The Palisade with the 3.5L V6 holds the highest published towing rating among the Palisade, Santa Fe, and Tucson, at 5,000 lbs. with trailer brakes. If you pull a ski boat or a camper around Plano and Collin County, the right pick depends on your loaded trailer weight. This guide helps you match the trailer to the SUV. You can also browse our new Hyundai SUV inventory as you read.
Here at Huffines Hyundai Plano on Coit Road, towing shoppers ask us the same question again and again. This Hyundai SUV size comparison sticks to ratings that matter on the road.
Which 2027 Hyundai SUV Can Tow the Most? Quick Ranking
Here’s how the 2027 Hyundai SUV lineup ranks by maximum towing capacity with trailer brakes, from highest to lowest.
- Palisade gas, 5,000 lbs. Suits families who need three rows and the heaviest loads in this group.
- Santa Fe 2.5T XRT, 4,500 lbs. Suits drivers who want a midsize SUV with a strong rating.
- Palisade Hybrid, 4,000 lbs. Suits families who want three rows and a hybrid powertrain.
- Santa Fe 2.5T other trims, 3,500 lbs. Suits moderate towing with everyday versatility.
- Tucson Hybrid (2027, AWD), 3,000 lbs. Suits lighter weekend loads in a compact SUV.
- Santa Fe Hybrid, 2,000 lbs. Suits occasional small-trailer use.
A model name alone won't tell you the rating. Trim and powertrain change the number.
2027 Hyundai Palisade Towing: The Top Tower in the Lineup
The Palisade 3.5L V6 is rated at 5,000 lbs. with trailer brakes, the highest published figure in this comparison. Hyundai designed the Palisade as a three-row SUV for up to eight passengers, so it can carry the whole family and still handle the heaviest loads within its rating.
Gas and Hybrid Towing Ratings
Treat the two Palisade powertrains separately. The 3.5L V6 tops out at 5,000 lbs. with trailer brakes, while the Palisade Hybrid 2.5T is rated for 4,000 lbs. with them. Don't assume the hybrid matches the gas model, because each powertrain has its own rating. Both maximums require trailer brakes. Without them, the limit is 1,650 lbs.
What Palisade Owners Can Realistically Pull
Realistic towing starts with the loaded trailer weight, and the dry weight on a brochure won't get you there. Water, fuel, batteries, and gear all count against the rating. Passengers and luggage inside the SUV matter too, as does tongue weight.
A rating is a limit under specific conditions, and a trailer that falls below that number can still be a poor match. If your combination lands close to the limit, verify the numbers before you buy. Our team can walk through them with you.
2027 Hyundai Santa Fe Towing: XRT and Other Trims
The Santa Fe XRT is rated at 4,500 lbs. That figure requires the XRT and a trailer with brakes. The Santa Fe falls between the Palisade and Tucson in size, which suits drivers who want family space and moderate towing in a midsize SUV. Browse new Hyundai SUVs in Plano to see how the sizes compare in person.
Santa Fe XRT vs. Other Santa Fe Trims
The XRT is the only Santa Fe trim that reaches 4,500 lbs. It's listed as AWD and includes all-terrain tires and an additional 1.3 inches of ground clearance. The published number sets the rating, whatever the rugged looks suggest.
The other 2.5T trims (SE, SEL, Limited, and Calligraphy) are rated at 3,500 lbs. with trailer brakes. The 1.6T HEV is rated at 2,000 lbs., the lowest in this comparison. Without trailer brakes, every Santa Fe configuration is limited to 1,650 lbs.
Best Trailers for the Santa Fe
Match the trailer to your exact Santa Fe configuration, and use loaded weight, including camping gear, water, and supplies. A small utility trailer often fits the 3,500-lb. tier comfortably when loaded weight stays within the rating. The XRT gives more room for a heavier load. The hybrid fits only the lightest trailers.
Think about who rides along, too. More passengers and luggage reduce what the SUV can safely handle with a trailer attached.
2027 Hyundai Tucson Towing: Can the New Hybrid Tow?
The all-new 2027 Tucson Hybrid can tow up to 3,000 lbs. when equipped with all-wheel drive, a 1,000-lb. increase over the previous generation. That makes it a capable compact option for weekend trips with a small boat, a pop-up camper or a utility trailer. The redesigned Tucson arrives in North America in 2027, so ask our team about incoming inventory and timing.
If your trailer is heavier or you want more margin, step up to a Santa Fe XRT or a Palisade, and we’ll help you find the right fit.
Side-by-Side Towing Comparison Table
This table shows each configuration with its own rating, since the number changes by powertrain and trim.
| Model/Trim | Powertrain | Max Towing with Trailer Brakes | AWD Availability | Notable Towing Features |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Palisade | 3.5L V6 | 5,000 lbs. | HTRAC AWD available | Tow Mode, Trailer Sway Control, Trailering Package |
| Palisade | 2.5T hybrid | 4,000 lbs. | HTRAC AWD available | Tow Mode, Trailer Sway Control, Trailering Package |
| Santa Fe XRT | 2.5T | 4,500 lbs. | AWD | Trailer Sway Control, trailer pre-wire, all-terrain tires |
| Santa Fe other trims (SE, SEL, Limited, Calligraphy) | 2.5T | 3,500 lbs. | HTRAC AWD available | Trailer Sway Control, trailer pre-wire |
| Santa Fe | 1.6T HEV | 2,000 lbs. | HTRAC AWD available | Trailer Sway Control, trailer pre-wire |
| Tucson HEV | HEV | 3,000 lbs. | AWD required for max rating | Rating and scope only |
Capacity varies by trim, powertrain, and equipment. Confirm limits in the owner's manual and with our team. If you have questions about a specific combination, contact us.
Trailering Hardware and Safety Features to Look For
Hyundai's vehicle approval sets the towing rating. A hitch can't change it, and adding a receiver doesn't raise the rating. Make sure the hitch and ball mount fit your setup, that the wiring and trailer brakes are in order, and that you stay within the rated limits of the vehicle, trailer, and hitch.
HTRAC AWD and Tow Mode
HTRAC All-Wheel Drive is available across the Palisade and Santa Fe lineups and comes standard on the Palisade XRT PRO and Santa Fe XRT. It adds traction where you need it most, like a wet boat ramp at Lake Lavon, while your towing capacity stays the same.
Tow Mode is standard on the Palisade 3.5L V6, and the Palisade Hybrid page lists it as standard too. The Palisade also has an available integrated tow hitch.
Trailer Sway Control and Towing Best Practices
Trailer Sway Control is standard on the Palisade and all Santa Fe models, helping keep your trailer stable when crosswinds or passing trucks push it around on I-35 or US-75. The Palisade’s standard Trailering Package adds trailer prewire and heavy-duty engine and transmission coolers that help keep temperatures stable under heavy loads and North Texas summer heat. The Santa Fe includes standard trailer prewire.
Good habits matter most:
- Set up the hitch properly and use weight distribution where appropriate.
- Leave extra room for braking.
- Swing wider through turns.
If you tow regularly, ask our service team about towing-related maintenance.
Matching Your Ski Boat, Camper or Utility Trailer to the Right SUV
Start with the trailer's loaded, travel-ready weight, then pick the tier that covers it. We can't assign weights to specific boats or campers, so check your own numbers. Know these four before you shop:
- Tongue weight.
- Loaded trailer weight.
- Passenger and cargo load.
- The owner's manual limits.
For a small utility trailer, the Tucson Hybrid at 3,000 lbs. (U.S./4WD) or a Santa Fe may fit. For a lightweight camper, look at the Santa Fe 2.5T, with the XRT offering the most room at 4,500 lbs. For a ski boat on a heavier trailer, the Palisade is the better starting point, within its rating. Larger loaded campers may exceed what the Santa Fe or Tucson should pull. Send those heavier loads to the Palisade, and stay within its limits.
North Texas conditions matter here. Long highway stretches and summer heat are easier on a vehicle with margin, so leave some room below the rating. Without trailer brakes, the limit drops to 1,650 lbs. for Santa Fe configurations and for Palisade. If you plan to finance, you can get pre-approved before you visit.
Why North Texas Drivers Choose Huffines Hyundai Plano for Tow-Ready SUVs
We keep shopping simple and no-pressure. Our team helps you match model, powertrain, and trim to your trailer, and we won't just point to the biggest number. Our modern service center experience supports you after the sale, and we've been recognized as a Top 100 Place to Work in Dallas–Fort Worth and with Hyundai Board of Excellence honors.
Find us at 909 Coit Rd., Plano, TX 75075, or call 972-867-5000.
Explore Tow-Ready Inventory or Schedule a Test Drive Today
Now you know which 2027 Hyundai SUV can tow the most and how each trim compares. Bring your trailer's loaded weight and passenger count, plus any braking details, and we'll help you narrow the choice. Explore new Hyundai SUVs in Plano and see our current new Hyundai specials.
When you're ready, schedule a test drive to check visibility and comfort. Maneuverability is worth testing too. A test drive can't establish towing capacity, so confirm limits with our team. Reach out anytime at 972-867-5000.
