5 Best Trailer Hitch For 2018 Toyota Highlander

If you tow a trailer, mount a bike rack, or want the flexibility to carry cargo carriers on your 2018 Toyota Highlander, choosing the right hitch matters. It affects safety, towing capacity, and how easily you can add accessories. Picking a vehicle-specific hitch ensures correct fit, maximizes towing capability, and reduces installation headaches. Below you’ll find five solid options with clear pros and cons so you can decide quickly which hitch matches how you use your Highlander.

Top Picks

How We Chose These Hitches

You want a hitch that fits your 2018 Highlander without modification, supports the loads you plan to tow, and lasts through regular use. We focused on: fitment (vehicle-specific designs), towing capacity and tongue weight, build material and powder-coat finish for corrosion resistance, ease of installation and included hardware, real customer feedback and average ratings, price vs. value, and any manufacturer or safety certifications. Where specs were similar, we weighted user reviews and brand reputation more heavily so you know what’s reliable in real-world use.

Kojem Class 3 Trailer Hitch

If you drive a 2014–2019 Highlander and want a straightforward way to carry bikes, a cargo carrier, or a small trailer, this Kojem Class 3 hitch is built for that kind of everyday usefulness. It’s made from high-strength steel with a black powder-coated finish, so it looks tidy under the bumper and resists surface rust from rain or road spray.

Kojem ships two packages (the hitch comes in parts) with the hardware and instructions, so you can either bolt it on yourself if you’re handy or have a shop do a quick install. For daily runs to the hardware store, weekend trips with a bike rack, or the occasional boat or trailer haul, the 2″ receiver and Class 3 rating give you the flexibility you need. If you want a practical, vehicle-specific hitch without fuss, this one’s an easy pick.

What People Say

Buyers highlight the accurate fit for Highlander models and the included hardware that makes installation easier. Many note the solid feel of the steel and the protective powder coat as reasons they trust it for bike racks and light towing.

Overall Sentiment: Positive

Durability

Constructed from high-strength alloy steel with a powder-coated finish, this hitch resists surface corrosion and handles regular use like mounting cargo carriers, bike racks, and occasional trailer loads without showing quick wear.

Problem Solving

Solves the need for a secure, vehicle-specific towing point: the 2″ receiver works with common accessories and the included hardware removes guesswork during install, so you can quickly add carrying capacity or tow small loads.

Key Benefits

• Vehicle-specific fit for Highlander years listed
• Strong alloy steel construction
• Durable powder-coated finish
• Standard 2″ receiver for common accessories
• Comes with installation hardware and instructions

Rating: 5.0 (total: 5+)

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Stehlen Class 3 Trailer Hitch

If you want a no-nonsense way to add carrying capacity to your 2014–2019 Highlander, this Stehlen Class 3 hitch is built for that. It gives you a standard 2″ receiver and a solid 6,000 lb towing rating — enough for a bike rack, cargo carrier, or a small trailer when you need it.

The black powder coat keeps things looking tidy and helps resist surface rust so it doesn’t look tired after a few seasons. Install is straightforward for someone comfortable with basic tools or a quick shop job if you’d rather not get under the bumper yourself. Use it for everyday errands with a cargo carrier, weekend bike trips, or the occasional move where you need to tow a small trailer.

If you want a vehicle-specific hitch that stays out of the way until you need it, this one is a practical choice.

What People Say

Buyers point out quick delivery, accurate fitment for Highlander models, and an easy installation experience. People appreciate the solid feel and the practical towing specs for bike racks, cargo carriers, and light trailers.

Overall Sentiment: Positive

Durability

Built from heavy-duty steel with a premium powder-coated black finish, this hitch is designed to stand up to road spray and seasonal weather. The coating helps prevent surface rust so it stays presentable across regular use.

Problem Solving

Provides a reliable, vehicle-specific mounting point so you can add racks or tow small loads without guessing about compatibility. The 2″ receiver works with most standard accessories, though note that towing hardware like ballmounts and pins are not included.

Key Benefits

• Vehicle-specific fit for 2014–2019 Highlander
• Class 3 rating with 2″x2″ receiver for common accessories
• 6,000 lb towing capacity and 900 lb tongue weight
• Durable black powder-coated finish resists surface corrosion
• Straightforward install for DIY or quick shop mounting

Rating: 5.0 (total: 4+)

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Geteen Class III Trailer Hitch

If you want a reliable, vehicle-specific hitch for your 2014–2019 Highlander, this Geteen Class III receiver covers the basics and then some. You get a standard 2″ x 2″ opening so common accessories like ball mounts, cargo carriers and bike racks drop in without guessing.

It’s made from heavy alloy steel, rated for 6,000 lb gross trailer weight and 900 lb tongue weight, and Geteen calls out an upgraded double-layer anti-rust finish — so you won’t be worrying about surface corrosion after a few seasons of road salt or wet weather. Installation is straightforward if you’re comfortable with basic tools, and the company highlights factory inspection and responsive customer support if anything comes up.

Use it for daily needs like hauling a cargo carrier to the hardware store, weekend bike trips, or occasional towing for small trailers. If you want a no-nonsense, vehicle-specific hitch that stays out of the way until you need it, this is an easy, practical pick.

What People Say

Owners appreciate the accurate fit for Highlander models, the solid steel construction and the corrosion-resistant finish. Many mention straightforward installation and a sense of reliability thanks to factory inspection and responsive support.

Overall Sentiment: Positive

Durability

Built from alloy carbon steel with a powder-coated, double-layer anti-rust process, this hitch is meant to resist surface corrosion and daily wear so it stays functional and presentable across seasons.

Problem Solving

Adds a factory-style, vehicle-specific mounting point so you can confidently attach bike racks, cargo carriers or tow a small trailer without compatibility guesswork. The 2″ receiver is the common standard for most accessories; just remember towing hardware like ball mounts and pins aren’t included.

Key Benefits

• Vehicle-specific fit for 2014–2019 Toyota Highlander
• Standard 2″ x 2″ Class III receiver works with common accessories
• 6000 lb gross trailer weight and 900 lb tongue weight rating
• Double-layer anti-rust coating and powder finish for corrosion resistance
• Factory inspection and responsive customer support

Rating: 4.8 (total: 98+)

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Rigid Hitch Class 4 Trailer Hitch (R3-0510)

If you’re looking for a heavy-duty, vehicle-specific hitch for your 2014–2019 Highlander, this Rigid Hitch Class IV receiver is built to handle real work without fuss. It gives you solid towing numbers — 6,000 lb gross trailer weight and 600 lb tongue weight (or 8,000/800 with weight distribution) — so it’s more than capable for bikes, cargo carriers and small trailers.

Installation is straightforward: hardware is included, no drilling is required and Rigid says it typically takes about 30 minutes if you’ve got basic tools or a friend to help. The cross tube sits under the bumper and may be visible, and you might need to trim or remove an inner appearance panel during install.

In short, it’s a practical, no-nonsense hitch that gets you a factory-style mount and the confidence to attach racks or tow when you need to.

What People Say

Owners highlight the accurate fit for Highlander models, straightforward installation when you have a helper, and that the hitch accepts bike racks and carriers without fuss. Several reviewers also noted fast delivery and that the included hardware made setup easier.

Overall Sentiment: Positive

Durability

Made from alloy steel with a powder-coated finish and produced by a long-established manufacturer, this hitch is designed to resist surface wear and handle regular towing loads. The maker also notes ISO 9001:2008 certification and compliance with SAE/VESC safety specs.

Problem Solving

Adds a secure, factory-style mounting point so you can attach bike racks, cargo carriers or tow small trailers without guessing about fit. No-drill installation and included hardware eliminate a common hurdle, though you may need to trim or remove an inner appearance panel during fitting.

Key Benefits

• Vehicle-specific Class IV fit for 2014–2019 Highlander (including hybrid)
• 6,000 lb GTW / 600 lb TW; 8,000/800 with weight distribution
• No drilling required and mounting hardware included
• Quick installation (around 30 minutes) with basic tools
• Powder-coated alloy steel construction for everyday use

Rating: 4.7 (total: 10+)

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APS Rear Towing Hitch Receiver

If you drive a 2014–2019 Highlander and want a clean, reliable way to carry bikes, a cargo carrier or the occasional small trailer, this APS receiver makes that easy. You get a vehicle-specific fit that tucks in nicely with the factory bumper, solid towing numbers for everyday hauling, and a bolt-on, no-drill installation that comes with the hardware — so you won’t be hunting for missing bolts. For daily use it handles bike racks and cargo carriers with confidence; for weekend trips it gives you the stability to tow a small trailer or swap in a weight-distribution setup when you need extra control. I’d recommend it if you want a straightforward, long-lasting hitch that doesn’t require fancy tools or body mods.

What People Say

Owners point out the accurate, vehicle-specific fit, simple bolt-on install with included hardware, and that the hitch handles bike racks and light trailers without fuss. Many appreciate the extra corrosion protection for year-round use.

Overall Sentiment: Positive

Durability

Built from carbon steel with a pre-treated base, inside/out E-coating and a black powder coat, this hitch is designed to resist surface rust and daily wear. That triple-layer finish helps it stand up to wet weather and road salt.

Problem Solving

Solves the common fit-and-install worry by being vehicle-specific and including all mounting hardware so you don’t have to drill or modify the bumper. The rated towing and tongue weights give you clear limits for bike racks, cargo carriers and small trailers.

Key Benefits

• Vehicle-specific fit for Toyota Highlander 2014–2019
• 6,000 lb gross towing capacity; 900 lb tongue weight (8,000/900 with weight distribution)
• No-drill bolt-on installation with all mounting hardware included
• Triple-layer rust-resistant coating (pre-treated steel, E-coating, powder coat)
• OE-style integration with the factory rear bumper

Rating: 4.6 (total: 9+)

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FAQ

How Do I Choose The Right Trailer Hitch For My 2018 Toyota Highlander?

You should start by matching the hitch to your Highlander’s model year and trim because many options are sold as vehicle-specific fit for 2014–2019 Highlanders (including hybrids). Look for a 2″ receiver if you plan to use common accessories like ball mounts, bike racks, or cargo carriers, and decide between Class III and Class IV based on the loads you tow: most Class III hitches in this group are rated around 6,000 lb gross trailer weight and 600 lb tongue weight, while some Class IV options (for example, the Rigid Hitch) offer higher tongue weight and an increased capacity with weight-distribution setups. Pay attention to construction and finish—powder-coated alloy or carbon steel gives better corrosion resistance—and confirm whether the hitch requires drilling or is a bolt-on installation. Finally, always compare the hitch’s maximum ratings to your vehicle’s towing limits in the owner’s manual, because the lower of the two is what governs safe towing.

Can I Install A Trailer Hitch Myself Or Should I Use A Professional?

You can install many Highlander hitches yourself if you have basic mechanical skills, a friend to help lift the hitch, and common tools like sockets and a torque wrench; some manufacturers include hardware and advertise no drilling required. Expect an installation time of about 30–90 minutes depending on experience and whether you remove trim pieces.

That said, you must torque fasteners to the manufacturer’s specs, route wiring properly for trailer lights, and verify clearances under the bumper. If you are unsure about wiring, aligning the hitch, or torque values, use a professional installer to avoid safety issues and to keep warranty coverage intact.

What Safety Checks And Accessories Should I Use When Towing With A Highlander?

Before every trip you should do a quick pre-tow checklist: confirm the hitch rating and your vehicle’s tow rating, verify the trailer’s loaded weight and tongue weight (aim for roughly 10–15% of trailer weight as tongue weight), inspect hitch hardware for tightness and corrosion, and ensure trailer lights and brakes are connected and working. Use a proper ball mount and pin, and add a weight-distribution hitch and sway control if you’re near the upper end of your towing limits.

Carry and use a trailer brake controller if the trailer has electric brakes, check tire pressures on both vehicle and trailer, and secure loose cargo. For long-term care, keep the receiver clean and lightly greased, cover the receiver when not in use, and recheck bolt torque after the first few hundred miles.

Above all, check your vehicle’s towing rating first and never exceed the lower rating between the vehicle and the hitch.

What Buyers Prefer

When choosing between the Kojem, Stehlen, and Geteen Class 3 hitches for your 2018 Highlander, you’ll prioritize a precise bolt‑on fit, the hitch’s rated towing capacity and overall build quality so you can tow with confidence. You’ll also weigh corrosion resistance/finish, included hardware and ease of installation, price and warranty — basically picking the one that best balances durability, convenience and value for how often you plan to tow.

Wrapping Up

To pick the right hitch for your Highlander, match the hitch class and rating to how you plan to use it and prioritize vehicle-specific fit. If you want the best mix of reviews and value, the Geteen Class III is a strong all-around choice. If you need higher capacity and a very rugged option, the Rigid Hitch Class IV provides extra towing and tongue-weight capability. For the most budget-conscious fit with good performance, APS is a practical pick. Use this guide to narrow choices, then confirm fit for your exact Highlander trim and model year before purchasing.

Product	Image	Rating	Maximum Towing Capacity	Material	Automotive Fit Type	Weight
Kojem Class 3 Trailer Hitch Compatible with 2014-2019 Toyota Highlander		5.0/5 (5 reviews)	Up to 6,000 Pounds	Alloy Steel, Plastic	Vehicle Specific Fit	N/A
Stehlen 642167831594 Class 3 Trailer Tow Hitch Receiver		5.0/5 (4 reviews)	Up to 6,000 Pounds	N/A	Vehicle Specific Fit	N/A
Geteen Class III Trailer Hitch		4.8/5 (98 reviews)	Up to 6,000 Pounds	Alloy Steel	Vehicle Specific Fit	25.86 Kilograms
Rigid Hitch Class 4 Trailer Hitch (R3-0510)		4.7/5 (10 reviews)	Up to 8,000 Pounds (weight distribution)	Alloy Steel	Custom Fit	55 Pounds
APS Rear Towing Hitch Receiver		4.6/5 (9 reviews)	Up to 6,000 Pounds	Carbon Steel	Vehicle Specific Fit	48.72 Pounds

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