The Kia Telluride is another new mid sized SUV that popped up in 2020 and I found it when browsing through the different SUV models that are currently available and noticed that some people were curious about their towing capacities.
The Telluride data was pretty straightforward and easy to read and didn't have a lot of other information cluttering the tables up, in fact, there were just two main capacity numbers that were listed and these did not require any special equipment whatsoever. Let's get into it!
The owner's manuals have a ton of information in them related to towing and I just posted the maximum weight limits of the Telluride.
Other aspects related to pulling a trailer like: break in periods, driving uphill with a trailer and GCWR stats are other helpful info that are talked about in these manuals and worth a read.
2020 & 2021 Models:
The 2020 and 2021 Telluride's towing capacity was either 1,650 pounds or 5,000 pounds, depending on the trailer you had equipped.
The two specs I found for both model years were listed for trailers that had a brake system (5,000 pounds) and ones that did not (1,650 pounds).
Since the trailer that you had equipped was the only real determining factor when it came to the weight rating specs, it really makes it easy to determine the correct maximum weight capacity without the hassle of comparing engine options, axle ratios and 2WD vs 4WD configurations, like I often see with other vehicle manufacturers.
2020 Telluride Tow Chart
2021 Telluride Tow Chart
I posted the 2020 and 2021 charts I found for the Tellurides, and they were similar with regard to the capacity numbers but the maximum tongue weight ratings were different and is why I posted both charts.
Tow Packages By Trim Level:
I was looking in the Telluride brochures and found this bit of information that states that the factory installed tow package was only available for two, out of the four trim level choices.
The two trim levels that had the choice of having this equipment installed was reserved for the EX and SX trim levels only and did not include the LX or S trim levels.
So it seems that the two lower trim levels did not have the options available (from the factory) to them but the two higher trim levels did. I am not sure if you could add an aftermarket hitch to the LX and S trim level models but it would allow you to add your own package yourself, if it is available. It would be best to check with a trailer company to see what your options are.
By looking at the image, it would seem like the only real equipment you get is a hitch receiver and a self-leveling rear suspension. The receiver hitch is a given, as far as towing setups go, but I am not sure what the rear suspension would be beneficial for.
Weight Definitions:
It is important to know what your weight ratings are, we all know that part of it but there are many different weight definitions when it comes to towing and understanding what these mean and how to calculate them is essential.
Most manufacturer's use the same terms and they usually mean the same thing but I like to post model specific examples, when I can and for the Telluride, I found these weight definitions...
Telluride Weight Definitions
Weight Definitions 2
Where Can I Find These Specs?
Now that you know what some of the definitions are, you need to know where you can find the official numbers. A lot of these specs will be listed on the certification label on the center pillar of the vehicle. If you open your driver's side door, follow the jamb around and you will see a label that has most of this information listed on the label.
Other Recommendations/Limitations:
I was also able to find a bit more helpful tidbits of information sprinkled throughout the manuals that is also essential, when it comes to pulling a trailer. These will usually be just other limitations that apply under specific conditions, like when the weather is hot, traveling up a grade, trailer brakes, etc.
Here are just a few things I found that are worth mentioning...
Resources For The Telluride:
I tried to provide links to the Telluride's owners manuals where I pulled the charts and the rest of the data from but I noticed that the links were the same, so you will have to view the manuals via Kia's website to view them instead...
Last updated on May 3rd, 2021 at 03:04 am
