Recommended Trailer Hitch And Wiring For A 2025 Kia Sorento PHEV

Question:

Hi team, I have a 2025 Kia sorento PHEV. Looking for a hitch and wiring for trailer lights. I read the car come pre wired for trailer lights so not sure what I need. Thank you for your help.

asked by: Jerry

Expert Reply:

Hi Jerry,

For your 2025 Kia Sorento PHEV you would need the Curt Trailer Hitch Receiver # C37RV for the trailer hitch. The right light kit for your Sorento is going to depend on a few factors. For models with the tow package, like you stated you have, you can install a 7-way connector like the Tekonsha # TK24FR.

Regardless of the tow package you can install a 4-pole connector like the Tekonsha # 118269 (incandescent tail lights) or Curt # C99DR (LED tail lights). The 7-way is really only needed if you plan on towing a trailer with brakes and would also require a brake controller to complete the setup.

If you want to mount the trailer connector to the trailer hitch you can use no-drill mount # 18140 and then the appropriate bracket # 18144 (4-pole) or # 18138 (7-way).

expert reply by: Kevin C

C63RV - tail light connectors
(click to enlarge)

Factory tow package connector
(click to enlarge)

Jerry

11/26/2024

I understand which hitch I need and I plan to buy the E trailer version of the one that was recommended. However, it is still unclear to me, which wiring set I need. I even called in and spoke with somebody on the telephone. Who basically told me I should call the company who manufactures it to confirm, well, thanks a lot… I have a 2025 Kia Sorrento plug-in hybrid. The window sticker says it comes pre wired with the trailer wiring package, which I think means there are some pigtails hidden under the car somewhere that I just have to plug into. Below the two harnesses that have been recommended. I’d rather just buy the cheaper one if it works what do you think? 118269 TK24FR

Kevin C.

11/26/2024

@Jerry We don't have an etrailer custom fit trailer hitch for your 2025 Kia Sorento PHEV just yet so the Curt # C37RV or the Towsmart # TS44ZR would be the only options at this time. As for the wiring, if you're not going to tow a trailer with brakes then don't need the Tekonsha 7-Way # TK24FR. If you're only towing smaller trailers or have a cargo carrier or bike rack with lights that requires a 4-pole connector to plug into you'll just need one of the 4-pole options listed below based on your Sorento's tail lights: Incandescent tail lights # 118269 LED tail lights # C99DR

Jerry

11/29/2024

@KevinC Looked at the window sticker. It says LED taillights. Looked at C99DR and the latest review is from a guy with a 2025 kia and it says it does not work. What's the deal? Also if the car come pre wired for the trailer lights, why do I need to run a wire to the battery, that seems stupid.

Kevin C.

12/2/2024

@Jerry The Curt # C99DR was confirmed to work by one of the installers in our shop. There's a converter built into the harness to adapt the lights signals to show properly on the trailer. This converter requires 12v power directly from the battery so that it's not overloading the light circuits and blowing the fuses when in use.

Kevin C.

12/19/2024

@Jerry Everything we've been told so far is still confirming the options that were previously available. If you have the tow package and have incandescent tail lights you'll want the Tekonsha # 118269. If you don't have the tow package but and have incandescent tail lights you'll need the Curt # C63RV. The Curt Powered Tail Light Converter with 4-Pole Flat Trailer Connector # C59236 is a universal fit harness that would work regardless of the tail lights or tow package, but it does require splicing into your tail light wiring. Bruce recently made an installation video for this harness on a 2025 Sorento, which I've attached below to help walk you through the installation process. If you go with the Curt # C63RV I would just doublecheck that the connectors (pictured above) match your tail light's connector. If you go with the Tekonsha # 118269 you'll want to remove the plastic cover at the rear of the vehicle on the driver's side (pictured above) to see if you have the factory tow package harness to connect to. If you go with the Curt # C59236 you won't need to check anything but you'll need to pick up some heat shrink butt connectors # DW05744-10 to help protect your connections from corrosion.

Helpful Links

tv-install-curt-trailer-wiring-2025-kia-sorento-c59236.aspx

tv-install-tekonsha-trailer-wiring-2020-kia-sorento-118269.aspx

See All (10) Replies to Jerry ∨