The Sorento LX and S models can tow a braked load of up to 2000 lbs, while the SX and above are capable of towing 3500 lbs of braked load which is enough to pull a small camper.
Kia Sorento – Engine Options
The Kia Sorento has two petrol engines available for its models.
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2.5 L Smartstream G2.5 GDi I4
The engine available on the base LX and S, this engine is a naturally aspirated straight-four cylinder engine with a gasoline direct injection fuel system. This engine generates 191 hp at 6100 rpm and 171 lb-ft of torque at 4000 rpm. The maximum unbraked towing capacity by this engine is 2000 lbs.
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2.5 L Smartstream G2.5 T-GDi I4
This is the engine that is exclusive to the higher-end trims of the Sorento. This engine is a turbocharged inline four-cylinder engine with gasoline direct injection, which produces a power output of 281 hp at 6000 rpm and 311 lb-ft of torque at 1750-4000 rpm. As the engine is more powerful than its naturally aspirated counterpart, it has a maximum unbraked towing capacity of 3500 lbs which is 1500 lbs more than the engine employed by the LX and S trims.
Is It Recommended to Tow with the Sorento?
If towing is on your mind while purchasing the Sorento, you’d be wise to opt for the all-wheel-drive (AWD) model as it comes with a towing hitch pre-installed.
A towing hitch is a prerequisite for towing. However, if you buy the front-wheel-drive Sorento and later decide you want to start hauling, you can easily purchase a towing hitch in aftermarket stores and install it on the SUV to make it ready for towing. Using safety chains between the car and the load during towing is recommended.
The manufacturer advises against towing with the Sorento for the first 1200 miles to enable the engine to break in properly. Failure to do so may result in severe damage to the engine or transmission.
The vehicle’s operating speed does not exceed 100 km/h on straight roads and 70 km/h on a long uphill slope until the engine has been adequately worn in. Furthermore, it is strongly recommended to switch off the air conditioning while traveling uphill when towing a trailer to avoid overheating the motor, as the vehicle would operate harder on an incline.
The Kia Sorento is a mid-size SUV produced by South Korean car manufacturer Kia. The vehicle was initially a body-on-frame SUV since its release in 2002 until 2009 where it became a crossover SUV. The Sorento entered its fourth generation in 2020, offering five different trim levels: the LX, S, EX, SX, and the SX prestige.
In conclusion, the Sorento comes with options for both casual and heavy towing. Casual towers would opt for the LX or S, which can tow up to 2000 lbs, whereas serious towers would opt for the EX, SX, or the SX prestige, which can tow a small camper up to 3500 lbs. The Sorento also caters towards towers by offering a pre-installed hitch in its AWD models.
