Modern towing and hauling needs have shifted toward versatile, daily-drivable vehicles that balance utility with passenger comfort. At Berman Hyundai, we offer a diverse selection of capable vehicles engineered to handle your cargo and trailering requirements. A driver trailering a pair of jet skis from their home in Lincolnwood out to the boat launches on Lake Michigan needs a vehicle that transitions seamlessly from a weekday commute to a weekend getaway. Our knowledgeable sales team is here to help you navigate these options.
To find the right vehicle for your needs, you can visit our Lincolnwood showroom or give our team a call at (847) 582-3294. We can walk you through the comprehensive benefits of the Hyundai Assurance program, which includes America's Best Warranty. To maximize your value, we invite you to explore current Hyundai incentives that make upgrading to a new vehicle highly affordable. Our certified technicians at our Hyundai service center are also available to assist with any pre-towing inspections or accessory installations. When you are looking for a reliable Chicago Hyundai dealer, our team is dedicated to providing a transparent, no-pressure experience.
Table of Contents
- How Hyundai Models Rank for Towing: Santa Cruz vs Palisade vs Santa Fe vs Tucson
- Understanding the Towing Capacity and Size of the Hyundai Santa Cruz
- Analyzing the Towing Power and Trailer Brake Setup of the Hyundai Palisade
- Managing Maintenance Schedules and Choosing the Right Towing Packages
- Quick Answers to Common Hyundai Towing and Hauling Questions
- Get Ready for Your Next Hauling Adventure with Berman Hyundai
How Hyundai Models Rank for Towing: Santa Cruz vs Palisade vs Santa Fe vs Tucson
Which vehicle in the lineup is best suited for your specific trailering demands? Ranking these models by their towing capacities helps clarify which option fits your lifestyle. Both the midsize Palisade and the versatile Santa Cruz pickup lead the lineup, each offering a maximum towing capacity of 5,000 lbs when properly equipped with trailer brakes. The redesigned Santa Fe follows closely, delivering a standard towing capacity of 3,500 lbs on most trims, while the rugged Santa Fe XRT trim increases that limit to 4,500 lbs. For lighter hauling needs, the compact Tucson provides a reliable towing capacity of up to 2,000 lbs, making it ideal for small utility trailers or bike racks.
Choosing the right model depends on how much weight you plan to pull and how many passengers you need to carry. While you evaluate these capacities, you can easily get approved for financing online to streamline your purchase process. Additionally, every new model comes with peace of mind through a comprehensive roadside assistance coverage plan, ensuring you are never left stranded on the road with a trailer. If you ever experience an emergency while trailering, you can contact the manufacturer directly at Hyundai Roadside Assistance: 800-243-7766.
Understanding the Towing Capacity and Size of the Hyundai Santa Cruz
The compact pickup segment has evolved rapidly, and the unibody truck offers a distinct alternative to traditional body-on-frame designs. The 2026 Santa Cruz provides a highly versatile bed layout combined with car-like ride and handling. When equipped with the standard four-cylinder engine, the Santa Cruz is rated to tow up to 3,500 lbs. Upgrading to the turbocharged four-cylinder engine unlocks a robust 5,000 lbs towing capacity, which is identical to the towing limits of larger unibody competitors. The Santa Cruz also features a maximum payload capacity of 1,411 lbs, allowing you to carry substantial gear in the cabin and bed.
Comparing dimensions reveals how the Santa Cruz fits into suburban life. It is slightly wider and lower than the Ford Maverick, giving it a more planted stance on the road. While the Maverick features a slightly longer bed at 54 inches compared to the Santa Cruz bed at 52 inches, the Santa Cruz counters with a highly durable composite bed, a lockable under-bed storage compartment with a drain plug, and an integrated tonneau cover. Navigating the tight urban spaces and busy commercial blocks along Devon Avenue in West Ridge requires a vehicle that is easy to park, and the Santa Cruz's compact length of 196 inches makes it far more maneuverable than a traditional midsize truck.
If you want to experience this versatile sport adventure vehicle in person, you can get directions to our dealership and speak with our sales staff. We can also explain how the Hyundai Car Care program provides complimentary scheduled maintenance to keep your new pickup performing at its best.
Dimensions & Capacity
Capacity and dimensions by trim
| Feature | Limited | SE | SEL | SEL Activity | XRT |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Seating | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 |
| Cargo | 27.0 cu ft | 27.0 cu ft | 27.0 cu ft | 27.0 cu ft | 27.0 cu ft |
| Curb weight | 4,191 lbs | 3,779 lbs | 3,805 lbs | 3,900 lbs | 4,140 lbs |
| Towing | 5,000 lbs | 3,500 lbs | 3,500 lbs | 3,500 lbs | 5,000 lbs |
| Payload | 1,411 lbs | 1,411 lbs | 1,411 lbs | 1,411 lbs | 1,411 lbs |
Analyzing the Towing Power and Trailer Brake Setup of the Hyundai Palisade
When a larger family requires three rows of seating alongside robust towing capabilities, a V6-powered SUV stands out as a highly capable choice. The 2026 Palisade is powered by a standard V6 engine that produces 287 hp and 260 lb-ft of torque, paired with a smooth-shifting 8-speed automatic transmission. This powertrain allows the Palisade to confidently tow up to 5,000 lbs when equipped with trailer brakes, making it perfect for hauling camper trailers or boats.
While the Palisade relies on its robust V6, the Santa Cruz offers distinct powertrain configurations across its trim lineup. The SE, SEL, and SEL Activity trims feature a standard 2.5L engine producing 191 hp and 181 lb-ft of torque, utilizing a standard 8-speed automatic transmission and Front-wheel drive. For maximum towing capability, the XRT and Limited trims upgrade to a turbocharged 2.5L engine delivering 281 hp and 311 lb-ft of torque, paired with an 8-speed automatic and standard All-wheel drive.
When buyers are test-driving the Palisade, they frequently ask whether a trailer brake controller can be added afterward to handle larger campers. Installing an aftermarket trailer brake controller on the Palisade is a straightforward process because the vehicle comes pre-wired from the factory. The pre-wired connector port is located beneath the driver's side dashboard, allowing you to plug in a compatible adapter harness and mount the controller unit within easy reach. To ensure you have all the necessary components for safe trailering, we recommend that you contact our dealership today to speak with our parts and service specialists.
Engine & Performance
Powertrain specs by trim
| Feature | Limited | SE | SEL | SEL Activity | XRT |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | 2.5L | 2.5L | 2.5L | 2.5L | 2.5L |
| Horsepower | 281 hp | 191 hp | 191 hp | 191 hp | 281 hp |
| Torque | 311 lb-ft | 181 lb-ft | 181 lb-ft | 181 lb-ft | 311 lb-ft |
| Transmission | 8-speed automatic | 8-speed automatic | 8-speed automatic | 8-speed automatic | 8-speed automatic |
| Drivetrain | All-wheel drive | Front-wheel drive | Front-wheel drive | Front-wheel drive | All-wheel drive |
Managing Maintenance Schedules and Choosing the Right Towing Packages
Pulling a trailer regularly places increased thermal and mechanical stress on a vehicle's engine, transmission, and braking systems. To ensure long-term reliability and protect your warranty, it is essential to follow the severe-duty maintenance schedule outlined in your owner's manual. This schedule typically recommends more frequent engine oil changes, transmission fluid inspections, and brake pad replacements when you use your vehicle for regular trailering.
Before finalizing your purchase, you should ask our sales team which trims include factory-installed towing components like a trailer hitch, wiring harness, and heavy-duty cooling systems. For example, the Santa Cruz lineup offers varying levels of standard equipment depending on the trim you select. The entry-level SE starts at a base MSRP of $29,750, the balanced SEL is priced at $31,400, and the tech-upgraded SEL Activity comes in at $34,450. If you require the turbocharged engine and standard all-wheel drive, the rugged XRT starts at $41,350, while the premium Limited trim is listed at $43,700. Each of these models is subject to a standard destination charge of $1,600.
To keep your vehicle running like new, every new purchase includes a 3-year/36,000-mile complimentary maintenance plan that covers routine oil changes and tire rotations. If you have additional questions about towing packages or severe-duty service intervals, please feel free to contact our team for expert guidance.
Pricing
Pricing by trim
| Feature | Limited | SE | SEL | SEL Activity | XRT |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Base MSRP | $43,700 | $29,750 | $31,400 | $34,450 | $41,350 |
| Destination charge | $1,600 | $1,600 | $1,600 | $1,600 | $1,600 |
Quick Answers to Common Hyundai Towing and Hauling Questions
Before hitching up your trailer, it helps to understand the finer details of how these vehicles handle heavy loads.
Q: Does the Santa Cruz require trailer brakes to reach its maximum towing capacity?
Yes, trailer brakes are required to safely tow the maximum capacities of 3,500 lbs or 5,000 lbs. Without trailer brakes, the recommended limit is 1,650 lbs.
Q: How does the HTRAC AWD system help when towing on wet or slippery boat ramps?
The HTRAC All-Wheel Drive system actively monitors traction and distributes torque between the front and rear axles. When towing on slippery surfaces like boat ramps, it engages a specialized Tow Mode that locks torque split to prevent wheel slip and ensure a smooth pull.
Q: Can I monitor my trailer or vehicle status remotely while parked?
Yes, you can utilize Bluelink+ features to check vehicle diagnostic health, tire pressure, and even lock or unlock your doors from your smartphone while your trailer is attached.
Q: What is the tongue weight limit for a Hyundai vehicle rated to tow 5,000 pounds?
Typically, the tongue weight limit is 10% of the maximum towing capacity, which equates to 500 lbs for models like the Palisade or turbocharged Santa Cruz. It is crucial to distribute your trailer cargo to keep the tongue weight within this range.
Q: Is a weight-distribution hitch recommended for towing with a unibody SUV like the Palisade?
Hyundai does not recommend using a weight-distribution hitch on its unibody platforms, as these hitches can place undue stress on the vehicle's frame structure. Instead, rely on the standard self-leveling rear suspension to manage the load.
Get Ready for Your Next Hauling Adventure with Berman Hyundai
Selecting a vehicle that perfectly balances daily driving with weekend utility is a major decision. Our team is committed to helping you find the ideal car, SUV, or sport adventure vehicle to match your lifestyle. We stand behind every vehicle we sell with our Perfect Car Promise, which ensures complete satisfaction with your purchase.
When you are ready to explore our inventory or take a test drive, we invite you to visit our Lincolnwood dealership located at 6747 Lincoln Ave, Lincolnwood, IL 60712. You can also give us a call at (847) 582-3294 to speak directly with a sales professional or schedule an appointment. We look forward to helping you drive home with confidence.