2027 Santa Fe 2.5L turbo trailer weight limits

These figures are for the 2.5L turbo (Smartstream G2.5 T-GDi) Santa Fe covered by the 2027 owner's manual. Its reference chart is headed "With trailer package", and its vehicle load limit section lists the same towing capacities. hyundaiusa.com's Santa Fe specs list 2,000 lbs. with trailer brakes for some other configurations and 1,650 lbs. without trailer brakes.

From the 2027 Santa Fe owner's manual, "Reference Weight And Distance When Towing A Trailer" and "Vehicle Load Limit", read October 27, 2026. hyundaiusa.com: towing capacity varies by configuration; the 4,500 lb. maximum requires the Santa Fe XRT trim and a trailer equipped with trailer brakes.

The maximum trailer weight includes the trailer, any cargo, and equipment or items attached to it. Hyundai adds that any extra weight, cargo or accessories in the Santa Fe itself reduce the maximum trailer weight and the matching tongue load limits, and that engine performance drops with altitude: from 0.6 mi. (1 km) above sea level, and for every 0.6 mi. (1 km) after that, deduct 10% of the vehicle/trailer weight. Before towing, the total trailer weight, gross combination weight, gross vehicle weight, gross axle weight and tongue load must all be within the limits.

Tongue weight and weighing your rig

Tongue load matters because it changes how the Santa Fe steers and handles. The manual explains that too much tongue load reduces front tire traction and steering control, while too little can let the trailer sway because its weight shifts to the rear. When fully loaded, the tongue load at the hitch should be 10-15% of the total trailer weight, and the gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) must never be exceeded.

Hyundai's public-scale method: fully load the vehicle and trailer, stay in the vehicle with your passengers, then measure (1) front gross axle weight, (2) gross vehicle weight, (3) rear gross axle weight, (4) gross combined weight, (5) hitched trailer weight and (6) unhitched trailer weight. Subtract (5) from (6) to get the tongue load. If no public scale is available, add your estimated cargo weight to the trailer weight from its manufacturer and measure the tongue with a tongue gauge.

Load about 60% of the trailer load in the front and about 40% in the rear, never more in the rear than the front. If the weights are off, Hyundai says you can usually fix them by moving items around in the trailer.

Using TOW mode

On a Santa Fe equipped with TOW mode, switching it on changes the shifting pattern to suit heavy loads for smoother driving with a trailer. Press the Tow mode button to turn it on or off.

To tell the vehicle how heavy your trailer is, put the gear in P (Park) and select Setup > Vehicle > Drive Mode > Tow Mode on the infotainment system.

Driver assistance features while towing

Keep your eyes on the road: the manual says that when a trailer is connected to the tow hitch harness installed on the vehicle, several functions turn off automatically. They are the forward/side safety function of Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist, Lane Keeping Assist, Blind-Spot Collision-Avoidance Assist, Safe Exit Assist, Lane Following Assist, Highway Driving Assist, Rear Cross-Traffic Collision-Avoidance Assist, Reverse Parking Distance Warning, Parking Collision-Avoidance Assist and Remote Smart Parking Assist.

Hyundai also notes that the tow hitch harness must be a genuine Hyundai part, and that a trailer, hitch mounted carrier or other attachment near the rear corner radar can affect it, so Blind-Spot Collision-Avoidance Assist, Safe Exit Warning and Rear Cross-Traffic Collision-Avoidance Assist may not operate properly or may operate unexpectedly.

Hitch and towing equipment

From the Trailer Towing and Hitches sections of the 2027 Santa Fe owner's manual, read October 27, 2026.

Safety chains, trailer brakes and lights

Always attach safety chains between the Santa Fe and the trailer, following the hitch or trailer maker's instructions. Leave just enough slack to turn, and never let the chains drag on the ground.

Regulations may require a trailer to have its own brakes above certain loaded weights. Follow the trailer brake instructions for installation, adjustment and maintenance, and never tap into the vehicle's hydraulic braking system. Hyundai's warning: setting up trailer brakes is not a task for amateurs, so use an experienced, competent trailer shop.

The vehicle needs a different turn signal flasher and extra wiring for a trailer. Do not connect the trailer lighting directly to the vehicle's lighting system; use an approved trailer wiring harness, and contact an authorized Hyundai dealer for help. Because the cluster arrows flash for turns even when trailer bulbs are burned out, check the trailer lights occasionally and every time you reconnect the wires.

Driving with a trailer

Maintenance when you tow

The manual says a Santa Fe that regularly pulls a trailer needs servicing more often. Pay particular attention to automatic transmission fluid, axle lubricant, cooling system fluid and brake condition, and review them before a trip. Check the transmission fluid more frequently when towing.

Maintain the trailer and hitch too: follow the trailer's maintenance schedule, check it at the start of each day's driving if you can, and above all keep every hitch nut and bolt tight. If the coolant gauge shows overheating on a hot day or a climb, switch off the air conditioner, stop in a safe area and let the engine idle to cool; do not switch the engine off while the gauge shows overheating.

For brake work before towing season, see our brake service page, or schedule service online.

Hyundai of Goshen service hours

From Hyundai of Goshen's website, October 27, 2026. Holiday hours can differ.