Conquer Any Trail: Kia SUVs For Ultimate Towing Adventures

For outdoor enthusiasts across Canada, the right SUV isn’t just a vehicle—it’s the gateway to extraordinary adventures. Whether you’re hauling a camper to remote wilderness sites, hauling a boat to unexplored waterways, or bringing specialized gear for backcountry expeditions, your vehicle’s towing capability determines which adventures lie within reach.

Kia has engineered its SUV lineup for adventure seekers, creating vehicles that combine impressive towing capacities with the capability, technology, and reliability needed for serious outdoor pursuits. From the rugged Telluride X-Pro to the innovative all-electric EV9, these SUVs deliver hauling capabilities ranging from 750 kg to 2,495 kg while ensuring you can navigate varied terrain with confidence.

The thoughtful engineering behind these adventure-ready vehicles focuses on raw numbers and creating a secure, stable experience across Canada’s diverse landscapes—from rocky mountain passes to remote forest service roads. Let’s explore the best options in the Kia lineup for those who need serious towing capability to fuel their next expedition.

Expedition-Grade Towing Leaders

Kia Telluride X-Pro: The Ultimate Adventure Command Center

The Telluride X-Pro stands atop the Kia adventure hierarchy with an outstanding 2,495 kg maximum capacity—sufficient for substantial camping trailers, fishing boats, or expedition gear. This capability stems from its naturally aspirated 3.8L V6 GDI engine producing 291 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque, paired with a responsive 8-speed automatic transmission.

The X-Pro trim elevates this foundation with rugged 18-inch black alloy wheels fitted with all-terrain tires and a specialized tow mode that optimizes power delivery and transmission behaviour for hauling heavy loads across challenging terrain. The higher ground clearance and improved approach and departure angles make it suitable for reaching remote campsites and launch points where adventure truly begins.

Adventure seekers will appreciate the advanced stability systems that function seamlessly even when towing, including trailer stability assist that helps prevent dangerous trailer sway before it becomes problematic, keeping your expedition gear secure whether you’re on highways or backcountry roads.

Kia EV9 Long Range AWD: Silent Expedition Power

The all-electric EV9 in Long Range AWD configuration proves that zero-emission vehicles can handle serious adventure requirements, offering a remarkable 2,267 kg hauling capacity without a drop of fuel. This capable electric SUV generates expedition-ready power from dual electric motors producing a combined 379 horsepower and an impressive 516 lb-ft of near-instantaneous torque.

For adventurers embracing sustainable exploration, the EV9 demonstrates that going electric doesn’t mean leaving adventure gear behind. The instant torque delivery characteristic of electric motors provides exceptionally smooth towing performance, particularly valuable when navigating steep mountain passes or challenging terrain with heavy loads.

The spacious EV9 interior accommodates passengers and essential expedition gear, while its electric powertrain delivers the quiet operation that enhances wilderness experiences, letting you hear nature rather than engine noise when you reach your destination.

Kia Sorento X-Pro: The Nimble Expedition Platform

The Sorento X-Pro delivers an impressive 2,041 kg of capacity in a more compact package, perfect for navigating tight trails and urban environments before reaching your adventure destination. Powered by a 2.5L turbocharged 4-cylinder GDI engine generating 281 horsepower and 311 lb-ft of torque, the Sorento X-Pro enables serious adventure without requiring an oversized vehicle.

The X-Pro 8-speed wet-type dual-clutch automatic transmission is engineered to handle substantial loads while maintaining responsive performance, crucial when navigating challenging terrain with your adventure gear in tow. The Sorento X-Pro’s more compact dimensions allow it to access trailheads and remote areas that might prove challenging for larger vehicles.

All three of these expedition leaders come standard with trailer stability assist systems, integrated trailer pre-wiring for simplified hookups, and advanced all-wheel drive systems that optimize traction across varied surfaces, delivering confidence for adventurers pushing beyond the boundaries of conventional roads.

Mid-Range Adventure Enablers

Kia Sorento X-Line: Versatile Adventure Platform

The Sorento X-Line delivers a substantial 1,588 kg towing capacity while maintaining a versatile size perfect for urban navigation and backcountry exploration. This makes it ideal for pulling smaller camping trailers, personal watercraft for remote lake adventures, or utility trailers loaded with mountain bikes and climbing gear.

The same potent 2.5L turbocharged engine found in the X-Pro model powers the X-Line, but with a suspension calibration focused on balancing on-road comfort with hauling performance. This combination reduces fatigue during long approaches to remote adventure destinations.

Standard Kia Telluride Models: Consistent Adventure Capability

Standard Telluride models deliver exceptional expedition credentials with a 2,267 kg capacity across all non-X-Pro trims. This consistent capability throughout the lineup means adventure seekers can select their preferred technology features without sacrificing towing performance.

The standard Telluride combines adventure readiness with premium comfort, offering the same powerful 3.8L V6 GDI engine as the X-Pro but with wheel and tire combinations optimized for mixed-use driving. This makes it an excellent choice for those who need serious hauling capability while maintaining comfort during the long highway stretches that often precede wilderness adventures.

Kia EV6: Electric Adventure Versatility

For adventures closer to charging infrastructure, the EV6 electric crossover offers a respectable 1,225 kg maximum towing capacity in its Land AWD configuration—perfect for lightweight teardrop campers or trailers filled with kayaks, mountain bikes, and camping gear. The EV6 dual electric motors deliver 320 kW of power and 446 lb-ft of torque for confident adventure journeys.

What makes the EV6 particularly suited to adventure duties is its 800V electrical architecture, enabling ultra-fast charging that regains up to 80% battery capacity in just 20 minutes at compatible 350kW stations. This quick recharging ability is especially valuable during adventure road trips, minimizing stops while towing and naturally increasing energy consumption.

Kia Sportage: Compact Adventure Capability

The Sportage offers up to 1,134 kg of towing capacity in a compact, easy-to-maneuver package with its 2.5L 4-cylinder engine producing 187 horsepower and 178 lb-ft of torque. Available in both front-wheel and all-wheel drive configurations, the Sportage provides a balanced approach to adventure utility without excessive size.

Perfect for solo adventurers or pairs with lighter towing needs, the Sportage can easily handle small utility trailers loaded with camping gear, mountain bikes, or kayaks, opening up weekend expedition possibilities without requiring a larger vehicle. The Sportage’s available X-Line trim enhances its off-road capability with design elements that complement its adventure functionality, including higher ground clearance and enhanced underbody protection.

Adventure-Ready Towing Features

All these mid-range options include thoughtful features designed with outdoor pursuits in mind. The available surround view monitor system provides clear visibility around the vehicle and trailer during low-speed maneuvers, particularly valuable when navigating tight campgrounds or backing watercraft down boat ramps.

On higher trim levels, the blind spot monitoring systems are calibrated to account for the additional length when towing, providing extra confidence when changing lanes on busy highways en route to adventure destinations. The drive mode selectors include specialized terrain modes on AWD models, optimizing vehicle behaviour for confident hauling across varied conditions that adventurers frequently encounter.

Efficient Adventure with Electrified Powertrains

Kia Sportage HEV and PHEV: Sustainable Adventure Enablers

The electrified Kia SUV lineup brings a fresh perspective to outdoor pursuits by combining capable towing power with exceptional efficiency, extending your adventure radius by minimizing fuel stops. The Sportage HEV and PHEV models both offer a 907 kg towing capacity, sufficient for lightweight adventure trailers or gear haulers.

Powered by a hybrid system featuring a 1.6L turbocharged engine paired with electric motors, the hybrid version generates 227 horsepower, while the plug-in hybrid produces 261 horsepower. Both deliver 258 lb-ft of torque—ideal for pulling adventure gear while maintaining impressive fuel economy that extends your expedition range.

Kia Sorento HEV: Balanced Adventure Performance

The Sorento HEV continues the efficient adventure approach with a 1.6L Turbo HEV powertrain that combines a gasoline engine with a permanent magnet synchronous motor. This system produces a combined 227 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque, delivered through a 6-speed automatic transmission to all four wheels.

With a towing capacity between 750 and 907 kg, the Sorento HEV balances adventure utility with efficiency, achieving an impressive 7.0/6.9 L/100km city/highway fuel consumption rating even when equipped for hauling, making it perfect for extended journeys to remote destinations where fuel stations are scarce.

Kia Sorento PHEV: The Adventure Strategist

The Sorento PHEV takes the electrified expedition concept further with its plug-in hybrid system. Generating 261 combined horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque, this model can tow between 750 and 907 kg while offering an all-electric range of up to 48 kilometers.

This dual-capability allows adventurers to handle urban navigation with zero emissions, then seamlessly transition to hybrid operation for long-distance towing adventures without range anxiety. The Sorento PHEV’s three-row flexibility accommodates adventure companions and expedition gear, creating a versatile platform for varied outdoor pursuits.

Electrified Adventure Advantages

The electrified models offer unique advantages for hauling adventure gear. Their instant torque delivery provides confident pulling power from a standstill—often the most challenging part of towing, especially when starting from unpaved surfaces or inclines. The regenerative braking systems also offer an advantage when towing downhill, helping to control speed while simultaneously recharging the battery system, creating smoother, more controlled descents on mountain roads.

When adventuring with plug-in hybrid models, outdoor enthusiasts can travel up to 55 kilometres in all-electric mode for base camp operations, then seamlessly transition to hybrid operation for longer journeys. This dual-nature capability means these vehicles serve as both zero-emission base camp vehicles and long-range adventure enablers with minimal compromise.

The sophisticated power management systems in these electrified models continuously optimize between gasoline and electric power sources to maintain stable, consistent performance regardless of load. This creates the predictable, reliable driving experience necessary when venturing far from civilization.

Adventure-Ready Towing Capacity Comparison

Match Your Adventure Style with the Perfect Vehicle

For outdoor enthusiasts considering a Kia SUV, the towing experience extends beyond raw capacity numbers to include thoughtfully designed features that enhance expedition capabilities. From the integrated trailer pre-wiring that simplifies electrical connections to the advanced driver assistance systems calibrated to function effectively with trailers attached, these vehicles reflect a comprehensive approach to adventure functionality.

By matching the right model to specific adventure styles, enthusiasts can find the ideal balance of capability, efficiency, technology, and space for their unique outdoor pursuits:

• Expedition-Grade Towing (1,800+ kg): Telluride X-Pro, EV9 Long Range AWD, Telluride Standard, Sorento X-Pro
  Ideal for: Large campers, fishing boats, multi-sport expedition trailers
• Trail-Ready Mid-Range Towing (1,000-1,800 kg): Sorento X-Line, EV6 Land AWD, Sportage
  Ideal for: Small campers, utility trailers, dual kayak/canoe transport
• Nimble Adventure Towing (Under 1,000 kg): EV9 RWD, Sportage HEV/PHEV, EV6 Wind RWD, Sorento HEV/PHEV
  Ideal for: Motorcycle trailers, lightweight gear haulers, small watercraft

The diversity within the Kia SUV lineup ensures that virtually any adventure requirement can be met, whether it’s hauling a substantial expedition camper with the Telluride X-Pro, towing a boat to remote fishing spots with the zero-emission EV9, or pulling a mountain bike trailer with one of the efficient hybrid models.

2025 Kia SUVs: Forge Your Path with Confidence

The engineering focus on creating stable, confident towing experiences through purpose-built features like trailer stability assist, specialized drive modes, and optimized suspensions means these vehicles deliver on their promised capabilities even when adventures take you far from pavement.

These SUVs transform from everyday transportation to weekend expedition vehicles with ease, maintaining the reliability and technology features adventurers depend on while adding the capability to bring along the equipment that makes extraordinary outdoor experiences possible.

The Kia SUV lineup demonstrates how modern adventure vehicles can serve multiple roles—efficient daily drivers, capable off-road explorers, and powerful towing platforms that expand outdoor possibilities. Whether you need to tow occasionally or on every adventure, there’s a Kia SUV engineered to transport your gear to wherever your expedition map leads confidently.

Learn More About Kia SUVs at Kia.ca