Best Subaru Trailer Hitches: Towing Upgrades for SUVs and Wagons

You rely on your Subaru for weekend escapes, work runs and everything between, and the right trailer hitch turns that versatility into real capability. Choosing the correct hitch improves what you can tow, simplifies mounting a bike rack or cargo carrier, and preserves vehicle safety by matching towing capacity and tongue weight to your Subaru.

Pay attention to compatibility, receiver size and rated capacity so you get a hitch that fits your model and the loads you intend to haul.

Top Picks

How We Chose

You want a hitch that matches the loads you tow and the way you use your Subaru, so we prioritized vehicle-specific fit, receiver size, GTW and TW ratings, build materials and corrosion-resistant finishes. Installation complexity and included hardware matter if you plan to DIY, while warranty and manufacturer support protect long-term value.

We also scored hitches on real-world factors reviewers mention most often: fit accuracy, durability and noise or rattle control.

CURT Class 2

You want a hitch that feels like it belongs on your Subaru rather than an afterthought, and this CURT Class 2 is built for exactly that. It gives you a tidy, vehicle-specific fit for Forester models while handling light-duty towing, bike racks and cargo carriers without fuss.

Installation is realistic for a handy DIYer if you follow the manufacturer and etrailer videos, though you may need basic hand tools and a bit of patience around the exhaust. The 1-1/4″ receiver keeps the profile low and the co-cured finish helps resist corrosion so the hitch stays looking and performing well through seasons of use. If you primarily haul bikes, a small utility trailer or want a reliable rack mount, this is a practical, long-lasting choice.

What People Say

Customers consistently note how heavy-duty and well-made the hitch feels and that it fits their Forester precisely. Many appreciate the clear installation guidance and that the kit lets them add a bike rack or small trailer without paying dealer prices. A few users mention extra steps during install, like moving the muffler or using a die grinder, but most say the result is worth the effort.

Overall Sentiment: Positive

Situational Benefits

Ease of Use

Versatility

Well suited for bike racks, cargo carriers and small trailers; best for light-duty everyday and recreational needs.

Durability

Made from carbon steel with a co-cured A-coat and powder coat finish and backed by a limited lifetime warranty on structure and one year on finish.

Problem Solving

Solves common space and transport problems by letting you add secure external cargo options and light towing without major vehicle modifications.

Travel Friendliness

Low-profile receiver and secure mounting mean minimal impact on fuel or handling, and the hitch stays hidden when not in use for cleaner looks on road trips.

Key Benefits

• Vehicle-specific fit for Subaru Forester
• Solid light-duty towing capacity
• Durable co-cured A-coat and powder finish
• Designed for DIY installation with clear instructions

Rating: 4.6 (total: 107+)

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CURT Class 3

You get a serious step up in towing ability with this CURT Class 3 hitch while keeping a clean, vehicle-specific installation. It gives you a full 2″ receiver that handles boat trailers, campers and heavier utility loads without overtaxing a Crosstrek, and the construction feels built to last. Installation is straightforward for a DIYer who has a couple of basic tools and a helpful video, though you may need to make small frame adjustments on some model years.

Use it for weeknight hauling, weekend launches or longer road trips when you need dependable towing capacity and a secure accessory mount.

What People Say

Owners commonly praise the hitch for its solid construction, neat fit and clear packaging, noting that the welds and finish look high quality. Many report that installation is manageable at home when you follow a tutorial and have a few simple tools, while a minority mention needing to file or widen holes for perfect alignment.

Overall Sentiment: Positive

Situational Benefits

Ease of Use

Versatility

Great for towing small boats, campers and utility trailers; also works well with heavier bike racks and cargo carriers that need a 2″ receiver.

Durability

Built from high-strength carbon steel with a co-cured A-coat and powder coat finish and backed by a limited lifetime structural warranty.

Problem Solving

Expands what you can tow with a Crosstrek, removing the need to borrow a truck for moderate hauling or recreation and offering a dependable mount for racks and carriers.

Travel Friendliness

Designed to sit low and use vehicle mounting points so it has minimal impact on appearance and does not interfere with cargo access or routine travel.

Key Benefits

• 2″ receiver for heavier accessories and trailers
• Vehicle-specific fit for Crosstrek models
• Rugged carbon steel construction with protective finish
• Generally straightforward DIY-friendly installation

Rating: 4.5 (total: 740+)

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ATV Tek Trio

You get a compact, no-fuss hitch that saves you from swapping attachments when you need different towing options. The Trio gives you a welded ball, a tie-down loop and a clevis hole all in one unit, and the Quiet Tek wedge helps keep things quiet on bumpy runs. It’s light and easy to store so you can carry it in a toolbox or toss it in the bed, and it’s sturdy enough for frequent farm, trail or yard use.

If you want a single, versatile adapter to cover several towing needs, this is a practical, well-built choice.

What People Say

Owners often praise how the Trio replaces several separate hitches and appreciate the built-in ball, tow loop and clevis option. Many call out the sturdy welds and how the wedge helps eliminate annoying rattles.

A handful of users mention minor finish imperfections or surface rust showing up over time, but overall feedback highlights convenience and strength.

Overall Sentiment: Positive

Situational Benefits

Ease of Use

Versatility

Combines ball, tow loop and clevis options so you can handle trailers, yard implements and utility tasks with a single adapter.

Durability

Made from alloy steel with a powder coat finish and strong welds; generally holds up well under regular use though a few users have seen minor surface rust at welds.

Problem Solving

Solves the headache of swapping different hitch heads by providing multiple connection methods in one compact unit, saving time and reducing gear to manage.

Travel Friendliness

Compact and lightweight so it’s easy to stow when not in use, and the Quiet Tek wedge helps reduce noise on drives or off-road runs.

Key Benefits

• Multiple towing options in one unit
• Universal fit for 2″ receivers
• Quiet Tek wedge reduces rattle
• Solid welds and powder-coated finish

Rating: 4.7 (total: 1,295+)

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Subaru OEM Kit

You get a factory-matched towing solution that integrates cleanly with your Ascent and keeps the look and function true to Subaru standards. The kit includes vehicle-specific mounting and plug-and-play wiring for both 4- and 7-pin connectors, so you can add a brake controller or trailer lights without hunting adapters. Installation takes a few hours if you follow a video guide and gives you a neat, OEM finish that stays hidden when not in use.

If you want the simplest path to dealer-equivalent fit and wiring, this kit is a sensible choice.

What People Say

Owners frequently mention how well the kit fits and that the wiring harness makes hookup straightforward. Many appreciate the OEM appearance and that installation is doable at home with a bit of patience and reference to a video. A few buyers note missing small parts in photos or sparse printed instructions, but overall feedback favors the kit’s fit and wiring completeness.

Overall Sentiment: Positive

Situational Benefits

Ease of Use

Versatility

Designed for the Ascent platform so it’s focused on towing and wiring rather than broad cross-vehicle compatibility; excellent if you own the correct model.

Durability

Built to OEM standards with alloy and stainless components and a powder coat finish, offering reliable corrosion resistance and long-term fit.

Problem Solving

Removes compatibility headaches by providing factory-style wiring and mounting, so you avoid adapter clutter and questionable aftermarket wiring.

Travel Friendliness

Hidden when not in use and integrated wiring reduces loose cables and connectors, keeping your vehicle tidy on long trips.

Key Benefits

• Factory-fit integration with Ascent chassis
• Plug-and-play wiring for 4- and 7-pin connectors
• OEM fit and finish for a clean, hidden install
• Includes wiring module and brake controller adapter

Rating: 4.3 (total: 30+)

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Reese Class III

You get a heavy-duty, vehicle-specific hitch that feels built to last. The Reese Class III is aimed at drivers who want a robust mount for bike racks, utility trailers and weekend hauls while keeping installation approachable for a DIYer.

It uses a three-step METALSHIELD finish to resist corrosion and comes test-fitted to ensure a neat look when installed. Expect a solid feel and dependable towing capacity, though a careful install and occasional minor adjustments to alignment may be needed on older frames.

If you want rugged construction and an OEM-style appearance, this hitch is a strong choice.

What People Say

Owners frequently highlight the hitch’s solid build and how well it fits most Subaru wagons when installed carefully. Many praise the protective finish and the straightforward install process, though a minority report needing to force alignment or dealing with finish imperfections on arrival.

Overall feedback leans toward reliability and value for hauling and rack use.

Overall Sentiment: Positive

Situational Benefits

Ease of Use

Versatility

Suited for towing, bike racks and cargo carriers on compatible vehicle models; less useful if you need a universal hitch across different brands.

Durability

METALSHIELD primer, e-coat and powder coat provide strong corrosion resistance and long-term finish protection, supported by a lifetime structural warranty.

Problem Solving

Solves the need to haul gear without a truck, giving you a secure, permanent mounting point for trailers and racks while preserving vehicle appearance.

Travel Friendliness

Low-profile design stays mostly hidden when not in use, so it has minimal effect on daily driving and keeps rear access clear on trips.

Key Benefits

• All-welded construction for strength
• METALSHIELD three-step corrosion protection
• Vehicle-specific fit for cleaner installation
• Backed by a lifetime structural warranty

Rating: 4.5 (total: 241+)

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Draw-Tite Class III

You get a high-capacity, vehicle-specific hitch that balances strength with a tidy, hidden installation. The 2″ receiver opens up towing for boat trailers, pop-up campers and heavy-duty bike racks while the all-welded construction and powder-coat finish help resist corrosion on long trips.

Installation is typically straightforward because Draw-Tite uses pre-existing holes and includes the mounting hardware, so a handy DIYer can often fit it at home in under a couple hours. Backed by a nationwide lifetime limited warranty, this hitch is a strong choice if you want dependable towing performance without altering your vehicle’s lines.

What People Say

Owners frequently mention that the hitch fits their Ascent precisely and that installation is manageable when you follow a video or the instructions. Many users appreciate that it uses factory mounting points and stays mostly hidden when not in use, keeping the rear bumper tidy.

A small number of reviewers urge caution about mounting point strength and recommend double-checking fit or using a pro if you have concerns.

Overall Sentiment: Positive

Situational Benefits

Ease of Use

Versatility

Well suited for towing, heavy bike racks and cargo carriers on the Ascent platform; best if you want a long-term, model-specific solution.

Durability

Solid all-welded construction with a durable powder-coat finish and engineered testing to meet SAE and V-5 standards, backed by a lifetime limited warranty.

Problem Solving

Eliminates the need to borrow larger vehicles for moderate towing and provides a reliable mounting point for accessories, simplifying weekend and work hauling tasks.

Travel Friendliness

Hidden when not in use and designed to use factory mounting points, so it minimally affects rear clearance and keeps the vehicle looking stock on road trips.

Key Benefits

• High 5,000 lbs GTW and 750 lbs TW capacity
• 2″ receiver supports heavier accessories and trailers
• Vehicle-specific fit for a clean, hidden install
• All-welded construction with powder-coat corrosion resistance
• Nationwide lifetime limited warranty

Rating: 4.7 (total: 154+)

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FAQ

How Do I Choose The Right Hitch?

Start by matching the hitch to both your Subaru’s model year and the loads you plan to haul. Check receiver size and class so a 1-1/4″ Class 2 suits bike racks and light trailers while a 2″ Class 3 is better for campers and heavier loads, and always match the hitch rating to your vehicle’s tow and tongue weight limits.

Prefer vehicle-specific kits when available because they hide neatly and simplify installation, and verify compatibility with the owner’s manual or the hitch manufacturer before you buy.

Can I Install It Myself?

Many Subaru owners successfully install custom-fit hitches at home if you have basic tools, a torque wrench and a friend to help with alignment. Watch the manufacturer’s install video, follow torque specs and be prepared to move or loosen the muffler for easier access on some models; small adjustments like filing or widening a hole are sometimes required.

If you’re uncomfortable with lifting the vehicle, aligning heavy parts or verifying load-bearing mounts, opt for a professional installation to be safe.

What Maintenance And Safety Checks Are Needed?

Perform regular inspections of mounting bolts, the receiver and electrical connections before long trips or heavy use to catch loose fasteners, surface corrosion or damaged wiring. Re-torque hardware after the first few hundred miles, keep the finish clean and touch up chips to prevent rust, check the hitch pin and rattle devices for wear, and always confirm trailer lights and brakes work and that the total load does not exceed the lowest-rated component in your towing setup.

What Buyers Prefer

You typically prioritize a vehicle-specific fit and the receiver size appropriate for your loads, picking the CURT Class 2 for bike racks and light-duty hauling and the CURT Class 3 when a 2 receiver and higher tongue weight are required. If convenience and multi-function capability matter more than full-time towing capacity, the ATV Tek Trio lets you cover ball, tie-loop and clevis needs with one compact adapter.

Ease of installation, corrosion-resistant finishes and warranty support are the tiebreakers that steer many buyers toward one option over another.

Wrapping Up

If you tow bikes, a small trailer or a camper, the best hitch is the one that matches your Subaru’s frame and the loads you actually plan to carry. Choose a Class 2 or Class 3 receiver by checking GTW and tongue weight, prefer vehicle-specific kits for an invisible fit and easier installation, and consider finish and warranty for long-term corrosion resistance.

Use the top picks above as a starting point, verify fit for your model year and decide whether you install yourself or opt for professional mounting to ensure a safe, reliable towing setup.

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