The Kia Seltos is a subcompact crossover SUV that debuted globally in 2019 and arrived in North America for the 2021 model year. It is available with two engine options and either front-wheel drive (FWD) or all-wheel drive (AWD). Maximum towing capacity varies significantly between global markets and the United States market based on manufacturer guidance.
This guide provides year-by-year towing specifications for the Kia Seltos, including maximum trailer weight ratings, payload limits, hitch requirements, and factory tow package availability where applicable. Observing manufacturer-rated towing limits is essential for preserving the engine, transmission, and braking system reliability.
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2026 Kia Seltos Towing Capacity
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Engine Options | 2.0L MPI I4 (147 hp); 1.6L Turbo GDI I4 (195 hp) |
| Drivetrain | FWD / AWD |
| Maximum Towing Capacity (Global) | 1,250 kg (2,756 lbs) braked; 600 kg (1,323 lbs) unbraked |
| Maximum Towing Capacity (U.S.) | Not officially rated for trailer towing by Kia U.S. |
| Conventional Towing Capacity | See Maximum Towing Capacity |
| Fifth-Wheel / Gooseneck Capacity | N/A |
| Maximum Payload Capacity | 1,103 lbs (500 kg) AWD; 955 lbs (433 kg) FWD (approximate) |
| Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) | 3,969 – 4,256 lbs (1,800 – 1,931 kg) |
| Tongue Weight Limit | 200 lbs (91 kg) per aftermarket hitch rating |
| Hitch Class | Class I (1.25-inch receiver) |
| Factory Tow Package | Not available in U.S. market |
The 2026 Kia Seltos in global markets offers a maximum braked towing capacity of 1,250 kg when equipped with the 1.6L turbo engine and AWD. In the United States, Kia does not provide an official trailer weight rating for the 2026 Seltos. Aftermarket Class I hitches support up to 2,000 lbs gross trailer weight and 200 lbs tongue weight.
2025 Kia Seltos Towing Capacity
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Engine Options | 2.0L MPI I4 (147 hp); 1.6L Turbo GDI I4 (195 hp) |
| Drivetrain | FWD / AWD |
| Maximum Towing Capacity (Global) | 1,250 kg (2,756 lbs) braked; 600 kg (1,323 lbs) unbraked |
| Maximum Towing Capacity (U.S.) | Not officially rated for trailer towing by Kia U.S. |
| Conventional Towing Capacity | See Maximum Towing Capacity |
| Fifth-Wheel / Gooseneck Capacity | N/A |
| Maximum Payload Capacity | 1,103 lbs (500 kg) AWD; 1,032 lbs (468 kg) FWD (approximate) |
| Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) | 3,969 – 4,256 lbs (1,800 – 1,931 kg) |
| Tongue Weight Limit | 200 lbs (91 kg) per aftermarket hitch rating |
| Hitch Class | Class I (1.25-inch receiver) |
| Factory Tow Package | Not available in U.S. market |
The 2025 Kia Seltos retains the same engine and drivetrain options introduced with the 2024 refresh. Global braked towing capacity reaches 1,250 kg for the 1.6T AWD variant. U.S. market models are not factory-rated for towing, though aftermarket hitch solutions remain available.
2024 Kia Seltos Towing Capacity
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Engine Options | 2.0L MPI I4 (147 hp); 1.6L Turbo GDI I4 (195 hp) |
| Drivetrain | FWD / AWD |
| Maximum Towing Capacity (Global) | 1,250 kg (2,756 lbs) braked; 600 kg (1,323 lbs) unbraked |
| Maximum Towing Capacity (U.S.) | Not officially rated for trailer towing by Kia U.S. |
| Conventional Towing Capacity | See Maximum Towing Capacity |
| Fifth-Wheel / Gooseneck Capacity | N/A |
| Maximum Payload Capacity | 1,009 lbs (458 kg) AWD X-Line; 955 lbs (433 kg) FWD (approximate) |
| Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) | 3,925 – 4,256 lbs (1,780 – 1,931 kg) |
| Tongue Weight Limit | 200 lbs (91 kg) per aftermarket hitch rating |
| Hitch Class | Class I (1.25-inch receiver) |
| Factory Tow Package | Not available in U.S. market |
The 2024 Kia Seltos received a mid-cycle refresh with updated styling and a more powerful 1.6L turbo engine producing 195 hp. Global models equipped with the 1.6T AWD configuration achieve a maximum braked towing capacity of 1,250 kg. Kia U.S. does not publish an official trailer towing rating for any 2024 Seltos trim.
2023 Kia Seltos Towing Capacity
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Engine Options | 2.0L MPI I4 (146 hp); 1.6L Turbo GDI I4 (175 hp) |
| Drivetrain | FWD / AWD |
| Maximum Towing Capacity (Global) | 1,250 kg (2,756 lbs) braked; 600 kg (1,323 lbs) unbraked |
| Maximum Towing Capacity (U.S.) | Not officially rated for trailer towing by Kia U.S. |
| Conventional Towing Capacity | See Maximum Towing Capacity |
| Fifth-Wheel / Gooseneck Capacity | N/A |
| Maximum Payload Capacity | 933 lbs (423 kg) FWD S trim (approximate) |
| Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) | 3,881 – 4,245 lbs (1,760 – 1,925 kg) |
| Tongue Weight Limit | 200 lbs (91 kg) per aftermarket hitch rating |
| Hitch Class | Class I (1.25-inch receiver) |
| Factory Tow Package | Not available in U.S. market |
The 2023 Kia Seltos continues with the pre-refresh powertrain lineup. Global braked towing capacity for the 1.6L turbo AWD models is 1,250 kg, while 2.0L FWD models are rated at 1,100 kg. U.S. owner’s manual documentation states that Kia does not recommend using the vehicle for trailer towing.
2022 Kia Seltos Towing Capacity
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Engine Options | 2.0L MPI I4 (146 hp); 1.6L Turbo GDI I4 (175 hp) |
| Drivetrain | FWD / AWD |
| Maximum Towing Capacity (Global) | 1,250 kg (2,756 lbs) braked; 600 kg (1,323 lbs) unbraked |
| Maximum Towing Capacity (U.S.) | Not officially rated for trailer towing by Kia U.S. |
| Conventional Towing Capacity | See Maximum Towing Capacity |
| Fifth-Wheel / Gooseneck Capacity | N/A |
| Maximum Payload Capacity | 1,080 lbs (490 kg) approximate |
| Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) | 3,881 – 4,167 lbs (1,760 – 1,890 kg) |
| Tongue Weight Limit | 200 lbs (91 kg) per aftermarket hitch rating |
| Hitch Class | Class I (1.25-inch receiver) |
| Factory Tow Package | Not available in U.S. market |
The 2022 Kia Seltos produces 175 hp and 195 lb-ft of torque from the 1.6L turbo engine. In markets where towing is rated, the braked capacity reaches 1,250 kg with the turbo AWD configuration. For U.S. owners, aftermarket Class I hitches are available with a 2,000 lb gross trailer weight and 200 lb tongue weight rating.
2021 Kia Seltos Towing Capacity
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Engine Options | 2.0L MPI I4 (146 hp); 1.6L Turbo GDI I4 (175 hp) |
| Drivetrain | FWD / AWD |
| Maximum Towing Capacity (Global) | 1,250 kg (2,756 lbs) braked; 600 kg (1,323 lbs) unbraked |
| Maximum Towing Capacity (U.S.) | Not officially rated for trailer towing by Kia U.S. |
| Conventional Towing Capacity | See Maximum Towing Capacity |
| Fifth-Wheel / Gooseneck Capacity | N/A |
| Maximum Payload Capacity | 1,080 lbs (490 kg) approximate |
| Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) | 3,881 – 4,167 lbs (1,760 – 1,890 kg) |
| Tongue Weight Limit | 200 lbs (91 kg) per aftermarket hitch rating |
| Hitch Class | Class I (1.25-inch receiver) |
| Factory Tow Package | Not available in U.S. market |
The 2021 Kia Seltos was the first model year for the North American market. Global 1.6T AWD variants are rated at 1,250 kg braked towing capacity, while the 2.0L FWD variants are rated at 1,100 kg. Kia U.S. does not offer a factory tow package, and the owner’s manual advises against trailer towing for U.S. vehicles.
Towing Equipment and Setup Tips
Towing with a Kia Seltos in markets where it is permitted requires correct equipment and careful setup. In the United States, owners who choose to install aftermarket towing equipment should understand the limitations of the vehicle platform.
A Class I hitch with a 1.25-inch receiver is the standard fitment for the Kia Seltos. These hitches typically carry a 2,000 lb gross trailer weight rating and a 200 lb tongue weight rating. The hitch rating does not override the vehicle manufacturer’s stated towing limits.
Trailer brakes are strongly recommended for any trailer exceeding 750 kg (1,653 lbs) loaded weight in global markets. A trailer brake controller may be required depending on local regulations and trailer type.
A weight-distributing hitch is generally not used with the Seltos due to its unibody construction and light-duty towing classification. Standard ball mount setups are sufficient for the trailer weights this vehicle can manage.
The Seltos does not offer a factory auxiliary transmission cooler. For owners using the vehicle for frequent towing, especially in hot climates or hilly terrain, monitoring transmission fluid temperature is advisable.
Tire load ratings must be checked before towing. Tires should be inflated to the pressure specified on the vehicle placard for maximum load conditions. Underinflated tires increase the risk of trailer sway and blowout.
Trailer sway control is integrated into the vehicle stability control system on Seltos models equipped with electronic stability control. This system can detect trailer sway and apply selective braking to help regain stability.
| Equipment | Standard Towing Setup | Heavy Towing Setup (Global) |
|---|---|---|
| Hitch Class | Class I (1.25-inch) | Class I (1.25-inch) |
| Tongue Weight Rating | 200 lbs (91 kg) | 200 lbs (91 kg) |
| Trailer Brakes | Not required below 750 kg | Required above 750 kg |
| Weight Distribution | Not used | Not used |
| Transmission Cooler | Factory only | Factory only |
| Wiring Harness | 4-pin flat connector | 4-pin or 7-pin adapter |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the maximum towing capacity of a Kia Seltos?
The maximum towing capacity of a Kia Seltos in global markets is 1,250 kg (2,756 lbs) braked when equipped with the 1.6L turbo engine and AWD. The maximum unbraked towing capacity is 600 kg (1,323 lbs) across all configurations. In the United States, Kia does not publish an official towing capacity for the Seltos.
How much can a Kia Seltos tow with a tow package?
Kia does not offer a factory tow package for the Seltos in the United States market. Aftermarket Class I hitches support up to 2,000 lbs gross trailer weight. In global markets where towing is factory-rated, the Seltos can tow up to 1,250 kg braked with the appropriate engine and drivetrain configuration.
Does AWD affect Kia Seltos towing capacity?
AWD models with the 1.6L turbo engine achieve the highest rated towing capacity in global markets at 1,250 kg braked. FWD models with the 2.0L engine are typically rated at 1,100 kg braked. AWD provides better traction for towing on loose or slippery surfaces but does not increase the vehicle’s structural towing limits.
What trailer weight is safe for a Kia Seltos?
In global markets, a braked trailer weight of up to 1,250 kg (2,756 lbs) is permissible for 1.6T AWD models, and 1,100 kg (2,425 lbs) for 2.0L FWD models. Unbraked trailer weight is limited to 600 kg (1,323 lbs). In the U.S., Kia does not recommend trailer towing, though some owners use aftermarket hitches for very light loads under 2,000 lbs.
Do I need a weight-distributing hitch for a Kia Seltos?
A weight-distributing hitch is not required or recommended for the Kia Seltos. The vehicle’s unibody platform and light-duty towing classification make a standard ball mount with a Class I receiver the appropriate setup. The maximum tongue weight of 200 lbs does not necessitate weight distribution.
What is the tongue weight limit for a Kia Seltos?
The tongue weight limit for the Kia Seltos is 200 lbs (91 kg) based on available aftermarket Class I hitch ratings. The owner’s manual for global models specifies that tongue load should be approximately 10 percent of the total loaded trailer weight and must not exceed the hitch’s rated capacity.
Conclusion
The Kia Seltos offers a maximum braked towing capacity ranging from 1,100 kg to 1,250 kg in global markets, depending on engine configuration, drivetrain, and model year. In the United States, Kia does not publish an official towing capacity and does not offer a factory tow package for the Seltos.
Engine choice is the primary factor affecting towing limits. The 1.6L turbo GDI engine paired with AWD consistently delivers the highest towing ratings across all model years. The 2.0L MPI engine with FWD provides lower but still usable capacity in markets where towing is permitted.
Always verify specifications using the owner’s manual for your specific vehicle and market before towing any trailer load.
