Best Hitch for a 2021 Toyota Highlander XSE
Updated 04/05/2025 | Published 04/03/2025 >
Products Featured in This Question
Question:
Im looking at the 4 hitches you guys have for 2021 Highlanders. I have an XSE. The fit tool matches me with the four, but on each product page it seems like maybe the hitch doesnt fit the XSE? Can you clarify fit?
asked by: Matt A
Expert Reply:
Yes, I can! Our fitguide gets confusing like that so I'll be happy to clarify for you. All four hitches you were looking at fit both the XSE and non-XSE models of the 2021 Toyota Highlander.
The best one is going to be the TowSmart Trailer Hitch item # TS56VR. This hitch has been confirmed to fit the 2021 Toyota Highlander XSE. It is custom fit and bolts to your Toyota with included hardware. This is a class III hitch with a 2" receiver that has a 5,000 lbs towing capacity and a 500 lbs maximum tongue weight.
The reason this is the best hitch is because the entire crosstube mounts behind the rear bumper. This leaves only the 2" receiver and the safety chain loops visible.
If you are planning on towing you will also need a wiring harness item # 119250KIT and a ball mount kit item # C45534.
What are you planning on using the hitch for?
Product Page this Question was Asked From
etrailer Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - Matte Black Finish - Class III - 2"
- Trailer Hitch
- For Towing
- Class III
- 500 lbs TW
- 5000 lbs GTW
- 2 Inch Hitch
- Concealed Cross Tube
- etrailer
more information >
Featured Help Information
Instructions
Miscellaneous Media
Continue Researching
- Shop: Trailer Hitch
- Search Results: trailer hitch
- Shop: TowSmart Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - Class III - 2"
- Shop: Trailer Wiring
- Q&A: Why Does Trailer Mate Trailer Hitch Have Lower Cost Compared To Other Hitches
- Search Results: hitch
- Search Results: dt84mr
- Video: etrailer Class III Trailer Hitch Step-By-Step Install - 2026 Toyota Highlander
- Shop: etrailer Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - Matte Black Finish - Class III - 2"
- Shop: Trailer Mate Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - Class III - 2"
- Shop: B&W Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - Class III - 2"
- Shop: Curt Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - Class III - 2"
- Search Results: b and w
- Shop: Brake Controller
- Video: B&W Class III Trailer Hitch Installation Guide - 2020 Toyota Highlander
- Video: Installing the Towsmart Trailer Hitch Receiver on a 2024 Toyota Highlander
- Search Results: trailer wiring
- Shop: 7-Way RV Upgrade Kit for Trailer Brake Controller Installation - 12 Gauge Wires
- Shop: Curt T-Connector Vehicle Wiring Harness with 4-Pole Flat Trailer Connector
- Video: Best 2023 Toyota Highlander Trailer Hitch Options
- Video: Install: 7-Way RV Upgrade Kit for Trailer Brake Controller Installation on a 2023 Toyota Highlander
- Video: How to Install the Curt T-Connector Vehicle Wiring Harness on a 2022 Toyota Highlander
- Q&A: Recommended Trailer Hitch and Wiring for a 2023 Toyota Highlander
- Q&A: Trailer Hitch Receiver Capable Of Using a Weight Distribution Hitch On a 2023 Toyota Highlander
- Search Results: wiring harness 7 pin
- Search Results: 22119
- Video: Best 2022 Toyota Highlander Trailer Hitch Options
- Q&A: What Type Of Metal Is Used On The Tekonsha Replacement USCAR Trailer Connector TK37CR
- Article: My Trailer Hitch Doesn't Fit
- Q&A: Does the Trailer Mate Trailer Hitch TMT67FR Fit a 2021 Toyota Highlander XLE?




Matt A.
4/5/2025
Right now just using it for a bike rack but might some day tow. I assume i could add the wiring kit later?