacity.
Tongue weight and loading
Kia's rule for the EV9: the trailer tongue should weigh a maximum of 10% of the total loaded trailer weight, and never more than the maximum tongue load in the chart. The tongue load counts toward the EV9's gross vehicle weight (GVW), along with the vehicle's curb weight, cargo and passengers.
Load about 60% of the trailer load toward the front and about 40% toward the rear, never more weight in the rear than the front. After loading, weigh the trailer and then the tongue; if the weights are off, moving items around in the trailer may fix it. Kia suggests a commercial scale or a highway patrol office equipped with scales.
Driver assistance, trailer recognition and wiring
If the EV9 has the trailer package, the manual says various driver assistance functions switch off automatically when a trailer or other tow bar mounted carrier is connected, because the trailer may interfere with them, may cause unforeseen instability, or because of legislation. The list includes the Forward Cross-Traffic Safety and Forward/Side Safety functions of Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist, Lane Keeping Assist, Blind-Spot Collision-Avoidance Assist, Safe Exit Assist, Lane Following Assist, Highway Driving Assist, Rear Cross-Traffic Collision-Avoidance Assist, Reverse Parking Distance Warning Assist, Reverse Parking Collision-Avoidance Assist and Remote Smart Parking Assist 2, where equipped.
Recognition only works with genuine Kia accessories (tow bar and wiring harness). After plugging in the trailer socket, press the brake pedal or use the turn signal so the control unit detects the trailer; after unplugging, do the same so the assistance systems that were turned off come back on.
Do not connect a trailer lighting system to the EV9's lighting system. Use only an approved trailer wiring harness and genuine Kia electrical connections, and have an authorized Kia dealer install the harness. You are still responsible for checking that every connection works and every trailer light operates before and during the trip.
Hitches
| Topic | What the manual says |
|---|---|
| Mounting points | The mounting holes for hitches are on both sides of the underbody behind the rear tires. |
| Hitch type | The bumpers are not intended for hitches. Do not attach rental hitches or other bumper-type hitches; use only a frame-mounted hitch that does not attach to the bumper. |
| Holes in the body | If installing a hitch means making holes in the body, seal them when you remove the hitch so dirt and water cannot get in. |
| Plate and lights | The coupling device must not hide any part of the rear license plate or lights; a coupling device that is fitted but not in use must be removed or repositioned if it does. |
| Kia accessory | A Kia trailer hitch accessory is available at an authorized Kia dealer. |
| Local rules | Check with your state's Department of Motor Vehicles for its legal requirements before you tow. |
From the Trailer towing and Hitches sections of the 2026 Kia EV9 owner's manual (MV1), read October 28, 2026.
Safety chains and trailer brakes
Always attach safety chains between the EV9 and the trailer, crossed under the trailer tongue so the tongue will not drop to the road if it separates from the hitch. Follow the hitch or trailer maker's instructions, leave just enough slack to turn, and never let the chains drag.
If your trailer has brakes, make sure they conform to your state's regulations and are properly installed and working. Kia's warning: setting up a trailer brake system is not a task for amateurs, so use an experienced, competent trailer shop.
Driving with a trailer
Pre-trip check
Hitch and platform, safety chains, electrical connectors, lights, tires and mirror adjustments. With electric trailer brakes, start the vehicle and trailer and apply the brake controller by hand to confirm the brakes and the connection work.
Speed
Keep it moderate, under 60 mph (100 km/h). On a long uphill grade, no more than 45 mph (70 km/h) or the posted towing limit, whichever is lower.
Distance
Stay at least twice as far behind the vehicle ahead as usual, and go much farther past a vehicle you pass before returning to your lane.
Turns and reversing
Make wider turns than normal and signal well in advance. To reverse, hold the bottom of the steering wheel and move your hand toward the side you want the trailer to go; back up slowly with someone guiding you.
Grades
Slow down on long grades so the brakes do not overheat. Climbing, use the outer lane and choose a speed for the posted trailer limit, the grade and your trailer weight. Kia warns that towing above the maximum gross vehicle weight and maximum trailer weight can overheat the motor; if that happens, stop until it cools.
Parking
Kia says not to park on a hill with a trailer attached. If you must, chock the trailer wheels on the downhill side and follow the manual's parking steps.
Maintenance when you tow
An EV9 that tows often needs service more often. Kia lists gear fluid, axle lubricant, cooling system fluid and brake condition, and says to check the gear fluid more frequently when towing.
Maintain the trailer and hitch too: follow the trailer's own schedule, check it at the start of each day's driving and keep all hitch nuts and bolts tight. If the coolant gauge shows overheating on a hot day or a climb, switch off the A/C and stop in a safe area to let the motor cool. Do not tow during the first 1,200 miles (2,000 km).
For brake work before you hitch up, see our Kia brake service page, or schedule service online.
Michigan City Kia service hours
| Days | Hours |
|---|---|
| Monday to Friday | 7:30 a.m.-5 p.m. |
| Saturday | 7:30 a.m.-3 p.m. |
| Sunday | Closed |
From Michigan City Kia's website, October 28, 2026. Holiday hours can differ.
Kia EV9 towing questions
How much can the Kia EV9 tow?
The 2026 EV9 owner's manual lists a maximum trailer weight of 5,000 lbs. (2,268 kg) with a trailer brake system for AWD models and 2,000 lbs. (907 kg) for 2WD models. Kia.com says the 2026 EV9 offers up to 5,000 lbs. of towing capacity and that towing requires additional equipment.
How much can an EV9 tow without trailer brakes?
The manual lists 1,653 lbs. (750 kg) without a brake system for AWD models and 1,000 lbs. (454 kg) for 2WD models. A trailer that weighs more than the maximum without trailer brakes, loaded, needs its own adequate brakes.
What is the EV9 maximum tongue weight?
The chart lists 500 lbs. (227 kg) for AWD and 201 lbs. (91 kg) for 2WD. Kia also says the trailer tongue should weigh a maximum of 10% of the total loaded trailer weight, within the maximum tongue load.
Does towing reduce the EV9's driving range?
Yes. The manual says the driving range of an electric vehicle is affected by the weight and shape of the trailer and, depending on the trailer, can decrease by up to 50%. Kia.com also notes that towing may significantly reduce electric range.
Which driver assistance features turn off when the EV9 tows?
If the EV9 has the trailer package and a trailer is recognized through genuine Kia accessories (tow bar and wiring harness), the manual says several functions switch off automatically, including Lane Keeping Assist, Blind-Spot Collision-Avoidance Assist, Safe Exit Assist, Lane Following Assist, Highway Driving Assist and Remote Smart Parking Assist 2.
When can I start towing with a new EV9?
Kia says not to tow during the first 1,200 miles (2,000 km), to allow the motor to properly break in.
Planning to tow with an EV9?
Visit Michigan City Kia at 710 E. US Hwy 20 in Michigan City, IN. Kia says a Kia trailer hitch accessory is available at an authorized Kia dealer and that the trailer wiring harness should be installed by one, and you can schedule service online.
Sources
The weight chart, range, tongue load, driver assistance, hitch, chain, brake, wiring, driving and maintenance guidance are from the 2026 Kia EV9 owner's manual published on ownersmanual.kia.com under code MV1, read October 28, 2026. The 5,000 lb. headline figure, the self-leveling suspension and trailering mode mentions and the range disclaimer are from kia.com. Towing requires additional equipment, and the manual for your vehicle is the final word. Address and hours are from Michigan City Kia's own website. Image: Kia America.
- 2026 Kia EV9 owner's manual (MV1): Reference weight when towing a trailer, Kia America, read October 28, 2026
- 2026 Kia EV9 owner's manual (MV1): Trailer towing, Kia America, read October 28, 2026
- 2026 Kia EV9 owner's manual (MV1): Hitches, Kia America, read October 28, 2026
- 2026 Kia EV9 owner's manual (MV1): Safety chains, Kia America, read October 28, 2026
- 2026 Kia EV9 owner's manual (MV1): Trailer brakes, Kia America, read October 28, 2026
- 2026 Kia EV9 owner's manual (MV1): Driving with a trailer, Kia America, read October 28, 2026
- 2026 Kia EV9 owner's manual (MV1): Maintenance when trailer towing, Kia America, read October 28, 2026
- 2026 Kia EV9 owner's manual (MV1): If you decide to pull a trailer (range, tongue load, speeds, break-in), Kia America, read October 28, 2026
- 2026 EV9: towing capacity, self-leveling rear suspension, trailering mode, towing disclaimer, image, Kia America, October 28, 2026
- Address and service hours (structured data), Michigan City Kia, October 28, 2026
- Kia service center at Michigan City Kia, Michigan City Kia, October 28, 2026
