Hyundai Tucson Towing Capacity: How Much Can It Pull?

The Hyundai Tucson is best known as a comfortable and practical compact SUV, but it also offers useful towing capability for drivers who occasionally need to bring extra equipment along.

For 2026, that capability gets even better. The gas-powered 2026 Hyundai Tucson can tow up to 2,750 pounds when properly equipped with trailer brakes. Without trailer brakes, the maximum towing capacity is 1,650 pounds.

That makes the Tucson capable of handling everything from small utility trailers to certain lightweight recreational equipment.

Here's what Philadelphia drivers should know about Hyundai Tucson towing capacity before hooking up a trailer.

How Much Can a 2026 Hyundai Tucson Tow?

The maximum towing capacity depends on which version of the Tucson you choose.

For the 2026 model year:

• Gas Hyundai Tucson with trailer brakes: up to 2,750 pounds
• Gas Hyundai Tucson without trailer brakes: up to 1,650 pounds
• Hyundai Tucson Hybrid with trailer brakes: up to 2,000 pounds
• Hyundai Tucson Hybrid without trailer brakes: up to 1,650 pounds
• Hyundai Tucson Plug-in Hybrid with trailer brakes: up to 2,000 pounds
• Hyundai Tucson Plug-in Hybrid without trailer brakes: up to 1,650 pounds

The gas-powered Tucson received a significant towing upgrade for 2026, increasing its maximum rating from 2,000 pounds to 2,750 pounds when using trailer brakes.

What Can a Hyundai Tucson Tow?

A 2,750-pound maximum towing capacity gives the gas-powered 2026 Tucson useful capability for a compact SUV.

Depending on the actual weight of the trailer and everything loaded onto it, a properly equipped Tucson may be able to tow certain:

• Small utility trailers
• Lightweight camping trailers
• Small boat trailers
• Jet ski trailers
• Motorcycle trailers
• Landscaping or home improvement equipment

Remember that advertised towing capacity represents a maximum. The weight of the trailer itself plus everything loaded inside or on it counts toward the total trailer weight.

Always confirm the exact weight of your trailer and equipment before towing.

Why Did the 2026 Tucson Towing Capacity Increase?

One of the notable updates Hyundai made to the 2026 Tucson was increasing the towing capacity of gas-powered models.

For 2025, the gas Tucson was rated to tow up to 2,000 pounds with trailer brakes. For 2026, Hyundai increased that figure to 2,750 pounds.

That's a 750-pound increase and makes towing capability a more meaningful consideration for shoppers comparing the newest Tucson with previous model years.

The Hybrid and Plug-in Hybrid versions remain rated for up to 2,000 pounds with trailer brakes.

Does the Hyundai Tucson Come With a Trailer Hitch?

Trailer pre-wiring is standard across the 2026 gas-powered Tucson lineup, helping prepare the SUV for towing equipment.

The tow hitch itself depends on the trim. On most Tucson trims, the hitch is available as an accessory, while the rugged Tucson XRT includes a tow hitch as standard equipment.

That makes the XRT particularly interesting for drivers who expect to use their Tucson for outdoor activities or occasional towing.

Is the Hyundai Tucson XRT Better for Towing?

The Tucson XRT has the same maximum 2,750-pound towing capacity as the other gas-powered 2026 Tucson trims when properly equipped with trailer brakes.

However, the XRT comes with equipment and features that may appeal to drivers with more adventurous plans.

The 2026 Tucson XRT includes a standard tow hitch and also gains Terrain Mode with Mud, Snow, and Sand settings.

So while choosing the XRT doesn't increase the Tucson's maximum towing rating, its equipment can make it an appealing option for drivers who regularly carry outdoor gear or tow recreational equipment.

Can the Hyundai Tucson Hybrid Tow?

Yes.

The 2026 Hyundai Tucson Hybrid can tow up to 2,000 pounds with trailer brakes and up to 1,650 pounds without trailer brakes.

That means choosing the Hybrid doesn't eliminate your ability to tow.

For drivers who only occasionally tow a lightweight trailer and prioritize efficiency during everyday driving, the Tucson Hybrid can provide an attractive balance between the two.

Can the Hyundai Tucson Plug-In Hybrid Tow?

The Tucson Plug-in Hybrid can tow as well.

Like the regular Tucson Hybrid, the 2026 Tucson Plug-in Hybrid is rated for up to 2,000 pounds with trailer brakes and 1,650 pounds without trailer brakes.

This gives shoppers three different Tucson powertrain choices while maintaining some level of towing capability across the lineup.

Does AWD Increase the Hyundai Tucson's Towing Capacity?

Choosing HTRAC All-Wheel Drive can provide additional traction in certain driving conditions, but it does not increase the Tucson's published maximum towing capacity.

Both front-wheel-drive and all-wheel-drive gas Tucson models can be rated for up to 2,750 pounds when properly equipped with trailer brakes.

AWD may still be worth considering if you frequently drive on wet roads, loose surfaces, or in changing weather conditions.

What Should You Know Before Towing With a Tucson?

Towing safely involves more than staying below the maximum trailer weight.

Before towing, drivers should consider:

• Total loaded trailer weight
• Trailer brake requirements
• Hitch and towing equipment
• Passenger and cargo weight
• Proper trailer loading
• Tire condition and pressure
• Local towing regulations

Adding passengers, cargo, accessories, and trailer tongue weight can affect how much weight your vehicle can safely handle.

Always consult the owner's manual for your specific Tucson before towing and never exceed the vehicle's stated weight limits.

Is the Hyundai Tucson a Good SUV for Towing?

The Tucson isn't designed to replace a pickup truck or a larger SUV when heavy towing is required.

Instead, its towing capability is useful for drivers who want a compact SUV for everyday life but occasionally need to pull a smaller trailer.

The 2026 Tucson is especially compelling because its increased 2,750-pound maximum gives gas-model buyers considerably more capability than the previous model year.

For someone who spends most of the week commuting but wants to bring a small camper, recreational equipment, or utility trailer along on the weekend, the Tucson can offer a useful balance.

Explore the 2026 Hyundai Tucson at Pacifico Hyundai

If you're considering a Hyundai Tucson, Pacifico Hyundai in Philadelphia can help you compare the gas, Hybrid, and Plug-in Hybrid models and determine which configuration best fits your driving and towing needs.

Our team can also help you compare Tucson trim levels, available HTRAC All-Wheel Drive, towing equipment, and other features.

You can browse our inventory online, value your trade, or get instantly prequalified with no impact to your credit score before visiting the dealership.

Find Your Hyundai Tucson at Pacifico Hyundai

With up to 2,750 pounds of towing capacity on properly equipped gas models, the 2026 Hyundai Tucson offers more capability than you might expect from a compact SUV.

Whether you're towing a small trailer for a weekend project or bringing recreational equipment on your next trip, the Tucson combines useful towing capability with the comfort, technology, and everyday practicality that make it one of Hyundai's most popular SUVs.

Visit Pacifico Hyundai in Philadelphia to explore the 2026 Hyundai Tucson lineup and schedule a test drive.