Hyundai Palisade Towing Capacity: What Waco Drivers Need to Know

Thinking about towing something with your Hyundai Palisade around Waco? You’re in the right place.

From taking a boat out to Lake Waco to hauling gear for a weekend trip to the Hill Country, the Palisade is more than just a family SUV—it’s a surprisingly capable hauler. But not every Palisade tows the same, and a few local tips can go a long way.

Let’s kick things off with what makes the 2025 Palisade a standout in its class.

Quick Overview of the 2025 Hyundai Palisade

The 2025 Hyundai Palisade is Hyundai’s flagship midsize SUV—built with bold design, three-row seating, and smart technology that suits both daily commutes and weekend escapes. For Waco drivers, it's the perfect mix of comfort, power, and practicality.

Every trim—including SE, SEL, XRT, Limited, and Calligraphy—comes standard with a 3.8-liter V-6 engine with Gasoline Direct Injection (GDI), delivering 291 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque. Paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission and available HTRAC all-wheel drive, this engine gives the Palisade the strength and control needed to handle serious towing duties.

Beyond towing, the Palisade stands out for its upscale cabin, advanced safety tech, and roomy interior that fits up to eight passengers. It’s a go-to choice for local families, road-trippers, and anyone looking for a premium feel without the luxury SUV price tag.

Hyundai Palisade Towing Capacity 

Not all Palisades are built the same when it comes to towing capabilities. What matters most is the drivetrain and whether the SUV has the factory-installed tow hitch package.

Here’s a simplified breakdown:

Without tow hitch: up to 1,650 lbs

With tow hitch and trailer brakes: up to 5,000 lbs maximum towing capacity

Here’s the basic breakdown:

Without the towing package, the Hyundai Palisade can tow up to 1,650 lbs

With the towing package, that jumps to up to 5,000 lbs

The good news? Starting with the 2023 model year, Hyundai began making the factory-installed towing package standard on most trims—especially those with AWD.

What’s Included in the Towing Package?

Class III tow hitch

7-pin wiring harness

Heavy-duty transmission cooler

Integrated brake control and trailer sway assist

This package is available at most Hyundai dealership locations and highly recommended if you plan to tow regularly in Central Texas.

What Can You Tow With a Hyundai Palisade in Waco?

Once you’ve got the right towing package and know your weight limits, the next question is: what exactly can the Palisade handle around here?

With up to 5,000 pounds of towing capacity, the Palisade can take on more than most people expect. Here are some common things Waco-area drivers can tow without breaking a sweat:

Popular Things Waco Drivers Tow With the Palisade

Fishing boats and bass boats to Lake Waco or Lake Whitney

Pop-up campers or lightweight travel trailers for Texas State Park adventures

Utility trailers loaded with landscaping gear, motorcycles, or ATVs

Small horse trailers with one horse, depending on trailer weight

U-Haul trailers for local moves or college drop-offs at Baylor

Keep the Heat and Hills in Mind

While the Palisade can absolutely handle these kinds of loads, don’t forget that Texas heat and elevation changes (like heading toward the Hill Country or further west) can put extra strain on your vehicle. If you're towing in summer or on long inclines, you’ll want to watch engine temps and use Tow Mode to help manage shifting and throttle response.

Local Destinations That Are Palisade-Friendly

If you're looking for places to take your trailer or toys, here are a few great towing-friendly destinations near Waco:

Midway Park on Lake Waco – Boat ramp, RV camping

Mother Neff State Park – Easy tow-in access and great for beginners

Lake Whitney State Park – Larger trailers welcome, plus water activities

Waco Regional Airport U-Haul – Handy for hauling loads in and out of town

The Palisade makes all of these trips doable and comfortable—just make sure you’re loaded up safely.

Towing Equipment and Safety Features

Towing safely with a Hyundai Palisade isn’t just about power—it’s about having the right equipment and smart features working together to protect your vehicle, your trailer, and everyone on the road.

What’s Included in the Towing Package

Hyundai’s factory towing package includes:

Class III trailer hitch – rated for up to 5,000 lbs

7-pin wiring harness – connects trailer lights and brake systems

Heavy-duty transmission cooler – helps manage heat during long or heavy pulls

Trailer sway control – part of the vehicle’s stability system

If you're buying new in Waco, most trims with AWD come with this package pre-installed. For FWD models, it may still be optional—so be sure to ask your Hyundai sales rep to confirm.

Palisade Towing Tech That Helps

Beyond the hardware, the Palisade has several built-in features that make towing safer and easier:

Tow Mode: Optimizes shift points and throttle response for towing

Blind-Spot View Monitor: Shows a live camera feed of your blind spot when turning

Surround View Monitor: Makes trailer hookup a breeze with a full 360º camera view

Rear Cross-Traffic Avoidance Assist: Warns you of cars when backing out with a trailer

Hill Start Assist Control: Prevents rollback when starting on an incline

If you’re new to towing or just don’t want the hassle, these features take a lot of stress out of the process—especially when navigating tighter city streets around Waco.

Tips for Waco Drivers Who Tow Often

If you’re planning to tow more than just a couple of weekends a year, a little extra care and planning can go a long way toward keeping your Hyundai Palisade running smoothly.

Here are a few towing-specific tips for Central Texas drivers:

Stay Ahead on Maintenance

Towing puts extra strain on your transmission, engine, and cooling system—especially in Texas heat. If you're towing often:

Get your transmission fluid checked more frequently (every 30,000 miles is a safe bet)

Watch for signs of overheating on long highway drives or steep inclines

Schedule regular inspections for your brakes and suspension systems

The service team at Waco Hyundai is familiar with these wear points and can help set up a towing-friendly maintenance schedule.

Check Tires—On Both Ends

Before every trip, inspect both your Palisade’s tires and your trailer’s tires. Proper PSI and tread depth are essential to avoid blowouts—especially on hot summer days on I-35 or Highway 6.

Tow During Cooler Parts of the Day

If you're towing between May and September, early morning or early evening hauls are much easier on your vehicle. It’s also safer for your trailer load and offers better road visibility if you’re heading into rural areas around McGregor or Crawford.

Local Bonus: Waco Hyundai Service Perks

If you bought your Palisade from Waco Hyundai, you may qualify for:

Free towing inspections

Discounted hitch installation

Priority scheduling for towing-related maintenance

Ask your advisor about towing-focused support—they deal with these needs all the time and can recommend what fits your towing habits best.

Ready to Tow? Your New Hyundai Palisade Is Waiting in Waco

The new Hyundai Palisade isn’t just a stylish three-row SUV—it’s a capable towing machine built for real-life adventures across Central Texas. Whether you're planning family trips, hauling gear, or just need a dependable daily driver with muscle, the Palisade is up to the task.

Thinking about towing with a Palisade? Take the next step and book a test drive today. Visit Waco Hyundai to explore the full lineup of trim levels, get expert towing advice, and find the new Hyundai Palisade that fits your lifestyle perfectly.

Your next road trip, boat launch, or hill country weekend is just a visit away.