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This fully welded steel hitch is built to handle real work with a 4,500-lb maximum gross trailer weight and 675-lb maximum tongue weight. The 2" x 2" receiver gives you more accessory options—bike racks, cargo carriers, and ball mounts all fit right in. It’s a solid choice for light to moderate towing or for carrying heavy gear on the back without worrying about flex or stability.
Draw-Tite’s combination of an e-coat base and a powder coat finish gives this hitch excellent rust protection and durability. The coating stands up to road salt, rain, and debris while keeping the hitch looking clean under the bumper. It’s all part of Draw-Tite’s “Tested Tough” standard that exceeds industry testing for fatigue and static strength.
No drilling or welding needed—this hitch is designed specifically for a precise bolt-on fit. It comes with the complete hardware kit and installation instructions right in the box, so you can install it in your driveway using basic tools. The mounting holes line up with existing factory points for easy alignment and a secure fit every time.
The cross tube tucks neatly behind the bumper, leaving only the square receiver visible. This hidden design keeps the rear of your vehicle looking clean while still giving you full Class III utility. You get a hitch that looks like it belongs there instead of something bolted on as an afterthought.
Customer Satisfaction Score:
97% were satisfied with this product
3% of customers were not satisfied
Ratings & Reviews
Great Product! - Super Easy installation.
Just bought a 2018 CX-5 and felt that $495 was too steep for the Mazda 1" hitch. Did my research and found that this was the beefiest available (600+ lbs tongue weight!). Got it on Friday, and installed it on Saturday. The instructions stated 20 minutes for a pro. I'm a fair backyard mechanic. I do brakes, oil changes, minor repairs like a window regulator, so I'm not averse to tools, but am no pro.
This was a piece of cake to install! I took me about 40 minutes start to finish. Granted, I have a limited garage (no lift, I used jack stands to lift up the rear for more working room, though I'm not sure it was truly necessary), but I did buy the special pliers to remove the exhaust donuts (Lisle #38350) which was worth every penny of $15.
The instructional videos made it super easy and gave me all the detail I needed.
I would highly recommend this product. Looks good, Strong enough and has the full 2" receiver capacity (just remember the vehicle can't probably handle a heavy trailer. the manufacturers rating is 2000 lbs.)
The hitch is great functionally, seems very solid and does what it’s supposed to do. It’s not very difficult to install and on the CX-5 it looks great without sticking out too much.
What bothers me is the manufacturer’s claim that “The combination of an e-coat base and a powder coat finish provides excellent rust protection”. This is far from truth. The top coat started bubbling and peeling off and the hitch started rusting after less than 2 months after installation before even seeing any snow (see attached picture). I understand if this happened after a long and heavy winter but that was not the case. I’m not impressed with the top coat quality at all.
I decided to order this after my Mazda dealer quoted me $650 to install a tiny class 1 hitch on my CX-5. I am not handy at all, but figured it was worth the risk and cost savings to try this myself. I watched a YouTube video on the installation process and then bit the bullet and bought this. I'm super happy with my decision. Between the video and the included instructions, I was able to get through the installation easily and the product looks and feels very high quality. Doing it myself saved me a ton of money.
My main purpose for installing this was because my kids are riding bikes now and we need to fit 4 on a rack, which I only wanted to do on a hitch rack. In about 90 minutes I'm all set!
This hitch receiver works perfectly with no issues. Installation on my 2023 Mazda CX3 was straightforward, though it helps to have two sets of hands. I have used it over the past year mostly to pull an 8x4 ft. trailer, hauling brush and building supplies. I have also used it to mount a bike carrier and had no problems. I'm completely satisfied with it.
Installation was pretty straight forward, but I did have to bend the rear upper hangers of the exhaust, so they could clear the mounting brackets for the hitch.
Be sure to watch the video on this site!!! It will give some good pointers!!! Particularly where to put the "rubbers" for the rear exhaust mounts!! (HINT: Leave them on the car's hangers! Once the hitch is in place, you can not access two of the hangers!!)
If you have no one to help you, you can use the stock CX-5 roadside jack to hold one side in place, while you are working on the other side!
I do recommend that you leave the fishing wires on the bolts until you have the hitch up in place, and only remove them one at a time, as you are ready to put the nuts and washers on! (I had 2 bolts get knocked up into the frame, and had to make new fishing tools to get the bolts back into place.)
I'll be using the new hitch to pull a trailer from Bakersfield, CA. to Eastern Montana.
I'm sorry for the quality of the pictures, the camera on the phone is horrid!
Let me start with saying etrailer is a great company and this is the second purchase from etrailer and I will definitely be a repeat again and again customer.
I love the detailed vehicle specific installation videos. You really made the job easy.
My most recent purchase from etrailer is the Mazda 2021 cx5 hitch, item number 76138.. I watched the video and took careful notes and the installation was as simple as it could be. Raising the back of the car is the only challenge but that has nothing to do with etrailer.
I had an issue where the installation video shows the anti vibration option. ( basically the second hole in the receiver. ) that was demonstrated on the installation video as well as pictures on the product page. My mistake, I did not check for this extra hole until after I had installed the hitch. Too late to take the hitch off and return for a replacement.
I called etrailer and explained my issue and they were very receptive and never made me feel like it was my mistake. In fact they conceded that was their error. The customer service rep even went as far to research my options and explained to me that there is an additional piece I could buy that would resolve the rattle. He offered to refund me the purchase price of the additional part. All great customer service treatment. My only issue is that I asked if instead of refunding me the amount could they just send me the piece that was equivalent in price to the refund they issued. Unfortunately the billing system at etrailer can not handle this option. So I am a bit disappointed that I would have to pick up the shipping as well as wait for my refund to clear when I feel like etrailer’s system should have just sent me the part. Especially after conceding that it was not as advertised.
Again this has not changed my opinion that the product and customer support at etrailer are second to none.
Fairly simple installation with clear instructions. Took me about an hour doing the install alone. Didn't need to lift the car off the ground, and I used a jack to lift the hitch while I bolted it down. Hardest part was torqueing down the bolts. My torque wrench was relatively short, so I needed to assemble my own version of a breaker bar to get the bolts tightened to specifications. All in all, very impressed with the part, installation, and price!
Fine hitch, very sturdy. Arrived super quick from etrailer. Mounts slightly recessed from bumper with no bumper cuts necessary. Bought to use with single 1UP USA bike rack and the combo is rock solid with my 2017 Mazda CX-5 GT. Was worried that need to insert the rack 4+" into hitch receiver might not allow rack to clear the bumper when in its fold up position. etrailer looked at schematic and assured me it would. They were right! No issues.
My only advice, if you plan to use the 1UP double rack AND keep it on the car all the time, you might choose a hitch that extends about .5" further out. This would allow the hatch door to clear the double rack in full fold up position and stay within 1UP insertion requirements. The door easily clears the single rack. Tried it with a 1UP add on (turning my single rack into a double) in full vertical fold up and was surprised to find it almost cleared as well when right at the minimum insertion!
Anyway, fine hitch, thanks etrailer!
2017 Mazda CX5
-Purchased for hauling bikes/bike rack
-Reasons for purchase over other hitches:
Good instructions and video , I was confident this would fit my vehicle.
Price.
No Modifications to vehicle other than removing small trim piece.
2” is more versatile and can be used for other/bigger things in the future.
Can be upgraded with wiring to tow larger things like trailers/campers.
Can easily be Removed if no longer needed/wanted/sold.
Product arrived promptly.
Installation took approx 60minutes from taking it out of the box in my garage with NO jacks/ramps/lifts. I had my 13 year old son help for a few minutes to hold one side as I lifted it into place. Recommended Tools are a MUST.
Disappointed that out of the box the paint was already flaking off!
I did not bother complaining or returning....because after all this is going UNDER A Car.... BUT....the paint Should Survive Shipping!
This hitch was easy to install with the video instructions etrailer provided. I did not have to jack my Mazda CX-5 but the wheels are 19-inch. It was helpful to have someone to help hold the hitch in place while tightening the fasteners. Leaving the rear rubber hangers on the top while facing them forward was a good tip I saw in other reviews. I also ordered a bike rack that was just as easy to put together. Very satisfied with this company.
Delivery and product were excellent. With the helpful videos, installation was straightforward. I realize the item description said a part may be needed to be cut for the 2017 Mazda CX-5 GT model, but it would have been nice to have a custom made hitch fit perfectly without discarding a piece of the plastic under the bumper. There is a strip of plastic that needs to be removed and discarded with a flathead screwdriver for the hitch to fit on the GT model. Besides that, everything was of great quality and craftsmanship. After reading other reviews, I listened to others and left the rubber exhaust hangers on the top hooks, on the car, rather than on the exhaust itself. One thing to add was when I rotated the hanger to make installing the hitch easier, I rotated it back towards the rear, which I later learned took a little effort rotating it all the way forward and down to reattach the exhaust. I should have rotated the oval hanger forward, towards the front, which would have taken no effort rotating back down to reattach the exhaust. Don't know if that makes any sense, but I'll attach some photos for reference.
Great trailer hitch! Strong and well crafted. Perfect for our 5 bike rack, and could clearly handle a trailer or other heavy load. Instructional video was clear and comprehensive. And it looks great. Based on this experience, this is a quality company that takes pride in providing quality products. My compliments to the staff.
Price was excellent. I was able to follow the video and install this on my CX5 with some help during the last step. The hitch receiver has performed flawlessly and very happy with purchase. I use it to mount a bicycle rack (older heavier model bike rack).
The process of ordering was very simple and delivery was great next day that was awesome. I also loved the screw kit for the installation of the hitch you guys thought of everything having the spring wires that attach to the bolts for putting through the frame of the car made mounting so much easier and your video for mounting was spot on great! I’m so happy that I bought my hitch from you guys and this is the second time I’ve bought from you keep up the great work! Will definitely be back in the future! Thank you again!
Solid construction, perfect fit and looks . Installation was a breeze with a 2nd set of hands to help hold in place while installing the fasteners. The installation video was also extremely helpful and well done.
Primarily expect to use this for bicycle rack/transport; however, we may also use it to tow a trailer at some point.
Overall we’re extremely happy with the purchase. etrailer made all aspects of the purchase easy. Everything from information/videos on selecting the right hitch, bike rack and accessories; simple online ordering and fast shipping.
I highly recommend!
I purchased the Draw-Tite hitch for our Mazda CX-5. It arrived as promised and fit perfectly. I found the website installation video was extremely helpful which made the self installation much faster than using only the supplied paper instructions. Total installation time was about 90 minutes with my wife helping support the hitch during it's installation. This part is at most 10 minutes so the vast majority of the work is a one man operation. I used standard 9" car ramps to raise the rear end and had plenty of room to work under the car. My only note in addition to the instructional video is to make sure you leave the rear most rubber isolators attached to the car, not the muffler, when lowering the muffler assembly. You will not have room to install them between the hitch and mounting bracket once the muffler is back up in position. The forward rubber isolators don't have the same restriction. The supplied hardware and aids to help install the washer/bolts in the frame were spot on. All in all I could not have been happier with both the installation and hitch itself. Lastly, as the instructions call out for the removal of a trim piece under the bumper prior to installation, I was able to cut and modify the original trim piece around the newly installed hitch so that it could be re-installed. Not sure it is really required but figured what comes off should go back on if possible. Pictures of both the final installation and of the re-installed trim piece below. Bottom line, Another great experience with Etrailer products !
Shipping was fast, install was a breeze. My wife helped me to lift into place but aside from that the videos were spot on on how to install it onto my 2014 cx5. We plan on using this for our camping trips. Next purchase will be a cargo carrier.
This hitch does NOT fit the 2021 Mazda CX-5. While it can be installed, it touches the muffler hangers. This causes a loud rattle in the car when you go over a bump. I talked to e-trailer about this and they recommended bending the muffler hangers or modifying it in some other way that they could not explain. If you have to modify your vehicle to make something fit, then I don’t think that counts as custom fitting.
Sierra K.
6/10/2022
This is a simple fix that you can do or a muffler shop can do for you. Please take a look at this help article regarding the issue:
Helpful Links
Seems solid so far but not much use yet. I appreciated all the installation videos. I used large channel locks instead of a pry bar to wrestle off the rubber hangers when lowering the exhaust system.
Alex
9/10/2025
After a year weve used it with our bike rack a handful of times, including a couple 4 hour drives and some gravel roads. No issues so far.
The hitch looks great! Just like the other reviews, an extrat set of hands to hold the hitch into place really helps! Once the exhaust hangers were removed, the installation went very quick. As per instructions/video/other reviewers...remember to put the rubber hangers back into place on the frame mounts BEFORE putting hitch into place. Now I’m just waiting for my bike rack to arrive and I will be ready to roll!
Kevin
11/17/2019
Worked great traded rig in for a truck.
It fit perfectly and the instructions were well written and correct. That doesn’t happen very often. I installed it by myself. I used wood blocks to hold it up while I lined it up and put the nuts on the bolts.
This is a great quality product with excellent installation support that I have come to expect from etrailer! My hitch receiver came with all hardware and ingenious "fish wires" to install this unit making it a simple procedure. For a person like me doing this in my driveway I can say that having an assistant, while not necessary, would make this install much easier. Other suggestions to future installers is that the latest etrailer video for this Draw Tite is a must watch. Additional suggestions are: leave all 4 rubber muffler hangers on the top frame hanger posts, twist the rearward pair to point to the front of the car before mounting the unit and have a deep and shallow (standard depth) 19mm or 3/4 inch socket for your torque wrench since room is limited.
Mark P.
12/6/2021
Works well as expected. Will be buying from etrailer in the future.
Product Was good and fit perfectly on my car.Installation is super easy as with instructions and videos.This is my first time installing a hitch so initially I struggled as due to lack of help. After a little research and with the help of a friend Installed in 15 Mins(Research and initials trail not counted).Things to remember.
1)Car ramps will help where we can pick from [hardware store].
2)Flat head screwdriver and soap water is super good option for removing Exhaust from hangers.
3)Rubber bushes should be on top hooks and facing front side of the car(Not back side to-wards trunk).
4)Remove one facia screw(plastic clip) for easy adjustment which was not demonstrated in the video but advised in the manual.
5)Better to keep the fish wires of the back bolts to avoid pushing them inside the frame.(C-retention rings will help where manufacturer is not providing).
6)Second person will make the job easy.
Paint Quality is very very poor which is pealing out as mentioned by others in this forum.
Installed my Kuat rack which comes with stabilizer and fits perfect.
yet to test on the roads.
Pics or not so clear.
Kamalakara
6/9/2019
This is one of the best thing i have chosen
I couldn’t be any happier with this purchase. The drawtite hitch is solid and is even hidden well beneath the rear bumper, so that’s a plus. It took the mechanics less than 30 minutes to install it since it was a custom hitch. I’ve always wanted a hitch specifically for carriers and bike racks, now I have one and am very satisfied with my purchase. Thank you Etrailer for all of the research you all do and for the very informative site. It cuts my work in half. Here is a photo of my Mazda with hitch installed and an overdrive sports rack hooked to it.
Melisa
8/8/2021
I am very pleased with this product!!! I have not had any issues, it’s been reliable and still looks like a bought it yesterday. Absolutely no rust and since I do not have a carport or garage, it’s constantly exposed to outdoor conditions in Western NC many love this area, it’s temperate rain forest. Anyway, I do not regret purchasing! Love it! I keep a 3- bike rack carrier hooked up at all times bc I ride a lot! Every other day or so. The bike I own is a radrover, so it weighs about 60lbs plus. Also, I have two regular bicycles for cruising, which are lighter, but regardless, the hitch has proven to be strong and durable. One happy customer.
Instructions did not cover every detail, particularly how to deal with tight clearance in reinstalling the rear exhaust hangers, but with a little patience, not hard to figure out. Silicone spray lube on rubber hangers a must. Only about 1/8" to 1/4" clearance between end of rear exhaust hanger post and frame of hitch, but that's enough. Hopefully, car manufacturer is as precise as Draw-Tite when doing that install or a little bending or grinding may be necessary. Did the install by myself with the help of a couple of ratchet straps. Okay if you are not in a hurry, but a second set of hands would make install a lot quicker.
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Anjinsan
6/24/2021
Perfect!!! After a year and several campingmoving my oldest into college trips it has been a blast. If I could I would buy 2!!!