The Best 2026 Hyundai Vehicles for Towing: A Guide for Sherwood Park Drivers
The Best 2026 Hyundai Vehicles for Towing: A Guide for Sherwood Park Drivers
Posted on March 31, 2026
Sherwood Park and the surrounding Strathcona County offer endless opportunities for adventure—whether it’s hauling a boat to the lake, taking a travel trailer to the Rockies, or moving equipment for a weekend project. For 2026, Hyundai has engineered its lineup to provide versatile towing solutions that range from efficient electric power to robust V6 performance.
At Sherwood Park Hyundai, we want to help you find the right tool for the job. Below is our ranking of the best 2026 Hyundai vehicles for towing, based on their maximum capabilities and trailering features.
1. 2026 Hyundai Palisade & IONIQ 9 (Tie)
Maximum Towing Capacity: 5,000 lbs (2,268 kg)
For those who need maximum hauling power alongside three-row versatility, these two models lead the pack.
The 2026 Hyundai Palisade remains the flagship for traditional towing. Models equipped with the 3.5L V6 engine (287 hp) are rated to tow up to 5,000 lbs. It features a dedicated Tow Mode that optimizes the 8-speed automatic transmission for heavy loads and an available auto-leveling rear suspension to keep the vehicle level even when fully hitched.
- Note: The Palisade Hybrid is rated for 4,000 lbs.
The all-new 2026 Hyundai IONIQ 9 proves that electric vehicles are ready for the heavy lifting. All AWD versions of this electric giant provide a 5,000 lbs towing capacity. With the instant torque of its dual-motor system (up to 516 lb-ft), the IONIQ 9 offers effortless acceleration even with a trailer attached. It also includes an Intelligent Trailer Mode that adjusts range estimates based on the weight of your trailer.
2. 2026 Hyundai Santa Cruz
Maximum Towing Capacity: 5,000 lbs (2,268 kg)
The 2026 Hyundai Santa Cruz is the ultimate "Sport Adventure Vehicle" for those who want truck utility with SUV comfort. When equipped with the 2.5L Turbocharged engine and HTRAC All-Wheel Drive, the Santa Cruz matches the Palisade with a 5,000 lbs towing capacity. Its shorter wheelbase makes it incredibly maneuverable when backing up a trailer into tight campsites or driveways in Sherwood Park.
3. 2026 Hyundai Santa Fe (XRT Trim)
Maximum Towing Capacity: 4,500 lbs (2,041 kg)
The redesigned 2026 Hyundai Santa Fe is built for the outdoors. While most trims offer a respectable 3,500 lbs of towing, the rugged Santa Fe XRT is the star of the lineup.
- Santa Fe XRT: Rated for 4,500 lbs, thanks to enhanced cooling and specialized hardware.
- Standard Santa Fe: 3,500 lbs (with trailer brakes).
- Santa Fe Hybrid: 2,000 lbs.
The Santa Fe’s boxy design isn't just for looks; its wide tailgate and stable stance make it a confident partner for mid-sized campers and utility trailers.
4. 2026 Hyundai Tucson
Maximum Towing Capacity: 2,000 lbs (907 kg)
For those with lighter needs—such as a pair of jet skis, a small utility trailer, or a pop-up tent trailer—the 2026 Hyundai Tucson is an efficient and capable choice. Across the 2.5L gas, Hybrid, and Plug-in Hybrid models, the Tucson maintains a consistent 2,000 lbs rating when using trailer brakes.
2026 Hyundai Towing Capacity Comparison Table
| Model | Max Towing (lbs) | Best For... |
| IONIQ 9 (AWD) | 5,000 lbs | Electric efficiency & massive torque |
| Palisade (V6) | 5,000 lbs | Large families & long-distance hauls |
| Santa Cruz (Turbo) | 5,000 lbs | Weekend warriors & DIY projects |
| Santa Fe (XRT) | 4,500 lbs | Off-road adventures & mid-size campers |
| Tucson (All) | 2,000 lbs | Jet skis & small utility trailers |
Essential Towing Tips for Alberta Roads
- Trailer Brakes: For almost all Hyundai models, the maximum towing capacity is only achieved when using a trailer equipped with its own braking system. Without trailer brakes, capacity is typically limited to 1,650 lbs.
- HTRAC All-Wheel Drive: In Alberta, we highly recommend opting for HTRAC AWD. It provides significantly better traction on boat ramps and gravel roads when pulling extra weight.
- Tongue Weight: Remember that your "tongue weight" (the downward pressure on the hitch) should generally be 10-15% of the total trailer weight. This is included in your vehicle’s total payload capacity.
Find Your Towing Champion at Sherwood Park Hyundai
Whether you’re eyeing the high-tech IONIQ 9 or the battle-tested Palisade, our team at Sherwood Park Hyundai is here to ensure you get the right configuration for your towing needs.
Visit us in Sherwood Park, AB, today to speak with our experts, explore our inventory, and test drive the most capable SUVs in the Hyundai lineup.