The Hyundai Ioniq 9 is a three-row all-electric SUV built on the E-GMP platform. It entered production for the 2026 model year and is currently the brand’s largest electric vehicle, available in rear-wheel drive and all-wheel drive configurations. This guide covers the towing specifications for the Ioniq 9 by drivetrain configuration, including maximum trailer weight, gross combined weight rating, tongue weight, and hitch class requirements. Exceeding manufacturer-rated towing limits places excessive stress on the electric motors, battery pack, braking system, and suspension components, which can result in drivetrain damage and reduced vehicle safety.
Quick Navigation
2026 Hyundai Ioniq 9 Towing Capacity
The 2026 model year marks the Ioniq 9’s global launch. Towing capacity varies significantly by drivetrain. The rear-wheel drive variant is rated for lower trailer weight than either all-wheel drive configuration. The following tables cover each drivetrain configuration separately, reflecting manufacturer data for the North American and international markets.
RWD Configuration (Standard Range and Long Range)
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Motor Configuration | Single Permanent-Magnet Synchronous Motor (Rear), 160 kW |
| Drivetrain | RWD |
| Maximum Towing Capacity (Braked) | 3,527 lbs (1,600 kg) |
| Maximum Towing Capacity (Unbraked) | 1,653 lbs (750 kg) |
| Fifth-Wheel / Gooseneck Capacity | N/A |
| Noseweight / Tongue Weight Limit | 176 lbs (80 kg) |
| Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) | 7,010 lbs (3,180 kg) |
| Gross Train Weight (GTW) | 10,538 lbs (4,780 kg) |
| Hitch Class | Class III |
| Factory Tow Package | Optional (dealer-installed tow hitch accessory) |
The 2026 Hyundai Ioniq 9 RWD is rated for a maximum braked towing capacity of 3,527 lbs (1,600 kg). This configuration provides the longest driving range among all Ioniq 9 variants, up to 385 miles WLTP, but carries the lowest trailer weight rating. Adding a factory-authorized tow hitch is required to enable trailer attachment, and owners should verify the owner’s manual for the specific maximum tongue weight limit.
AWD Standard Configuration
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Motor Configuration | Dual Permanent-Magnet Synchronous Motors (Front 70 kW + Rear 160 kW) |
| Drivetrain | AWD |
| Maximum Towing Capacity (Braked) | 5,512 lbs (2,500 kg) |
| Maximum Towing Capacity (Unbraked) | 1,653 lbs (750 kg) |
| Fifth-Wheel / Gooseneck Capacity | N/A |
| Noseweight / Tongue Weight Limit | 276 lbs (125 kg) |
| Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) | 7,275 lbs (3,300 kg) |
| Gross Train Weight (GTW) | 12,787 lbs (5,800 kg) |
| Hitch Class | Class III (2-inch receiver) |
| Factory Tow Package | Optional (“Tow and Go” package, $705) |
The 2026 Hyundai Ioniq 9 AWD Standard reaches a maximum braked towing capacity of 5,512 lbs (2,500 kg), matching the Performance AWD figure for the US market at 5,000 lbs. Payload capacity for this variant is rated at approximately 722 to 572 lbs (327 to 260 kg) depending on configuration. The factory “Tow and Go” optional package is available through Hyundai dealers and is required to enable rated towing capability.
AWD Performance Configuration (Performance Limited and Performance Calligraphy)
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Motor Configuration | Dual Permanent-Magnet Synchronous Motors (Front 160 kW + Rear 160 kW), 320 kW total, 422 hp |
| Drivetrain | AWD |
| Maximum Towing Capacity (Braked) | 5,000 lbs (2,268 kg) [US] / 5,512 lbs (2,500 kg) [international] |
| Maximum Towing Capacity (Unbraked) | 1,653 lbs (750 kg) |
| Fifth-Wheel / Gooseneck Capacity | N/A |
| Noseweight / Tongue Weight Limit | 500 lbs (227 kg) |
| Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) | 7,319 lbs (3,320 kg) |
| Gross Train Weight (GTW) | 12,831 lbs (5,820 kg) |
| Hitch Class | Class III (2-inch receiver) |
| Factory Tow Package | Optional (“Tow and Go” package, $705; standalone Tow Hitch, $615) |
The 2026 Hyundai Ioniq 9 AWD Performance is rated for a maximum towing capacity of 5,000 lbs (2,268 kg) in the United States when equipped with a trailer brake controller and proper hitch setup. The SE AWD and higher AWD trims share the same 5,000 lb maximum tow rating in the North American market. Third-party Class III hitches rated to 5,000 lbs GTW and 500 lbs tongue weight are certified for this vehicle per SAE J684.
Towing Equipment and Setup
Required and Recommended Equipment
Using the correct towing equipment is critical to staying within the Ioniq 9’s rated limits and protecting the electric drivetrain.
Tow Package
The Ioniq 9 does not include a factory-installed hitch on any trim. Hyundai offers an optional tow hitch accessory (part number TDF61-AU000) for $615, and a “Tow and Go” package for $705 that includes the hitch and ball mount. Third-party Class III hitches, such as the CURT model 13644, are also certified for this application and rated to 5,000 lbs GTW with a 2-inch receiver.
Trailer Brake Controller
A trailer brake controller is mandatory when towing braked trailers. The Ioniq 9’s rated towing figures for braked trailers require an operating trailer braking system. Without trailer brakes, the maximum trailer weight drops to 1,653 lbs (750 kg) regardless of drivetrain.
Weight Distribution
Third-party hitches for the Ioniq 9 are compatible with weight distribution systems rated to 5,000 lbs WD and 500 lbs tongue weight. A weight-distributing hitch is recommended when approaching the maximum trailer weight limit to improve front axle stability and steering control.
Tire Load Ratings
All tires must be rated to support the vehicle’s GVWR, including the additional tongue weight transferred from the trailer. The Ioniq 9’s standard tires range from 255/60R19 on S/SE trims to 285/45R21 on Limited and Calligraphy trims. Always verify the tire’s maximum load rating against the loaded axle weight before towing.
Trailer Sway Control
The Ioniq 9 includes standard Electronic Stability Control (ESC) and Vehicle Stability Management, which provide a baseline level of trailer sway mitigation. Additional aftermarket trailer sway control devices may be used with the Class III hitch receiver for added stability.
Normal Towing vs. Heavy Towing Setup
| Factor | Standard Towing (under 3,000 lbs) | Heavy Towing (3,000-5,000 lbs) |
|---|---|---|
| Hitch Requirement | Class III, weight carrying | Class III with weight distribution |
| Trailer Brakes | Recommended | Mandatory |
| Noseweight Management | Standard ball mount | Weight distribution hitch |
| Drivetrain | RWD or AWD | AWD recommended |
| Tongue Weight Monitoring | Basic scale check | Precision scale required |
| Tire Inspection | Pre-trip standard check | Verify load index under full load |
FAQs
What is the maximum towing capacity of a Hyundai Ioniq 9?
The maximum towing capacity of the Hyundai Ioniq 9 is 5,000 lbs (2,268 kg) in the United States for AWD configurations. International markets rate the AWD Ioniq 9 at 2,500 kg (5,512 lbs) for braked trailers. The RWD variant is rated for a lower maximum of 1,600 kg (3,527 lbs) in braked configuration.
How much can a Hyundai Ioniq 9 tow with the tow package installed?
With the factory-authorized tow hitch and trailer brakes properly installed, AWD configurations can tow up to 5,000 lbs (2,268 kg) in the US market. The tow hitch is an optional dealer-installed accessory and is not included with any standard trim level. Without the tow hitch, the vehicle is not rated to tow any load.
Does AWD affect Hyundai Ioniq 9 towing capacity?
Yes. Drivetrain selection directly affects the Ioniq 9’s towing limit. AWD variants are rated for 2,500 kg (5,512 lbs) braked towing internationally and 5,000 lbs in the US, while the RWD model is limited to 1,600 kg (3,527 lbs). AWD also provides a higher noseweight allowance of 125 kg versus 80 kg for the RWD model.
What trailer weight is safe for a Hyundai Ioniq 9?
A safe trailer weight must not exceed the manufacturer-rated maximum for the specific drivetrain configuration. For RWD models, the limit is 1,600 kg (3,527 lbs) braked; for AWD models, it is 2,500 kg (5,512 lbs) braked in international markets. As a general rule, keeping the loaded trailer weight to 80% of the rated maximum improves braking distances and drivetrain durability.
Do I need a weight-distributing hitch for a Hyundai Ioniq 9?
A weight-distributing hitch is not mandatory for towing lighter loads, but it is recommended when approaching the maximum trailer weight limit. The Ioniq 9’s Class III hitch is compatible with weight distribution systems rated to 5,000 lbs WD. Weight distribution reduces nose-lift, improves front wheel steering response, and distributes the tongue weight more evenly across both axles.
What is the unbraked towing limit for the Hyundai Ioniq 9?
Regardless of drivetrain, all Ioniq 9 variants share the same unbraked towing limit of 750 kg (1,653 lbs). This applies to trailers without an independent braking system. For any trailer load above 750 kg, a functional trailer brake system is a legal and safety requirement in most markets.
Conclusion
The 2026 Hyundai Ioniq 9 offers a towing capacity range of 1,600 kg to 2,500 kg (3,527 lbs to 5,512 lbs) in braked configuration, depending on drivetrain selection. AWD configurations deliver the maximum towing rating and a higher noseweight allowance compared to the RWD variant. The optional tow hitch and “Tow and Go” package are required before any towing is possible, as no factory hitch is included with any trim. Gross Train Weight ratings of up to 5,820 kg (12,831 lbs) for the AWD Performance configuration define the combined upper limit for vehicle and trailer. Always verify towing specifications using the official Hyundai owner’s manual before attaching a trailer, and confirm that all components, including hitch, trailer brakes, and tires, are rated at or above the intended load.
