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Dec 3, 2020
2020 Sportage Crain Kia of Fayetteville Arkansas

An impressive towing capacity is one of the main reasons why the 2020 Kia Sportage outpaces its rivals in the compact crossover SUV category. This capability makes it the ultimate companion if you need a seamless blend of family-friendly driving and high tow ratings. But how much can this Kia model haul? Here’s everything you need to know.

2020 Kia Sportage Towing Capacity

This compact SUV has a maximum towing capacity of 2,000lbs. It beats rival models like Honda CR-V, Toyota RAV-4, and Mazda CX-30 by a whole 500lbs in hauling capability. However, the towing capacity of this crossover SUV varies depending on a couple of factors. These factors are the engine option and trailer brakes.

Engine Options

There are two powerful engine options that deliver a sharp and exhilarating performance. You can choose between the following options, which have different towing capacities.

2.4 Liter Inline 4-Cylinder Engine

A torque of 175lb-ft and 181 horsepower allow you to haul up to 1,650lbs comfortably with this engine option. Additionally, its 6-speed shiftable automatic transmission makes the compact SUV highly responsive, whether crawling in traffic or speeding up on the fast lane.

2.0 Liter Inline 4-Cylinder Turbocharged Engine

This engine option has a towing capacity of 2,000lbs courtesy of its incredible 240 horsepower and 260lb-ft of torque. It also has a 6-speed shiftable automatic transmission like the 2.4L engine option.

Trailer Brakes

Having trailer brakes makes hauling safer for you and other road users. You will be able to haul up to 2,000lbs with trailer brakes. On the other hand, you can only haul up to 1,653lbs without trailer brakes.

Does the Towing Capacity Vary With Trim Levels?

No, the towing capacity doesn’t vary with trim levels. It all boils down to the engine option and the presence or absence of trailer brakes, regardless of whether you go for the LX, S, EX, or SX Turbo trim level.

What Can You Haul?

Can a Kia Sportage tow a boat? The answer to this common question is yes. You can comfortably haul a boat as long as it weighs 2,000lbs or less. That means only non-motorized boats and lightweight aluminum ones, usually, as most motorized ones weigh over 3,000lbs.

Besides boats, you can tow the following with this crossover SUV:

  • Small utility trailers
  • Personal watercrafts
  • Pop-up tent trailers

Cargo Capacity

In addition to the impressive towing capacity, you also get a high cargo capacity with this model. The cargo room is 30.7 cubic feet behind the rear seats. It is adequate to carry most of your hiking, climbing, and surfing equipment.

When you fold the rear seats, the cargo room almost doubles to a whole 60.1 cubic feet. You can take with you virtually anything.

Towing Accessories

Several towing accessories custom-designed to fit this vehicle are available. They include:

  • Tow hitch (including harness)
  • Tow hitch bike attachment
  • Roof rack crossbar
  • Roof bike attachment
  • Roof cargo box attachment
  • Wheel lock
  • Tow hitch chrome cover


The ability to haul up to 2,000lbs makes the Sportage a perfect choice when shopping for a compact crossover SUV. Schedule a test drive today at Crain Kia of Fayetteville and learn more about this model’s best features, including its impressive towing capacity.