Recommended Trailer Hitch Receiver for a 2016 Kia Optima

Updated 08/24/2017 | Published 08/23/2017

Products Featured in This Question

Curt Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - Class I - 1-1/4"

(142)

$231.85

1-7/8" Hitch Ball - 3/4" Diameter x 2-1/8" Long Shank - Stainless Steel - 2,000 lbs

(364)

$36.92

2" Hitch Ball - 3/4" Diameter x 2-1/8" Long Shank - Stainless Steel - 3,500 lbs

(364)

$40.77

Curt Class II Drawbar - 2-5/8" Rise, 3-1/4" Drop - 7-1/4" Long - 3,500 lbs

(2335)

$53.07

Question:

I am looking at getting a trailer hitch receiver for my 2016 Kia Optima. Im not sure which one to get. It shows that I should use the draw site class 1 sport frame receiver o the curt class 1 round tube receiver. I am considering the curt receiver so that I dont have to cut any of the heat shields or anything like that. But the product is advertised using a Toyota car so I just wanted to double check and make sure it would work for my Kia Optima and not have any issues with it. thanks for your help

asked by: Mason M

Expert Reply:

For your 2016 Kia Optima, the Curt Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - Class I - 1-1/4" # C11402 is a confirmed fit and an easier installation than other manufacturers. There are a few vehicles that each hitch receiver fits, so there are fits other than the Optima for both, but installation will be very similar in these cases so we include the other videos to help. Both of these hitches are confirmed to fit your 2016 Kia Optima and both will require a little bit of trimming of the heat shield for installation.

The Curt hitch is estimated to take about 30 minutes for someone mechanically inclined to install themselves as opposed to the Draw-Tite estimated to take about 70 minutes.

If you plan to do any towing with this hitch, I recommend the Curt Class II Drawbar - 2-5/8" Rise, 3-1/4" Drop - 7-1/4" Long - 3,500 lbs # C45521. For a hitch ball I recommend # A-80 for a 1-7/8 inch ball or # A-82 for a 2 inch ball.

For your wiring, I recommend the Tekonsha T-One Vehicle Wiring Harness with 4-Pole Flat Trailer Connector # 118453. This custom-fit T-One connector plugs into your vehicle's wiring harness, which is located inside your trunk, behind the driver's-side tail light. You will need to remove some interior trim or carpeting to access the harness. This is confirmed to fit your vehicle and will complete your towing setup for a light trailer.