Recommended Trailer Hitch For A 2023 Kia Sportage Hybrid EX And SX-Prestige

Updated 12/05/2022 | Published 12/04/2022

Products Featured in This Question

Draw-Tite Max-Frame Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - Class III - 2"

(375)

$205.13

etrailer Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - Matte Black Finish - Class III - 2"

(335)

$221.95

Universal Installation Kit for Trailer Brake Controller - 7-Way RV and 4-Way Flat - 10 Gauge Wires

(3299)

$142.34

Redarc Tow-Pro Liberty Brake Controller - Dash Knob - Up to 2 Axles - Proportional

(2235)

$165.00

Universal Wiring Harness for Redarc Tow-Pro Trailer Brake Controllers

(417)

$25.00

T-One Vehicle Wiring Harness with 4-Pole Flat Trailer Connector

(11)

$98.33

Question:

Can I put a class 3 hitch on the 2023 Kia Sportage Hybrid EX or zSX Prestige and if so what is the towing capacity. The dealer installed unit capacity is 2000 with the trailer brakes. Thanks.

asked by: Blair G

Expert Reply:

A trailer hitch will have it's own capacity because it's what the metal is rated to withstand, this however does not increase the capacity of the vehicle itself. You'll need to look at the owner's manual for the specific model of the vehicle to find what the vehicle's capacity is and stay under whichever is lowest between the vehicle and the hitch. Going over the capacity of the vehicle can cause damage to the transmission and be quite costly.

For a 2023 Kia Sportage I recommend going with the etrailer Trailer Hitch Receiver # e38KR. This hitch has a 350lb tongue weight capacity and 3,500lb.

If you're wanting to tow a trailer with brakes then you'll also need to install a 4-pole wiring harness, I recommend the T-One Vehicle Wiring Harness # TK32VR for an easy installation. Once your 4-pole wiring is installed you can then install the # ETBC7 to get a 7-way on the back of your Sportage and be able to send a braking signal to the brakes on the trailer.

Finally, you'll need a trailer brake controller. I highly recommend the Redarc Tow-Pro Liberty Brake Controller # RED24FR along with the Universal Wiring Harness # RED69FR. The control knob for this brake controller is super small, which gives you plenty of options for mounting while still keeping a factory look. It's a simple knob that goes from 0 to 10 and lights up when the brakes are being actuated on the trailer.

If you have any other questions please feel free to reach back out to me.