Trailer towing: (if equipped)
If you are considering towing a trailer with your vehicle, you should first check with your state’s Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) to determine their legal requirements.
Since laws vary, the requirements for towing trailers, cars, or other types of vehicles or apparatus may differ. Consult an authorized Kia dealer.
Towing a trailer
If you drive improperly or don’t use the correct equipment, you can lose control of your vehicle when you tow a trailer. For example, if the trailer is too heavy, the brakes may not work well (or at all). You and your passengers could be seriously or fatally injured. Only tow a trailer if you have followed all the steps in this section.
Weight limits
Before towing, make sure the total trailer weight, gross combination weight, gross vehicle weight, gross axle weight, and trailer tongue load are all within the limits.
Towing a trailer improperly can damage your vehicle and result in costly repairs not covered by your warranty. To tow a trailer correctly, follow the advice in this section.
Your vehicle can tow a trailer. To identify the trailer capacity for your vehicle, refer to If you decide to tow a trailer.
Remember that towing a trailer is different than driving your vehicle by itself. Towing a trailer means changes in handling, durability, and fuel economy. Towing a trailer successfully and safely requires proper use of the correct equipment.
This section contains many time-tested, important tips and safety rules for towing a trailer. Read this section carefully before you tow a trailer.
Load-pulling components, such as the engine, transmission, wheel assemblies, and tires, are forced to work harder against the load of the added weight of a trailer. The engine is required to operate at relatively higher speeds under greater loads. This additional burden generates extra heat. The trailer also adds considerable wind resistance, which increases the load-pulling requirements.