Will Curt Hitch for 2025 Subaru Forester Block Handsfree Liftgate

Updated 07/14/2025 | Published 08/06/2024

Question:

Do any of your hitches for new 2025 Subaru Forester allow the new handsfree tailgate kick option to still work? The dealer installed hitch deactivates the kick sensor

asked by: Jim

Expert Reply:

Hey Jim, so the hitches we offer for your 2025 Subaru Forester like the Curt part # C13409 that you referenced do not require deactivating the rear kick sensors for the rear hatch but they will probably at least partially block the sensor so you would need to kick to either side of the hitch opening.

expert reply by: Jameson C

Lane P.

1/29/2025

Has anyone put this scenario to the test? Kind of annoyed that to bypass the sensor requires a bypass kit from Subaru which only comes with one of their hitches.

Jameson C.

1/29/2025

@LaneP We've had a few customer of ours let us know that the sensor does still work if you kick to side of the hitch. I would agree it's pretty annoying. One way around that is a hitch with a removable lower section like the Hidden Hitch part # DT24YR. With the lower part removed (when hitch isn't in use) the sensors wouldn't be affected at all.

Lane P.

1/29/2025

@JamesonC My concern is accidental opening of the rear hatch with the sensor partially covered / activated.