Can the 2026 Hyundai Tucson tow my camper or small boat confidently in Terre Haute, IN?

Oct 29, 2025

Dorsett Hyundai – Can the 2026 Hyundai Tucson tow my camper or small boat confidently in Terre Haute, IN?

At Dorsett Hyundai, one of the most common questions we hear from shoppers around Terre Haute is simple and practical: can the 2026 Hyundai Tucson handle my weekend gear? The short answer is yes—especially with the important 2026 update to towing capability. Whether you plan to pull a lightweight camper to Shakamak State Park or launch a fishing boat on Sullivan Lake, our team is here to explain how the 2026 Tucson is set up for confident, real-world towing in Indiana.

For 2026, Tucson models with the gasoline engine now offer up to 2,750 pounds of towing capacity with trailer brakes. Hybrid (HEV) and Plug-in Hybrid (PHEV) models remain rated up to 2,000 lbs. This change gives you more flexibility for small campers, cargo trailers, and watercraft, while keeping Tucson’s easy-driving manners for daily life in Terre Haute.

Here are the essentials we review with every customer so you can match the right Tucson to your trailer and trip plans.

ICE towing capacity (w/ trailer brakes): Up to 2,750 lbs.
HEV/PHEV towing capacity: Up to 2,000 lbs.
Required equipment: Proper hitch receiver and wiring harness are needed; functional trailer brakes are required for loads approaching the rating.
AWD availability: HTRAC All Wheel Drive is available; the XRT trim adds Terrain Mode (Mud, Snow, Sand) for added traction on loose surfaces.
Tongue weight guidance: Target roughly 10 percent of your trailer’s total weight on the hitch unless your trailer manufacturer specifies otherwise.

HTRAC All Wheel Drive can be beneficial for gravel boat ramps, rain-slick county roads, or light snow. New for 2026, the Tucson XRT adds Terrain Mode with Mud, Snow, and Sand settings—extra confidence when your favorite campsite sits past a rutted access road. Our team will help you decide whether front-wheel drive or HTRAC All Wheel Drive fits your route, trailer type, and typical weather around Vigo and surrounding counties.

Trim and equipment choices matter, too. The 2026 lineup keeps the Tucson familiar while making it easier to choose the right configuration. The SEL Convenience is now the SEL Premium, and if you want the look and traction of XRT, you’ll appreciate its added Terrain Mode. For efficiency-focused drivers, HEV and PHEV shoppers will note that a new Ecotronic Gray color is available on HEV/PHEV models, while Titanium Gray Matte (HEV) is no longer offered. PHEV models also gain an included Level 1 / Level 2 (combo) charging cable for simpler home charging options. If towing is a top priority, we will walk you through the differences between ICE, HEV, and PHEV so you can balance torque, efficiency, and rated capacity for your lifestyle.

When you are ready to prep your Tucson for towing, our service advisors and Master Certified technicians make it straightforward.

Select the right Tucson: Confirm ICE 2,750 lbs. rating with trailer brakes or HEV/PHEV 2,000 lbs., based on your trailer’s gross weight.
Add the right hardware: We install a compatible hitch receiver, 4-pin or 7-pin wiring as needed, and can set up a brake controller when appropriate.
Balance and load correctly: We’ll review tongue weight targets and cargo placement to help reduce sway.
Verify lighting and braking: Before you tow out, we test lights, connections, and brake controller function with you.
Practice and plan: We’ll share local route tips for Terre Haute area campgrounds and ramps so your first tow feels familiar.

Another reason Tucson works so well as a tow-capable daily driver is how refined and quiet it feels on the road. Even with a small trailer attached, Tucson’s composed ride and steering make longer drives toward Turkey Run or Monroe Lake less tiring. Add in available driver assistance from Hyundai SmartSense and spacious cargo room for coolers and tackle, and you have a compact SUV that multitasks without fuss.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Do I need trailer brakes to reach the 2,750-lb. rating on a 2026 Tucson?

Yes. The 2,750 lbs. maximum applies to gasoline models with properly functioning trailer brakes and the right hitch and wiring. Our team will help you select and install the correct components and review Indiana requirements.

Which 2026 Tucson trim is best if I tow a few weekends each season?

We often guide towing-focused shoppers to an ICE model with HTRAC All Wheel Drive for added traction margin, and many like the XRT for its Terrain Mode. That said, the right pick depends on your trailer weight, where you travel, and your feature priorities. We will help you compare SEL Premium, XRT, and Limited on a test drive.

Can the Tucson Hybrid or Plug-in Hybrid tow my small camper?

Yes, up to 2,000 pounds, when equipped correctly. If your fully loaded trailer approaches that figure, consider the ICE model’s higher 2,750-pound capacity for extra headroom.

What else should I budget for beyond the hitch and wiring?

Depending on your trailer, you may need a brake controller, appropriate ball mount, and possibly a weight distribution hitch. We will tailor a parts and installation plan to your setup and walk you through safe operation.

Ready to see how the 2026 Hyundai Tucson fits your camping, boating, or tailgating plans around Terre Haute? Visit us at 74 East Springhill Drive, Terre Haute, IN 47802 or call Sales at 812-917-3631. At Dorsett Hyundai, we will help you choose the right Tucson, install the gear you need, and get you confidently road-ready for your next Indiana weekend.