Is The Curt Hitch Or The Draw-Tite Hitch Better For A 2025 Mazda 3 Sedan?

Updated 10/02/2025 | Published 09/29/2025

Products Featured in This Question

Draw-Tite Sportframe Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - Class I - 1-1/4"

(16)

$193.41

Curt Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - Class I - 1-1/4"

(5)

$199.80

Question:

Hello, I am looking to install a hitch onto my 2025 Mazda3 Sedan. I am trying to decide between the Curt Trailer Hitch Receiver C44DR and the Draw-Tite Sportframe Trailer Hitch Receiver 24982 listed on your website. Are there any notable differences between these two options, such as build quality or rust resistance? Additionally, for these two hitches, could you please specify the ground clearance measurement to the bottom of the hitch receiver when installed? Thank you!

asked by: Cameron W

Expert Reply:

Hi Cameron!

For your 2025 Mazda 3 Sedan, I prefer the Curt # C44DR over the Draw-Tite # 24982. They are almost identical and have the same weight capacities, but the Curt is made in America and the Draw-Tite is not. This pretty much always pushes me to the Curt hitches. Plus I have just found them to be nicer.

When we installed the Curt on a 25 Mazda 3 Sedan, we found the hitch height to be 12" (measured from the ground to the inside top of the receiver opening). We haven't had the chance to install the Draw-Tite as of yet, but I would imagine it is almost exactly the same. With the receiver opening being 1-1/4" and the hitch walls being roughly 1/4" thick, you would be looking at +/- 10-1/2 inches of ground clearance.

What are you planning on using the hitch for?

expert reply by: Lazer S

Draw-Tite Hitch 24982 Mazda 3 Sedan
(click to enlarge)

Curt Hitch C44DR Mazda 3 Sedan
(click to enlarge)

Cameron W.

10/1/2025

Hi Lazer, Wow, thank you for the great breakdown/response - that really helps me decide on which one to get! I am planning to use the hitch to haul a 2-person bike rack. I am currently considering between the Swagman XTC2 and Swagman XC2 on your site. I just wanna get the hitch receiver installed and take measurements first to ensure I get one that works. :)

Lazer S.

10/1/2025

@CameronW You're very welcome! I probably should have mentioned this in my first response, but both hitches for your Mazda 3 are Class 1 rated hitches. This does limit you a little bit for bike racks and, unfortunately, the two Swagman options you are looking at technically can't be used as they are Class 2 and up. But fret not, I do have another option I think you will like. Check out the Hollywood Racks Destination Bike Rack for 2 Bikes - 1-1/4" and 2" Hitches - Frame Mount # HLY94FR. It is a little more expensive (sorry about that), but it is a little more optioned out as well. Plus I think the cradles your tires sit in are nicer and the clamps on the upright are more versatile. With all that said, I fully endorse installing the hitch first to get measurements. Wish more people would do that. : )

Cameron

10/1/2025

@LazerS I see, thank you for noting that. Could you expand a bit more on what the different Class ratings mean, and why it's not advised to use a different rated bike rack on the hitch receiver, please?

Lazer S.

10/1/2025

@Cameron Certainly. Both Class 1 and Class 2 hitches have a 1-1/4" receiver opening, but there are a few differences. The biggest is the carrying capacity: Class 1: 100 to 200 pounds tongue weight 1,000 to 2,000 pounds towing capacity Class 2: 200 to 350 pounds tongue weight 2,000 to 3,500 pounds towing capacity Class 2 hitches are a bit more robust than their Class 1 counterparts, allowing for their higher capabilities. The other thing is, in some Class 1 hitches (though not all), there is a tab welded inside the receiver tube that will not allow Class 2 accessories to slide all the way into the hitch. Class 1 accessories tend to have the hitch pin hole much closer to the end of the shank to account for this. Most hitches have gone away from this and I don't think either one of the hitches for your vehicle has this welded tab, but it is still better to stay on the safe side of things and abide by the hitch class for the accessory. Plus not doing so can and will void warranties. I hope that helps as I think that is the best I have ever done with explaining the difference between these two classes. : P