Trailer Hitch Receiver and Full Towing Package for 2024 Kia Sportage  

Question:

Expert Reply:

Hey Donald!

For your 2024 Kia Sportage, my favorite option is the etrailer Trailer Hitch Receiver # e38KR. This custom-fit hitch will allow you to tow up to 3,500 lbs. or carry 525 lbs on the tongue, but I looked up your owner's manual to double check your maximum ratings and your Sportage can actually tow up to 2,500 lbs for a trailer with brakes or 1,653 lbs for a trailer without. For tongue weight, the maximum weight is 220 lbs.

The install of this hitch will be pretty straight forward with a bolt-up installation and no drilling required, but you may have to trim some of the underbody panels or fascia. You will definitely want a second set of hands to help with the install, as well as a torque wrench, ratchet, 14mm socket, 17mm socket, wire brush, and flathead screwdriver.

You didn't ask for this next part, but I want to make sure you have everything you need to pull that trailer. Your trailer will need to be connected to your Sportage's lights for highway safety, so the next part of your setup will be the wiring harness. Which model of wiring harness you need depends on whether or not your SUV has LED taillights.

If you do have LED taillights, then you will go with the Curt T-Connector Vehicle Wiring Harness # C99DR. All other models of the Sportage will use the Curt Powered Tail Light Converter # C59236. Both options will have a 4-flat trailer connector which will connect your trailer's turn signals and running lights. Both of these do require splicing into your vehicle's taillight wiring, and I recommend (from personal experience) skipping the quick-connect wire connectors in the kit and using a better wire connector for 12-gauge wires like Deka Heat Shrink Butt Connector # DW05745-10.

If your trailer has brakes, you would also need to convert your 4-flat wiring to 7-way wiring and add a brake controller. The conversion is easily achieved with our Universal Installation Kit for Trailer Brake Controller # ETBC7. It will add three three necessary connections for the brake controller, 12V accessory power, and reverse lights. This installation is similar to the # C59236 and # C99DR in that you will have to do some splicing, but it won't be a very difficult installation in my opinion. I'll link instructions for all three parts below.

Should you need the brake controller, my #1 recommendation is the Redarc Tow-Pro Liberty # RED52VR. It's a well-built, low-profile brake controller. The low-profile size of the unit allows it to be installed just about anywhere in your vehicle, though my favorite method is in the knockout panels to the left of your steering wheel. You can really get creative with the install and put it wherever is convenient for you as the driver.

The final part for your trailer setup is a ball mount for the trailer to attach to. I'm not sure what size coupler your trailer has, but I typically see motorcycle trailers with either 1-7/8" or 2", with 2" being the more common size. Choosing the right ball mount also depends on whether you need the ball to sit higher (rise), lower (drop), or even with the height of your receiver when installed. I know you don't have the hitch yet, but typically the amount of rise or drop your ball mount needs to have will depend on the difference in height (if any) between your trailer coupler and the top lip of the receiver hitch when both are sitting on level ground, and sitting within 2" of level. I've added a photo illustrating this below.

I'll typically see SUVs like your Sportage use a 2" ball ball mount that can be used in the rise or drop orientation. Our etrailer Ball Mount # e38NR gives you a 2-3/4" rise or 4" drop. If you're not in a rush to get that trailer out on the road, you could always wait until your hitch is installed to measure and find the correct ball mount the first time.

I know that's a lot to take in on such a simple question, but hopefully it answers a few unasked questions that you would have ended up having as well. Are you taking the motorcycle on a big trip or just wanting to be prepared for whatever comes your way?

expert reply by: Jerry B

0

Measuring for rise or drop on a fixed ball mount
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Your tow vehicle and trailer should be level when towing
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e38KR installed on 2024 Kia Sportage
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view from below of e38KR being installed on 2024 Kia Sportage
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Phil D.

11/12/2026

I purchased and installed this hitch for my 2027 Sportage hybrid. I can only speak to the quality of the hitch and ease of installation as I am not planning on towing anything (it’s for a bike rack). The hitch is very well built and the installation took less than an hour. The Kia’s frame was pre-drilled and tapped so it was just a matter of removing a couple of trim pieces, getting the hitch in place and driving/torquing bolts. One trim piece is not reinstalled and the other easily pops back into place. I did have the dealer order and install the 4-pin wiring harness.

Jerry B.

11/14/2026

@PhilD Thanks for sharing your experience! Great to hear that it was a fairly simple installation on your 27 Sportage Hybrid. I'm a biker as well! Do you typically go road-biking, mountain biking, or some combination of both?

Harrys

11/13/2026

I've installed the Curt Hitch on a 2024 Kia Sportage and bought a second that I installed on a 2027 Sportage, Instructions changed in that I didn't have to take out the side plastic piece. I used a scissors jack and some jackstands to lift the hitch by myself. I still needed an extra hand to lever the rear muffler sideways about an inch so the hitch could squeeze by. It wasn't hard. My wife used a broom handle, On both installs, I cut and trimmed the main underbody plastic til it fit between the hitch and underbody, It will fit eventually. I felt this helps keep the wires behind the bumper panel dry, but it is a tedious chore. As I use it only for bike racks, I didn't need a ball or any further wiring.

Jerry B.

11/14/2026

@Harrys I appreciate you replying and sharing some advice! Glad you were able to get everything installed yourself. What do you carry on your hitch now that it's on?