How Much Can a Hyundai Tow? Santa Cruz, Tucson, Santa Fe, and Palisade Compared

Both the 2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz (when equipped with the turbocharged engine and all-wheel drive) and the 2025 Hyundai Palisade share the highest maximum braked towing capacity in the lineup at 5,000 lbs. The 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe follows closely with a maximum capacity of 4,500 lbs on its rugged XRT trim, while the 2025 Hyundai Tucson tops out at 3,500 lbs for braked trailering.

When selecting a crossover, SUV, or pickup capable of pulling utility trailers, personal watercraft, or lightweight campers along coastal South Florida routes, matching powertrain output and factory equipment to your trailer weight is essential. The 2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz achieves its top-tier 5,000-lb rating specifically when spec-configured with the optional 2.5L Turbo 4-cylinder engine—which generates 281 hp and 311 lb-ft of torque—alongside HTRAC All Wheel Drive and appropriate trailer brake controller hardware. Base models equipped with the naturally aspirated 2.5L engine feature a 3,500-lb tow limit.

Similarly, the 2025 Hyundai Palisade leverages a standard 3.8L V6 engine producing 287 hp and 260 lb-ft of torque paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission to deliver a 5,000-lb maximum braked rating across every trim level when properly outfitted with a dealer-installed hitch. For midsize towing demands, the 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe gas models provide a 3,500-lb baseline capacity, while its off-road-oriented XRT trim increases capacity to 4,500 lbs. The compact 2025 Hyundai Tucson handles up to 3,500 lbs with trailer brakes, making it ideal for jet skis or small cargo trailers.

For drivers who want to inspect trailer hitches and examine wiring setups in person, our team is always ready to assist. You can drop by our Delray Beach dealership location or give our sales specialists a quick call to verify currently available tow-equipped models.

Should You Choose the Santa Cruz or Palisade for Family Seating and Heavy Towing?

The 2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz seats five with a versatile open bed, while the Palisade accommodates up to eight passengers, highlighting their distinct family and utility roles. The Palisade accommodates up to eight passengers across three spacious seating rows, whereas the Santa Cruz seats five and features an open composite bed with versatile under-bed storage.

For active households needing to carry large families alongside heavy trailering gear, cabin seating architecture dictates the optimal choice. The Palisade comes standard with three-row seating in either an 8-seat configuration or a 7-seat layout featuring second-row captain’s chairs. Sized as Hyundai’s flagship family SUV, it pairs its 287-hp powertrain with extended cabin dimensions and generous cargo capacity, making it exceptionally comfortable for hauling midsize travel trailers or bowrider boats while keeping passengers cool and relaxed.

Conversely, the Santa Cruz combines crossover driving dynamics with pickup truck utility. Built on a unibody platform derived from compact crossover architecture, it provides about 102 cu.ft. of total interior passenger volume for five occupants, paired with a 4.00-foot composite bed offering about 27 cu ft of cargo volume. Looking at specific weight configurations, the entry-level SE 2.5 has a curb weight of 3,785 lbs, a 3,500-lb towing limit, and a payload capacity of 1,738 lbs. Stepping up to the XRT 2.5 AWD increases curb weight to 4,160 lbs and unlocks the maximum 5,000-lb towing rating alongside a 1,638-lb payload limit. The composite bed also features a lockable, sealed under-bed storage vault with a drain plug, ideal for storing wet beach gear or fishing equipment.

When families visit our showroom to evaluate both models side by side, they typically inspect the second-row legroom and tailgate operation before deciding whether a covered three-row cabin or an open bed fits their weekend routines. If you are comparing purchasing paths for either vehicle, you can prequalify online to explore current financing terms tailored to your budget.

Dimensions & Capacity

Capacity and dimensions by trim

How Do Braked vs. Unbraked Towing Limits Differ Across Hyundai SUVs and Trucks?

Every 2025 Hyundai crossover, SUV, and pickup carries two distinct trailering ratings: a maximum braked capacity reaching up to 5,000 lbs and a standardized unbraked towing limit capped at 1,650 lbs (or 750 kg). Trailers weighing more than 1,650 lbs must feature an independent braking system to safely and legally tow up to the vehicle’s full published limit.

Understanding the mechanical distinction between braked and unbraked towing is critical for vehicle stability, passenger safety, and component longevity. Unbraked trailers depend entirely on the tow vehicle’s primary disc brakes to come to a stop. To prevent brake pad overheating and maintain safe stopping distances during sudden highway deceleration, manufacturer engineering limits unbraked trailer loads to 1,650 lbs across the Santa Cruz, Tucson, Santa Fe, and Palisade. Small utility trailers, single kayak trailers, and lightweight personal watercraft setups generally fall under this unbraked limit.

To tow heavier loads like dual-axle boat trailers or travel campers near 5,000 lbs, an auxiliary trailer brake system—such as electric or surge brakes—is mandatory. The Palisade and higher-tier Santa Cruz models utilize a factory-installed 7-pin trailer wiring harness to supply electrical signals to trailer brakes. Furthermore, towing loads near the upper weight threshold requires proper tongue weight distribution, which should equal roughly 10% of the total loaded trailer mass (capped at a 500-lb tongue weight limit) to maintain front-axle traction and predictable steering control.

Which Hyundai Model Offers the Best Towing Capacity for the Price?

The 2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz in the XRT 2.5 AWD trim offers the highest towing capacity per dollar in the Hyundai lineup, providing a full 5,000-lb tow rating alongside standard turbo performance and all-wheel drive. Base trims start at a lower price point but cap maximum trailering capability at 3,500 lbs.

Value-conscious buyers seeking heavy-duty pulling power without paying full-size truck prices will find the Santa Cruz model ladder structured for flexibility. Entry-level models like the SE 2.5 feature a base MSRP of 30,300(plusa1,600 destination charge) for front-wheel drive, while the SE 2.5 AWD carries a base MSRP of 31,800,bothprovidinga3,500-lbtowinglimit.Mid-levelvariantsliketheSELActivity2.5at34,700 base MSRP and SEL Activity 2.5 AWD at 36,200baseMSRPmaintainthatsame3,500-lblimitwhileaddingconvenientfeatureslikeroofsiderailsandanintegratedtonneaucover.

Unlockingthetop5,000-lbtraileringratingrequiresmovingtotheXRT2.5AWDtrim,whichcarriesabaseMSRPof42,775 (with a $1,600 destination charge). This trim includes the 281-hp 2.5L Turbo engine, HTRAC All Wheel Drive, a heavy-duty engine transmission cooler, a 7-pin trailer harness, and a dedicated tow mode transmission calibration. This makes the Santa Cruz XRT the most affordable path to a 5,000-lb towing limit across the entire lineup, delivering maximum mechanical capability at a competitive price.

Which Hyundai SUV Has the Best Highway Stability for Heavy 5,000-Pound Loads?

The 2025 Hyundai Palisade delivers superior highway stability when pulling loads near 5,000 lbs due to its longer 114.2-inch wheelbase, heavier curb weight, and wider wheel track. These physical proportions help counteract trailer sway caused by crosswinds, highway speed dips, or passing high-profile commercial trucks.

While both the Palisade and the Santa Cruz offer a 5,000-lb maximum braked rating when equipped with turbo or V6 powertrains, overall vehicle geometry plays a significant role in driver confidence. The Palisade features a larger kerb mass that firmly anchors the tow vehicle when pulling tall loads such as enclosed campers. Its available self-leveling rear suspension automatically calculates rear axle load after a trailer is hitched, adjusting ride height to prevent rear-end sag, maintain proper headlight projection, and keep front wheels grounded for positive steering response.

Drivers navigating canal-adjacent roadways around Boca Raton will also benefit from the advanced driver-assist systems built into Hyundai’s trailering setup. Features such as Trailer Sway Control, Blind-Spot View Monitor, and the 360-degree Surround View Monitor provide enhanced visual awareness when backing up to boat ramps or changing lanes on busy coastal highways.

Common Questions About Hyundai Towing Capacities

Q: Does the 2025 Hyundai Palisade come standard with a factory tow hitch?
A: The 2025 Hyundai Palisade includes standard pre-wiring for trailer electronics on all trims, though the physical Class III receiver hitch is typically installed as a factory or dealer accessory. The rugged XRT Pro trim comes standard with an integrated bumper-mounted tow hitch ready for trailering right off the lot. To learn more about model specifications and accessory options, you can read about our dealership history and team expertise.

Q: Can the 2025 Hyundai Tucson tow a small boat or jet ski?
A: Yes. When equipped with an aftermarket or dealer-installed hitch and trailer brakes, the 2025 Hyundai Tucson has a maximum braked towing capacity of up to 3,500 lbs (with an unbraked limit of 1,650 lbs). This is more than adequate for towing a single-axle jet ski trailer, small aluminum fishing boat, or light pop-up camper.

Q: Do I need a trailer brake controller to tow 5,000 lbs with a Hyundai?
A: Yes. To safely and legally pull trailers up to the maximum 5,000-lb capacity on either the Santa Cruz or Palisade, an auxiliary trailer brake controller must be installed. While trims equipped with the 7-pin wiring harness send brake control signals, the controller module regulates electric trailer brake engagement during stopping.

Q: What is the maximum tongue weight limit for Hyundai SUVs and trucks?
A: Both the 2025 Hyundai Palisade and the turbocharged 2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz carry a maximum tongue weight capacity of 500 lbs. This figure aligns with standard trailering guidelines requiring tongue weight to equal approximately 10% of total loaded trailer weight for stable handling.

Q: Does towing heavy loads void Hyundai’s 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty?
A: Towing within the manufacturer’s specified weight limits, gross vehicle weight ratings (GVWR), and tongue load limits does not void warranty coverage. Original owners receive full protection under Hyundai’s 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain limited warranty and 5-year/60,000-mile new vehicle limited warranty when operating the vehicle according to owner’s manual towing guidelines.