5 Essential Tips For Towing A Camper With Your 2025 Kia SUV

The great outdoors is calling, and your 2025 Kia SUV is ready to answer. Whether you're planning a weekend getaway or an extended cross-country adventure, towing a camper with your Kia SUV provides the perfect balance of comfort and capability. Kia's diverse lineup of SUVs offers impressive towing capacities and intelligent features designed to make your camping experience safer and more enjoyable.

Before you hit the road with your camper in tow, it's essential to understand how to maximize your Kia SUV's towing capabilities. The right preparation and knowledge not only protect your vehicle but also ensure a smooth journey to your destination. Here are five essential tips for towing a camper with your 2025 Kia SUV.

Know Your Vehicle's Specific Towing Capacity

Towing capacity varies significantly across the 2025 Kia SUV lineup, and even between different trims of the same model. The rugged Telluride X-Pro leads the pack with an impressive 5,500 lb maximum towing capacity, while the standard Telluride can handle up to 5,000 lb. The all-electric EV9 AWD matches this 5,000 lb capacity, proving that electric vehicles can deliver serious towing performance. The Sorento X-Pro offers up to 4,500 lb of towing capacity, making it another strong contender for pulling a camper.

For hybrid enthusiasts, the Sorento HEV/PHEV and Sportage HEV/PHEV models offer more modest towing capacities of around 1,650 lb, suitable for smaller teardrop campers or pop-ups. Always check your owner's manual for the exact towing rating for your specific model and trim—this information is crucial for safe towing. Remember that your camper's weight should include everything loaded inside, not just the empty trailer weight.

Utilize Built-In Towing Aids and Drive Modes

Your 2025 Kia SUV comes equipped with features specifically designed to enhance towing performance and safety. Trailer Stability Assist (TSA) is standard on models like the Sorento, Sportage, and Telluride, automatically applying brakes to individual wheels if it detects trailer sway—a common challenge when towing campers, especially in windy conditions or during emergency maneuvers.

Take advantage of the specialized drive modes available in your Kia SUV. The Telluride X-Pro features a dedicated Tow Mode that adjusts transmission shift points and throttle response for optimal towing performance. Most Kia SUVs offer Drive Mode Select, allowing you to choose settings that prioritize power delivery when you need it most. The EV9, Sorento, and Sportage models with AWD also feature Terrain Modes that can be valuable when navigating campgrounds with challenging surfaces. Additionally, factory trailer wiring pre-installation makes connecting your camper's lighting system straightforward, ensuring legal and safe operation.

Leverage Advanced Driver Assistance Systems

Towing a camper alters your vehicle's dimensions and blind spots, making Kia's advanced driver assistance systems particularly valuable. Blind-Spot Collision-Avoidance Assist (BCA) alerts you to vehicles that might be obscured by your camper, while available Blind View Monitors (BVM) display a live camera feed of your blind spots in the instrument cluster when you activate your turn signal—invaluable when changing lanes with a camper in tow.

Lane Keeping Assist (LKA) and Lane Following Assist (LFA) help maintain your position on the highway, reducing the strain of keeping a camper tracking straight over long distances. Smart Cruise Control (SCC) maintains a set distance from vehicles ahead, adapting to changing traffic conditions and helping reduce driver fatigue. For campground maneuvers, the available Surround View Monitor (SVM) provides a bird's-eye view of your vehicle and trailer, making it easier to navigate tight spaces and properly align with hookups at your campsite.

Ensure Proper Setup and Weight Distribution

Proper setup is critical for safe and effective towing with your 2025 Kia SUV. Always use a hitch rated for your specific vehicle and camper combination—this is what Kia means by "when properly equipped" in their towing specifications. The correct hitch not only supports the weight but also helps maintain vehicle control and prevents transmission or suspension damage.

Weight distribution within your camper significantly impacts towing stability. Aim for approximately 10-15% of the total trailer weight on the tongue (where the trailer connects to your vehicle). Too little tongue weight can cause dangerous trailer sway, while too much can overload your SUV's rear suspension and reduce steering effectiveness. Pack heavier items low and centered over the trailer axle, and secure all loose items to prevent shifts during transit. Always consult your Kia owner's manual for detailed guidelines specific to your model.

Plan Ahead, Especially with Electrified Models

Towing increases fuel consumption and reduces range for all vehicles, requiring careful trip planning. For conventional gas-powered models like the Telluride and Sorento, expect a 30-50% reduction in fuel efficiency when towing. This means more frequent fuel stops and potentially higher trip costs, so budget accordingly.

For electrified Kia models, towing presents unique considerations. The EV9 and EV6 will experience significantly reduced electric range when pulling a camper—sometimes by 50% or more depending on the load and terrain. Leverage the DC fast charging capability of these models to minimize stopover times. The Sorento and Sportage HEV/PHEV models will rely more heavily on their gasoline engines when towing, reducing their electric advantage. When planning a trip with an electrified Kia, research charging stations along your route, allowing for the reduced range, and consider campgrounds with electric hookups to recharge overnight.

Your Adventure Awaits: Camper Towing Made Simple

Your 2025 Kia SUV brings impressive capability and intelligent features to make towing a camper both safe and enjoyable. By understanding your specific vehicle's towing capacity, utilizing the built-in towing aids, leveraging driver assistance systems, ensuring proper setup, and planning your journey with your vehicle's characteristics in mind, you'll set yourself up for successful adventures.

Ready to experience how a 2025 Kia SUV can transform your camping journeys? Visit Cardinal Kia to test drive the model that matches your towing needs and see how these capable vehicles can enhance your outdoor lifestyle. 

To learn more about Kia SUVs like the 2025 Kia Telluride, visit Kia.ca