Which Class 3 Trailer Hitch To get For A 2023 Mazda CX-9 Carbon Edition?  

Question:

Expert Reply:

Hi Dominik!

We do have 4 Class 3 hitches with 2" receivers available for your 2023 Mazda CX-9 Carbon, all of which are going to be pretty similar. I have all 4 listed below with their weight capacities:

etrailer Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - Class III - 2" # e87AR
Towing capacity: 4,000 pounds
Tongue weight capacity: 600 pounds

Curt Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - Class III - 2" # C13284
Towing capacity: 4,000 pounds (5,000 pounds with weight distribution)
Tongue weight capacity: 600 pounds

TowSmart Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - Class III - 2" # TS53ZR
Towing capacity: 4,500 pounds
Tongue weight capacity: 675 pounds

Draw-Tite Max-Frame Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - Class III - 2" # 76020
Towing capacity: 4,500 pounds
Tongue weight capacity: 675 pounds

I checked your owner's manual and your CX-9 can tow 3,500 pounds and has a tongue weight capacity of 350 pounds, so any of these would max out your capacities. You can use weight distribution with all these hitches, but the Curt is the only one where its capacity goes up when doing so. Just be aware that you are still limited to 3,500 pounds as that is what your CX-9 can tow (you are always limited by the lowest rated component).

For hitch height, the Draw-Tite was the lowest at 13 inches, the Curt and TowSmart were in the middle at 14 inches, and the etrailer one was the highest at 14.5 inches.

The etrailer, Curt, and TowSmart hitches are American made, but the Draw-Tite is made in Mexico.

And lastly, the Curt and Draw-Tite hitches have a glossy finish, whereas the etrailer and TowSmart hitches have a matte finish. I am preferable to the matte finish as it tends to blend in with the vehicle better and does a better job of hiding dings and scratches from use and road debris. Plus it looks more OEM, in my opinion.

So with all that being said (sorry for the lengthy answer), I think the winner is the etrailer # e87AR. It has the best height, the matte finish, is American made, and will max out the capabilities of your CX-9. The choice is yours to make though, of course.

What are you planning on using the hitch for?

expert reply by: Lazer S

0

CX-9 Class 3 Trailer Hitches
(click to enlarge)

Lazer S.

10/30/2025

Hey Dominik, how did things go with the hitch for your CX-9? Did the etrailer option end up being the right fit for what you needed? Your experience could help others comparing these Class III hitches.

Reply