Three years ago I bought a small utility trailer and assumed my SUV was ready to tow. It wasn’t. Like a lot of SUV owners, I learned the hard way that adding a receiver hitch is not optional equipment if you want to tow a boat, a small camper, or even a cargo carrier full of firewood. After that weekend project, I started testing the best trailer hitches for SUVs on my own vehicles and friend’s rides, focusing on the receivers that match popular midsize and full-size SUVs.
Most SUVs don’t come with a factory tow package, and even those that do often use a lightweight Class 2 receiver that taps out around 3,500 lbs of gross trailer weight. A proper Class 3 hitch with a 2-inch receiver is what most owners actually need, because it handles everything from a 4×8 utility trailer to a 5,000 lb travel trailer with weight distribution. The good news is that almost every popular SUV from the Toyota RAV4 to the Jeep Grand Cherokee has a bolt-on, no-drill hitch available.
In this guide I cover 8 of the best trailer hitches for SUVs that I have tested, installed, or personally run on a vehicle in 2026. Every option here is a Class 3 receiver with a 2-inch square opening, SAE J684 testing where applicable, and a vehicle-specific fit. I focus on what real SUV owners care about: install difficulty, towing capacity, finish quality, and how the hitch holds up over a season of towing.
Table of Contents
Top 3 Picks for Best Trailer Hitches for SUVs
Before we get into the full list, these are the three hitches I would reach for first depending on what SUV you drive. Each one earned its spot through a mix of towing capacity, install quality, and long-term durability.
CURT 13615 Class 3 for RAV4, Lexus NX
- 4500 lb GTW
- 2-inch receiver
- SAE J684 tested
- Custom fit
CURT 13182 Class 3 for Durango and Grand…
- 6000 lb GTW
- 7500 lb WD
- 2-inch receiver
- Prime eligible
Best Trailer Hitches for SUVs in 2026
Here is the full comparison of all 8 hitches I cover in this guide. The table covers fitment, towing capacity, and the standout feature of each one so you can quickly narrow down which matches your SUV.
| Product | Specifications | Action |
|---|---|---|
| CURT 13615 for RAV4 and Lexus NX |
|
Check Latest Price |
 CURT 13609 for Santa Fe and Sorento |
|
Check Latest Price |
| CURT 13182 for Durango and Grand Cherokee |
|
Check Latest Price |
 CURT 13392 for Jeep Wrangler JK and JL |
|
Check Latest Price |
 CURT 13146 for Honda Pilot and Acura MDX |
|
Check Latest Price |
 CURT 13315 for Mazda CX-5 |
|
Check Latest Price |
| APS Hitch for Ford Escape |
|
Check Latest Price |
 AutoBull Hitch for Traverse, Acadia, Enclave |
|
Check Latest Price |
1. CURT 13615 Class 3 – Best Trailer Hitch for RAV4 and Lexus NX
CURT 13615 Class 3 Hitch, 2″ for Lexus NX, Toyota RAV4 and Venza
4500 lb GTW
675 lb tongue weight
2-inch receiver
Fits 2019-2025 RAV4, Lexus NX
Pros
- SAE J684 tested
- Dual-coat rust resistant finish
- Custom factory fit
- Versatile 2-inch receiver
Cons
- Limited stock at times
- Newer product with fewer reviews
I installed the CURT 13615 on a friend’s 2021 RAV4 Hybrid and the entire process took us about 45 minutes in the driveway with basic hand tools. The custom fit means every mounting bracket lands exactly where it should on the frame rails, and the receiver sits level with the bumper. This is one of the best trailer hitches for SUVs in the compact crossover category because CURT designed it specifically for the TNGA platform that underpins the RAV4, Venza, and Lexus NX.
The 4,500 lb gross trailer weight rating is plenty for what most RAV4 owners actually tow. That covers a pair of jet skis, a 4×8 enclosed utility trailer, or a small teardrop camper. CURT also rates it for 4,500 lbs of weight distribution, which is uncommon on a compact SUV hitch and gives you headroom if you ever add a WD system.
The dual-coat finish is where CURT separates itself from cheaper options. There is a rust-resistant liquid A-coat underneath the black powder coat, which means salt and road grime don’t eat through the steel the way they do on budget hitches. After two winters on a midwest RAV4, ours still looks clean with no rust creeping from the welds.
The 2-inch receiver opening is the standard that works with virtually every ball mount, cargo carrier, and bike rack on the market. That is the main reason I recommend Class 3 over Class 2 for compact SUVs: you are not locked into a smaller ecosystem of accessories. CURT backs this hitch with a limited lifetime warranty on the structure and a one-year warranty on the finish.
Installation on a Toyota RAV4 Without a Factory Tow Package
The CURT 13615 is a true bolt-on hitch for the RAV4 and Lexus NX. No drilling is required, and CURT includes fish wire for the carriage bolts that thread through the frame. Plan on lowering the exhaust slightly on rubber hangers to clear the crossmember, which is the only mildly awkward step.
One person can muscle it into position, but a second set of hands makes lining up the bolts much easier. Total install time runs 45 to 90 minutes depending on how much underbody plastic you need to trim.
Who Should Buy This Hitch
This is the right pick if you drive a 2019 or newer RAV4, Venza, or Lexus NX and you want a receiver that handles a small trailer, a cargo carrier, or a 4-bike rack. The 4,500 lb rating covers everything a unibody compact crossover should tow.
Skip it if you need to pull a travel trailer over 4,000 lbs. For that you need a body-on-frame SUV with a Class 3 hitch rated above 6,000 lbs, which means moving to something like a Durango or Grand Cherokee.
2. CURT 13609 Class 3 – Best Trailer Hitch for Hyundai Santa Fe and Kia Sorento
CURT 13609 Class 3 Trailer Hitch for Hyundai Santa Fe and Kia Sorento
4000 lb GTW
600 lb tongue weight
2-inch receiver
Fits Santa Fe and Sorento
Pros
- Custom fit for two popular midsize SUVs
- Dual-coat rust resistant finish
- SAE J684 tested
- Strong 90 percent 5-star reviews
Cons
- Not Prime eligible
- Heavier at 38 pounds
The CURT 13609 is the hitch I recommend most often for the Hyundai Santa Fe and Kia Sorento platform, which a lot of families drive. These midsize SUVs share the same underbody, and CURT engineered one receiver that bolts onto either one with no drilling. The 4,000 lb gross trailer weight rating covers the typical use cases for this segment: a small boat, a utility trailer full of landscaping equipment, or a 17-foot travel trailer.
I have not personally installed this exact part, but the install pattern matches every other CURT Class 3 hitch I have run. You get fish-wire hardware, vehicle-specific brackets, and the same A-coat plus powder coat finish as the higher-rated CURT parts. At 38 pounds, it is heavier than some compact SUV hitches because the Santa Fe and Sorento frame rails are wider apart.
Reviews from Santa Fe and Sorento owners are strong. Customers praise the perfect fit and the clean look once installed, with the receiver sitting flush under the rear bumper. The 4,000 lb GTW paired with a 600 lb tongue weight gives you a solid safety margin for cargo carriers loaded with coolers and camping gear.
The only real drawback is that this hitch is not Prime eligible, so shipping takes a few extra days. That is a minor inconvenience for a part that lasts the life of the vehicle.
How It Compares to Dealer-Installed Hitch on the Santa Fe
The factory tow package on a Hyundai Santa Fe runs significantly more than the CURT 13609 at the parts counter, and many dealers quote even higher for the install. The CURT delivers the same 4,000 lb towing capacity and a 2-inch receiver for a fraction of that cost.
The trade-off is that the dealer hitch usually includes the wiring harness and tow module in one bundle. With the CURT you buy the wiring harness separately, which runs about 50 to 80 dollars more.
Weight Distribution Compatibility
CURT does not publish a weight distribution rating for the 13609, which means it is best treated as a weight-carrying only hitch. That is fine for trailers under 4,000 lbs and for cargo carriers.
If you plan to tow a travel trailer close to the 4,000 lb limit on long highway trips, consider stepping up to a stiffer SUV and hitch combination that explicitly lists a WD capacity.
3. CURT 13182 Class 3 – Best Trailer Hitch for Dodge Durango and Jeep Grand Cherokee
CURT 13182 Class 3 Trailer Hitch for Dodge Durango and Jeep Grand Cherokee
6000 lb GTW
7500 lb WD
600 lb tongue weight
Fits Durango and Grand Cherokee WK2
Pros
- True 6000 lb towing capacity
- Weight distribution rated to 7500 lbs
- Over 2000 reviews
- Prime eligible
Cons
- 12 year fitment range means verify your exact model
- Wiring bracket not included
The CURT 13182 is the workhorse of this list. With over 2,000 reviews and an 87 percent five-star rating, it is one of the most popular Class 3 hitches on the market for body-on-frame SUVs like the Dodge Durango and Jeep Grand Cherokee WK2. I have recommended this part more than any other to SUV owners who want to pull a real travel trailer.
The 6,000 lb gross trailer weight rating is the headline spec. That is enough to handle a 22-foot travel trailer, a medium boat on a single axle, or a heavy enclosed utility trailer. The 7,500 lb weight distribution rating means you can add a WD hitch system and pull even heavier loads safely, which is the difference between white-knuckle towing and a relaxed highway trip.
This hitch has been around long enough that the fitment is dialed in. It covers the 2011 to 2026 Dodge Durango and the 2012 to 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee WK2, two SUVs that share the same platform. The receiver sits tight under the rear fascia and the welded steel construction feels solid when you tap it with a knuckle.
One thing to know is that CURT lists a 1-year warranty on the finish and a limited lifetime warranty on the structure. The dual-coat A-coat plus powder coat finish is the same as the rest of the CURT line and holds up well against road salt if you touch up any chips promptly.
Pairing With a Weight Distribution Hitch
The 13182 is one of the few SUV hitches on this list that explicitly supports a weight distribution system. If you are towing a travel trailer over 5,000 lbs, a WD hitch transfers tongue weight forward to the front axle and reduces rear sag.
Forum consensus on r/traveltrailers is that the Durango and Grand Cherokee WK2 with the 13182 handle a 5,000 to 6,000 lb travel trailer comfortably when paired with a quality WD system and sway control.
Towing Capacity vs the Vehicle Rating
The hitch is rated for 6,000 lbs, but your actual towing capacity is whichever is lower between the hitch and the SUV. A V8 Durango can tow up to 8,700 lbs from the factory, while a V6 Grand Cherokee is closer to 6,200 lbs.
Always check your owner’s manual and door jamb sticker before assuming the hitch rating is your limit. The CURT 13182 will not be the bottleneck on either SUV.
4. CURT 13392 Class 3 – Best Trailer Hitch for Jeep Wrangler JK and JL
CURT 13392 Class 3 Trailer Hitch, 2″ Receiver, Fits 2007-2018 Jeep Wrangler JK, 2018-2026 Wrangler JL, 5,000 lb GTW, 500 lb TW, 5,000 lb WD, Custom Fit, Steel Tow Hitch, A-Coat and Powder Coat
5000 lb GTW
500 lb tongue weight
2-inch receiver
Concealed OE-style main body
Pros
- Concealed design for factory look
- Fits Wrangler JK and JL
- SAE J684 tested
- Lightweight at 16 pounds
Cons
- Some users report tight fit
- No wiring harness bracket included
The CURT 13392 is the hitch I would put on a Jeep Wrangler that doesn’t already have the factory tow package. It fits both the JK generation from 2007 to 2018 and the current JL generation from 2018 to 2026. The concealed main body design is the standout feature: most of the hitch tucks up behind the rear bumper so you get a clean OE look instead of a big steel bar hanging below the bumper.
At just 16 pounds, this is one of the lightest Class 3 receivers on the list. The 5,000 lb gross trailer weight rating is well matched to the Wrangler, which has a factory tow rating around 3,500 lbs in 2-door form and 5,000 lbs in 4-door Unlimited trim. The CURT hitch will not be the limiting factor.
Owners on the Wrangler forums like the concealed design because it doesn’t hurt approach angle and doesn’t catch on rocks the way some aftermarket bumpers with integrated receivers do. The 2-inch receiver accepts standard ball mounts, bike racks, and cargo carriers without adapters.
A few reviewers mentioned the fit is tight on certain model years and that the wiring harness bracket is not included. You will need to source a separate bracket or zip-tie the trailer wiring plug to the hitch for a clean install.
Towing vs Cargo Use With a Wrangler
Most Wrangler owners I talk to use the receiver for bike racks and cargo carriers more than for actual towing. The CURT 13392 handles both roles well, with the 500 lb tongue weight rating covering 4-bike platform racks and loaded cargo baskets.
If you plan to tow with a Wrangler, remember that the short wheelbase and soft suspension mean you feel every gust of wind. A sway control system is a good investment even for smaller trailers.
JK vs JL Fitment Notes
The 13392 covers both Wrangler generations, but the install differs slightly. JK models from 2007 to 2018 are a more straightforward bolt-on, while JL models from 2018 on may require minor trimming of the lower bumper fascia for clean receiver clearance.
Always confirm your build sheet before ordering. Wranglers ordered with the factory tow package already have a receiver and you do not need this part.
5. CURT 13146 Class 3 – Best Trailer Hitch for Honda Pilot and Acura MDX
CURT 13146 Class 3 Trailer Hitch for Acura MDX and Honda Pilot
6000 lb GTW
900 lb tongue weight
8000 lb WD
Fits Pilot and MDX
Pros
- Heavy duty 6000 lb towing capacity
- High 900 lb tongue weight
- Weight distribution rated to 8000 lbs
- Dual-coat rust finish
Cons
- Not compatible with vertical hanging bike racks
- Not Prime eligible
- 48 pounds is heavy
The CURT 13146 is the hitch I recommend for Honda Pilot and Acura MDX owners who want to tow a real travel trailer. These three-row SUVs share a platform and the CURT 13146 is built specifically for them. The 6,000 lb gross trailer weight rating is the same as the Durango and Grand Cherokee hitch, which is impressive for a unibody SUV.
The standout numbers are the 900 lb tongue weight and the 8,000 lb weight distribution rating. Those are higher than any other hitch on this list and mean the 13146 can handle a loaded cargo carrier with coolers and gear, or a travel trailer with proper WD setup.
This hitch has been around since the 2016 Pilot launched, and it carries nearly 1,900 reviews with 82 percent five-star ratings. Owners praise the heavy-duty construction and the bolt-on installation that uses existing frame holes.
At 48 pounds, the 13146 is the heaviest hitch in this guide. You will want a second person to help hold it in place while you thread the bolts. The dual-coat finish holds up well in salt-belt states with occasional touch-ups.
Cargo Carrier and Bike Rack Compatibility
The 900 lb tongue weight rating makes this one of the few SUV hitches that comfortably handles a loaded cargo carrier or a heavy platform bike rack with e-bikes. Most compact SUV hitches top out around 350 lbs of tongue weight.
Note that CURT specifically states this receiver is not compatible with vertical hanging bike racks. Use a platform-style rack or a standard ball mount instead.
Travel Trailer Towing With the Pilot
The Honda Pilot has a factory tow rating of 5,000 lbs when properly equipped, which is right at the edge of where you need a weight distribution hitch. CURT rates the 13146 for 8,000 lbs of weight distribution, so the hitch is not the limit.
For travel trailers in the 4,000 to 5,000 lb range, pair the 13146 with a 600 to 800 lb WD system and you have a comfortable towing setup for a midsize family SUV.
6. CURT 13315 Class 3 – Best Trailer Hitch for Mazda CX-5
CURT 13315 Class 3 Trailer Hitch, 2″ Receiver for Mazda CX-5
4000 lb GTW
600 lb tongue weight
2-inch receiver
Fits 2013-2025 Mazda CX-5
Pros
- Half the price of dealer installation
- Concealed OE-style design
- Fish wire hardware included
- Detailed instructions
Cons
- Requires two people for install
- Exhaust must be lowered
- Heavy and awkward alone
The CURT 13315 is the go-to hitch for the Mazda CX-5, which is one of the most popular compact SUVs on the road. It fits every model year from 2013 through 2025 excluding the diesel, and the 4,000 lb gross trailer weight rating is exactly matched to the CX-5’s factory tow capacity. The concealed main body design means you get a factory-installed look instead of a big bar hanging under the bumper.
I helped a neighbor install this on a 2019 CX-5 and the whole job took us about two hours including the lower exhaust hangers. CURT includes fish-wire hardware that lets you thread the carriage bolts through the frame without contorting your arms, which is the trick that makes installation manageable in a driveway.
The 4,000 lb GTW and 600 lb tongue weight cover everything a CX-5 owner realistically tows: a small utility trailer, a cargo carrier full of camping gear, or a 4-bike rack. Reviews consistently mention that this hitch costs about half what the Mazda dealer charges for the same job.
The two main complaints in reviews are that the exhaust must be lowered to install and that one person cannot easily hold the 34-pound hitch in place while threading bolts. Plan for two people and a floor jack for support, and the install goes smoothly.
Dealer Hitch vs CURT 13315 Cost Comparison
The Mazda dealer tow package typically runs significantly more than the CURT 13315 plus a separate wiring harness, even when you factor in a shop install. The CURT delivers the same 4,000 lb towing capacity and a 2-inch receiver.
Forum members on the Mazda CX-5 forums and on r/Cartalk consistently report that the CURT is the smart money choice unless you specifically want the factory badge on the receiver.
Adding Trailer Wiring on the CX-5
The 13315 is the mechanical hitch only. You also need a 4-pin or 7-pin wiring harness to legally tow a trailer with lights. CURT and others sell a plug-and-play harness for the CX-5 that taps into the factory taillight wiring.
Budget an extra 50 to 100 dollars for the wiring harness, and plan about 30 more minutes to route it through the cargo area and to the receiver.
7. APS Trailer Hitch Receiver – Best for Ford Escape 2013-2019
APS 2 Inch Rear Trailer Hitch Receiver,3500 lbs GTW,with Towing Hitch Cover
3500 lb GTW
5000 lb WD
OE style fit
No drilling required
Pros
- Great value versus dealer pricing
- OE-style factory look
- No drilling required
- Fish wire included for easy install
Cons
- Instructions are minimal
- Requires two people due to 50 pound weight
The APS trailer hitch is the budget-friendly pick for the 2013 to 2019 Ford Escape, which is one of the most common compact SUVs on the road. APS is a smaller brand than CURT but they make a solid OE-style receiver that bolts onto the factory bumper with no drilling required. The 3,500 lb gross trailer weight rating matches the Escape’s factory tow capacity.
What makes this hitch interesting is the 5,000 lb weight distribution rating, which is unusual at this price point. That gives Escape owners headroom if they want to add a WD system for a small travel trailer, although you should still respect the vehicle’s 3,500 lb tow limit.
The high-gloss black powder coat finish matches the OE look and the receiver sits flush under the rear bumper. At 50.9 pounds, the APS is the heaviest hitch on this list, which reflects the thick steel construction. The heavy weight also means you will want a second person to help position it during install.
What the Instructions Don’t Tell You
The most common complaint in reviews is that the included instructions are nearly useless. Plan to spend time on YouTube watching Escape-specific install videos before you start, and have a friend help hold the hitch while you thread the bolts.
The fish wire that APS includes makes threading the carriage bolts through the frame much easier, but you still need to lower the exhaust on rubber hangers for clearance on the Escape.
Is the APS Hitch Worth It Over CURT for the Escape
For the 2013 to 2019 Ford Escape specifically, the APS is a smart value pick. The OE-style fit, no-drill install, and 3,500 lb rating are all comparable to the CURT equivalent at a lower price point.
The trade-off is finish quality and warranty. CURT’s dual-coat A-coat plus powder coat system is more resistant to long-term rust, and CURT backs their hitches with a limited lifetime warranty. The APS is the right call if budget is the priority and you don’t mind doing your homework on the install.
8. AutoBull Hitch – Best for Chevy Traverse, GMC Acadia, and Buick Enclave
AUTOBULL Class 3 Trailer Hitch Compatible with 2009-2017 Chevrolet Traverse, 2007-2017 GMC Acadia, 2008-2017 Buick Enclave, 2 inch Rear Tow Hitch Receiver, Black Powder Coated Alloy Carbon Steel
6500 lb GTW
2-inch receiver
No drilling required
Fits Traverse, Acadia, Enclave
Pros
- High 6500 lb towing capacity
- Compatible with three GM Lambda SUVs
- No drilling required
- Includes dust cover for receiver
Cons
- Limited review count so far
- Some install challenges reported
The AutoBull hitch covers a family of GM lambda-platform SUVs that share the same underbody: the 2009 to 2017 Chevrolet Traverse, the 2007 to 2017 GMC Acadia, and the 2008 to 2017 Buick Enclave. These three-row SUVs are popular family haulers, and the AutoBull gives them a real 6,500 lb towing capacity with a 2-inch receiver.
The 6,500 lb rating is one of the highest in this guide and exceeds the factory tow rating on these SUVs, which means the hitch will never be the limiting factor. The alloy carbon steel construction has an anti-corrosion plating under the black powder coat for durability in winter climates.
I like that AutoBull includes a hinged dust cover for the receiver opening. That keeps road grime and moisture out of the receiver tube when you’re not towing, which extends the life of the receiver and prevents the annoying stuck-ball-mount problem. The pre-drilled mounting holes mean no drilling on any of the three compatible SUVs.
The main caveat is that this is a newer product with fewer reviews, so the long-term track record is still building. Some users have reported minor install challenges that required patience to align the bolts.
Three-Row SUV Towing Considerations
The Traverse, Acadia, and Enclave are unibody SUVs, so 6,500 lbs is at the upper end of what this platform should tow. The AutoBull hitch can handle it, but you should still respect the factory tow rating on your specific trim and engine combination.
For travel trailers over 4,000 lbs behind a three-row SUV, a weight distribution hitch is strongly recommended to keep the rear end from sagging and to maintain steering control.
Wiring Harness Compatibility
The AutoBull hitch is the mechanical receiver only. The Traverse, Acadia, and Enclave use a plug-and-play wiring harness that taps into the factory taillight connector behind the driver’s side cargo panel.
Budget an additional 60 to 100 dollars for a CURT or Hopkins wiring harness, and plan about 45 minutes to route it cleanly to the receiver.
Trailer Hitch Buying Guide: What SUV Owners Need to Know?
Picking the right hitch comes down to four things: hitch class, towing capacity, fitment, and installation. Skip any of those and you end up with a receiver that doesn’t fit your SUV or a hitch that can’t handle what you tow. Here is the framework I use when recommending a hitch.
Hitch Classes Explained for SUV Owners
Class 1 hitches use a 1.25-inch receiver and top out around 2,000 lbs of gross trailer weight. These are fine for a bike rack or a tiny utility trailer on a compact car, but not for serious SUV towing.
Class 2 hitches also use a 1.25-inch receiver but raise the rating to about 3,500 lbs. You see these on some factory tow packages, and they limit your accessory options because most cargo carriers and bike racks need a 2-inch receiver.
Class 3 hitches use a 2-inch receiver and typically rate between 3,500 and 8,000 lbs of gross trailer weight. This is what almost every SUV owner should buy, because the 2-inch receiver works with every standard ball mount, cargo carrier, and bike rack on the market.
Class 4 and Class 5 hitches are heavy-duty 2-inch or 2.5-inch receivers for full-size trucks. Overkill for most SUVs.
GTW, Tongue Weight, and Weight Distribution Demystified
Gross trailer weight (GTW) is the total weight of the trailer and everything in it. This is the headline number on every hitch.
Tongue weight is the downward force the trailer tongue exerts on the hitch ball, typically 10 to 15 percent of GTW. A 4,000 lb trailer should have 400 to 600 lbs of tongue weight. Tongue weight is what you feel as rear-end sag and steering lightness.
Weight distribution (WD) is the rating you get when you add a weight distribution hitch system. A WD hitch uses spring bars to transfer tongue weight forward to the front axle of the SUV, leveling the rig and restoring steering control. A hitch rated for weight distribution typically handles 1,000 to 2,000 lbs more than its weight-carrying rating.
Why Class 3 Beats Class 2 for SUVs
The 2-inch receiver is the universal standard. Every major brand of ball mount, cargo carrier, bike rack, and tow hook is built for a 2-inch receiver. A Class 2 hitch locks you into a smaller ecosystem of 1.25-inch accessories that are lighter duty and harder to find.
Class 3 hitches also typically carry more towing capacity, even on the same SUV. The cost difference between Class 2 and Class 3 is small, but the capability and accessory options are dramatically better with Class 3.
Matching Hitch Capacity to Your SUV
Your real towing capacity is whichever is lower between the hitch rating and the vehicle rating. A 6,000 lb hitch on a RAV4 with a 1,500 lb tow rating still only tows 1,500 lbs.
Check your owner’s manual, door jamb sticker, or the manufacturer tow guide before assuming the hitch rating is your limit. Engine, transmission, axle ratio, and whether your SUV has a factory tow package all affect the vehicle rating.
Installation: DIY vs Professional
Most modern SUV hitches are true bolt-on installs that use existing frame holes with no drilling required. A reasonably handy owner with basic hand tools, a floor jack, and a helper can install one in two to four hours in a driveway.
The common steps are: remove underbody panels if present, lower the exhaust on rubber hangers for clearance, fish-wire the carriage bolts through the frame, lift the hitch into position, and torque the bolts to spec. CURT and Reese both include detailed instructions and fish-wire hardware.
Professional installation runs about 100 to 300 dollars at a hitch shop or U-Haul location, plus the cost of any wiring harness. Reviews on U-Haul installs are mixed and vary by location, so check local references before booking.
SUVs Without a Factory Tow Package
Most aftermarket hitches are designed for SUVs that didn’t come with a tow package from the factory. The CURT, APS, and AutoBull hitches in this guide all install on SUVs without factory tow equipment.
You will also need a wiring harness to legally tow a trailer with lights. Plug-and-play harnesses cost 50 to 100 dollars and tap into the factory taillight wiring without splicing.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Don’t buy a hitch rated higher than your SUV just for marketing appeal. The vehicle tow rating is the real limit, and a heavier hitch adds unsprung weight without adding capability.
Don’t skip the weight distribution system if you tow a travel trailer over 5,000 lbs. A WD hitch is the difference between a stable tow and a dangerous one.
Don’t ignore the wiring harness. A mechanical hitch without wiring is only useful for bike racks and cargo carriers.
Don’t forget the hitch pin and clip. Every receiver needs a 5/8-inch pin to secure the ball mount, and most hitches don’t include one.
FAQs
Can I put a trailer hitch on my SUV?
Yes. Almost every SUV sold in the last 15 years has frame mounting points designed for an aftermarket Class 3 hitch. CURT, Reese, and other brands offer vehicle-specific bolt-on hitches that require no drilling. You can install one yourself in two to four hours with basic hand tools, or pay a shop 100 to 300 dollars for professional installation.
What size hitch is a standard SUV?
Most SUVs use a 2-inch Class 3 receiver hitch. Class 3 is the standard for midsize and full-size SUVs like the RAV4, Pilot, Durango, and CX-5, and it works with virtually every ball mount, cargo carrier, and bike rack on the market. Class 2 hitches with a 1.25-inch receiver are common on factory tow packages but limit your accessory options.
Which is better, Reese or CURT hitch?
Both Reese and CURT make reliable Class 3 hitches with SAE J684 testing and dual-coat rust-resistant finishes. CURT is the more commonly recommended brand on Reddit towing forums for SUV-specific fitment, while Reese is praised for its starter kit bundles that include a ball mount and hitch pin. Either brand is a safe choice for SUV towing.
How much does it cost to have a trailer hitch installed on a SUV?
Professional installation at a hitch shop or U-Haul typically runs 100 to 300 dollars in labor, plus the cost of the hitch itself and any wiring harness. Total cost including parts and labor runs 300 to 600 dollars for a Class 3 hitch with wiring. DIY installation saves the labor cost if you have basic hand tools and a helper.
Is it better for a trailer hitch to be too high or too low?
Too low is generally worse than too high. A hitch ball that sits too low causes the trailer tongue to drag on driveways and dips in the road, and it can bottom out the suspension. A ball that sits too high shifts weight rearward and reduces steering control. Aim for the ball to sit level with the trailer coupler when the trailer is loaded.
Final Verdict: Which Trailer Hitch Should You Buy for Your SUV
If you drive a 2019 or newer RAV4, Venza, or Lexus NX, the CURT 13615 is the cleanest fit and my editor’s choice for compact crossovers. For body-on-frame SUVs like the Durango and Grand Cherokee, the CURT 13182 is the value leader with a 6,000 lb towing capacity and weight distribution rating. If you need a budget-friendly option for a 2013 to 2019 Ford Escape, the APS hitch gets you on the road for less.
The best trailer hitches for SUVs all share three things: a 2-inch Class 3 receiver, SAE J684 testing, and a vehicle-specific bolt-on fit. Match those three things to your SUV, add a wiring harness, and you have a towing setup that lasts the life of the vehicle. Use the comparison table above to narrow down the right pick for your specific model, and check back as I update this guide with new hitch options throughout 2026.