Kia Forum banner

Sorento 2016 V6 towing capacity 5000lb? why?

115K views 147 replies 31 participants last post by  tostaky 
#1 ·
Well looking at the towing capacity for the 2016 V6 Sorento, it is now at 5,000lb. But the 2.0 Turbo which has more torque is only rated at 3,500lb. So how is it that the V6 has a higher rating. More confusing is that the 2015 V6 is also only 3,500lb. Both 2015 and 2016 V6 are identical. Called KIA Canada and they absolutely no help. unable to even talk to anyone technical. They just quoted the manual. No help at all. It can not be the hitch because the hitch for a 2015 is way stronger (rated at 6,000lb TW @ 900lb) than the 2016 (rated at 5,000lb TW @ 750lb)and even the 2016 has smaller attachment bolts on the driver side hitch than on the 2015. It has only 3 bolts instead of 4 and 2 of the bolts are 7/16 on the 2016 and 1/2 inch on the 2015. Go figure.

On the internet, can not find any technical reason. I would guess that maybe the transmission is different now on the 2016 V6 compared to the 2.0 Turbo.

Does anyone have any additional info that they can share about this? So less beefier hitch for the 2016 but has more towing capacity with the V6. Really confusing.
 
#4 · (Edited)
its not the hitch or the engine its due to the all new platform and more high-strength steel (53%) which created a stronger body structure. You can do a lot to a platform when its all new and you are basically starting from scratch. (I've seen this mentioned in some of the reviews).

to quote from the press release:
"Kia’s design and engineering teams focused on a stronger body structure"
"“During the development process, engineers started from the ground up by reinforcing an already stiff body structure."


Here's some tech specs which I've made up compared to the previous model.





also explains why they also aced the IIHAS small overlap with no problem.

Please fill out your location and drives details, helps put your comments in context.
 
#5 ·
Not the case. I agree that it is stronger but there is more to it. Like I said, the attachment points on the new hitch is less robust than the 2015. If it was structural, then the 2.0 Turbo with more torque can easily do 5,000lb. But it is still at 3,500lb. I do not think it is only that. It has to be more, I got some feedback that the transmission on the 2016 V6 is different. I am trying to confirm that through Kia. That would make more sense.
 
#6 ·
okay, but it doesn't change anything. Are you trying to say that yours is not capable of towing 5000 lbs?

The turbo has 50 less hp, they would not indicate 3500 lbs if it could do 5000 lbs. (but the turbo is equal to the towing capacity of the 2015 V6).
For the V6 I would say its the same transmission as before, they have just tweaked it a bit by the final drive ratio as the gear ratios are still the same as the 2015 model.

Please fill out your location and drives details, helps put your comments in context.
 
#8 ·
No not at all. I believe it. I just want to understand what the reason is that it is so much different from the 2015. It can not be just the structure. I would like to know how they arrived at 5,000lb without guessing what they did. It would be nice if there was a full technical list of the differences in detail between the 2015 V6 and V6 2016. I purchased the 2016 V6 for the reason of 5000lb, but I would have liked the 2.0 Turbo but no one including the dealer or Kia Canada could answer me why.

By the way, 250 LB of torque at 5,200 RPM does nothing for towing. Anyone in the industry knows that it's not HP but torque that you need for towing and if it comes in at a wide range, is far superior than the V6. So I could have saved some money and do the 2.0 route but instead I had to do the V6 route without full getting the answer why. I am an mechanical engineer, so it would be nice to know what we purchased other than what is marked in a sales brochure, which by the way are full of errors.

Not to be naive, what is "Please fill out your location and drives details". What do I have to fill out?
 
#11 · (Edited)
just out of curiosity I checked on the Ford Edge which has the 2.0L EcoBoost engine which is 245 hp and 275 lb ft of torque, the basic towing is 1500 lbs and maximum is 3500 lbs with the towing package.

There 3.5L V6 (280/250) is 2000 & 3500 lbs
They have a 2.7L EcoBoost V6, (315/350) but only gives the basic towing of 2000 lbs, no info available with regards the maximum.

The Ford Explorer, the 3.5L V6 (290/255) is rated at a maximum of 5000 lbs, same with the 3.5L Ecoboost V6 (365 hp, 350 lb. ft.).
(to get the maximum output on the Ecoboost engines they require premium fuel - 93 octane)
 
#13 ·
^ Exactly what Dave said. I have heard of many F150 eco boost owners complain about fuel economy while towing as well. The engines have to work hard so they end up being in boost most of the time. A bigger N/A gas engine(or turbo diesel) will always tow better, but yeah I was also wondering about that as well since I have a 2015 V6. I dont plan on towing anytime soon but one day would like to get a small travel trailer but at that point I will probably have either traded the Sorento in on a newer one or have a truck.
 
#15 ·
A 3.0L or 3.3L V6 engine can comfortably cruise along without having to rev up high to maintain the power and torque to tow 5000lbs.

A 2.0L turbo engine cannot comfortably cruise along with the same power and torque as the bigger engine and tow the same amount, even though it can drive as fast, take off as fast etc. it does not produce the same amount of power and torque as the bigger engine without the use of higher rev's and without using it's turbo, breaking into the higher rpm's to produce the same towing power.

It's like asking a really strong and fast 145 lbs man to carry a 100 lb bag of cement 2kms down the road, and asking a 250 lbs big burly guy to do the same, which one do you think can carry it more easily, without exerting as much energy and make it the whole way without passing out? I know it's only an analogy but it's very similar, of course the bigger and stronger guy could do it more easily, most likely.

Now ask the two to just have a sprint race for 20 meters, maybe they tie, maybe the little guy wins because he's lighter and more agile, maybe the big guy wins cause he's bigger and faster, but put that weight on, and most likely the big guy wins, almost every time.
 
#20 · (Edited)
A 3.0L or 3.3L V6 engine can comfortably cruise along without having to rev up high to maintain the power and torque to tow 5000lbs.

A 2.0L turbo engine cannot comfortably cruise along with the same power and torque as the bigger engine and tow the same amount, even though it can drive as fast, take off as fast etc. it does not produce the same amount of power and torque as the bigger engine without the use of higher rev's and without using it's turbo, breaking into the higher rpm's to produce the same towing power.
But actually the 2.0 turbo is strong (or stronger in the ~2,000-4,000 rpms range than the V6) and can cruise (maybe not as comfortably) under load without having to rev as high as the 3.3. This is because with forced induction, boost allows a smaller displacement engine to behave like a larger one (the 2.0 may have the power curve more like a 3.6 or 3.7 or so when making peak boost). The 2.0 turbo makes more torque up to about 4,000 rpms at which point the V6 is about even and then the power gap gets bigger and bigger in the favor of the V6 with the V6 making more power all the way to redline.

In the case of most modern turbos, they tend to be "small" and are designed to have quick spool up and good mid range power. This comes with a trade off which is a loss of top end power as the turbo cannot flow enough air to keep the boost up at high rpms (a turbo may make say 20 psi in the mid range but taper off to 12 or 13 psi at redline). Atmospheric pressure at sea level is about 14.7 psi. If you can force another ~ 15 psi into an engine at a given rpm, it will make about twice as much power (I am oversimplifying things as you tend to have a lower compression ratio and some other factors come into play with the turbo, but you get the idea). At altitude, atmospheric pressure will decrease and thus a normally aspirated engine's power will drop as the pressure drops. With a turbo, these losses are much less (though turbos still lose some power with altitude) as the turbo will still try to maintain its target boost above whatever the atmposheric pressure is. At high altitude, the 2.0 turbo will not only make more power in the mid range than the V6, it will also close the gap (possibly even surpass the peak HP output at very high altitiudes) with the V6. So say atmospheric pressure is down to 11 psi (about a 25% reduction which would be what you would find at about 8,000 feet above sea level). The turbo engine will still try to add another 15 PSI onto the 11 psi and where as the V6 will lose about 25% of its power as it has about 25% less oxygen to use. The turbo may only lose say 10% of its power.

Also, it is not correct to say that the 2.0 turbo can drive as fast/take off as fast as the V6 as it is can not (at low elevation). The V6 is significantly more powerful up top (the turbo is probably about even up to 20-25 mph or so as it has good low end). So for normal driving the 2.0 turbo will feel peppy and it is, just not when you are really getting on it/reving higher in the power band.

So while the 2.0 turbo makes more power below about 4,000 rpms (and above very low rpms once it is spooled up), I think the problem when it comes to tow ratings (related to the engine) is that the 2.0 is under high levels of boost to make full power. Staying at peak or close to peak boost for long periods of time creates a lot of heat/is stressful on the engine and the turbo and likely to reduce the lifespan of certain components. Do you think Kia wants to warranty a turbo engine that is boosting at high levels for long period of times over a 100,000 mile period? Probably not. It isn't as much of an issue with a blast to 100 mph as you are only under full boost for say 15 or 20 seconds depending on the car. If you are going up a steep grade say that has 5,000+ feet in elevation change while towing a heavy trailer, you could be under high boost for 10 mintues or more!

This is why the larger displacement normally aspirated engine is usually "better" from a longevity standpoint. Even if it has to rev a little higher to make the same power, it can do it without as much "stress".
 
#16 ·
Question...I noticed someone referred to a "Towing Package" for the '16 Sorento. Does that simply mean the hitch? Or are there other components involved?

I have a '16 Sorento SX V6 WITHOUT AWD....could I tow 3500 lbs or 5000 lbs? I have checked my manual and there are no definite answers to that question in there. All the specs online say that my vehicle can tow 3500 lbs where as the SX V6 with AWD can tow 5000 lbs.

Thanks for your input...
 
#18 ·
Towing package includes hitch and the wiring + adapters for connecting the trailer. Your model SX already comes prewired, so you only need to connect an adapter for the trailer plug. Being FWD, your Sorento is only rated up to 3,500lb. It's most probably has to do with transmission and brakes that differ from AWD model.
 
#17 · (Edited)
Pretty much others already explained to you the differences between 4 cylinder turbo and 6 cylinder direct injection for towing. You can't just look at specs.
But there is much more that defines how well vehicle can tow. Frame structural integrity, transmission, brakes, suspension - they are all potential weak points and many times a car with powerful engine and good transmission can still be rated low for towing if, say the brakes are not up to the task or frame and suspension are not strong enough to carry all that additional payload.

One thing to watch for in Sorento, for example, is that even though V6 AWD models are rated for 5,000lb for towing, the trailer tongue weight can not exceed 350lb. This is probably because of weak rear suspension that may not be rated above 350. Given that typical trailer puts 10-15% of it's weight on a towing vehicle, you would not be safe towing a 5,000lb trailer as your rear will sag too much and will run risk of bottoming out too easily. You can mitigate it by either using weight distribution hitch or upgrading your suspension.
 
#19 ·
Pretty much others already explained to you the differences between 4 cylinder turbo and 6 cylinder direct injection for towing. You can't just look at specs.
But there is much more that defines how well vehicle can tow. Frame structural integrity, transmission, brakes, suspension - they are all potential weak points and many times a car with powerful engine and good transmission can still be rated low for towing if, say the brakes are not up to the task or frame and suspension are not strong enough to carry all that additional payload.
Interesting, where is the 350 pound number listed? I wasn't aware of this.
 
#21 · (Edited)
Another user pointed out recently that the manual was revised / corrected from 350 to 500lb tongue limit, you can see it here (canada manual is easy to get to but the same for North America)

Section 5 page 104

http://www.kia.ca/content/ownership/ownersmanual/16sorento-en.pdf

However, I find the rear suspension a weak point in the Sorento, it's already soft and low, add the weight of the hitch itself and a 4 bike rack and bikes and it totally compresses (in a way I don't see on other SUVs), so I must be close to the limit.
 

Attachments

#25 ·
Hi bevmo

If you find the rear suspension of your Kia is too low while loaded (from too soft at factory), do investigate the Timbren SES units. I installed in my previous 2 x mini-vans (leaf springs) and have them installed in my current van (coil springs) as well. Plan to install in my future Kia (coil springs) as well. Timbren SES units are hollow rubber things that replace factory bottom out bump stops. Best of all, no worry about air leaks and/or changing their air pressure (like air bags) as well. They can be found via Google Search.

Hope this helps.
 
#26 ·
Hi bevmo

If you find the rear suspension of your Kia is too low while loaded (from too soft at factory), do investigate the Timbren SES units.
Hope this helps.
Excellent tip, thank you. I had also looked at Sumosprings before as well, seems like they are more cushioned than the Timbren SES units but we have to see if either will have sizes for the 2016 / 2017 Sorento.
 
#27 ·
Rear Coil Springs

I tow a travel trailer that weighs 4,400lbs. I have a weight distribution hitch installed to ensure all 4 of my wheels are making contact with the road. However, I still noticed that there is some sag in the rear of the Sorento. I was wondering if anyone can recommend an "airbag" solution for the rear. Products like AirLift 1000 or Firestone.

I am having a hard time finding something that I can "fill-up" with air when I need to reduce the sag while towing, and release the air when driving normal.

Here are my questions:

1. Does anyone know if the rear springs (Coils) are without struts inside the coil?

2. If the springs are "hollow" (without struts inside), does anyone know what the measurements are for the inside diameter of the coil and the inside height of the coil? When the vehicle is NOT on a hoist or lift... But the truck should be empty. (not sure if I explained question 2 clearly).

3. Does anyone have any other ideas that is cost effective, but will reduce the sag while I tow my trailer?

I drive a 2016 Sorento AWD V6 LX plus. Thank you very much!
 
#29 ·
I tow a travel trailer that weighs 4,400lbs. I have a weight distribution hitch installed to ensure all 4 of my wheels are making contact with the road. However, I still noticed that there is some sag in the rear of the Sorento.
This does not answer all your questions, but one possible solution are Coil Sumosprings. They don't list the Sorento but when I looked at them before if you email them they have a worksheet where you give them your dimensions and they match up one of their part numbers. Of course when not towing these may make the ride a little less compliant.

Your Airbag idea is worth pursuing, call or email SD Truck Springs as well, Leaf Springs, Helper Springs and Suspension Parts | SD Truck Springs they may be able to match something up.

Here is the Coil Sumosprings Info:
Coil SumoSprings® by SuperSprings® International, Inc.

 
#32 ·
I just purchased it and towed it about 150km back home. It was a windy day, so I felt sway. Other than that, it wasn't too bad at all. I thought I would be reving higher than 3500 rmp, but no...... avg was about 2,500 to 3,000 rmp.

I have trailer brakes, so braking was no problem. This summer I will be taking it camping (3 - 4 hours from home). That will be the real test.

That is why I'm looking for rear suspension solutions.
 
#33 ·
New to the forum and just purchased a 2016 Kia Sorento V6 AWD...I too am concerned that the suspension is not beefy enough to really handle the 350 lbs that my manual had printed and now see that it has been updated to 500 lbs which makes more sense for the the 5000 lbs tow capacity. But it sure doesn't look like it would handle that very well. On my previous 2008 CR-V I used Coil SumoSprings and that made a huge difference. I have called the manufacturer and plan to do the measurements myself to get a recommended part. Once I have the measurements and the parts installed, I'll post on the forum for others. I'll be taking a test drive towing my Little Guy 5 Wide teardrop trailer from San Diego to Phoenix. This should give me a good idea how much tongue weight it can handle, because I'll be running with around 250 lbs tongue weight. Not a lot less than the tongue weight I expect to see with my new Tab trailer once it's set up with 2 6 volt batteries and a Honda 2000i mounted to the tongue on a lowpro generator locking platform.
 
#34 ·
But it sure doesn't look like it would handle that very well. On my previous 2008 CR-V I used Coil SumoSprings and that made a huge difference. I have called the manufacturer and plan to do the measurements myself to get a recommended part. Once I have the measurements and the parts installed, I'll post on the forum for others.
Hi dsatwork,

I to wondered about trying the SumoSprings, great to hear you are our trailblazer. Please post pics of your install so we can see what is involved. Also, please let us know what part number SumoSprings assigns for them as I may order as set myself.
 
#35 ·
So I got the measurements and heard back from the guys at supersprings dot com this week. I ordered and installed the model the recommended SuperSprings CSS-1069 Coil SumoSprings Coil Spring Insert, Pair for the rear springs only. I did not measure or request sizing for the front. I bought them at Amazon 92.16 and 2 day prime shipping. The install took less than 30 minutes and they are easily accessible from the back with the scissor jack. no tools needed. They gave me about a 1" lift and definitely stiffened up the luxury liner feel. I'll have to let you know about sag when pulling my trailer at a later date once I've had a chance to put it to the test. However, I expect they will work great as they were amazing on my 2008 CR-V.
 
#43 ·
I got a different model #. I emailed SumoSprings, and they advised I use model # CSS-1094. When you go on their website https://www.supersprings.com/products/coil-sumosprings/ it will ask you to measure the spring. The measurements are listed from A - F. I called my Kia dealer and asked them to do the measurements for me, here are their results:

A - 4 3/4" (four and three quarters)
B - 5/8" (five eighths)
C - 3/4" (three quarters)
D - 5/8" (five eighths)
E - 1" (one inch)
F - 1" (one inch)

I noticed the other person had a different model #. Hopefully I got the right part.
 
This is an older thread, you may not receive a response, and could be reviving an old thread. Please consider creating a new thread.
Top