Is a 2021 Kia Telluride Rated for Use with a Weight Distribution Hitch?

Updated 08/25/2025 | Published 05/04/2025

Question:

Is a Weight Distribution Hitch compatible with a 2021 KIA Telluride SX with the Factory-installed Towing Package and ZF Nivomat Self-Leveling Rear Suspension System?

asked by: Daniel S

Expert Reply:

Hey Daniel, thanks for reaching out!

The best places to find that information are either in your manual or with your local Kia dealer. I tried checking in the online owner's manual for your Telluride, but it didn't say anything about a weight distribution system so it would be good to verify that with your local dealer.

If they're okay with you using a weight distribution system (WDS) then something like the Blue Ox TrackPro # BLU47FR would be a great option, but I'll need to know the loaded tongue weight of your trailer (or the GVWR rating) in order to make sure the WDS you use is properly rated for best performance.

Let me know what you find out!

expert reply by: Jon G

Daniel S.

5/12/2025

Hello, I, too, could not find any information about a weight distribution system (WDS) in my Kia Owners Manual. I have talked to several Service Managers at KIA to no avail. One said they would elevate the question, but I never heard back. One trailer manufacturer said I would need to load the trailer onto the KIA, drive around until the KIA's self-leveling system leveled out. Then install the Weight Distribution System on the KIA! The trailer that I was considering to tow had a hitch weight of about 350-400 lbs.. And a Gross Trailer weight between 3,500 - 4,000 lbs. That seems like a pain in the you know what! Thanks, Daniel S

Jon G.

5/12/2025

@DanielS Yeah, generally the vehicle manual's say to let the vehicle self-level before adding the WDS, but usually the vehicle will self-level without having to drive around - that series of events does sound like a bit of a pain. If the weights you listed are just the standard unloaded weights then the TrackPro I referenced above will be a great option, but if those are the GVWR weights then you'll need the TrackPro # BLU36FR instead.

Monica J.

8/23/2025

Hello, I found this thread while trying to research WDS for our 2021 Kia Telliride SX. We want to pull a travel trailer that weighs 4368 dry. The concern seems to be that we at our limit with the tongue weight. Would a WDS help with this?

Jon G.

8/23/2025

@MonicaJ Yes and no. A WDS will only help with that if the hitch on your Kia (or your Kia directly - whichever one has the lower rating) is listed as having a higher rating when a WDS is in the equation. Typically, we only see this with trucks, but every once in a while we see it with other vehicles. Is it nearing that max tongue weight when dry?

Monica J.

8/24/2025

@JonG I think this is the case. The sticker in the door jamb says 1173, so if passengers are around 500, and if we add bikes, and other items it seems like we’d be getting close? I’m not sure if I’m using the correct calculations to figure out the max tongue weight. I believe I read it is 10-15% of towing capacity, which I believe is 5k lbs. Thanks!

Jon G.

8/25/2025

@MonicaJ Tongue weight is the downward pressure placed on a hitch receiver. Think of the weight of a bike rack with the bikes loaded. I was just asking to know what the tongue weight of your trailer is when the trailer is loaded so I get a better picture of what WDS will work for you.