Recommended 7-Way Connector and Brake Controller for a 2023 Kia Sorento w/ the Factory Tow Package

Updated 06/13/2025 | Published 05/12/2025

Products Featured in This Question

Curt Echo Wireless Brake Controller - 7-Way Plug-in w/ Bluetooth App - Up to 2 Axles - Proportional

(1769)

$279.95

Curt Towing Starter Kit for 2" Hitches - 2" Ball - 3/4" Rise, 2" Drop - 7.5K

(781)

$76.36

Curt No-Drill Bracket for 6-Way or 7-Way Round Trailer Connector Mounting Bracket - Long

(300)

$30.83

Curt T-Connector Vehicle Wiring Harness for Factory Tow Package - 7-Way Trailer Connector

(156)

$158.09

Mounting Bracket and Installation Hardware - Pollak 7-Pole, RV-Style Trailer Connector - Vehicle End

(1181)

$7.03

Question:

I have a 2023 Kia Sorento X-Line SX Prestige with the factory tow package. I would like to install a 7 pin connector and use a brake controller. Can I install the Curt C68JR, and use the Curt Echo Wireless Brake Controller C51180? Will the C68JR provide power for the wireless brake controller, or do I need to run an external power line up tot he battery in the engine compartment? Thank you.

asked by: Michael B

Expert Reply:

Yes, you can Michael. The Curt T-Connector Vehicle Wiring Harness for Factory Tow Package item # C68JR is exactly what you need to use the Curt Echo Wireless Brake Controller item # C51180. It will provide all the power you need to operate your trailer's brakes. No, additionally wiring is necessary.

I have linked an installation video below that will show you how to get the Curt item # C68JR installed.

I recommend using the No-Drill Mount for Electrical Mounting Bracket - long item # C57202 and the item # PK12711U bracket. to secure the 7-way connector to your hitch. This will put it in an easy to reach spot and prevent the risk of it falling onto the road.

To round out your towing setup, I also recommend the Curt Towing Starter Kit for 2" Hitches item # C45534. This towing kit will provide you with a 2" ball and a fixed ball mount with a 3/4" rise and 2" drop. It also includes a hitch pin and clip, hitch receiver lock with keys, hitch cover, and a storage case.

What kind of trailer do you have?

expert reply by: Jerred H

Mike

5/14/2025

Thank you for the confirmation. We have towed many trailers with our old Expedition and recently downsized to the Sorento. We still have several sets of balls and drops. We are planning to tow a rented small travel trailer. I am still exploring if I have brake controller wiring under the dash already. I have seen 3 open plugs under the dash. Have you ever heard of a 2021 - 2023 Kia Sorento having a prewired harness for a brake controller under the dash? Or have you seen anything that identifies wires that could be piggybacked to install a brake controller under the dash? Thank you!

Jerred H.

5/19/2025

@Mike There is no port to plug in a brake controller on your 2023 Kia Sorento. If you want to install a traditional controller like a Prodigy P3 item # 90195 you'll need to locate the brake controller wire, 12v power source, and the cold side of the brake switch that only activates when you press the pedal. We have not done a brake controller installation on a 2021 - 2023 Kia Sorento so I do not know where the brake controller wire is going to be located. You can use a circuit tester like item # PTW2993 to find the brake switch.

Mike

5/14/2025

Sorry, I just watched the installation video for the C68JR and it said that power for a brake controller is not present. Will the C68JR not work with the echo brake controller then?

Jerred H.

5/19/2025

@Mike We have not had that issue with the 2023 Kia Sorento's that have the factory tow package. You will want to make sure you have all the tow fuses installed though. I verified this information with Curt.

Mike

6/13/2025

@JerredH I installed the C68JR in our 2023 Kia Sorento X-Line SX Prestige. It plugged in fine to the factory tow connection, but I noticed that there were less wires going in to the factory plug than there were in the C68JR plug. Once installed I checked the 7 way with a 7 way tester and found that it does not have the 12 volt power, only has turn signals, running lights and brake lights. I did an online search to see if there are missing fuses for the trailer wiring, and some diagrams show additional trailer fuses, but in my fuse boxes there are no pin connectors in those slots and thus no wires behind it. It looks like I will have to do a 4-way to 7-way conversion with the line to the battery for the 12 volt connection.

Jerred H.

6/13/2025

@Mike That sounds like the Sorento's without the factory tow package. The factory plugs are there but like you're finding out they're completely useless for adding a 7-way. You're going to need to add a 4-way connector before you can add a 7-way connector. Here are the parts you'll need: 4-Way Connector - Curt T-Connector Vehicle Wiring Harness item # C99DR if you have LEDs. If you do not have LED lights you'll need item # C63RV 7-Way - Universal Installation Kit for Trailer Brake Controller - 7-Way RV and 4-Way Flat item # ETBC7