Trailer hitch

[Garycross26]

What is the best trailer hitch with the most clearance possible.

 

[Subalee]

For my 2025 Outback I had dealer install Subaru's hitch. No loss in clearance and a much sturdier/safer design. Included wiring harness. More expensive but more better . I previously had a truck shop install after market hitches on two older outbacks... okay for a bike rack but less ideal for towing.

 

[bmart]

Hitches are all nearly the same. The bars/mounts vary, but you want the right height for the job...not ground clearance.

 

[Postman]

We put an OEM hitch on our “23” Wilderness so glad we did, choked at the cost but it was the right decision for us.

 

[SoobaRoobaDoo]

For the ´26 Crosstrek, we had the dealership install the hitch. The hitch is well above "ground clearance" for the car. The lowest part of the hitch is higher than 27cm above the road on a car with 22cm of ground clearance.

The car does lose some departure angle. Still has plenty of departure angle unless you're also straddling rocks. The rear wheels are far enough back that I don't think it loses enough departure angle to cause us problems.

The hitch fits tight up between the muffler and the bumper. They trimmed up into the rear plastic to fit around it. The low parts of the hitch are the loops for safety chains so they could have raised the low point by 2 cm without moving the hitch itself.

I installed Curt hitches on the previous 2 vehicles. The hitch on the '25 used factory nuts welded into the car's frame. Both hitches fit great. Neither car was a Subaru.

Good luck with your decision

 

[SoobaRoobaDoo]

Amending the post above.

The departure angle with the hitch is still higher than the approach angle.

The Subaru hitch does not cause any clearance problems.