Will I Need To Enlarge Holes To Install A Hitch On A 2024 Subaru Crosstrek Limited

Updated 10/19/2025 | Published 05/28/2024

Products Featured in This Question

etrailer Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - Matte Black Finish - Class III - 2"

(1611)

$177.65

EcoHitch Stealth Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - Class III - 2"

(71)

$492.99

Question:

I have a 2024 Subaru Crosstrek Limited. I’ve been doing research on what hitch to purchase and a lot of people mention the Curt. I just like this one because it’s the same hitch, but with the matte black finish. I’ve also been looking at the ecohitch, but it’s much more expensive. Between the two, I was wondering why do you have to enlarge the wholes for this one and not the ecohitch? Is it purely because of hardware size? And if I got this hitch, is there an alternative set of bolts I could buy to avoid that? I’d rather not doing any drilling because then it exposes raw metal and I’d have to put something for rust prevention. But I also don’t want to spend 300 more dollars just to avoid that.

asked by: David M

Expert Reply:

Hello David, great question. So, there is a chance that you will have to enlarge the access holes for the both the etrailer # e98912 hitch and the EcoHitch # 306-X7365. Both hitches come with the same size spacers.

The picture below will help illustrate. The hitch attaches using two bolts, and there are two existing holes in the frame rail for these bolts. There SHOULD be a 3rd larger hole a bit forward of the two holes. As long as this 3rd larger hole is present, you will be able to fish the bolts thru without enlarging any holes. You may have to remove a plastic insert to reveal the hole. We have rarely seen a few models that do not have this 3rd hole, and on these models the holes will need to be enlarged.

If you can hop under your car really quick you should be able to easily determine if that 3rd hole is present, like I said it SHOULD be there. Our install video for the 2019 Crosstrek does a great job showing this right after the 2:00 mark. You will find our video linked below. Feel free to reach out if you have any other questions for me.

expert reply by: Jesse M

Subaru Crosstrek Frame Rail Hole Location
(click to enlarge)

David M.

6/3/2024

Awesome man. Thank you for the info! I appreciate it. I do have the 3rd hole that is larger. So just to verify before I order, I can get the etrailer hitch in matte black (e98912) and not have to enlarge the holes correct?

Jesse M.

6/3/2024

@DavidM That is correct. The 3rd hole will be big enough to fit the spacers without you having to enlarge anything. The frame spacers are 1" wide so you could even measure the 3rd hole just to be absolutely sure they will fit. Like I said we do on rare occasion see variances with these holes in the frame rail.

David M.

6/3/2024

@JesseM but either way, both the hitches use the same size hardware correct? So if that’s all I’m worried about, I can’t go wrong either way.

Jesse M.

6/3/2024

@DavidM Yes, both hitches use the same hardware and especially the same 1" wide frame spacers. The EcoHitch has the stainless steel receiver, but that is really the only thing that sets it apart from our etrailer # e98912 hitch. Like you said, the matte black finish will blend better with the underbody of your car. We also have around that the matte black is better at resisting scratches and scuffs than the gloss black alternatives.

See All (7) Replies to David M. ∨

David M.

6/3/2024

In the video for the 2024 Crosstrek it shows it needing to be enlarged. I happened to see a review that said it wasn’t actually necessary so I’m just trying to get clarity.

Jesse M.

6/3/2024

@DavidM The size and placement of these holes can sometimes vary. Most models have the larger 3rd hole that I mentioned but some don't. Thats why we state the holes MAY need to be enlarged. If you want to be 100% sure just measure that 3rd hole and make sure it is at least 1" in diameter. If so, no enlargement needed. Sometimes enlarging the holes can make the bolt fishing process easier.

Brian D.

10/19/2025

@DavidM Hi David - Just bought a used 2024 Crosstrek Limited and, like you, I want to install a 2" hitch WITHOUT drilling/enlarging holes in the frame rails. Did you have success with this hitch? Were you able to install without enlarging the holes? Thank you, Brian