What Trailer Wiring do I Need for My 2020 Highlander without Factory Tow, with Connectors?

Question

Question:

I have a 2020 Toyota Highlander XLE. I have checked under the wheel well and behind the left cargo panel. Both plugs exist, both plugs have caps and neither are connected to any other harness. Just want to confirm the C56RV is the right fit for my Highlander. I don’t have any other indication that the vehicle has a tow package installed, just these prewired harnesses.

asked by: Royer P

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Connectors on 2020 Highlander
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Expert Reply:

Hello Royer,

Thanks for writing in, we’re glad you found us!

The correct wiring harness for your 2020 Toyota Highlander XLE without the factory tow package is the Curt T-Connector Vehicle Wiring Harness with 4-Pole Flat Trailer Connector # C76CR.

Even though you found the capped connectors behind the cargo panel and in the wheel well, Toyota often includes those unused plugs in models that were not actually equipped with the factory tow package. Since the tow package was not installed from the factory, those connectors are inactive and the # C56RV will not function on your Highlander.

You could have Toyota install and activate the OEM tow package wiring, but in most cases it ends up being much more expensive than simply installing the # C76CR harness, which plugs in behind the taillights and works independently of the inactive factory connectors.

If you are also looking for a hitch, I really like the EcoHitch Hidden Trailer Hitch Receiver # EH35VR because it is the only option for the Highlander that still allows the use of a full-size spare tire. I attached an image so you can see what it looks like installed.

What kind of trailer are you looking to tow? Anything with brakes?

expert reply by: Kate F

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Hitch Installed on Highlander
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Royer P.

5/21/2026

Hi Kate, Thanks for the reply. I appreciate the clarification. I’m trying to make sure I order the correct wiring harness before purchasing from etrailer. I understand my 2020 Toyota Highlander XLE does not have the factory tow package, but I did find capped factory-style connectors behind the cargo panel / spare tire area. These connectors have wiring going into the vehicle harness and do not appear to be loose dummy plugs. The reason I’m asking about C56RV is because, from the installation video and product information, it appears to use those existing factory tow-prep connectors on some 2020 Highlanders, even if the vehicle did not come fully equipped with the factory tow package. Can you confirm whether C56RV will work if those factory tow-prep connectors are present but inactive, or whether C76CR is still required specifically because the tow package was not activated/installed from the factory? I’m trying to avoid ordering C76CR unless necessary, since that installation is more involved and requires accessing the tail lights and running power wiring. I'm planning on towing small trailer for kayaks. No brakes necessary. Thank you for helping me confirm the correct harness before I order.

Kate F.

5/21/2026

@RoyerPI wish that I could confirm the # C56RV will work, but I really can’t. I do know for a fact that the # C76CR will work correctly on your vehicle. There is a note in Curt’s description for the # C56RV that states the factory tow package is required for installation. After going through some reviews though, I did find that it will install and somewhat work. This is one of the reviews I found: “It does not work properly with my 2025 Grand Highlander. Everything is fine until the brakes are applied. When that happens, the signal lights switch sides on the trailer. Confirmed it with a test light as well so I know it is not the trailer. When brakes are released, signal lights return to the proper direction. Video showing installation on 2024 GH confirms it as well. At end of video, when it is being tested, the blinking signal light changes sides when the brakes are applied.” I really wish I could tell you the easier install will work for you, but I have to go off what the manufacturer recommends and what I’m seeing from customer feedback. I just don’t want to point you toward something that could end up causing issues later.

Royer P.

5/28/2026

@Kate F, Just wanted to follow up and let you know how everything worked out. I ended up ordering the CURT 56524 from Amazon since it was about $40 cheaper and returns would have been easier if it didn't work. It plugged right into my 2020 Highlander XLE and I verified all the lights with a tester. Everything works perfectly. One thing I learned through this process is that my Highlander does not have the factory tow package, but it does have working pre-wired tow harness connectors from the factory. Based on that, I think the wording around the wiring options could be a little clearer since some Highlanders seem to have active tow wiring even without the factory tow package. I also took your recommendation and ordered the EcoHitch EH35VR. One of the reasons I chose it was your comment that it's the only hitch option that still allows the use of a full-size spare tire. Hopefully that works out as advertised. Thanks again for the help.

Kate F.

5/29/2026

@RoyerP Thanks for the follow-up, Royer. The EcoHitch is actually our top-selling option for vehicles with a full-size spare, so you won't have any issues with fitment. As for the wiring, we know that some vehicles come equipped with a factory connector that can work with an aftermarket harness. Unfortunately, manufacturers don't typically publish which vehicles have those connectors activated, and they often prefer customers purchase their OEM wiring kits instead. Because of that, we only provide information we can confidently verify. We'd hate for someone to plug into a connector only to find out it wasn't activated by Toyota, Honda, or another manufacturer. I'm curious where you found it at that price, as it appears to be below the manufacturer's advertised pricing policy (MAP). I certainly don't blame you for wanting to save some money. The one thing I always encourage people to consider is warranty coverage. Some manufacturers won't honor warranties on products purchased from unauthorized sellers, and that's something many people aren't aware of. Honestly, I didn't know it was a thing either until I started working here. I just like to make sure people have all the information before they buy.