Choosing Between Curt, etrailer, and Draw-Tite Hitches for 2024 Toyota Venza LE Hybrid

Updated 04/03/2026 | Published 12/31/2025

Products Featured in This Question

Curt Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - Class III - 2"

(242)

$227.60

etrailer Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - Matte Black Finish - Class III - 2"

(4)

$270.91

Kuat Transfer V2 Bike Rack for 4 Bikes - 2" Hitches - Wheel Mount

(322)

$847.00

Question:

Hello, I recently purchased a 2024 Toyota Venza Hybrid LE and would like to add a trailer hitch for hauling bikes. Im currently considering three different hitches Curt C77MJ, eTrailer e84ZV and the Draw-Tite Max Frame DT46MR. I like the minimalist design can barely see it, but looking at customer photos they both appear very similar. I noticed that both the Curt and eTrailer have a higher towing capacities. Do both the eTrailer and Curt models also have that hidden design? What details would I be missing between the three? Also, while I understand the kick lift-gate will still function, what about the rear cross traffic collision system? I have read that may need to be turned off. Any help is greatly appreciated! Tanner

asked by: Tanner R

Expert Reply:

Hey Tanner! These hitches are all pretty similar so it can be hard to decide between them. If I were you I would choose the Curt # C77MJ over the other two.

The Curt # C77MJ and etrailer # e84ZV actually share the same design, and both have the concealed cross tube just like the Draw-Tite # DT46MR. The only thing that will be visible for all three hitches is the receiver hanging down at the back. The difference in capacity compared to the Draw-Tite isn't a big deal since they all meet or exceed the capacity of your vehicle. The hitches won't interfere with the rear collision detection, but the bike rack probably will when you're carrying it.

The only difference between the Curt hitch and the etrailer hitch is the finish. Curt has the glossy finish, ours is matte black. I do prefer the matte black since it blends well with OEM trim. However, it looks like the cost is a bit higher right now so I would stick with the Curt to save some money. Draw-Tite makes some good products but the parent company is a mess, and its difficult to get support if you need it, so I would stay away if possible.

What kind of bike rack do you have?

expert reply by: Robin H

Curt Hitch
(click to enlarge)

Tanner R.

4/2/2026

Thanks a ton for the follow-up Robin! I'm going to be purchasing the Curt C77MJ, based off your recommendation. As far as a bike rack, I am looking at purchasing that as well. I need a four bike rack mount (though it will likely only carry two for the part). I'm looking at one that is tilting (though not needed), is built to last, <$800, and ideally tire mounts (though not a requirement). I am considering a few and curious about what others experience or experts experience. I am considering the following: Saris Freedom Bike Rack for 4 Bikes Hollywood Racks Destination Bike Rack for 4 Bikes - 2" Hitches - Frame Mount Kuat Transfer V2 Bike Rack for 4 Bikes - 2" Hitches - Wheel Mount I'm not sure anyone has an experience with a vertical bike rack either, but I would consider that as well!

Robin H.

4/3/2026

@TannerR the Curt actually won't allow for a vertical because of the forces applied, so we can cut that out of the list. The Kuat Transfer V2 Bike Rack for 4 Bikes # KU77FR checks all of your boxes and is the one I would choose from that list. I don't care for the Saris, and the only advantage the Hollywood # HR4000 has in my opinion is its weight at 42 lbs. The Transfer V2 is also using a 2-bike add on. You mentioned the fact that you will probably only carry two bikes most of the time. You can reduce the size of the rack down to a 2-bike when you aren't carrying those other bikes, making it more manageable overall.

Tanner R.

4/3/2026

@RobinH Wonderful information Robin! I was leaning that way as well! Though I worry with some of the bike racks that it will bottom out on the car. Do you know of any stories of this happening? Would you be able to explain more why the vertical racks would not work? The rating on the curt hitch has 625lbs of tongue weight, though I am likely missing something!

Robin H.

4/3/2026

@TannerR great question, that’s a smart thing to think about ahead of time. With the Transfer V2 # KU77FR ground clearance is generally solid on the Venza, especially since it holds the bikes fairly close to the vehicle. Bottoming out isn’t something we see come up often unless you’re going through really steep driveways or dips at high speed. If that’s a regular concern where you drive, taking those transitions a little slower will go a long way. Curt added that note to the majority of their racks recently now that they're under Lippert. It wasn't there for a long time. In my opinion, they probably ran into issues with these people carrying 7-bike vertical racks and ultimately the hitch failed from all of the additional movement. Adding that blanket statement that vertical racks can't be used keeps them covered. I don't have an official answer, so that is pure speculation.