Last Updated on May 3, 2023 by Will Sabel
If you’re a proud owner of Subaru Crosstrek, good on you, mate! You’ve got yourself a nice piece of a vehicle there. Okay, let’s take it a step further, shall we?
Do you love some off-road biking or a nice getaway once in a while? Yes? Well, my friend… you’re my spirit animal. You, of all people, know the importance of quality trailer hitches.
Be it a drop hitch OR something else, you’ll need a robust product to hook trailers or bikes with your SUV. It should be easy to install, be able to carry a moderate to heavy load and be within your budget. I can already see people frowning a bit. These things are hard to get in one nifty package.
OR so you believed!
You can get the best hitch for Subaru Crosstrek with benefits like easy installation, robust build, compatible class, and within your budget if you try a bit hard. You just need to look into the right places (just like this article). Don’t worry; I’ll be holding your hands during the entire process.
I’ll be going over some of the top-rated products (and their reviews) you can pair up with your SUV, how I got my hands on them, and answers to some of your popular questions. Hang tight!
Top 5 Best Trailer Hitches for Subaru Crosstrek
Picking the right towing product for any vehicle is always tricky. But, especially when it comes to the SUV, to be precise… a Subaru Crosstrek, things get trickier.
But don’t worry. In a moment, you will have a list of durable, dynamic and faithful trailer hitches for your favorite car. Check them out in the detailed review to select the best one that suits you the most.
1. CURT 13382 Class III Trailer Hitch, 2-Inch Receiver
Don’t be surprised if you see numerous products on this list coming from CURT. Not without any reasons, of course. For example, the first trailer hitch you will meet is the CURT 13382. It’s a class III trailer hitch with a two-inch squire tube receiver.
That means you can tow up to 3,500 lbs without any concern. The item’s gross weight is 525, which is good enough to carry your small to medium-sized (weight) things.
But does it carry as much load as it says?
Yes, it does. Thousands of people from different states have been using the CURT product for a long time. And the complaint on this particular model is almost zero.
The splendor actually lies in the build materials of any curt product. The CURT 13382 is particularly made of carbon steel. In terms of material, this is the best hitch for Subaru Crosstrek from the CURT class III lineup.
Since it’s a standard 2-inch x 2-inch hitch receiver with a squire tube opening, you can find compatibility with almost all trailers. For instance, you can accept a cargo carrier, platform or hanging bike rack, tow hook with your cart and much more.
On top of that, you have the option to ball mount with the CURT 13382 trailer hitch. It lets you quickly hook up a trailer to your Subaru Crosstrek. Besides, it’s a relatively safe, flexible and trustworthy option!
The good thing about all the CURT products is that they are assembled in Detroit, the city of wordsmiths. The birthplace of the modern automobile is also nicknamed the ‘Motor City.’ So, it’s understandable why CURT products are the best in the business.
In this case, they use real-life vehicles, your Subaru Crosstrek, to expertly engineer and design the trailer hitch that fits perfectly. But, again, cutting-edge software looks after precision.
Talking about precision, the CURT 13382 is precisely welded. As a result, every curb and joint is stronger to withstand any bump and hump. Actually, it’s the manifestation of robotic and skilled manual arms which ensures greater production efficiency with excellence.
Some users lament or rather regret buying ordinary products that they wither sooner than expected. But not in this case of CURT 13382. Because you have the maximum protection on board. It is mechanically descaled and co-cured in liquid bonderite undercoating to gain strength.
On top of that, it has a black powder finish to outplay rust chips and UV rays. The chances of developing rust might not be nil. Still, suppose you care for your hitch receiver, especially anything from the CURT. In that case, you will get years of service without any trouble.
So, this comes down to one last question – is it worth the money?
Well, the price of the CURT is really at your arm’s length. Perhaps, it’s one of the best hitches for Subaru Crosstrek that returns you more than you give. But the fact is when you are installing something for your Subaru Crosstrek, you ain’t noticing the price tag, are you?
2. CURT 11276 Class I Trailer Hitch, 1-1/4-Inch Receiver
Tired of the same old routine for weekends? Want to go camping as a solo traveler or with the family? The CURT 11276 Class 1 Trailer Hitch is the ideal option for adding cargo space to your vehicle.
It has a very lightweight design, welded with steel which makes it strong. As a result, the chances of hitch failure – be it from receiver opening or any point – are almost zero, if not zero. In other words, the build quality is top-notch.
Despite being durable, this is an extremely lightweight trailer hitch for Subaru Crosstrek. It weighs only 5 pounds (2.25KG)!
The CURT 11276 is a class I trailer hitch. Consequently, it’s rated for relatively light duty.
The carrying capacity is rated up to 2000 lbs. It is enough to carry your drift boat or to haul a trailer. You can consider it a perfect option to carry your bicycle anywhere you want without any hassle of remounting.
The CURT is rated SAE j684 to ensure safety while on the road.
Not getting it?
This SAE Standard includes hitches, couplings, and safety chains used in mounting all types of trailers or towed vehicles whose Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) does not exceed 4540 kg (10 000 lb).
Engineered with a vehicle-specific design for your Subaru Crosstrek really ensures a better fit and optimal capacity. Therefore, there is no confusion about having the right product. Furthermore, this eliminates the possibility of all unnecessary modifications and inconvenience.
In short, it doesn’t matter if you are mounting a bicycle or hauling a large trailer; this product will provide you with the most peaceful experience while you tow things with Subaru Crosstrek.
So… what’s the big deal about this vehicle-specific design?
Firstly, it does not interfere with the existing ergonomic design that comes with the car, promising an integrated look and zero modification. That means there are no drilling holes in your vehicle’s chassis.
Tell you what, the installation process is very easy and enjoyable. Moreover, it’s so soothing that you might not need any professional help if you follow the instructions of the Installation guide.
The CURT comes with all the necessary hardware that is required to mount. It’s very easy to install and takes about thirty minutes.
Is it really that easy to mount it?
Yes! It takes only 4 bolts to fit. You just need to put them in place, then do some tightening, and you are good to go. But don’t forget you might temporarily need to remove the bumper to install any kind of trailer hitch.
The hitch receiver is 1-1/4 inch that comes with a ball mount shank. In addition, the CURT 11276 is equipped with an open-back receiver (which is a small receiver) that is easier for cleaning but strong.
The Dual-Coat finish it comes with is the industry-leading rust, chip and UV resistance – both inside and outside. On top of that, it is submerged in a liquid A-coat. What’s more! Your CURT 11276 is co-cured with a durable high gloss black powder coat to give a long shot.
Brilliant engineering is noticeable if you look for details. It comes with Safety Chain Loops integrated into the design of the hitch, which allows intermediate connection of your trailer safety chains.
So, should CURT 11276 be your final choice to pull the extra cargo space for carrying your bicycle or boat?
Yes! It thrives, and its price is also at your arm’s length.
3. Draw-Tite 76253 Max-Frame Class III Trailer Hitch, 2-Inch Receiver
So, you want your Subaru Crosstrek to do more than what its stocks can do? Does that include a receiver trailer hitch that is lightweight and heavy-duty simultaneously?
You can look at the Draw- Tite 76253 Max-Frame class III receiver trailer hitch. This little beast may look smaller, but it holds weight more than many of the bigger ones you will find out there.
Draw- Tite 76253 Max-Frame class III weighs only 1 lb. This product is a light one to install and easy to carry for your Crosstrek. On top of that, it has a 2 inches square receiver tube opening. That makes sure not to make your vehicle look “out of the road” kinda thing.
However, this is a relatively compact trailer hitch with a dimension of 37 x 8 x 19 inches – a perfect fit for your Subaru Crosstrek.
This hitch alone looks beautiful also. The black powder coat makes it sparkle like a gem. But that’s not the end! The industry-leading quality coating saves the hitch from getting rust all over itself with the looks.
Nonetheless, rust can shorten the lifespan of metal products a great deal. With this, you can rest worry-free after installation for years to go.
What about performance?
Well, this little beast can hold up some serious weight.
Although it only weighs 1 lb., it is rated up to 5000 lbs. In addition, gross Trailer Weight (GTW) up to 750 lbs is also standard. So, if you compare its size with its performance, it’s definitely the best in its class variants in the market.
What does it take to install it on a Subaru Crosstrek?
How about nothing?
Draw-Tite 76253 Max-Frame Class III Receiver Trailer comes with all bolt-on installation. For this reason, you do not need to further wield or cut through your Subaru Crosstrek’s body or frame to install it.
The easy-to-go installation process leaves you with no hassle at all. You also get a complete user manual to show you how to play with your tools. That means you are not all alone.
Removable ball mount, pin and clip are sold separately. But the availability makes up for it.
Additionally, the hitch is designed to be enclosed with the OEM cover. So, when not in use, it can have a shade under the cover.
At this point, it’s time to wrap the deal up for you. If you are a Subaru Crosstrek user and want to carry platform bikes, cargo carriers, or more to add to your adventurous needs, Draw- Tite 76253 Max-Frame Class III Receiver Trailer Hitch is really a suitable option to be considered.
4. Draw-Tite 76209 Class III Trailer Hitch, 2 inch Receiver
Draw-Tite Trailer Hitch 76209 is another great option to install on your Subaru Crosstrek or other trucks, vans and sports utility vehicles. This custom-fit trailer hitch lets you easily tow a trailer or carry a bike rack or cargo carrier with your vehicle.
The stylish round-tube design of the trailer goes fine with the frame or bumper of your vehicle. That’s why you don’t need to worry about the post-installation look of your vehicle.
It’s a 2-inch square receiver tube opening hitch. That means it is a perfect fit for your Subaru Crrosstrek. On top of that, it is about 36.2 lbs which translates into a risk-free installment. Besides, it’s easy to carry.
True mastery lies in its finish.
Yeah, the Draw-Tite 76209 comes with a black powder coating. It makes sure this product is better at rust protection. In other words, you will get longer durability.
According to Draw- Tite, this computer-aided, fully welded steel construction guarantees strength and durability. Tell you what, it’s really important for a trailer hitch to sustain stress. Safety and reliability come with the package as per industry standards.
Draw-Tite Trailer Hitch can weigh up to 4500 lbs (GTW). That means you can carry a small boat, bike, or even a mini house for camping. Note here that this hitch receiver is skilled at receiving platform bike racks.
The tongue weight (TW) is 675 lbs. As a class III hitch in the market, this can fulfill a great load of expected weight-lifting tasks.
The installation process is also moderate for the Draw-Tite 76209.
Perhaps, you can install this custom trailer hitch within 60 minutes. The process is quite easy to go with for all kinds of users. Since you do not need to drill or weld anything, neither your vehicle’s frame nor the hitch, you actually have less to worry about. The full bolt-on installation saves both your time and energy.
Do you know it’s a classy hitch receiver?
Yup! After installation, the hitch cross tube is visible under the bumper with a more than normal gap between the fascia and the cross tube. It really looks super cool. However, you need to lower the exhaust to complete the installation process.
As long as it does the job correctly, you should not be bothered by this slight and not “break the deal” factor. On top of that, a complete hardware kit and user manual come along the hitch in the package.
But there is a downside. Removable ball mounts, pins, and clips do not come with the package. You can, however, buy them separately.
Another crucial point for any hitch receiver is ground clearance.
The Draw-Tite 76209 prevails in this area. Ground clearance for this hitch is up to the mark as a class III. However, it can scrape here and there if you put on more weight than expected (for instance, a platform bike rack with a heavy load).
Nonetheless, it is very unlikely to happen every now and then.
You got to remember that it is a class III trailer hitch. And it offers the best in the business. But if you need something more, you have to go for higher-class models.
So, who needs the Draw-Tite 76209 most?
It’s you – an adventurer who needs to move with the things at the rear end of your car for logistic support.
To wrap things up, the Draw-Tite 76209 trailer hitch is surely compatible and good to go with your Subaru Crosstrek or any other vehicle that you drive for cross-reason usage. It can deliver you a heavy-duty and worry-free post-installation ride as you want after automobile shopping.
5. Draw-Tite 76084 Class III Trailer Hitch, 2-inch Receiver
Custom-fit, Comfort, Perfect, Zero-Modifications go well with Draw-Tite 76084 Class III trailer hitch.
This custom-fit trailer hitch is good for towing a trailer or carrying a bike rack. On top of that, you can add a cargo carrier with your vehicle when you have this installed at your Subaru Crosstrek.
Draw-Tite’s vehicle-specific design ensures a custom-fit hitch that will suit your need with any vehicle you drive. But it fits the Subaru Crosstrek the best. Especially given that a crossover SUV or a pick-up truck requires a heavy-duty trailer hitch, a class III hitch is a good option.
Draw-Tite has been in this hitch business for more than 75 years, so you can expect excellence. The Draw-Tite 76084 is no exception. From build quality to fittings, everything is absolutely spot on with your Subaru Crosstrek.
Well, there should be no confusion.
It perfectly fits your hybrid and non-hybrid Subaru Crosstrek and XV Crosstrek from 2016-2017 and 2013-2015. Period.
Now, let’s have a look at its expression.
The appearance of this Draw-Tite’s hitch for Subaru Crosstrek is neat. These stylish trailer hitches increase the rugged look of your vehicle. The black powder finish adds to the aesthetics.
Tell you what, it might not cover a great area, but a bad-looking hitch is good enough to spoil your Crosstrek’s attitude.
Durable, the Draw-Tite 76084 receiver has great strength. The forte of this hitch is increased by the solid all-welded construction. This method ensures maximum strength and safety, which is admired worldwide.
So, how much can it carry?
Well, the tongue weight is 525 lbs. Besides, you have a maximum gross trailer weight of 3500 lbs, which is more than enough for regular usage and some heavy-duty work, let alone carrying a bike or two.
This particular custom-made hitch undergoes extreme tests to achieve the ‘Tested Tough’ title by Draw-Tite. It ensures the hitch is stronger and more durable than many other products. The vigorous trial includes extensive fatigue and static testing with the ball mount.
The purpose is to ensure the real-life performance of his product. Fatigue testing is also conducted on hitches rated for use with weight-distribution systems.
The receiver of this hitch is 2 inches, which is standard in size. The receiver opening size is 2×2 inches. You will be able to mount almost all sorts of necessary hitches for towing when you have the Draw-Tite 76084 by your Subaru Crosstrek.
However, the package does not provide the pin, removable ball mount, and clip. So, unfortunately, you have to buy them separately.
Are you worried about the installation?
Don’t be! There is no reason to be concerned about the installation process. Draw-Tite is super easy to install. You won’t need to spend the rest of your day modifying the holes to line up.
All you need to do to install it is place it right, and bolt it up! Voila! You are done.
The installation requires no welding process. The whole process should not take more than 40 minutes, even If you do it yourself.
There will be no cutting or moving the exhaust of your Subaru Crosstrek. The Draw-Tite 76084 is designed with CAD (Computer-Aided Design). It ensures the fittings. On top of that, every frame is custom-built according to the manufacturing model.
Should you go for it? Will you be happy with this purchase?
The answer is YES! Draw-Tite is one of the best hitches for Subaru Crosstrek available today. You won’t regret this choice.
Factors to Consider Before Buying Trailer Hitch for Your Subaru Crosstrek
Every SUV requires a heavy-duty trailer hitch receiver. And when it comes to Subaru Crosstrek, regardless of its model, you need a good one to tow your stuff. A good trailer receiver is essential from carrying bikes to pulling carts.
But what is a truly good hitch receiver?
If you are not sure where to look, you may trust the items mentioned earlier to make things easier for you. But, if they fail you by any means, don’t feel left alone. Because you have a cordial buying guide lined up in the following section.
Whatever you are buying from, make sure your trailer hitch receiver for Subaru Crosstrek features the following facets.
Class and Capacity Are Synonymous
Before buying a trailer hitch for your vehicle, the first thing you will ask yourself is what you need. You will find three types of trailer hitch receivers in the market. They are categorized by their capacity. Therefore, to some extent, class and capacity are synonymous.
Class I Trailer Hitch Receivers are for enthusiasts who long for daybreak with their Subaru Crosstrek. In other words, it’s for light usage. Typically, a Class I trailer hitch receiver can pull up to 2000 Lbs. So if you want to carry a bicycle or two and nothing else, it’s more than enough.
Class II Trailer Hitch Receivers are also for people looking for light to medium-duty towing. Since they are rated up to 3500 lbs, they bring extra confidence. But if you really need some serious pulling, go for the class III and IV trailer hitch receiver. They are respectively rated up to 8000 and 12000 lbs.
Make Sure Your Trailer Hitch Receiver Is Compatible with Your Subaru Crosstrek
Every time you go through a trailer hitch, make sure it’s compatible with your vehicle (in this case, your Subaru Crosstrek).
But how do you know if a trailer hitch receiver is compatible with your car?
Well, you can check it from the manufacturer’s website. You need to put the exact model and build year of your vehicle to sort it out.
However, you should also know the basics of a hitch receiver and the part you will install on your car. For instance, your rare part of the vehicle needs to be open enough for the hitch receiver to fit in. Sometimes bumper and exhaust pipes make it too difficult to install a trailer hitch.
On top of that, you need to know there are different sizes of hitch receiver openings. Squire tubes with 2-inch openings are the ideal ones for your Subaru Crosstrek. Besides them, you will find a ball mount and several other sizes of openings to meet your requirements.
Carbon Steel Is Always Better, Composite Material Also Hooks Good
It’s a universal question – ‘which is the best material for a trailer hitch receiver?’, especially when you have the masculine Subaru Crosstrek on board.
Well, nothing beats steel.
Yup, for any kind of trailer hitch receiver, you should go for the steel first. They may bend when you go uphill, but they will hardly break apart. You will find the higher-rated hitches feature heavy-duty stainless steel. They have higher ductility with super strength.
Well, carbon steel is another good option you can go for.
It’s made with sophisticated technology and materials. Usually, class I to III trailer hitch receivers feature carbon steel materials, for they are dramatically durable despite being lightweight.
However, composite materials (sometimes plastic) show up to amaze you. They are not strong enough to sustain a serious load. So, it would be wise to avoid them unless you are not playing with your trailer hitch. Nonetheless, people find them cheap and a handy option for patchy usage.
It Has to Be Durable to Withstand Rust and Chips, UV-Resistance Is an Advantage
You don’t install a trailer hitch every day. But, once it is snugged, it’s snugged for years to come. So, you have to make sure your trailer hitch has a durable black powder coating which eliminates the chances of rust regardless of weather conditions.
On top of that, UV-Resistance is a crucial factor. Your trailer hitch will be exposed to the fierce heat of the sun. You don’t even know what the harsh sun can do to things. So, if you want your trailer hitch to sustain for a long time, make sure you have the facets on board.
Your Trailer Hitch Receiver Should Come with Safety Standards
The SAE International Standard certifies your trailer hitch is safe for hauling. The hitches, couplings, and safety chains used in the trailers are good for towing a particular amount of weight.
However, you will find several other local & international certifications to your hitch that bring safety and reliability. If you happen to be a social reformist, make sure your manufacturer is not harming the environment. In other words, go green.
The Easier to Install, The Better A Trailer Hitch Is
Lastly, you should go for a trailer hitch that’s easier to install. You will find too many trailer hitches that are too heavy and bulky in size. It’s really wise to avoid them in case you wanna install them yourself. Lightweight and compactness will save your day. But don’t compromise strength the other way.
On top of that, you may want to unmount the trailer hitch when it’s not in use. A foldable and easily detachable trailer hitch for your Subaru Crosstrek is an advantage. So, make sure you choose an easy-to-install and operate trailer hitch receiver for better convenience.
Tangled Up Questions Answered
Let’s answer a few of the questions that you feel are nagging you. I’ll be updating this section as I go along.
1. Can I put a trailer hitch on Subaru Crosstrek 2019?
Answer: Yes, you can. Your Subaru Crosstrek 2019 is compatible with several trailer hitch receivers from the top-ranked manufacturer. So you don’t even need to drill for installation. But temporary removal of the bumper may come in handy.
2. Can I tow a trailer with Subaru Crosstrek?
Yes, you can tow a trailer with a Subaru Crosstrek. The Crosstrek allows you to tow small RVs, trailers, campers and flatbeds. Moreover, this vehicle has an impressive ground clearance of 8.7 inches, which makes it suitable for towing a trailer on rough terrain.
3. How much weight can a Subaru Crosstrek trailer hitch tow?
The maximum towing capacity of a Subaru Crosstrek varies according to the specific model and year of the vehicle, as well as the installed hitch type. Generally, the Crosstrek has a towing capacity of 1,500 to 1,700 pounds.
4. What is the difference between Subaru Crosstrek and Subaru Outback?
Answer: It’s the size. Perhaps, the SUVs both are almost identical. But by pen and paper, the Subaru Crosstrek is a smaller and compact SUV. On the other hand, Subaru Outback is a mid-sized, relatively forceful substantial crossover.
The Final Pull
Installing a trailer hitch receiver in your Subaru Crosstrek is a decent decision. Of course, you might not need it every day, everywhere. But in the upcoming days, you may bear that extra load.
In the meantime, if you have a good trailer hitch from the best manufacturer mounted in your vehicle, it’s relaxing and an advantage. So, if you are yet to install one to the rare, it’s high time you did it.
Keep cool, go around websites (the real ones) and use your knowledge to sort out the best hitch for Subaru Crosstrek for you. Then, if you feel lost, there is an article to make you help you educate yourselves. Good Luck!
