Owner guide · Michigan City Kia · Michigan City, IN
Kia Telluride Towing Capacity and Towing Guide
Planning to pull a camper, boat or utility trailer with a Telluride? This guide sets out the trailer and tongue weight limits, TOW mode, the hitch and ball mount, and Kia's driving and maintenance advice for towing. Weight limits and instructions are from the 2027 Kia owner's manual for the 2.5L turbo gas engine, published on ownersmanual.kia.com under code LQ2a and read October 27, 2026; the Turbo-Hybrid figure is from kia.com. Towing requires additional equipment, and the manual for your vehicle is the final word.
5,000 lbs.max trailer weight with trailer brakes (2.5L turbo gas)
1,653 lbs.max trailer weight without trailer brakes
500 lbs.max tongue weight
1,200 milesbreak-in before towing
What is the Kia Telluride towing capacity?
For the 2027 Telluride with the 2.5L turbo gas engine, the Kia owner's manual lists 5,000 lbs. (2,268 kg) maximum trailer weight with a trailer brake system, 1,653 lbs. (750 kg) without one, and a 500 lbs. (227 kg) maximum tongue weight. Kia lists up to 4,500 lbs. for the 2027 Telluride Turbo-Hybrid. Towing requires additional equipment; see the owner's manual for towing instructions.
2027 Telluride trailer weight limits
The 2.5L turbo gas figures are from the manual's chart for the Smartstream G2.5 T-GDi engine, which gives the same values in its Standard, X-Line and X-Pro columns.
| Item | 2027 Telluride (2.5L turbo gas) |
|---|---|
| Maximum trailer weight, with trailer brake system | 5,000 lbs. (2,268 kg) |
| Maximum trailer weight, without trailer brake system | 1,653 lbs. (750 kg) |
| Maximum tongue weight | 500 lbs. (227 kg) |
| 2027 Telluride Turbo-Hybrid | Up to 4,500 lbs. of towing capacity, per kia.com |
Gas figures: 2027 Kia owner's manual (LQ2a, ICE), "If you decide to tow a trailer", read October 27, 2026. Hybrid figure: kia.com Telluride page, October 27, 2026. Kia notes that towing requires additional equipment.
The manual adds that the maximum safe weight 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 and how often you tow all matter. Before towing, make sure the total trailer weight, gross combination weight, gross vehicle weight, gross axle weight and trailer tongue load are all within the limits. The GVWR and GAWR are on the certification label on the driver side (or front passenger side) door.
Tongue weight and loading the trailer
The manual says the tongue load measured at the hitch when fully loaded should be within 10-15% of the total weight of the trailer. Because the tongue load is carried by the vehicle, you add it to the gross vehicle weight.
Load about 60% of the total trailer load in the front of the trailer and about 40% in the rear; never load more weight in the rear than the front. After loading, weigh the trailer and the tongue separately, and move items around if the weights are off. Kia suggests checking weights on a commercial scale or at a highway patrol office equipped with scales.
Using TOW mode
When towing, Kia says to select TOW mode to adjust the shift pattern for heavy loads. Press the TOW mode button on the instrument panel; the vehicle adjusts power output, transmission, braking and ESC to assist towing, and a TOW mode indicator shows on the instrument cluster.
With the vehicle in P (Park), you can set the weight of the trailer through the Trailer menu on the infotainment screen. In TOW mode you cannot switch between DRIVE MODE and TERRAIN MODE.
Hitch and ball mount
| Topic | What the manual says |
|---|---|
| Hitch cover (if equipped) | Remove it before using the hitch receiver. It sits at the center of the lower rear bumper and is held by two clips at the bottom; reinstall it securely with the original clips after towing. |
| 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. |
| Kia accessory | A Kia trailer hitch accessory is available at an authorized Kia dealer. The tow hitch and hitch cover can be stored in the luggage tray. |
| Ball mount (if equipped) | Slide it into the hitch assembly, line up the holes, push the pin through and insert the clip. Remove the ball mount when not towing, and choose a ball mount suited to the trailer weight. |
| Tires | When towing a trailer, check the recommended tire pressure. |
From the Hitches and Ball mount sections of the 2027 Kia owner's manual (LQ2a), read October 27, 2026.
Safety chains, trailer brakes and wiring
Always attach safety chains between the vehicle and the trailer, crossed under the trailer tongue so the tongue will not drop to the road if it separates from the hitch. Leave just enough slack to turn, and never let the chains drag.
If the trailer weighs more than the maximum trailer weight without trailer brakes, it needs its own adequate brakes. Make sure they conform to your state's regulations, and do not tap into the vehicle's brake system. Kia's warning: this is not a task for amateurs, so use an experienced, competent trailer shop.
The trailer needs its own turn signal flasher and extra wiring. Do not connect the trailer lights directly to the vehicle's lighting system; use only an approved trailer wiring harness, and Kia recommends having an authorized Kia dealer help install it. The cluster turn arrows flash even if trailer bulbs are burned out, so check the trailer lights regularly and every time you reconnect the wires.
Driving with a trailer
Before you start
Check the hitch and platform, safety chains, electrical connectors, lights, tires and mirror adjustment. With electric trailer brakes, apply the brake controller by hand once moving to confirm they work.
Speed
Drive at a moderate speed, less than 60 mph (100 km/h). On a long uphill grade, do not exceed 45 mph (70 km/h) or the posted towing speed limit, whichever is lower.
Following and passing
Stay at least twice as far behind the vehicle ahead as you would without a trailer, and allow much more distance before returning to your lane after passing.
Turns and backing
Make wider turns than normal and signal well in advance. When backing, hold the bottom of the steering wheel and move your hand in the direction you want the trailer to go.
Grades
Shift to a lower gear before long or steep downgrades. On grades over 6%, watch the coolant temperature gauge; if it moves toward H (HOT), pull over when safe and let the engine idle to cool.
Parking on hills
Kia advises against it with a trailer attached. If you must, chock the trailer wheels on the downhill side and follow the manual's step-by-step parking brake procedure.
Maintenance when you tow
The manual says the vehicle needs service more often when you regularly tow. Pay particular attention to engine oil, axle lubricant, cooling system fluid and the condition of the brakes, and check the transmission fluid more frequently. Overheating might occur on hot days or uphill; if the coolant gauge shows overheating, turn off the air conditioner and stop in a safe area to cool down the engine.
Kia also says not to tow during the first 1,200 miles (2,000 km), to let the engine break in.
For brake work, 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 27, 2026. Holiday hours can differ.
Kia Telluride towing questions
How much can a 2027 Kia Telluride tow?
The 2027 Kia owner's manual for the 2.5L turbo gas engine (Smartstream G2.5 T-GDi) lists a maximum trailer weight of 5,000 lbs. (2,268 kg) with a trailer brake system and 1,653 lbs. (750 kg) without one, for its Standard, X-Line and X-Pro columns. Kia says the Telluride Turbo-Hybrid offers up to 4,500 lbs. of towing capacity.
What is the Telluride maximum tongue weight?
The manual lists a maximum tongue weight of 500 lbs. (227 kg) for the 2.5L turbo gas engine, and says the tongue load measured at the hitch when fully loaded should be within 10-15% of the total weight of the trailer.
Does my trailer need its own brakes?
Per the manual, if your trailer weighs more than the maximum trailer weight without trailer brakes (1,653 lbs. (750 kg) in the chart) loaded, it needs its own brakes, and they must be adequate. Do not tap into the vehicle's brake system.
How fast can I drive when towing with a Telluride?
The manual says to always drive at a moderate speed, less than 60 mph (100 km/h), when towing a trailer, and on a long uphill grade not to exceed 45 mph (70 km/h) or the posted towing speed limit, whichever is lower.
Can I tow with a new Telluride right away?
No. The manual says not to tow a trailer during the vehicle's first 1,200 miles (2,000 km) so the engine can properly break in.
What does TOW mode do on the Telluride?
According to the manual, pressing the TOW mode button on the instrument panel makes the vehicle adjust power output, transmission, braking and ESC to assist towing, and a TOW mode indicator shows on the cluster. In P (Park), you can set the trailer weight in the Trailer menu on the infotainment screen.
Getting a Telluride ready to tow?
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 you can schedule service online.
Sources
Weight limits, TOW mode, hitch, chains, brakes, driving and maintenance guidance are from the 2027 Kia owner's manual for the 2.5L turbo gas engine published on ownersmanual.kia.com under code LQ2a, read October 27, 2026. The Turbo-Hybrid towing figure is 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.
- 2027 Kia owner's manual (LQ2a, ICE): If you decide to tow a trailer (weight chart, tongue load, speeds, break-in), Kia America, read October 27, 2026
- 2027 Kia owner's manual (LQ2a): Trailer towing, Kia America, read October 27, 2026
- 2027 Kia owner's manual (LQ2a): TOW mode, Kia America, read October 27, 2026
- 2027 Kia owner's manual (LQ2a): Hitches, Kia America, read October 27, 2026
- 2027 Kia owner's manual (LQ2a): Ball mount, Kia America, read October 27, 2026
- 2027 Kia owner's manual (LQ2a): Safety chains, Kia America, read October 27, 2026
- 2027 Kia owner's manual (LQ2a): Trailer brakes, Kia America, read October 27, 2026
- 2027 Kia owner's manual (LQ2a): Driving with a trailer, Kia America, read October 27, 2026
- 2027 Kia owner's manual (LQ2a): Maintenance when towing a trailer, Kia America, read October 27, 2026
- 2027 Kia owner's manual (LQ2a): Vehicle weight, Kia America, read October 27, 2026
- 2027 Telluride: towing capacity, Turbo-Hybrid towing, image, Kia America, October 27, 2026
- Address and service hours (structured data), Michigan City Kia, October 27, 2026
- Kia service center at Michigan City Kia, Michigan City Kia, October 27, 2026
