Last Updated on March 20, 2023 by Will Sabel
One of the best upgrades you can do for your crossover/compact SUV is a cargo hauling upgrade. And this will not just bring you a bunch of usabilities but also make your trips more fun.
You can put a hitch on a Mazda CX-5, one of the popular SUVs out there. And enjoy the whole setup with its fabulous capability.
You don’t even need many tools for adding a hitch. And so, it is a great consideration to bring home the best trailer hitch for Mazda CX-5 of yours.
I have been spending a good amount of time looking for that perfect hitch. And finally, a few models have caught my complete attention. My overall thoughts on those picks are something I’ll be covering today.
Mazda CX-5 Trailer Hitch Options
1. Draw-Tite Trailer Hitch
Draw-Tite Trailer Hitch has great potential of being the best Mazda cx-5 hitch too many as it provides the simplest installation flexibility. Also, the maximum TW is 675 pounds while GTW stands at 4500 pounds, suitable enough again.
There are not even that many tools needed for the setup to be complete. If you are not installing it alone, things will be even better and faster. But on your own, you should be able to get it done within an hour, which is also pretty fast.
Anyone planning to get this as a 2016 Mazda cx-5 trailer hitch should consider taking off the rear exhaust muffler completely. So that there’s good access.
However, Draw-Tite Trailer Hitch feels a bit tricky when applying the instructed torque without taking off the rear bumper’s lower part. Then again, it is manageable and not something I would consider a huge fault.
I think a shot torque wrench will make things way simpler to access but then it will be slightly time-consuming at achieving the torque.
As a 2019 Mazda cx-5 trailer hitch, it may seem a bit challenging at first because the removal and reinstallation of muffler rubber doughnuts for mounting are slightly hard. Installation videos are a savior in such cases.
Overall, Draw-Tite Trailer Hitch still does a pretty amazing job at being a great Mazda CX-5 compatible hitch with excellent making and features combinedly.
Pros
- Does not need one to jack up the vehicle for fitting the hitch.
- The hitch is pretty well made and protected from weather elements.
- It stays hidden after fitting.
- Installation is easy once you drop the muffler.
- Compatible with a wide range of Mazda CX-5 years.
Cons
- The hitch tube could have been slightly larger.
2. CURT 12170 Class 2 Trailer Hitch
CURT 12170 is a fabulous Class II type custom fit hitch that would be a perfect pick for so many vehicles from pickup passenger cars to sport utility style vehicles and marine crafts as well.
It comes with welded steel build, a 1-1/4 inch receiver, and complements certain Mazda CX-5 years. There are most of the essential construction elements available.
From a premium alloy steel quality into a nice-looking black powder coat finish that also protects, it’s great and praiseworthy indeed.
The hitch has 3500 lbs. GTW, and 350 lbs. TW ratings so definitely target light-duty towing components. With the included receiver, small trailer towing or cargo carrier/bike rack mount are allowed.
CURT 12170 is indeed a good hitch for the Mazda cx-5 with a pretty decent fit if it matches the year. The provided installation instructions do help.
The suggestion of taping 4 spacer washers inside hitch rails earlier to the actual installation, is a smart one that does help a lot. It just makes the holes of the hitch line accurately with the frame rail’s hole on the vehicle.
For installation to work, you do need to loosen the 4 rubber mounts from the muffler. But there’s no need to take them all the way off from the car.
Because then things get hard with getting them back and it ends up making the whole installation difficult.
This Mazda cx-5 hitch also stays hidden quite well. Only the tiny receiver box seems visible and nothing more.
The entire assembly stays tucked up right behind the bumper on the back. There’re also no clearance issues with it.
So, you can plan to drive up driveways that are a bit steep without any problem. The unit is heavy, so it will take a good amount of physical effort during installation. Considering help from friends is the best option that’s why.
All in all, the CURT 12170 works great for the most part and can be an ideal choice for those who do not need too heavy-duty towing but have a decent performance within budget for their Mazda CX-5.
Pros
- Comes with a great price point.
- Quite well made for the job.
- Installation is simple for folks who know these things well enough.
- Instructions are well written and provide great suggestions.
- Works great for small trailer towing or carrier/rack mounting.
Cons
- Loosening the muffler mounts is daunting.
Video: 2020 Mazda CX-5 Hitch Installation | CURT #12170 #13315
3. CURT 13315 Class 3 Trailer Hitch
CURT 13315 is hands down the most capable and one top hitch for Mazda cx-5 as it offers all the right stuff within a reasonable price point. This one is a custom factory fit hitch that you can get for the year of Mazda CX5 you own.
Both the GTW and TW ratings are suitable with Mazda CX5 towing. There’s also a variety of towing options available.
And it is a completely tested class 4 hitch with safe hauling assurance. Not to mention the double coating that helps in preventing rust and chips.
This Mazda cx-5 hitch comes with straightforward instructions, something that even an elderly person would be able to follow with a little time and get the setup done.
The installation is that simple. If you are planning to use it with a cargo carrier, then it should take slightly more than an hour.
The making quality is great, and it fits most years of the Mazda CX-5. However, the design goes exceptionally well with the 2016 year model.
Anyone who has the 2021 year vehicle will need to drop off the muffler, and that will need the rubber hangers off pegs.
According to several users, the pry bar is great for the task. You need to figure out the finest pry angle on the bumper peg. Some lubricant will also be necessary. And not to mention a little bit of force is also required.
During the mounting and screwing portion, a helping hand will be nice to have. There’s also hardly any jacking up step involved for installation.
But it still works better at a slight hill surface, there are many on driveways usually, so this is not an issue.
Also, I would highly suggest you follow the instructions as it says and have a torque wrench. The CURT 13315 is a perfect fit and looks great on the CX5. Highly Recommended!
Pros
- Instructions are helpful for the installation.
- The setup is easy enough.
- Great weight capacity for Mazda CX5.
- Comes with a dual coating for protection.
- It can accept a lot of things including ball mount, bike rack, and cargo carrier.
Cons
- You need to drop the muffler which consumes a lot of time.
Choosing The Right Hitch For Mazda CX-5 – Must Consider These Factors
Getting a hitch for Mazda cx-5 that is well made and seems to be compatible with the specific year you own is of course the basics that it must fulfill. However, there are some other matters too that need your equal attention.
Compatible with Mazda CX-5 Towing Capacity
What type of towing are you planning to do? How much is the towing capacity of your vehicle? Should you get additional accessories to support that load?
These are all valid questions you must ask before committing to any hitch at all. Make sure the towing capacity is matched with the hitch’s capability.
Custom Fit Hitches
Consider a custom-fit hitch option if you will also bring a bike rack or cargo carrier with you. This style of hitch will make sure you can tow a trailer and also work with racks or carriers without issues.
Fully Welded Options
There are fully welded options available that simply bolt to the frame of the Mazda CX-5. These are great for those who don’t want to depend on any welding needs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a Mazda CX-5 tow anything?
A Mazda CX-5 can tow anything that matches its towing capacity.
Is Mazda CX-5 equipped with a tow hitch from the factory?
Some Mazda CX-5 models may feature a factory-installed hitch, while others may not.
What is the towing capacity of Mazda CX-5?
| Mazda CX-5 Model Year | Max Towing Capacity |
| 2016 Mazda CX-5 | 2,000 lbs. |
| 2017 Mazda CX-5 | 2,000 lbs. |
| 2018 Mazda CX-5 | 2,000 lbs. |
| 2019 Mazda CX-5 | 2,000 lbs. |
| 2019 Mazda CX-5 w/turbo diesel | 3,500 lbs. |
| 2020 Mazda CX-5 | 2,000 lbs. |
| 2021 Mazda CX-5 | 2,000 lbs. |
| 2022 Mazda CX-5 | 2,000 lbs. |
How much does it cost to have a hitch installed on a Mazda CX-5 (2013-2021)?
The Mazda cx-5 hitch installation cost will depend. And the most important factor would be the complexity of the hitch model that you have bought. But generally, a Mazda cx-5 trailer hitch installation should not cost you more than 100 dollars.
How long does it take to install a hitch on a Mazda CX-5 (2013-2021)?
It takes 1 to 3 hours to install a hitch on a Mazda CX-5. However, things can be slightly different from person to person as there are many other factors that can be involved.
Wrapping Up
Personally, Draw-Tite Trailer Hitch seems the best hitch for Mazda CX-5. And this is because of its great TW & GTW ratings, ease of installation, and of course the construction that probably will last a long period compared to the other two options.
Then again, both other hitches also have great things to offer, so you should not take them lightly and trust your instinct on what would work best in your case.
Good Luck!
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