Kia Telluride & Hyundai Palisade Towing Guide: The New Family Haulers

Know Your Limits: 5,000 lbs vs. 5,500 lbs

While these two vehicles share an engine and chassis, they do not share the exact same towing rating.

• The Standard (5,000 lbs): Most Hyundai Palisades (SE, SEL, Limited, Calligraphy) and standard Kia Tellurides (LX, S, EX, SX) are rated for 5,000 lbs. This is the industry standard for this class, perfect for single-axle bunkhouses and hybrids.

• The X-Pro Advantage (5,500 lbs): If you own the Kia Telluride X-Pro (SX X-Pro or SX Prestige X-Pro), you get a heavy-duty cooling system that boosts your capacity to 5,500 lbs. That extra 500 lbs is a massive advantage, allowing you to carry more gear, water, and batteries without exceeding your limit.

What Can I Tow With These SUVs?

• Hybrid Expandables: The Rockwood Roo or Jayco Jay Feather Hybrid is the ultimate match for these SUVs. They tow short (reducing wind drag) but expand to offer massive sleeping capacity for the 7-8 passengers your SUV can hold.

• Bunkhouse Travel Trailers: You can comfortably tow popular family models like the Forest River Wolf Pup 16BHS or Jayco Jay Flight SLX 184BS. These weigh roughly 3,500–4,000 lbs loaded, keeping you safely in the "Green Zone".

• The X-Pro "Sweet Spot": Telluride X-Pro owners can step up to slightly heavier units like the Grand Design Imagine XLS, utilizing that extra capacity for slide-outs and upgraded insulation.

Critical Equipment: The "Missing" Brake Controller

This is the #1 issue we see with Telluride and Palisade owners.

• The Problem: Even with the factory "Tow Package," most of these vehicles do not have an integrated trailer brake controller on the dashboard.

• The Law: Towing a trailer over 3,000 lbs without functional trailer brakes is illegal and unsafe.

• The Solution: You must install an aftermarket controller. Our Service Department recommends the Redarc Tow-Pro Elite or a wireless Curt Echo. These provide proportional braking without ruining the clean look of your modern dashboard.

Self-Leveling Suspension: A Hidden Gem

Many higher trims (like the Telluride SX Prestige and Palisade Calligraphy) come with Self-Leveling Rear Suspension.

• What It Does: It mechanically pumps up the rear shocks to prevent the "squat" look when you hook up a trailer.

• What It Doesn't Do: It does not transfer weight to the front wheels. We still recommend a lightweight Weight Distribution Hitch to ensure your steering remains crisp and safe on the highway.

Ready to Adventure?

Don't leave the family behind—take the whole crew camping.

• Shop Compatible RVs: Browse our inventory of Travel Trailers Under 4,500 lbs to find the perfect fit.

• Verify Your Trim: Not sure if you have the X-Pro or standard? Visit our Towing Guide Resource Center to decode your VIN.

• Get Wired: Need a 7-pin harness or brake controller? Book an appointment with our Service Team before your next trip.