Which hitch and wiring kit for 2025 Honda Pilot?

Question

I’m trying to add a hitch to my 2025 Honda Pilot and I’m a little overwhelmed by the options. I want to tow a small utility trailer (nothing huge), and I’d like everything to look clean and work reliably—especially the wiring. Do I need a specific hitch for the 2025 model year, or will the 2023/2024 Pilot hitches fit the same? Also, for the wiring kit: is it truly plug-and-play, and does it require any dealer programming or a fuse/relay add-on? Budget is around $500–$700 for hitch + wiring. What hitch and wiring kit would you recommend for the 2025 Pilot?

Nomad Glitch · Accepted Answer

For the 2025 Honda Pilot, you generally have two paths: going with Genuine Honda (OEM) parts for a seamless, integrated look, or Aftermarket (Curt/Draw-Tite) for a more budget-friendly, easier DIY installation.

1. Genuine Honda (OEM) Option

This is the most popular choice for owners who want the hitch to sit "inside" the bumper rather than hanging below it. It maintains better ground clearance and a factory look.

Part Name	Part Number	Notes
Trailer Hitch	`08L92-T90-100`	The main Class III receiver.
Trailer Hitch Panel	`08L92-T90-100B` (Black) or `08L92-T90-100A` (Silver)	Replaces the lower bumper trim to allow for the hitch cutout.
7-Pin Wiring Harness	`08L91-T90-100`	Full wiring kit; allows for trailer brakes and battery charging.
Hands-Free Adapter	`08L91-T90-100A`	Crucial: Only needed if your Pilot has the "kick-to-open" tailgate. This relocates the sensor.

Pros: High ground clearance, integrated look, supports full 5,000 lb capacity (AWD).
Cons: More expensive; requires removing the rear bumper for installation.

2. Aftermarket Option (Curt / etrailer)

If you are mostly using the hitch for a bike rack or light utility trailer, aftermarket hitches are significantly cheaper and easier to install.

Hitch: Curt Class III Receiver (#13485) is a common fit. It bolts directly to the frame without removing the bumper.
Wiring: Curt Custom Wiring Harness (#56474) provides a 4-pin flat connector. It’s a "plug-and-play" kit that connects to a factory port inside the rear cargo area.
Pros: Much cheaper (approx. $250 vs $600+ for OEM); no bumper removal required.
Cons: Hangs lower than the bumper (reducing ground clearance); looks less "clean."

Critical Considerations

Towing Capacity: 2WD models are rated for 3,500 lbs, while AWD models can handle 5,000 lbs.
Transmission Cooler: Unlike previous generations, the 2023–2025 Honda Pilot AWD models typically come with the necessary cooling to handle the 5,000 lb rating, so an additional ATF cooler is usually not required.
The "TrailSport" Exception: If you have the TrailSport trim, it already comes with the hitch receiver installed, so you likely only need the Wiring Harness and a Ball Mount.

Note: If you plan on towing a heavy trailer with electric brakes, you will need the 7-pin OEM harness and a separate brake controller (like the Tekonsha P3), as the Pilot is "pre-wired" but does not include the controller itself.

Would you like me to look up a step-by-step installation guide or a price comparison from specific retailers for these parts?

nfjdlrgpmp · Answer

Seconding what #2/#4 said — 2025 is same 4th-gen so 2023/2024 usually fits IF the listing says 2023–2025. Budget-wise I’d look at etrailer Class III Trailer Hitch Receiver 2-Inch (e98840) for 2023-2025 Honda Pilot (~$220–$300). For wiring, CURT Custom Vehicle-Trailer Wiring Harness 4-Way Flat (56430) for 2023-2025 Honda Pilot is legit plug-n-play, but unfortunately you may still need to add the factory trailer fuse/relay (check ur fuse box).

zxoiugxlej · Answer

yo, saw this earlier—sounds like consensus is 2023/2024 hitches fit the 2025 if listed for 4th-gen; I did plug-n-play wiring on mine, but had to add the missing fuse/relay slot. Check ur panel, dont skip ground/torque specs, and you’ll stay in that $500–$700 zone

Warzowano · Answer

Ok so for 2025 (4th gen) you’re *probably* safe with any hitch listed 2023–2025—same mounting points, but don’t gamble if the listing stops at 2024.

For clean + reliable + no-splice wiring, I’d do:
- Draw-Tite Max-Frame Class III Trailer Hitch Receiver 76225 2-inch (usually ~$230–$320)
- Tekonsha T-One Vehicle Wiring Harness 118795 7-Way RV Blade for 2023-2025 Honda Pilot (true plug-in, but you still may need to add the tow fuse/relay in the under-hood box—check the cover diagram)

Torque to spec, and test with a trailer light tester before towing. gl!

Car Forum

[Solved] Which hitch and wiring kit for 2025 Honda Pilot?

1. Genuine Honda (OEM) Option

2. Aftermarket Option (Curt / etrailer)

Critical Considerations