Will The Trailer Hitch For A 2026 Lexus RX350h Interfere With The Liftgate Kick Sensor?

Updated 01/07/2026 | Published 12/27/2025

Question:

I just bought a 2026 rx350h Luxury Lexus need a 2inch hitch for it. Will the kick sensor for the hatch door still work since the sensor is dead center on bumper. Will i need to temporarily lower the exhaust to install it. Thanks

asked by: John D

Expert Reply:

Hi John!

We definitely have hitches available for your 2026 Lexus RX350h and the etrailer Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - Matte Black Finish - Class III - 2" # e29ZV is a great option. The matte finish makes our hitches blend in better than the gloss finish other manufacturers use, so I very much prefer them.

As to your first question, any hitch will interfere with kick sensors. However, I have been doing this for over a decade now and have never seen that sensor be completely negated. You will just need to kick on either side of the receiver tube to find the new spot that will actuate it. It will take a few times to get used to, but then it will be completely normal again.

As to lowering the exhaust, we do list it as being needed, but you may not need to. When we installed the Curt hitch (which is basically identical to ours) on a 2024 RX350h, we did not have to lower the exhaust. Lowering it will give you more room to work, but I think you can get away with skipping that step.

Out of curiosity, what are you going to be using the hitch for?

expert reply by: Lazer S

etrailer Trailer Hitch e29ZV Lexus RX350h
(click to enlarge)

John D.

12/30/2025

Thank you for the answers to my questions. Most helpful... I will be using it for a double ebike transporter.

Lazer S.

12/31/2025

@JohnD You're very welcome! Let me know if there is anything else I can help with! : )

1/1/2026

@JohnD I put this on our RX350. It did impact the motion open but still works sometimes. That's not a problem for us since we always use the button. We were using it for a double ebike rack. We did have a problem with clearance between the bikes and the car. The receiver does not stick out far enough. We had to purchase a receiver extension. The extension allowed more movement of the rack. Probably not the best setup.

John D.

1/1/2026

SP Thanks for your input. I'll check out the clearance once I install it.