Will The etrailer Trailer Hitch Receiver # e36KR Fit A 2025 Kia Carnival Hybrid

Updated 10/30/2024 | Published 10/25/2024

Products Featured in This Question

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

(32)

$315.59

Curt Powered Tail Light Converter with 4-Pole Flat Trailer Connector

(1674)

$76.69

Question:

Will hitch e36KR fit the brand new Kia Carnival HYBRID ? If so great, that is what we were thinking of buying. Then, just need to figure out the wiring problem with the 2025’s.

asked by: George P

Expert Reply:

Hey George,

The etrailer Trailer Hitch Receiver # e36KR is listed as a fit for all 2025 Kia Carnival models so it would be a fit for your Hybrid. If you plan on towing a trailer or adding on lights to a bike rack or cargo carrier then you'll also need to pick up the Curt Powered Tail Light Converter with 4-Pole Flat Trailer Connector # C59236 to transfer over your light signals.

I've attached some videos below where Jake and Ian will help walk you through the installation process.

expert reply by: Kevin C

George

10/30/2024

This seems to be getting quite complicated to add a hitch and lights to my 2025 Carnival which DOES have a "Trailer Prewire Harness" listed on the window sticker BUT they also have a "Important Towing Notice" sticker on the 2nd row side window that states it cannot be used to tow a trailer that requires lights ! What? But I have a Tow switch control on the dash, tow settings in the menu, the trailer prewire harness listed on the window sticker and all the recent marketing promote and show the 2025 Carnivals towing trailers. ...just seems like a contradiction. I pulled the plastic panel by the rear and the usual additional trailer wire harness IS there BUT it has lines already plugged into it and those then connect back to the main wiring that runs up to the driver side tail. Like nothing I have seen on 2024 models. I was expecting that trailer wire harness to be there but to be free and have the usual cap on it that once removed, allows simple plug-n-play trailer wiring to connect to it like so many others. But not in this case. No one seems to no what those wires go to or how to then connect trailer wires to the 2025 Carnival. (Note the built date is July 2025 further confusing any options. Happy to send along pictures if helpful. HELP.....

Kevin C.

10/30/2024

@George Kia is likely working on kind of harness or is in collaboration with a manufacturer that is that just isn't ready yet which is leading to the contradictions. Until something comes out from a manufacturer the only option we can recommend is a universal splice-in kit like the # C59236, which would tie directly into the tail light wiring.