The Kia Telluride is a versatile three-row SUV that combines stylish design with robust towing capabilities. Perfect for family adventures or hauling recreational gear, it offers impressive power and advanced features. Here are seven reasons the Telluride’s towing capacity makes it a top choice for drivers needing reliability and comfort.

1. Strong Towing Capacity

The 2025 Kia Telluride tows up to 5,500 pounds when equipped with the X-Pro package, surpassing many midsize SUVs. Standard trims handle 5,000 pounds, ideal for small boats, jet skis, or campers. Its robust frame ensures stability, making it a reliable choice for weekend getaways or work tasks.

This capacity competes well against rivals like the Hyundai Palisade and Honda Pilot, both capped at 5,000 pounds. The Telluride’s ability to haul heavier loads, especially with the X-Pro package, supports family trips or outdoor adventures with ease, offering confidence for diverse towing needs.

• X-Pro Capacity: Up to 5,500 pounds with proper equipment.

• Standard Capacity: 5,000 pounds across most trims.

• Competitor Comparison: Matches or exceeds Palisade and Pilot.

• Towing Uses: Suitable for boats, campers, or ATVs.

2. Powerful V6 Engine

Every Telluride is powered by a 3.8-liter V6 engine, delivering 291 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque. This robust engine provides ample strength for towing up to 5,500 pounds, ensuring smooth performance on highways or inclines. It’s a standout in the midsize SUV class.

Paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission, the engine offers responsive shifts under load. This combination balances power and efficiency, making towing feel effortless while keeping fuel consumption reasonable for long hauls.

• Engine Specs: 3.8L V6 with 291 hp and 262 lb-ft torque.

• Transmission: 8-speed automatic for smooth towing.

• Performance: Strong pulling power for heavy loads.

• Efficiency: Balances fuel economy with towing capability.

3. X-Pro Towing Package

The X-Pro towing package boosts the Telluride’s capacity to 5,500 pounds, available on SX X-Pro and SX Prestige X-Pro trims. It includes heavy-duty engine cooling, a tow hitch, and self-leveling rear suspension. These upgrades ensure optimal performance and stability when hauling heavy trailers.

This package is ideal for drivers needing extra towing power. The self-leveling suspension prevents rear sag, maintaining balance, while the cooling system protects the engine during demanding tasks, making towing safer and more reliable.

• Towing Boost: Increases capacity to 5,500 pounds.

• Key Features: Heavy-duty cooling, tow hitch, self-leveling suspension.

• Trim Availability: SX X-Pro and SX Prestige X-Pro.

• Stability: Prevents rear sag for balanced towing.

4. Advanced Towing Safety Features

The Telluride’s Kia Drive Wise suite enhances towing safety. Trailer Stability Assist reduces sway in windy conditions, while Blind-Spot Collision Warning with trailer coverage monitors extended blind spots. These features make towing secure, even on busy roads.

The 360-degree Surround View Monitor simplifies hitching and parking with a trailer. Tow Mode adjusts transmission settings for optimal power delivery, ensuring a smooth, controlled ride when hauling heavy loads.

• Trailer Stability Assist: Minimizes sway for safer towing.

• Blind-Spot Monitoring: Covers trailer for confident lane changes.

• Surround View Monitor: Aids in hitching and parking.

• Tow Mode: Optimizes transmission for heavy loads.

5. All-Wheel Drive Capability

The Telluride offers optional all-wheel drive (AWD), maintaining its 5,000- to 5,500-pound towing capacity while improving traction on wet or uneven surfaces. The AWD system includes torque-vectoring for better grip, ideal for towing in challenging conditions like rain or gravel.

Front-wheel drive (FWD) models provide the same towing capacity with better fuel efficiency on flat roads. With Drive Mode Select (Smart, Eco, Sport, Comfort), drivers can tailor performance to towing needs, ensuring versatility across terrains.

• AWD Traction: Enhances grip for towing in tough conditions.

• FWD Efficiency: Same capacity with better fuel economy.

• Drive Modes: Four settings for tailored towing performance.

• Torque-Vectoring: Improves stability on uneven surfaces.

6. Spacious and Flexible Interior

The Telluride seats up to eight passengers and offers up to 87 cubic feet of cargo space with rear rows folded. This makes it perfect for family trips while towing, accommodating passengers and gear without compromising comfort.

Its flexible cabin includes 60/40 split-folding third-row seats and second-row captain’s chairs on select trims. This versatility ensures ample space for luggage or equipment, making the Telluride a practical choice for towing and travel.

• Cargo Space: Up to 87 cubic feet for gear storage.

• Seating Capacity: Up to eight passengers comfortably.

• Flexible Seating: 60/40 split-folding for versatile storage.

• Captain’s Chairs: Available for added second-row comfort.

7. Off-Road Towing Enhancements

The Telluride X-Pro and X-Line trims boost off-road towing with 8.4 inches of ground clearance and 18-inch all-terrain tires. These features allow towing through light off-road conditions, like gravel or dirt trails, perfect for remote campsites.

The X-Pro’s heavy-duty cooling and self-leveling suspension ensure stability when towing off-road. Combined with AWD and Drive Mode Select, these trims offer confidence for hauling in rugged environments without sacrificing family-friendly comfort.

• Ground Clearance: 8.4 inches for off-road capability.

• All-Terrain Tires: 18-inch tires for better traction.

• X-Pro Features: Heavy-duty cooling and self-leveling suspension.

• Drive Modes: Optimize towing for off-road conditions.

Conclusion

The Kia Telluride’s towing capacity, driven by its V6 engine, advanced safety tech, and versatile features, makes it a standout for family adventures and heavy-duty tasks. At STUCK, we deliver 24/7 roadside towing in Jacksonville, Tennessee, offering drivers fast and trusted assistance anytime.