The EV hitch you’ve been waiting for, here’s how to get it installed with ease.

The EcoHitch for the 2026 Hyundai Ioniq 9 is designed with the highest weight capacities available on the market. Rated at 600 pounds tongue weight at the trailer ball and 6,000 pounds towing weight, this hitch is designed to haul your bikes, cargo, or other adventure gear without breaking a sweat. This hitch features the world’s only rust free, stainless steel receiver (patent pending) so you can be assured that your garage floors or cement driveways will not be ruined by ugly, orange rust spots.

This step-by-step guide simplifies the installation process so you can feel confident tackling it yourself or know what to expect when bringing it to a shop.

Tools You'll Need:

  • Jack stands or vehicle ramps
  • Socket set
  • Flathead screwdriver
  • Reciprocating saw (for trimming panels)
  • Torque wrench
  • Zip ties

Step-by-Step Installation Instructions

Step 1: Safely Lift the Vehicle

To start, raise the rear of the vehicle using a hoist or jack stands. Be sure to chock the front wheels so the car doesn’t roll while you work underneath.

Pro tip: Use Hyundai-approved lifting points if you're using a professional lift.

Step 2: Remove the Underbody Panel

Under the back of the vehicle, you’ll see a plastic underbody panel held in place with clips and a few nuts.

  • Remove all clips and nuts
  • Gently lower and slide out the panel
  • Set it aside—you’ll reinstall it later

Step 3: Disconnect Studs and Wire Hangers

You’ll need to remove the small brackets and hangers that attach to the rear of the vehicle.

  • Detach the stud brackets from both sides
  • Gently unclip and move the wire harness out of the way
  • Let it rest safely where it won’t interfere with the hitch

Step 4: Remove Corner Covers (Optional but Recommended)

There are plastic corner panels on each side of the rear bumper. Removing them makes it easier to access everything.

  • Each cover has six screws and one clip
  • Once removed, set the covers aside for later reinstallation

Step 5: Remove the Rear Knockout Panel

This panel is located at the back center under the bumper.

  • Press the barbed clips on each side and pull it free
  • Remove a small screw and wire harness mount behind it

Step 6: Install Upper Frame Brackets

Now you’ll install the brackets that will support the EcoHitch.

  • Insert a flat washer and lock washer onto each M14 bolt
  • Attach the upper frame plates to the side of the vehicle frame
  • Make sure the gussets face the rear
  • Torque the bolts to 106 ft-lbs (143 Nm)

If the bolts are difficult to start, thread them in and out once without the bracket to clear any coating or debris.

Step 7: Modify the Knockout Panel for Clearance

To make space for the hitch receiver, the knockout panel you removed earlier needs to be trimmed.

  • Mark a rectangle 2" down from the top and 2-3/4" wide
  • Carefully cut it out using a reciprocating saw or other method

Step 8: Install the Hitch

With the frame plates in place, it’s time to install the hitch itself.

  • Line up the hitch to the brackets and fasten with supplied bolts and washers
  • Torque the vertical bolts to 95 ft-lbs (128 Nm)
  • Double-check receiver clearance—trim the knockout panel more if needed

Step 9: Reinstall Components

  • Reinstall the driver-side stud bracket
  • Zip tie the wire harnesses out of the way so nothing touches the hitch
  • Reattach the corner covers if you removed them earlier

Step 10: Trim and Reinstall Bottom Panel

Before reinstalling the underbody panel, you’ll need to trim it slightly.

  • On the inside of the panel, use factory grooves to mark a 4-1/8" x 5-1/4" cutout
  • Cut the panel 1/4” wider and 3/8” deeper than the original marking
  • Reinstall the panel with all clips and nuts
  • On the passenger side, use the provided 1/4” bolt, washers, and nut to secure the driver-side hole

Installation Complete!

You’ve successfully installed your EcoHitch on the 2026 Hyundai Ioniq 9. Whether you're hauling bikes, cargo, or other accessories, your hitch is now ready for action—hidden, strong, and built to last without compromising your EV’s design or efficiency.

Want to Learn More?

Click here to view the product page for the Ioniq 9 EcoHitch