Kia Telluride (LQ2, 2027-2026) Owner's Manual / Driving your vehicle / Trailer towing: (if equipped)

Kia Telluride: Driving your vehicle / Trailer towing: (if equipped)

Before planning to tow a trailer with your Kia Telluride, check the applicable regulations issued by your local Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) or other transportation authority. Towing laws and equipment requirements vary by state and region, so always ensure your vehicle and trailer comply with current legal standards.

Requirements for towing trailers, recreational vehicles, boats, or other equipment may differ depending on local regulations. If you have any questions regarding proper towing equipment or vehicle capability, consult an authorized Kia dealer.

WARNING

Towing a trailer

Improper towing practices or the use of incorrect towing equipment can cause you to lose control of your Kia Telluride. An overloaded trailer or improperly balanced load may reduce braking effectiveness and compromise vehicle stability, increasing the risk of a serious or even fatal accident. Always follow the towing recommendations provided in this section before towing any trailer.

WARNING

Weight limits

Before connecting a trailer, verify that the trailer weight, gross combination weight, gross vehicle weight, axle loads, and trailer tongue weight all remain within the specified limits for your Kia Telluride. Exceeding these limits may negatively affect vehicle handling and braking performance.

NOTE

Improper trailer towing can result in damage to your vehicle that may not be covered by the manufacturer’s warranty. Always use the recommended towing procedures and equipment.

Your Kia Telluride is engineered to tow an appropriately rated trailer. For your vehicle's maximum towing capacity and related specifications, refer to the section titled If you decide to tow a trailer.

Keep in mind that driving with a trailer is significantly different from driving without one. Trailer towing affects acceleration, braking distance, steering response, durability, and overall fuel economy. Safe towing requires proper preparation, appropriate equipment, and careful driving techniques.

This section provides essential recommendations and proven safety practices to help you tow confidently and responsibly. Read all instructions carefully before attaching and operating a trailer.

When towing, major drivetrain components—including the engine, transmission, wheel assemblies, suspension, and tires—operate under increased loads. Higher engine speeds, greater mechanical stress, additional heat generation, and increased aerodynamic drag all place extra demands on your Kia Telluride during trailer operation.

Winter driving

Severe winter conditions introduce unique challenges that can accelerate tire wear and impact overall vehicle performance. To navigate the colder months with confidence and maintain the peak condition of your Kia Telluride, it is essential to follow the comprehensive guidelines outlined in these sec..

Hitches: (if equipped)

If your Kia Telluride is equipped with a factory-installed hitch cover, remove it before using the hitch receiver...

Other information:

Kia Telluride (LQ2, 2027-2026) Owner's Manual: Exterior features. Roof rack: (if equipped)

Roof rack: (if equipped) If your Kia Telluride is equipped with a factory roof rack, you have the versatility to expand your cargo capacity by mounting various accessories, such as cargo carriers, luggage boxes, or roof-mounted camping tents, directly onto the vehicle’s roof.

Kia Telluride (LQ2, 2027-2026) Owner's Manual: Limitations of Smart Cruise Control

While the Smart Cruise Control system in your Kia Telluride is designed to enhance driving convenience, it relies on advanced sensors and cameras that have specific operational boundaries. You may experience abnormal or unexpected system behavior under the following environmental and situational conditions: The front-mounted radar sensor or the windshield-integrated camera area is physically obstructed by dirt, debris, mud, or structural damage.