Trailer Hitches by vehicle
A hitch never increases what your vehicle can tow. The usable rating is the lower of the hitch's rating and the vehicle's own tow and tongue-weight limits, which change with engine, drivetrain and tow package. Each guide below lists the factory ratings for one generation and the receiver hitches listed for it.
What decides whether trailer hitches fit
Receiver size
1.25 in receivers suit bike racks and light loads. 2 in is the common size for towing and most hitch accessories. 2.5 in is for heavy-duty towing. Match the receiver to what you plan to put in it.
Hitch class
Classes I–V rate the hitch for gross trailer weight and tongue weight. The class is the hitch's limit, not your vehicle's.
Vehicle tow rating
Your owner's manual or the maker's towing guide gives the rating for your exact configuration. The lower of vehicle and hitch applies.
Wiring and brakes
Trailers need working lights, usually through a 4-pin or 7-pin connector. Heavier trailers need electric brakes and a brake controller. Check your vehicle's harness options.
Guides by make
Ford
Best Trailer Hitches for 2021–2026 Ford Bronco: 5 Fit-Checked Picks (Not Bronco Sport)
Best Trailer Hitches for 2020–2026 Ford Explorer: 5 Picks and the Factory Tow Package Check
Best Trailer Hitches for 2022–2026 Ford Maverick: 5 Fit-Checked Picks for 2,000 and 4,000 lb Trucks
Honda
Best Hitches for 2023–2026 Honda CR-V: 5 Picks for Gas and Hybrid vs Honda's OEM Hitch
Best Trailer Hitches for 2023–2026 Honda Pilot: 5 Picks, TrailSport and Dealer Tow Options
Jeep
Best Trailer Hitches for 2022–2026 Jeep Grand Cherokee & Grand Cherokee L: 5 Fit-Checked Picks
Best Trailer Hitches for 2018–2026 Jeep Wrangler JL: 5 Fit-Checked Picks by Tow Rating
Subaru
Best Trailer Hitches for 2019–2024 Subaru Forester: 6 Picks, 1.25 vs 2 in Receivers
Best Trailer Hitches for 2020–2025 Subaru Outback: 5 Picks for 2,700 and 3,500 lb Trims
Tesla
Best Hitches for 2017–2026 Tesla Model 3: 6 Aftermarket Receiver Picks, Highland vs Pre-Highland
Best Hitches for 2020–2026 Tesla Model Y: 6 Picks vs the $1,300 Tesla Tow Package
Toyota
Best Trailer Hitches for 2020–2026 Toyota Highlander: 5 Fit-Checked Picks incl. XSE and Hybrid
Best Trailer Hitches for 2019–2025 Toyota RAV4: 6 Fit-Checked Picks by Tow Rating and Receiver
Common mistakes
Assuming a Class IV hitch means Class IV towing. A 10,000 lb hitch on a 3,500 lb-rated SUV is still limited to 3,500 lb.
Forgetting tongue weight. Tongue weight should typically be around 10–15% of trailer weight, and it has to fit inside both the hitch's and the vehicle's tongue-weight limits.
Buying a hitch when one is already there. Many trucks and tow-package vehicles have a factory receiver. Check under the rear bumper first.
Frequently asked questions
Can I put a bike rack on any hitch?
Check the rack's required receiver size and the hitch's tongue-weight rating. Heavy e-bike racks often need a 2 in receiver.
Do I need to drill to install a hitch?
Most custom-fit hitches bolt to existing frame holes. Some vehicles need a bumper trim or heat-shield cut. Each guide notes this where the listing says so.
What wiring do I need?
A vehicle-specific T-connector harness is the simplest for 4-pin lights. Towing heavier trailers usually means a 7-pin connector and a brake controller.
Fit is checked against manufacturer fit guides and retailer listings for each generation. Always confirm on the listing for your exact trim. How we check fitment.