Kia Optima Towing Capacity by Year
Find out how much the Kia Optima can pull with data across 19 years, from 2001 to 2020, and a total of 88 vehicles.
Use the links below to see more details in the Kia model you're interested in by year.
- 2020 Kia Optima
- 2019 Kia Optima
- 2018 Kia Optima
- 2017 Kia Optima
- 2016 Kia Optima
- 2015 Kia Optima
- 2014 Kia Optima
- 2012 Kia Optima
- 2011 Kia Optima
- 2010 Kia Optima
- 2009 Kia Optima
- 2008 Kia Optima
- 2007 Kia Optima
- 2006 Kia Optima
- 2005 Kia Optima
- 2004 Kia Optima
- 2003 Kia Optima
- 2002 Kia Optima
- 2001 Kia Optima
How Good is the Kia Optima for Towing?
The average tow capacity of all vehicles in our database is 4,880 pounds. The table below shows the Kia Optima towing capacity range for each Kia Optima year, and compares it to the average towing capacity of all vehicles in our database.
| Year | Towing Capacity | +/-% of Average |
|---|---|---|
| 2020 | 2,000 lbs | -59.0% |
| 2019 | 2,000 lbs | -59.0% |
| 2018 | 2,000 lbs | -59.0% |
| 2017 | 2,000 lbs | -59.0% |
| 2016 | 2,000 lbs | -59.0% |
| 2015 | 2,000 lbs | -59.0% |
| 2014 | 2,000 lbs | -59.0% |
| 2012 | 2,000 lbs | -59.0% |
| 2011 | 2,000 lbs | -59.0% |
| 2010 | 2,000 lbs | -59.0% |
| 2009 | 2,000 lbs | -59.0% |
| 2008 | 2,000 lbs | -59.0% |
| 2007 | 2,000 lbs | -59.0% |
| 2006 | 2,000 lbs | -59.0% |
| 2005 | 2,000 lbs | -59.0% |
| 2004 | 2,000 lbs | -59.0% |
| 2003 | 2,000 lbs | -59.0% |
| 2002 | 2,000 lbs | -59.0% |
| 2001 | 2,000 lbs | -59.0% |
How to Check the Tow Capacity of Your Kia Optima
So you're looking to tow something with your Kia Optima and wanna make sure it's up to the task? Well, there are a few different things to consider when it comes to figuring out a vehicle's tow capacity.
First things first, you'll want to check out the owner's manual for your ride. It'll probably have a section that tells you the manufacturer's recommended maximum towing weight for the Kia Optima. It's always a good idea to follow their guidelines, since they've done all the testing and whatnot.
Another place to look is a manufacturer's towing guide. These are usually available on the manufacturer's website or at a dealership, and they'll have more in-depth info on the towing capacity of different Kia models.
Size matters when it comes to towing, so it's worth taking a look at your Optima's engine size and transmission type. A bigger engine and a heavy-duty transmission will usually be able to handle a heavier load. And don't forget about the weight of the load itself – the combined weight of your Optima and the stuff you're hauling shouldn't exceed its maximum tow capacity.
It's also a good idea to check out the gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) of your Optima. This is the maximum weight that it's designed to carry, including the weight of the vehicle itself, any passengers, and any cargo. You can find the GVWR in the owner's manual or on a label on the inside of the driver's side door.
One more thing to consider is the tongue weight – that's the weight that's applied to the hitch when you're towing a trailer. Make sure the tongue weight is within the recommended range for your Optima to ensure proper weight distribution and stability. You can calculate the tongue weight by weighing the trailer with the load on it at a weigh station or with a special tongue weight scale.
Last but not least, take a look at the hitch rating on your Optima. This is the maximum weight that the hitch is designed to handle. Make sure the hitch rating is equal to or higher than the combined weight of the trailer and the load.
So there you have it – those are the main things to consider when it comes to determining the tow capacity of your Kia Optima. Better to be safe than sorry, so if you're in doubt, it's probably a good idea to go with a vehicle that has a higher tow capacity than you think you'll need. That way you'll have a little extra wiggle room in case you end up hauling more weight than you expected.
All of this data is available on this site, so you can always check back to see if we've added more info on the Kia Optima you're interested in.
Important: we provide the data for education purposes only, and we're not responsible for any towing accidents that may occur. Always follow the manufacturer's guidelines and use common sense when towing.