Can Kia Sedona Tow a Travel Trailer? (Kia Sedona Towing Capacity)

Last Updated on August 24, 2021 by Ted Mosby

Can Kia Sedona tow a travel trailer? This is the question you might be wondering about if you are a proud owner of a Kia Sedona. I’m an outdoor enthusiast and a fan of this minivan functionality. I have compiled this well-research post after figuring out the Kia Sedona towing capacity and can it tow a travel trailer.

It will let you know the towing capacity of Kia Sedona, as well as to determine what travel trailer can Kia Sedona tow. So, let’s get started!

Regardless of what Kia Sedona model or what trim level you have, all of them have the capacity of towing up to 3,500 lbs of weight. It means, if you are considering to purchase a travel trailer that fits your Kia Sedona towing capacity, you should look for a small or mid-size travel trailer.

After taking a closer look at the towing capacity of the Kia Sedona, I have found that it is a great choice of tow vehicle because it features a powerful engine, packing a mighty front-wheel drive. Read on the post below to find out some examples of DIY teardrop, pop-up, and medium-sized campers, perfectly pairing with this amazing tow vehicle.

Can Kia Sedona Tow a Travel Trailer?

Yes, Kia Sedona can tow travel trailers. The Towing Capacity of Kia Sedona is 3,500 lbs, so any travel trailer weighs less than that can be towed. Some of the best travel trailers to tow with Kia Sedona are Forest River R-Pod, Aliner Ascape Camp, and Jayco Hummingbird. 

Kia Sedona Horsepower and Torque

All the Kia Sedona models from 2018 to 2020 feature a 3.3L V6 engine capable of producing up to 276 horsepower. The vehicle pulls powerfully via front-wheel drive.

Talking about the Kia Sedona 2018 model, features an automatic controlled six-speed transmission, overdrive sportmatic transmission, and 248 lb-ft of torque.

On the flip side, Kia Sedona 2019 and 2020 models also have the same engine (3.3L V6) but feature an eight-speed automatic transmission. However, the torque level is the same in all the models.

Is It Safe to Tow with Front-Wheel Drive?

Tow vehicles like Kia Sedona are considered reliable front-wheel-drive tow vehicles. However, it is critical to evenly distribute the weight when towing with front-wheel drive. Avoid placing too much load on the rear end of the Sedona when hitching up the travel trailer.

The travel trailer’s tongue weight or the weight transferred from the front onto the hitch can weigh down Kia’s rear end. And if the back end of the tow vehicle is weighed down, the front end will be lifted, causing the loss of front-wheel drive traction.

Front-wheel drive vehicles like Kia Sedona also provide a better fuel mileage when towing as compared to AWD vehicles.

Gross Vehicle Weight Rating of Kia Sedona (GVWR)

As I have described in my previous articles, the gross vehicle weight rating or GVWR of a vehicle is its maximum operating weight determined by the manufacturer. It’s never a good idea to surpass the maximum GVWR limit, and in doing so, it could severely damage your vehicle.

The GVWR of a vehicle include engine, chassis, accessories, fluids, cargo, and even passengers traveling in it. Be clear that the weight of a travel trailer being towed is not included in the GVWR. For Kia Sedona, the maximum GVWR of the vehicle is up to 6,085 lbs.

Kia Sedona Towing Package

A towing package for Kia Sedona is optional and doesn’t come standard with any model. However, if you are considering installing a tow package, make sure to get it installed by a reputable mechanic. Moreover, if you are going to do it yourself, make sure the tow package you are going to install is compatible with your Kia Sedona.

What Travel Trailers Can Kia Sedona Tow?

Since Kia Sedona towing capacity is up to 3,500 lbs, it can tow a range of lightweight travel trailers. The advantage of having a lightweight travel trailer is their diverse style and build quality. However, when buying a lightweight travel trailer, make sure to pay attention to its Unloaded Vehicle Weight, Carrying capacity, and Tongue Weight to make sure it doesn’t surpass the maximum Kia Sedona towing capacity when the camper trailer is fully loaded.

Here are some travel trailers you can easily tow with your Kia Sedona,

1. Forest River R-Pod 172

If you have a Kia Sedona and looking for a suitable camper for it, Forest River R-Pod 172 should be your top pick. Manufactured by Forest River, it is a luxurious, compact, lightweight camper. Regardless of compactness, it offers ample living space to accommodate your entire family, as well as enough cargo space to hold your outdoor gear and accessories.

Kia Sedona is capable of towing a medium-size R-Pod 172 camper when it is fully loaded without surpassing the vehicle’s maximum towing capacity.

Here are the basic specs of this camper,

Forest River R-Pod 172 Specifications

• Tongue weight: 243 lbs.
• Cargo carrying capacity: 905 lbs.
• Unloaded vehicle weight: 2,338 lbs.

2. Aliner Ascape Camp

Aliner Ascape Camper is a pop-up camper and a perfect option for your Kia Sedona towing capacity. The camper is lightweight and compact, making it easy to pull behind your Sedona. Moreover, the camper model also offers ample room for your outdoor gear. The living space is also considerable, and you will love it when exploring new horizons along with your family.

Basic specs of Aline Ascape include,

• Tongue weight: 229 lbs.
• Cargo carrying capacity: 1,005 lbs.
• Unloaded vehicle weight: 1,495 lbs.

3. Jayco Hummingbird 10RK

Jayco is another top brand that manufactures quality campers to satisfy the needs of outdoor enthusiasts to make their camping a memorable experience. One of their quality product is Hummingbird 10RK.

The option is great for people with low towing capacity vehicles. It is small, compact, and adaptable, making it easier for you to tow with your Kia Sedona.

The ample interior living space and enough storage space allows you and your family to camp in style.

The basic specs include,

• Tongue weight: 160 lbs.
• Carrying capacity: 430 lbs.
• Unloaded vehicle weight: 1,570 lbs.

4. Droplet

Another option, matching perfectly to your Sedona towing capacity, is Droplet. You will enjoy your camping while closely interacting with nature in Droplet. This camper’s high-end construction and incredibly aerodynamic design make it ideal for adventurers who want to travel comfortably.

Some basic specs of Droplet include,

• Tongue weight: 95 lbs.
• Unloaded vehicle weight: 950 lbs.

5. Taxa Outdoors Cricket

The last travel trailers on this list that is perfect for your Kia Sedona towing capacity is Taxa Outdoors Cricket. The rugged and simple design of the camper makes it incredibly durable. The compactness and lightweight allow you to easily tow it behind your Sedona wherever you go. Compactness aside, it offers ample room to comfortably accommodate a family of four while also offering sufficient living and storage space.

The basic stats of Taxa Outdoors Cricket include;

• Tongue weight: 170-plus lbs.
• Cargo carrying capacity: 700 lbs.
• Unloaded vehicle weight: 1,732 lbs.

What about Boats? Does Kia Sedona is capable of towing a boat?

When it comes to towing a boat with a Kia Sedona, it is capable of towing lightweight boats weighing up to 1,700 lbs. Moreover, you can also tow lightweight sailing dinghies. Before you start towing a boat with your Kia Sedona, make sure to calculate the weight of the trailer when it is empty. It will help you to make sure the total load doesn’t surpass the maximum towing capacity of the Kia Sedona.

Wrapping Up

Kia Sedona is a solid option when it comes to towing lightweight travel trailers or large objects behind it. The Kia Sedona’s maximum towing capacity is up to 3,500 lbs, while the gross weight of the vehicle is 6,085 lbs. If you are an owner of a Kia Sedona regardless of the model or trim level and looking for a travel trailer, you should go for medium-sized campers. Above, I have also listed the best-suited lightweight campers that you can consider for your Kia Sedona. Moreover, since it is a front-wheel-drive tow vehicle, make sure to distribute the weight evenly before towing. Also, make sure not to place too much load onto the rear end when hitching up your camper.

FAQs

How much does it cost to include a tow package to Kia Sedona?

If you are considering adding a tow package to your Kia Sedona and wondering how much it cost, it varies. Kia offers the entire towing package, which also includes the hitch, for $395. However, if you are shopping components separately, it might cost you up to $200 for a hitch, while you will have to spend about $50 for a wiring harness as well.