Choosing Between Class II and Class III Hitch for 2018 Mazda CX-5

Published 09/26/2018

Products Featured in This Question

Curt Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - Class III - 2"

(492)

$191.44

Draw-Tite Max-Frame Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - Class III - 2"

(1049)

$177.97

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

(100)

$193.19

20x60 Curt Cargo Carrier for 2" Hitches - Steel - Folding - 500 lbs

(1151)

$255.79

Kuat NV 2.0 Bike Rack for 4 Bikes - 2" Hitches - Wheel Mount - Gunmetal Gray

(470)

$1678.00

Question:

so why would I choose a class 2 hitch over a class 3 or vice versa?

asked by: Lance

Expert Reply:

When a choice of hitch classes is available for any vehicle we always recommend going with the higher-capacity option since the cost is usually about the same. You can refer to the linked hitch article for details about the various types of hitches offered.

In the case of your 2018 Mazda CX-5 we have both 1-1/4-inch Class II hitches like Curt # C12170 and 2-inch Class III hitches. I recommend the 2-inch Class III Draw-Tite hitch # 76138 since it has the highest weight capacity, the best compatibility with accessory items like bike racks and cargo carriers and because it offers no-drill installation. Photos of both hitches are included.

You can refer to the linked installation video and written instructions. The video will show installation on a 2017 CX-5 and the written instructions will provide a list of the tools needed to mount the hitch.

The Draw-Tite hitch's 675-lb tongue weight rating means that you can safely use a high-capacity hitch cargo carrier like Curt # C18151 or even a multi-bike hitch bike rack like the Kuat platform style 4-bike NV rack # NV22G-NA22G.