A strong trailer hitch for a car should match the exact vehicle and provide enough rated capacity for the trailer or accessory you plan to use. These six CURT Class 3 models are vehicle-specific fits for popular crossovers and SUVs, rather than universal hitches for every car. The CURT 13652 leads on listed capacity, with ratings of 4,500 pounds gross trailer weight and 675 pounds tongue weight.
Other picks cover the Hyundai Tucson and Kia Sportage, Ford Explorer, Subaru Forester, Hyundai Santa Fe and Kia Sorento, and Honda CR-V. All are carbon steel, and several offer a standard 2-inch receiver.
Check your vehicle’s model year, towing limits, hitch installation requirements and receiver needs before choosing; the hitch’s rating does not raise the vehicle’s own limits.
The CURT 13652 Class 3 Hitch is the strongest listed choice, rated for 4,500 pounds gross trailer weight and 675 pounds tongue weight, subject to the lowest-rated towing component. Its 2-inch receiver supports common towing accessories, though the product is not compatible with vertical-hanging bike racks. It fits select Toyota RAV4 models, so confirm your specific vehicle before ordering.
For other vehicles, choose a model listed for your exact crossover or SUV rather than assuming these hitches fit all cars.
Our Top Picks
Best OverallFits select Toyota RAV4 models and has the highest stated rating here: 4,500 pounds gross trailer weight and 675 pounds tongue weight.
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Explorer CapacityA vehicle-specific Class 3 option for Ford Explorer and Police Interceptor; its specifications list a 4,000-pound maximum towing capacity.
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Concealed DesignMade for Hyundai Tucson and Kia Sportage, it is rated for 3,500 pounds gross trailer weight and 525 pounds tongue weight, with a concealed main body.
View on Amazon- CR-V Fit CURT 13397 Hitch
Compare fit, capacity, and receiver details
| # | Product | Maximum Towing Capacity | Weight | Material | Compatible with Vehicle Type | Buy |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1. CURT 13652 HitchBest Overall | — | — | Carbon Steel | Sport Utility Vehicle | View on Amazon |
| 2 | 2. CURT 13386 HitchExplorer Capacity | 4000 lb | 36 lb | Carbon Steel | Sport Utility Vehicle | View on Amazon |
| 3 | 3. CURT 13485 HitchConcealed Design | — | 31 lb | Carbon Steel | Sport Utility Vehicle | View on Amazon |
| 4 |  4. CURT 13397 HitchCR-V Fit | 3500 lb | 29 lb | Carbon Steel | Sport Utility Vehicle | View on Amazon |
| 5 |  5. CURT 13409 HitchForester towing with coated finish | — | 34 lb | Carbon Steel | Sport Utility Vehicle | View on Amazon |
| 6 |  6. CURT 13609 HitchMulti-accessory Santa Fe or Sorento | 4000 lb | 38 lb | Carbon Steel | Sport Utility Vehicle | View on Amazon |
Detailed Reviews: Best Trailer Hitches For Cars
#1 · Best Overall
1. CURT 13652 Hitch
- Material: Carbon Steel
- Compatible with Vehicle Type: Sport Utility Vehicle
Best for: Higher-rated RAV4 towing.
Why it ranks #1: Fits select Toyota RAV4 models and has the highest stated rating here: 4,500 pounds gross trailer weight and 675 pounds tongue weight.
A 4,500-pound gross trailer-weight rating gives the CURT 13652 more stated capacity than the other listed CURT options here, enabling heavier towing within the limits of the full towing system. Its 2-inch receiver suits a range of standard hitch accessories for select Toyota RAV4 applications.
The 675-pound tongue-weight rating and 4,500-pound gross trailer rating establish separate loading limits, both subject to the lowest-rated towing component. Its standard 2-by-2-inch receiver accommodates compatible accessories, but CURT explicitly excludes vertical-hanging bike racks that require bikes to hang vertically. That restriction matters when choosing a rack; buyers using other receiver accessories can assess compatibility by the stated receiver size and their accessory requirements.
- Rated for 4,500 pounds gross trailer weight
- Rated for 675 pounds tongue weight
- Standard 2-inch by 2-inch receiver
- Fits select Toyota RAV4 applications
- Not compatible with vertical-hanging bike racks that require bikes to hang vertically.
Skip it if you need to carry bikes vertically; the CURT 13609 lists a 2-inch receiver for a wide variety of accessories without this stated rack restriction.
Select this hitch for a compatible Toyota RAV4 when its 4,500-pound rating and standard receiver suit your towing or accessory plans. Avoid it for vertical-hanging bike racks that require the bikes to hang vertically.
Full product details
| Brand | CURT |
|---|---|
| Compatible with Vehicle Type | Sport Utility Vehicle |
| Included Components | Class 3 Hitch |
| Manufacturer | CURT |
| Part Number | 13652 |
| Manufacturer Warranty Description | Limited Lifetime (One-year finish, one-year parts) |
| Material | Carbon Steel |
| Model Number | 13652 |
| Additional Information | Important Information Proposition 65 Warning for California Consumers WARNING: Cancer and Reproductive Harm – www.P65Warnings.ca.gov |
Listed on Amazon as: CURT 13652 Class 3 Trailer Hitch, 2-Inch Receiver, Fits Select Toyota RAV4
View on Amazon#2 · Explorer Capacity
2. CURT 13386 Hitch
- Maximum Towing Capacity: 4000 lb
- Weight: 36 lb
- Material: Carbon Steel
- Compatible with Vehicle Type: Sport Utility Vehicle
Best for: Explorer and Interceptor fit.
Why it ranks #2: A vehicle-specific Class 3 option for Ford Explorer and Police Interceptor; its specifications list a 4,000-pound maximum towing capacity.
A 2-inch receiver pairs with vehicle-specific CURT fitment for the Ford Explorer and Police Interceptor, enabling those listed vehicles to use a Class 3 hitch setup. Its specifications list a 4,000-pound maximum towing capacity, giving buyers a stated upper limit to consider when matching a hitch to a trailer.
The 2-inch receiver specification identifies the hitch opening size for selecting compatible towing accessories, while the 4,000-pound maximum towing capacity gives a stated boundary for trailer choice. Vehicle-specific design, described by CURT as its approach to custom hitches, supports a vehicle-matched connection for the Explorer and Police Interceptor. Carbon-steel construction identifies the material, but the supplied details do not state a tongue-weight rating, so buyers needing that figure should use other verified towing information.
- 2-inch receiver
- 4,000-pound maximum towing capacity listed
- Vehicle-specific design for Explorer and Police Interceptor
- Carbon-steel construction
- The supplied specifications do not state a tongue-weight rating.
Skip it if you need a listed tongue-weight figure; the CURT 13409 specifies 525 pounds for its Subaru Forester application.
This is a fit-specific option for Ford Explorer and Police Interceptor owners who need a 2-inch Class 3 receiver and can work within the listed 4,000-pound maximum. The supplied specifications leave tongue-weight capacity unstated.
Full product details
| Brand | CURT |
|---|---|
| Compatible with Vehicle Type | Sport Utility Vehicle |
| Included Components | Class 3 Hitch |
| Item Weight | 36 pounds |
| Manufacturer | Curt Manufacturing |
| Part Number | 13386 |
| Manufacturer Warranty Description | Limited Lifetime Warranty (One-Year Finish, One-Year Parts) |
| Material | Carbon Steel |
| Maximum Towing Capacity | 4000 pounds |
| Model Number | 13386 |
| Additional Information | Important information |
Listed on Amazon as: CURT 13386 Class 3 Hitch, 2" for Ford Explorer, Police Interceptor
View on Amazon#3 · Concealed Design
3. CURT 13485 Hitch
- Weight: 31 lb
- Material: Carbon Steel
- Compatible with Vehicle Type: Sport Utility Vehicle
Best for: Tucson and Sportage towing.
Why it ranks #3: Made for Hyundai Tucson and Kia Sportage, it is rated for 3,500 pounds gross trailer weight and 525 pounds tongue weight, with a concealed main body.
A concealed main body gives the CURT 13485 an OE-style appearance while adding a Class 3 hitch for select Hyundai Tucson and Kia Sportage vehicles. Its vehicle-specific design supports a custom fit, and the stated 3,500-pound gross trailer rating suits towing tasks within the hitch’s rated limits.
The 525-pound tongue-weight rating adds a clear loading boundary for trailer setups, while the 3,500-pound gross trailer-weight rating defines its towing capacity; the lowest-rated towing component still governs. A vehicle-specific design is intended to integrate with the listed Tucson and Sportage applications, and the concealed main body keeps the hitch less visible. SAE J684 safety testing and precise welding provide additional construction and safety details for buyers evaluating a receiver for regular towing.
- Rated for 3,500 pounds gross trailer weight
- Rated for 525 pounds tongue weight
- Concealed main body for OE-style integration
- Tested to SAE J684 and precisely welded
- Its 3,500-pound gross trailer rating limits suitability for heavier towing.
Skip it if you need a higher stated trailer rating; the CURT 13652 is rated for 4,500 pounds, subject to the lowest-rated component.
Choose this hitch for a listed Hyundai Tucson or Kia Sportage when an OE-style concealed body and its 3,500-pound rating match your towing plans. Keep the 525-pound tongue limit and your vehicle’s applicable towing limits in view.
Full product details
| Brand | CURT |
|---|---|
| Compatible with Vehicle Type | Sport Utility Vehicle |
| Included Components | Class 3 Hitch |
| Item Weight | 31 pounds |
| Manufacturer | Curt Manufacturing |
| Part Number | 13485 |
| Manufacturer Warranty Description | Limited Lifetime Warranty / 1 Year On Finish |
| Material | Carbon Steel |
| Model Number | 13485 |
| Additional Information | Important information |
Listed on Amazon as: CURT 13485 Class 3 Trailer Hitch for Hyundai Tucson and Kia Sportage
View on Amazon#4 · CR-V Fit
4. CURT 13397 Hitch
- Maximum Towing Capacity: 3500 lb
- Weight: 29 lb
- Material: Carbon Steel
- Compatible with Vehicle Type: Sport Utility Vehicle
Best for: CR-V towing and standard accessories.
Why it ranks #4: Specifically fits the Honda CR-V and provides a 2-inch receiver, with listed ratings of 3,500 pounds gross trailer weight and 525 pounds tongue weight.
A standard 2-inch-by-2-inch receiver equips the CURT 13397 for compatible hitch accessories on the Honda CR-V, while its 3,500-pound gross trailer rating supports towing within stated limits. The hitch also carries a 525-pound tongue-weight rating, subject to the lowest-rated component in the setup.
The standard receiver size helps identify compatible ball mounts and other accessories, while the 3,500-pound gross trailer and 525-pound tongue ratings set separate limits for towing and hitch load. CURT says its Class 3 hitch designs undergo real-world, on-vehicle testing. One accessory boundary is explicit: this hitch does not work with bike racks that require bikes to hang vertically, so rack choice matters.
- Rated for 3,500 pounds gross trailer weight
- Rated for 525 pounds tongue weight
- Standard 2-inch by 2-inch receiver
- CURT specifies real-world, on-vehicle testing
- Not compatible with bike racks requiring bikes to hang vertically.
Skip it if you need a vertical-hanging bike rack; the CURT 13609 lists a 2-inch receiver and a broad range of accessories without that stated restriction.
The 13397 suits Honda CR-V owners who need a standard receiver for towing or compatible accessories and can stay within its stated ratings. Choose another option if your bike rack requires vertically hanging bikes.
Full product details
| Brand | CURT |
|---|---|
| Compatible with Vehicle Type | Sport Utility Vehicle |
| Included Components | Class 3 Hitch |
| Item Weight | 29 pounds |
| Manufacturer | CURT |
| Part Number | 13397 |
| Manufacturer Warranty Description | Limited Lifetime Warranty / 1 Year On Finish |
| Material | Carbon Steel |
| Maximum Towing Capacity | 3500 pounds |
| Model Number | 13397 |
| Additional Information | Important information |
Listed on Amazon as: CURT 13397 Class 3 Trailer Hitch, 2" Receiver for Honda CR-V
View on Amazon#5
5. CURT 13409 Hitch
- Weight: 34 lb
- Material: Carbon Steel
- Compatible with Vehicle Type: Sport Utility Vehicle
Best for: Forester towing with coated finish.
Why it ranks #5: A vehicle-specific Subaru Forester hitch rated for 3,500 pounds gross trailer weight and 525 pounds tongue weight, with SAE J684 safety testing noted.
A high-gloss black powder-coat finish gives the CURT 13409 a durable exterior coating, while its vehicle-specific design targets the Subaru Forester for a custom fit. The Class 3 hitch is rated for 3,500 pounds gross trailer weight and 525 pounds tongue weight, defining its stated towing limits.
The 3,500-pound gross trailer and 525-pound tongue-weight ratings help buyers check both trailer and hitch-load requirements, subject to the lowest-rated component in the setup. Vehicle-specific design supports a custom fit for the Forester application, while precise welding is specified for strength and fit. Its high-gloss black powder coat provides a protective finish, a practical consideration for a hitch exposed beneath a vehicle during regular use.
- Rated for 3,500 pounds gross trailer weight
- Rated for 525 pounds tongue weight
- Vehicle-specific custom-fit design for Subaru Forester
- High-gloss black powder-coat finish
- Its 3,500-pound gross trailer rating is a limit for heavier towing plans.
Skip it if you need a higher stated trailer rating; the CURT 13652 lists a 4,500-pound gross trailer rating for select Toyota RAV4 applications.
For a Subaru Forester owner seeking a custom-fit Class 3 hitch with a coated finish, the 13409 offers clearly stated towing limits. Match its 3,500-pound gross rating and 525-pound tongue limit to the vehicle and full setup.
Full product details
| Brand | CURT |
|---|---|
| Compatible with Vehicle Type | Sport Utility Vehicle |
| Included Components | Class 3 Hitch |
| Item Weight | 34 pounds |
| Manufacturer | CURT |
| Part Number | 13409 |
| Manufacturer Warranty Description | Limited Lifetime Warranty / 1 Year On Finish |
| Material | Carbon Steel |
| Model Number | 13409 |
| Additional Information | Important information |
Listed on Amazon as: CURT 13409 Class 3 Trailer Hitch, 2" Receiver for Subaru Forester
View on Amazon#6
6. CURT 13609 Hitch
- Maximum Towing Capacity: 4000 lb
- Weight: 38 lb
- Material: Carbon Steel
- Compatible with Vehicle Type: Sport Utility Vehicle
Best for: Multi-accessory Santa Fe or Sorento.
Why it ranks #6: Fits Hyundai Santa Fe and Kia Sorento and has a 2-inch receiver, but its key features state lower ratings of 2,000 pounds gross trailer weight and 200 pounds tongue weight.
A standard 2-by-2-inch receiver accepts a ball mount, cargo carrier, bike rack, tow hook, and other listed options, giving Hyundai Santa Fe and Kia Sorento owners flexibility beyond trailer towing. The hitch’s stated rating is 2,000 pounds gross trailer weight and 200 pounds tongue weight.
The receiver’s listed accessory range makes the hitch useful for carrying cargo or fitting other compatible equipment, as well as towing with a ball mount. Its 2,000-pound gross trailer and 200-pound tongue ratings set relatively modest stated limits, subject to the lowest-rated towing component. CURT says its Class 3 designs are tested in real-world, on-vehicle conditions; the supplied details do not provide further test results or expand those weight limits.
- Standard 2-inch by 2-inch receiver
- Accepts ball mounts and cargo carriers
- Also lists bike racks and tow hooks
- Rated for 2,000 pounds gross trailer weight
- The stated 200-pound tongue-weight rating limits heavier hitch loads.
Skip it if you need a higher stated tongue-weight rating; the CURT 13485 lists 525 pounds for select Tucson and Sportage applications.
Choose the 13609 for a listed Hyundai Santa Fe or Kia Sorento when receiver versatility matters more than a high towing rating. Its 2,000-pound trailer and 200-pound tongue limits should match the full setup.
Full product details
| Brand | CURT |
|---|---|
| Compatible with Vehicle Type | Sport Utility Vehicle |
| Included Components | Class 3 Hitch |
| Item Weight | 38 pounds |
| Manufacturer | CURT |
| Part Number | 13609 |
| Manufacturer Warranty Description | Limited Lifetime Warranty / 1 Year On Finish |
| Material | Carbon Steel |
| Maximum Towing Capacity | 4000 pounds |
| Model Number | 13609 |
| Additional Information | Important information |
Listed on Amazon as: CURT 13609 Class 3 Trailer Hitch for Hyundai Santa Fe and Kia Sorento
View on AmazonCheck receiver and bike-rack compatibility
A 2-inch receiver does not guarantee compatibility with every rack or accessory. The CURT 13652 and CURT 13397 descriptions specifically rule out vertical-hanging bike racks that require bikes to hang vertically. If that is your intended setup, check the rack’s attachment requirements and the hitch’s full product details before buying; a standard receiver size alone is not enough to establish a match.
The CURT 13609 description lists a 2-inch receiver and names possible accessory types, including a bike rack, but does not establish compatibility with every rack design. Also confirm that any ball mount, carrier or rack is rated for the load and appropriate for your vehicle.
A hitch provides a connection point, not permission to exceed the limits of the vehicle, hitch or accessory. Treat the lowest applicable rating as the limit for your setup.
Avoid mismatched or conflicting capacity figures
A hitch’s advertised capacity can be misleading if you rely on one number without checking the complete rating and vehicle limits. For example, the CURT 13609 key features state 2,000 pounds gross trailer weight and 200 pounds tongue weight, while its specifications list a 4,000-pound maximum towing capacity. Because those figures differ, verify the applicable rating in the current manufacturer documentation and do not assume the larger number governs your installation.
The CURT 13652 also states that capacity is limited to the lowest-rated towing component. That principle matters across this group: the vehicle, hitch, mount and trailer connection each have limits, and a higher hitch rating does not increase the vehicle’s tow rating.
Confirm the exact vehicle fit and applicable ratings before towing, especially when specifications appear inconsistent.
How to Choose a Car Trailer Hitch
Vehicle-specific fit
Start by matching the hitch to your exact vehicle, including its model year and trim. These products cover select Toyota RAV4 models, Ford Explorer and Police Interceptor, Hyundai Tucson and Kia Sportage, Subaru Forester, Hyundai Santa Fe and Kia Sorento, and Honda CR-V. The CURT 13652 listing says select RAV4, while the CURT 13485 pairs two models in one fit listing.
That specificity matters more than choosing by brand or receiver size: a hitch intended for one vehicle should not be presumed to fit another. Buyers with one of the listed vehicles should compare the model fit carefully; if your car is not named, confirm compatibility with the manufacturer or seller before ordering.
Rated towing and tongue capacity
Choose capacity based on the intended load, but stay within the lowest-rated component and your vehicle’s limits. The highest stated rating here is 4,500 pounds gross trailer weight and 675 pounds tongue weight for the CURT 13652; the CURT 13485, CURT 13409 and CURT 13397 each state 3,500 and 525 pounds. The CURT 13609 key features give the lowest stated figures, 2,000 and 200 pounds, while its specification line lists a different maximum towing capacity.
Buyers towing heavier loads may prefer a higher clearly stated rating, while lighter-use shoppers should still verify every applicable limit and resolve conflicting product figures before use.
Receiver and finish details
Check receiver size and the details that affect your intended accessory and appearance. The CURT 13652, CURT 13409, CURT 13609 and CURT 13397 descriptions identify a 2-inch receiver; the CURT 13652 and CURT 13397 also note a limitation for vertical-hanging bike racks. For an integrated look, the CURT 13485 describes a concealed main body.
The CURT 13409 specifies a durable high-gloss black powder coat finish. Buyers focused on a discreet appearance may favor the CURT 13485, while those choosing a rack or mount should prioritize receiver and accessory compatibility over appearance.
The supplied details do not specify receiver dimensions for every listing, so check the full product documentation where needed.
Which trailer hitch should I choose for my car?
Choose the hitch listed for your exact vehicle first, then check capacity against the vehicle and every towing component. For a select Toyota RAV4 and the highest stated figures, choose the CURT 13652 Hitch; its 4,500-pound gross trailer weight and 675-pound tongue weight ratings lead this group. Ford Explorer owners can consider the CURT 13386 Hitch, whose specifications list a 4,000-pound maximum towing capacity.
For a Tucson or Sportage, the CURT 13485 Hitch adds a concealed main body and 3,500/525-pound ratings. Honda CR-V owners can choose the CURT 13397 Hitch, while Forester drivers can consider the CURT 13409 Hitch.
Santa Fe and Sorento owners should scrutinize the CURT 13609 Hitch’s conflicting capacity figures before use. Confirm fit, ratings and accessory compatibility before ordering.
Related Buying Guides
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- Best Trailer Hitch For Motorcycle
- Best Bike Hitches For Cars
- Best Trailer Hitch For Van
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I confirm a hitch fits my car’s model year and trim?
Check the hitch listing’s vehicle-fit information against your car’s exact model year, make, model, and trim before ordering. If the listing does not clearly confirm fit, contact the manufacturer or seller with those details. Do not assume a hitch listed for a similar vehicle or another trim will fit.
Does installing a trailer hitch change my car’s towing capacity?
No. A hitch does not increase your car’s towing capacity. Follow the vehicle’s stated limits and the ratings of the hitch and every towing component; the lowest-rated component sets the limit.
Confirm all applicable ratings before towing, and do not treat a hitch’s capacity as permission to exceed the vehicle’s limit.
What other parts or wiring may I need to tow a trailer?
You may need a compatible ball mount, hitch ball, trailer connector, and vehicle-specific wiring, depending on your trailer and vehicle. Confirm the receiver size and accessory fit, then check the trailer’s connection requirements and the vehicle’s wiring provisions. The hitch alone may not provide the parts or electrical connections needed for towing.
How do I check whether a hitch receiver works with my accessories?
Match the accessory’s required receiver size and mounting style to the hitch, and check any product-specific restrictions. The listed CURT 13652 has a 2-inch receiver for common towing accessories, but it is not compatible with vertical-hanging bike racks. Verify compatibility for your accessory before ordering or use.
What should I do if a hitch listing shows conflicting capacity figures?
Treat conflicting figures as unresolved and confirm the correct ratings with the manufacturer before towing. Do not choose the higher number or rely on a single figure without clarification. The CURT 13609 listing has conflicting capacity figures, so verify its limits and compare them with the vehicle and all other towing components.
Final Words
Start by matching the hitch to your exact vehicle, model year, and trim; these listings are not universal car fits. Then compare the hitch rating with the vehicle and every towing component, using the lowest limit. For a select RAV4 and the highest stated figures here, the CURT 13652 leads, but its accessory restriction matters.
Explorer, Tucson or Sportage, CR-V, and Forester owners have listed options; verify the Santa Fe or Sorento hitch’s conflicting figures before use.
