2025 Kia Sportage PHEV

Updated 12/28/2025 | Published 12/12/2025

Products Featured in This Question

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

(16)

$107.24

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

(1808)

$289.95

Curt T-Connector Vehicle Wiring Harness with 4-Way Flat Trailer Connector

(132)

$86.12

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

(3451)

$118.65

7-Way RV Upgrade Kit for Trailer Brake Controller Installation - 12 Gauge Wires

(353)

$96.34

Question:

I have a 2025 Kia Sportage PHEV with the towing package. I installed the Draw-Tite Max-Frame Trailer Hitch Receiver DT22MR from etrailer on it. I would like to add a wiring harness. With this wiring harness, is there a factor plug that I use instead of the tail-light plug since I have the tow package? Also, the manual states that the tow weight limits are 1653 lbs without brakes, and 2000 lbs with brakes. I only see 4-pin wiring harnesses available, and not 7 pin harness. How would this work with a trailer with brakes? Would I need to use this harness with along with a wireless 4 to 7 pin connector, with the brake controller? Or am I missing something? I plan on towing 1500 lbs, but would like to use the trailer brakes due to the steep grades in Colorado where I plan to use it.

asked by: David H

Expert Reply:

Hey David, welcome back. To add a 4-way connector to your 2025 Kia Sportage PHEV, you'll want the Curt item # C99DR. It connects directly behind the rear tail lights and there isn't a way to connect it to a tow package. It will not control a trailer's brakes, you'll have to add a 7-way.

To add a 7-way you'll also need the, Universal Installation Kit for Trailer Brake Controller item # ETBC7 or item # ETBC7L if you're using the wireless Curt Echo item # C51180. The kit includes a pre-wired 7- and 4-way trailer connector that mounts easily at the rear of your Kia with an included bracket. This kit is designed for use on a vehicle with an existing 4-way flat trailer connector and plugs directly into it.

You will then connect the blue wire to the blue wire on the brake controller, connect the black wire to the positive post on your Sportage's battery, the white wire to a suitable ground, and the yellow wire to the accessory circuit. If you go with the item # ETBC7L you won't have to run the blue brake controller wire. However, you will be limited to a wireless option.

Do you already have a brake controller?

You can add this information, along with any other questions you have, where it says Reply to Jerred H.

expert reply by: Jerred H

2025 Kia Sportage
(click to enlarge)

Scott G.

12/16/2025

For David H. - I tried to install a Kia-brand Towing Harness on my 2025 Kia Sportage Hybrid. It didn't work. The vehicle towing connector was like a 32 pin computer printer connector, and the 'mating' Kia harness connector was similar to the connector on the TK32VR harness. Kia has started a recall issue on the vehicle towing connector and some service techs have seen the issue.. So I installed the TK32VR harness and it worked well. The cables are long enough to reach the passenger side tail light, no issue there. It was a bit of a pain to have to run cables forward into the engine compartment to connect to the 12V battery. I can't say anything about installling a 7 pin connector for trailer brakes since my trailer has none. Good luck.

David H.

12/26/2025

Thanks! this is really helpful. If I go with a wireless controller, like the Curt Echo, then do I need to connect the blue wire to anything? Since this is a PHEV, the 12v battery is in the trunk, so it will be very easy to wire the positive lead and ground lead. Just not sure about the blue wire.

Jerred H.

12/28/2025

@DavidH You're welcome! David I love the way you've already got a plan. If you're committed to using the Curt Echo item # C51180 then you'll want to pick up the item # ETBC7L. This 7-Way wiring harness is designed specifically for wireless brake controllers and doesn't include the blue brake controller wire. The 12v wire is going to provide all the power necessary to run the Curt Echo item # C51180. The wireless feature will allow you to control it directly from your phone.