Is 2017 Hyundai Accent SE Hatchback Rated for Towing

Updated 05/01/2019 | Published 04/29/2019

Products Featured in This Question

Draw-Tite Sportframe Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - Class I - 1-1/4"

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$213.56

19x47 Curt Cargo Carrier for 1-1/4" and 2" Hitches - Steel - 300 lbs

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$173.43

Universal Magnetic Tow Lights - 20' Wiring Harness with 4-Way Flat Trailer Connector

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Question:

The draw Tite hitch that your site recommends for my 2017 Hyundai Accent SE hatchback says the tongue weight is 200 lb and the towing weight is 2000 lb. I checked the owners manual and it says the maximum cargo capacity is just under 900 lb which includes everything inside the car including passengers Im assuming this means I cannot pull a five foot wide 8 ft long 5 ft tall trailer with about a thousand pounds worth of cargo in it, correct? If that is correct why would you sell a hitch and all the equipment to hook up a trailer for this car when it exceeds the maximum capacity for the car I own?

asked by: Karen G

Expert Reply:

Hitches will still be made for vehicles that are not recommended for towing in order to allow use of hitch mount accessory items like bike racks and cargo carriers like # C18110. Wiring harnesses are offered for cases where the owner may wish to add magnetic lights like # TL21RK if the loaded cargo blocks the vehicle's own tail lights.

The online owner's manual for the 2017 Hyundai Accent SE does indicate on page 5-41 that this compact vehicle is not recommended for towing a trailer. The SE's curb weight is only 2500-lbs and the type of 5 x 5 x 8-foot enclosed trailer you describe typically weigh about 900-lbs empty. With a 1000-lbs loaded in the trailer weight would be nearly as much as the vehicle's weight.

Owners of compact and lightweight vehicles like the Accent may still choose to tow very small trailers a short distance, such as a 2 x 4-foot open trailer with perhaps a load of mulch from a local store, but cars like this are really not made for more than transporting passengers.

expert reply by: Adam R