Last Updated on May 3, 2023 by Will Sabel
The 2022 Lexus RX has turned many heads with its ravishing looks and comfortable riding. But there’s one more thing that makes it a great SUV. The towing capacity! It is more than enough for exciting wander plans.
You can enjoy up to 3,500 pounds of towing with proper towing equipment. And with that being said, you cannot just get any trailer hitch for the job but the one that would stand up to the expectations of being extremely reliable to use for the vehicle targeted.
I would not be surprised if many RX350 owners simply jump at the thought of getting the biggest trailer hitch they can get. But unfortunately, it’s not that easy.
To me, finding the best hitch for Lexus RX 350 is something about increasing the overall potential of the RX350 for towing.
And with that mindset, I’ve managed to bring together 3 amazing recommendations. I’ll break down and review each of those today!
Most Important Factors To Pick The Best Hitch for Lexus RX 350
These are the factors that I’d like you to pay the most importance to while choosing your hitch.
Consider a Class 3 Lexus RX 350 Hitch
As you own an SUV that is more suitable for road trips where a lot of gear is needed to be carried, a Class 3 hitch with its provided benefits will fit best. There’s also the route for getting weight distribution benefits this way.
A Well-Made Hitch
And that means a solid material is used for the hitch. Some that are a little bit pricier include powder coatings.
So that there are some corrosion-resistant benefits you can enjoy. Also, the coats are matte black or have a similar vibe. This helps in providing a rugged outlook to your Lexus RX 350 that goes well with such a concept.
Provided Hardware Quality
Options that provide a complete hardware kit are going to be so much more hassle-free to install with.
And of course, the instructions provided are going to be your initial teacher, so those better are nicely written.
Installation Ease
Another basic element that some people ignore. But you should not. Installation of the hitch needs to be easy to figure out.
It also should not be extremely time-consuming. If the hitch needs more than 30 minutes for installation, then it’s best to skip that pick.
Also, make sure the tools necessary for installation are easy to access.
Top Rated Hitch for Lexus RX 350
1. CURT 13272 Class 3 Trailer Hitch
The CURT 13272 is a hitch for Lexus RX 350 that offers all the right things that you need for towing safely. It fits beautifully without showcasing any crossbar resulting in a neat look.
This one uses carbon steel with powder coated finish which simply is a common construction concept used by maximum hitch makers, and as always it is pretty decent for this price point.
Moving onto the weight ratings, with CURT 13272 you get 600 pounds of TW and 4,000 pounds of GTW ratings. There’s also weight distribution available. It accepts quite a few towing options from ball mount to tow hook.
Provided instructions for the Lexus RX 350 hitch installation are good enough, but there are tons of more simplified videos that one can take help from. If you understand how the setup works, it won’t take more than 20 minutes.
CURT 13272 is also an amazing fit for Lexus RX 350. The quality is there, and you will be able to see that with each usage.
For example, the construction quality is made so well that there’s a good chance with proper maintenance you will be able to make it last forever.
However, one thing that can be annoying is how heavy as well as bulky this unit feels. And you will probably understand what I mean when you try to lift it up and at the same time bolt it in place. So, considering a helping hand would be great. Or simply use a hydraulic floor jack instead.
Overall, the CURT 13272 is a great option, and I can see many considering it as their best Lexus RX 350 hitch option.
Pros:
- It’s solid and gives a premium feel.
- The hitch is a beautiful fit for Lexus RX 350.
- With proper maintenance stands a great chance of lasting forever.
- Comes with fabulous instructions that are easy to follow.
- Installation takes a bit of effort but less time.
Cons:
- It is a bulky-shaped hitch with quite a bit of weight.
2. Draw-Tite 75540 Trailer Hitch
Next, we have a Class III hitch called Draw-Tite 75540 that is popular for complementing many vehicles of today’s time and has an all-welded superior quality built in. This hitch fits the 2016-2022 Lexus RX 350 models.
This particular Lexus RX 350 tow hitch is quite well made, and it can withstand rough usage pretty decently.
The mounting holes are almost accurate when lining up. And that showcases how well designed this hitch is.
However, after the installation, you may discover that certain Lexus requires the removal of the bottom shield made out of plastic. And after doing so, you may require cutting it for fitting back again as the hitch is now installed.
Also, there’s a need to remove the exhaust, and getting it back on clamp after installation can be challenging. A huge ratchet would make things easier.
So that’s something easy to manage for a person who is used to solving such dilemmas but not very pleasant for absolute novice users.
If you are quite familiar with a situation that demands basic mechanical aptitude and got all the right tools, then this one would be easy to install, a great deal indeed.
The mileage quality will vary on the make of your Lexus RX 350, but mostly it is good enough. Also, this is a perfect 2019 & 2021 Lexus RX 350 trailer hitch with no cutting or drilling required.
Overall, the Draw-Tite 75540 is indeed a top hitch for Lexus RX 350 that is designed with flexible installation and built quality for a deserving price point.
Pros:
- With the powder coat and built-in, the hitch should last long.
- It’s easy to use for even novice users.
- The fit is excellent for the latest Lexus RX 350 vehicles.
- Installation takes less time if you have the right tools.
- Mounting holes line up accurately.
Cons:
- Removal & reinstallation of the exhaust is daunting.
3. Reese 84540 Class 3 Trailer Hitch
And finally, we have the most expensive one on the list, Reese 84540 which is by the way compatible with 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, and 2022 Lexus RX 350 models.
This one is a trailer-targeted hitch that is completely welded for intense strength as well as safety. The construction quality will survive good abuse even in rough street situations. This hitch meets some high reputed safety standards ensuring premium quality.
This Lexus RX 350 trailer hitch barely takes more than 15 minutes to install. So, it’s safe to say, the hitch is quite easy to set up.
However, this does not mean you should not consider getting help from a friend. This is for the moments when you’ll get the bolts started so that there’s someone to hold the hitch at the same time.
The fit and overall finish of Reese 84540 are wonderful. The MetalShield coating does reduce the chances of corrosion-related damages and provides OEM standard protection.
Now how well this strong anti-rust thing works, that’s something also related to how well you are with maintenance and things like that.
You should have a torque wrench for torquing the bolts. If you don’t, consider getting one from the auto parts store. This tool is necessary for the installation to go smoothly.
The Reese 84540 overall sounds like a great Lexus RX 350 trailer hitch that will be easy to install and last long enough considering how well it is made.
Pros:
- Comes with the best corrosion protection coat.
- Comes with premium quality workmanship.
- Wonderful fit and finish after installation
- Installation is easy and takes not much time.
- Works great for the trailer.
Cons:
- It’s slightly more expensive than the other options.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a Lexus RX 350 tow a trailer?
A Lexus RX 350 can tow a trailer up to 3,500 pounds. But it’s still best to consider buying a good hitch for Lexus RX 350 to get great results.
What is included in the Lexus towing package?
The 2022 Lexus towing package includes a cooling fan, strong radiator, engine, and transmission oil coolers.
How much weight can my Lexus RX 350 tow?
Lexus RX 350 can tow up to 3,500 pounds with the needed towing prep package.
Wrapping Up
It could be a cross-country road journey or even a fun weekend adventure plan. And it gets even better when you decide to bring home the perfect hitch that fits best with your Lexus RX 350.
If I have to choose just one between these three hitches that we just talked about, it’s the Reese 84540 Class 3 Trailer Hitch. The intensely solid body, less time taking installation and overall fit makes it a strong option at least to me even if it’s slightly expensive.
But that does not mean the other two options are not good enough. In fact, for some owners, those have more potential than what I prefer. Again, personal preference and needs are the number one deciding factor.
There Will Be A Lot of Other Hitch Content, Stay Tuned & Take Care!
