Towing This Summer? Find the Best 2025 Hyundai SUV for the Job

Towing This Summer? Find the Best 2025 Hyundai SUV for the Job

Towing a trailer—whether it’s a compact camper, utility trailer, or a set of jet skis—requires a vehicle equipped with the power, stability, and capability to handle the load confidently. Hyundai’s 2025 SUV lineup offers a range of vehicles with towing capacities suited to different lifestyles and needs, from compact crossovers to three-row family haulers. This guide explores each 2025 Hyundai SUV, including gas-powered, hybrid, and electric models, to help you determine which one fits your towing requirements this summer.

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2025 Hyundai Kona – Best for Light Utility Loads

2025 Hyundai Kona


The redesigned Hyundai Kona offers improved versatility for 2025, especially in its gas-powered variants. While the Kona is primarily geared toward urban and suburban use, it also delivers exceptional efficiency and interior space on long trips. On the other hand, Hyundai does not recommend towing with the 2025 Hyundai Kona. However, there are multiple other options available in the 2025 Hyundai SUV lineup to meet the needs of Ontario owners that need to tow.

2025 Hyundai Tucson – Capable and Efficient Towing in a Compact SUV

2025 Hyundai Tucson


The 2025 Tucson lineup includes gas, hybrid, and plug-in hybrid powertrains, each with different towing limits. It’s an appealing option for drivers who want good fuel efficiency and light-to-moderate towing power in a compact SUV.

  • 2.5L Gas AWD versions are rated at 3,500 pounds when towing a trailer equipped with brakes. Without brakes, you can tow up to 1,650 pounds.
  • The 1.6L Hybrid and Plug-in Hybrid AWD models are capable of towing up to 2,000 pounds (1,588 kg) with a braked trailer. Unbraked capacity remains 1,650 pounds.

With up to 3,500 pounds of capability, 2025 Tucson models can tow a small camper, a pair of personal watercrafts, or a loaded utility trailer—making it a flexible option for families and outdoor enthusiasts.

2025 Hyundai Santa Fe – Redesigned and Ready for More

2025 Hyundai Santa Fe


The 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe introduces a bold new design and comes with an extended wheelbase and improved interior flexibility. It's available with a standard gasoline engine, a hybrid option, and an off-road-oriented XRT model.

  • The 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe XRT has the highest towing capacity in the lineup with 4,500 pounds
  • Other 2.5L Turbo AWD models like the Luxury trim and the Santa Fe Ultimate Caligraphy, can tow up to 3,500 pounds with a braked trailer.
  • Hybrid models are rated at 2,000 pounds (907 kg), even with AWD and a braked trailer.

The higher-rated turbo engine allows Santa Fe owners to tow a compact camper trailer, mid-size aluminum fishing boat, or dual-axle cargo trailers. For families looking for capability and comfort, this SUV balances both.

2025 Hyundai Palisade – Maximum Gas-Powered Towing

2025 Hyundai Palisade


The 2025 Palisade remains available as the brand’s flagship three-row SUV while the next-generation 2026 Palisade begins to roll out later in the year. The 2025 model is powered by a 3.8-litre V6 engine paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission and standard AWD across all trims in Canada.

  • All 2025 Palisade trims (Preferred, Urban, Ultimate Calligraphy) are rated to tow 5,000 pounds (2,268 kg) with a braked trailer and 1,650 pounds (750 kg) unbraked.

This level of towing capacity enables the Palisade to handle mid-size travel trailers, larger boats, or a dual-motor ATV trailer with ease. With its strong V6, standard transmission cooler, and Trailer Sway Control, it’s Hyundai’s most capable traditional SUV for towing.

2026 Hyundai Palisade – New Powertrain, Same Muscle

2026 Hyundai Palisade


Hyundai has revealed the redesigned 2026 Palisade, which will offer a bold new exterior and updated powertrain options. A new 2.5L turbocharged hybrid will become available, offering a targeted output of 329 horsepower and enhanced fuel efficiency. While official Canadian towing ratings for the 2026 model haven’t been finalized at the time of writing, Hyundai has indicated that the towing capacity will remain at or near 5,000 pounds for properly equipped models.

This suggests that the Palisade will continue to be the brand’s top gas-powered SUV for towing while gaining hybrid efficiency and advanced technology.

2025 Hyundai IONIQ 9 – All-Electric Capability

2025 Hyundai Ioniq 9


The Hyundai IONIQ 9 is Hyundai’s new all-electric three-row SUV based on the same E-GMP platform as the IONIQ 5 and 6. It is expected to offer competitive towing capacity and long range, with official Canadian specs confirming:

  • IONIQ 9 AWD versions are projected to tow up to 5,000 pounds (2,268 kg) with a braked trailer.

Like the Kia EV9, which shares its underpinnings, the IONIQ 9 will include trailer mode settings and dual-motor AWD with substantial torque. This makes it an excellent option for buyers seeking all-electric towing without compromising on performance or space.

Complete Towing Capacity Summary: 2025 Hyundai SUV Lineup

Model

Engine / Powertrain

Drive

Braked Towing Capacity

Unbraked Towing Capacity

Hyundai Tucson

2.5L Gas FWD

FWD

3,500 lbs (750 kg)

1,650 lbs (750 kg)

Hyundai Tucson

2.5L Gas AWD

AWD

3,500 lbs (907 kg)

1,650 lbs (750 kg)

Hyundai Tucson Hybrid / PHEV

1.6L Turbo Hybrid / Plug-in Hybrid

AWD

2,000 lbs (1,588 kg)

1,650 lbs (750 kg)

Hyundai Santa Fe

2.5L Turbo Gas AWD

AWD

4,500 lbs (2,041 kg)

1,650 lbs (750 kg)

Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid

1.6L Turbo Hybrid AWD

AWD

2,000 lbs (907 kg)

1,650 lbs (750 kg)

Hyundai Palisade (2025)

3.8L V6 Gas AWD

AWD

5,000 lbs (2,268 kg)

1,650 lbs (750 kg)

Hyundai Palisade (2026)

2.5L Turbo Hybrid (est.)

AWD

~5,000 lbs (TBC)

TBC

Hyundai IONIQ 9

Dual-Motor Electric AWD

AWD

5,000 lbs (2,268 kg)

TBC

Conclusion

Whether you’re planning to tow a small utility trailer, a pop-up camper, or a full-size boat, Hyundai’s 2025 SUV lineup offers solutions for every level of need. From the efficient and compact Tucson Hybrid to the all-electric IONIQ 9 and the powerful gas-powered Palisade, Hyundai provides a range of options with dependable towing capabilities.

Before selecting a model, consider what you plan to tow and how frequently. Choosing the right Hyundai SUV with the correct powertrain, drivetrain, and towing equipment ensures a safe and confident towing experience all summer long.

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2026 HYUNDAI Palisade

2026 HYUNDAI Palisade
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Photo for illustrative purposes only.

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