Curt Echo vs Tekonsha Prodigy P2 Brake Controller for 2019 Kia Sorento
Question:
Hello experts. Help is needed to make a decision. I have a 2019 Kia Sorento. I plan towing a trailer with brakes a few times a year but that's it. Looking for a new brake controller and have it down to the Tekonsha P2 and the Echo from Curt. Obviously they are pretty different but which would you recommend and why? Also what other wiring etc would I need? No tow package. Thank you for your assistance in this.
asked by: Jay
Expert Reply:
The Curt Echo # C51180 and the Tekonsha Prodigy P2 # 90885 that you're deciding between are both excellent proportional brake controllers but as you mentioned, their installation, operation, and physical design are all quite a bit different. Between the two options I recommend going with the Curt Echo # C51180 for your application because it will offer an easier installation process and its convenient operation is simply better fitted for occasional towing like you plan on doing.
Once you have the wiring and 7-Way connector in place (I will list those parts that you need further down) installing the Echo and getting it ready for use the first time is simply a matter of plugging it into the 7-Way, downloading the free app, and pairing it to your smartphone via Bluetooth. Your phone is what you use to adjust any settings, read diagnostic messages, or activate the manual override so you don't have to worry about a separate unit mounted permanently inside the cab of your Sorento like with the Prodigy P2 (and most other brake controllers).
This means for the majority of the year when you're not towing a trailer the inside of your brand new vehicle will remain clean and free of an unsightly brake controller mounted under the dash and wiring coming from it.
Another reason the Echo is the better choice for your application is because it's just going to require fewer steps to set up your vehicle for its use since only the 12V circuit on the 7-Way needs to be activated. The Prodigy P2 and most other controllers also require the brake output circuit to be activated along with additional connections under the dash from the controller itself.
I have attached a short video demonstration that you can check out on the Echo as well so you can get a better idea as to how it installs and operates.
Now for trailer wiring on your vehicle to be able to connect and utilize the controller, you will need to start with a 4-Way connector if the Sorento isn't already equipped with one. For this I recommend the Tekonsha T-One Harness # 118583 that will plug right into factory ports behind the driver and passenger side tail lights.
Then with the 4-Way in place you just need to upgrade it to a 7-way with the part # ETBC7L, which includes the 7-Way (and 4-Way) connector and all the wiring needed to make this upgrade.
Products Referenced in This Question
T-One Vehicle Wiring Harness with 4-Pole Flat Trailer Connector
- Custom Fit Vehicle Wiring
- Trailer Hitch Wiring
- Powered Converter
- Custom Fit
- 4 Flat
- Tekonsha
more information >
Tekonsha Prodigy P2 Trailer Brake Controller - 1 to 4 Axles - Proportional
- Trailer Brake Controller
- Proportional Controller
- Electric
- Electric over Hydraulic
- Automatic Leveling
- Under-Dash Box
- Dash Mount
- Up to 4 Axles
- LED Display
- Up to 360 Degrees
- Tekonsha
more information >
7-Way RV Upgrade Kit for Trailer Brake Controller Installation - 12 Gauge Wires
- Accessories and Parts
- Trailer Brake Controller
- Installation Kits
- etrailer
more information >
Product Page this Question was Asked From
Curt Echo Wireless Brake Controller - 7-Way Plug Mount w/ Bluetooth App - 1 to 2 Axle - Proportional
- Trailer Brake Controller
- Proportional Controller
- Hidden
- Up to 2 Axles
- Smartphone Display
- CURT
more information >
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