What Tekonsha P3 Brake Controller do I Need for My 2020 Toyota Highlander, and Wiring?

Updated 09/29/2025 | Published 04/25/2025

Question:

Hello, Im the owner of a 2020 Toyota Highlander without the towing package. Originally, I was planning to purchase only the TK57VR, but my plans have changed and I’ve decided to install a brake controller as well. Many people recommend the Tekonsha 90195 Prodigy P3, and since I’m planning to upgrade my vehicle in 2–3 years, I’d like to invest in a high-quality model now. So Im considering purchasing the TK63VR. Are there any additional items I should buy or things I should consider before moving forward? Thank you in advance!

asked by: Ethan

Expert Reply:

Hello Ethan,

The Tekonsha Prodigy P3 Trailer Brake Controller - 1 to 4 Axles - Proportional # 90195 is an excellent choice and my go-to recommendation. I've set-up many friends and family members with this controller, and the feedback has been consistently great. You will need to splice in the controller since the 2020 Highlander does not have the vehicle specific pigtail.

Since your 2020 Toyota Highlander did not come with the tow package, it likely does not have the necessary wiring at the rear of the vehicle. To get everything set up, you’ll need the Tekonsha OEM Replacement Vehicle Wiring Harness with Brake Controller Adapter - 7-Way Trailer Connector # TK57VR. This harness will give you a functional 7-way connector and allow you to properly use the brake controller.

I should mention that installing the harness can be fairly involved, especially when it comes to the wiring work. We haven’t installed one yet here at etrailer, so there isn’t an install video available at this time. However, I’ve attached the instructions for you to review.

If you'd like, you’re welcome to bring your Highlander by our shop here in Wentzville, MO. We'd be happy to handle the installation for you so we can have the content on our site.

Does your Highlander have the 7 way on the back?

expert reply by: Kate F

Kate F.

9/26/2025

Hey Ethan, did you have a chance to check if your Highlander has the 7-way connector on the back? I'm asking because knowing this could help others in a similar situation.

Ethan

9/26/2025

@KateF Oh, sorry for the late reply! To wrap it up, my car had a pin for the 7-pin connector located near the left rear fender, and I successfully connected the harness. I installed it myself in late spring. There weren’t any videos showing this exact product being installed on post-2020 Highlanders, so I had to rely on older model videos from e-trailer, other product installs, and info from the Highlander forums. The hardest part was routing the harness to the battery under the hood. Unlike the pre-2020 videos where they lifted the car and ran the harness underneath, I couldn’t do that. So I routed it from the rear pin through the space along the driver’s side floor, then used a hole near the front left wheel well to reach the battery.

Kate F.

9/29/2025

@Ethan I feel your pain on that power wire Ethan! We did an install on a hybrid last week, there was not a whole lot of places to put that power wire out of the way, definitely helps that I have littler hands than the other installers =) Thanks for the reply, glad it all worked out!