Will the Same Hitch Work on the 2025 Subaru Forester Base Model and the Wilderness Edition?

Updated 08/25/2025 | Published 02/26/2025

Products Featured in This Question

Curt T-Connector Vehicle Wiring Harness with 4-Pole Flat Trailer Connector

(3521)

$40.27

Mounting Bracket 4-Pole Flat

(6189)

$10.37

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

(651)

$171.76

Question:

What 2inch hitches work for a 2025 Subaru Forester Wilderness Edition? The 2025 Wilderness body style is the same as the 2024 Forester. The new 2025 body style of the Forester does NOT apply to the 2025 Wilderness Edition. Thanks

asked by: Tom H

Expert Reply:

Hello Tom,

Congrats on the new 2025 Subaru Wilderness! What is your favorite new feature?

I went ahead and reached out to the Subaru OEM parts website and was able to confirm that the same hitch will work for the both the 2025 Forester and the Wilderness Edition. So that means that the frame on the vehicle is the same (at least at the rear of the vehicle) even if the body is different. I know the Wilderness is raised a bit more than the base and has a wider bumper, which will help with keeping the receiver somewhat concealed.

For your 2025 Subaru Wilderness I would go with our etrailer Trailer Hitch Receiver # e83ZR, it has a nice black matte finish which I think gives it that nice OEM look. I attached an install that we did on a 2024 Wilderness, we have not had the pleasure of installing one on the 2025. If you are close to Wentzville, MO we would love to do the install for you free of charge so we can have the video for it.

I see that you already found the wiring, the Curt T-Connector Vehicle Wiring Harness with 4-Pole Flat Trailer Connector # C56040 is going to be a great fit. Don't forget to grab a Mounting Bracket 4-Pole Flat # 18144 for a clean looking install.

What are you mainly going to be using the hitch for?

expert reply by: Kate F

etrailer Hitch Installed on 2024 Wilderness
(click to enlarge)

Tom H.

3/2/2025

We love the added ground clearance of the Wilderness Edition as we will be using the hitch primarily to haul our bikes. Thanks for your help.

Kate F.

3/2/2025

@TomH Anytime Tom! If you ever have any questions in the future, you know where to find me. Happy riding =)

Steph

3/18/2025

Hi! Is it the same answer for the 2024 wilderness edition?

Kate F.

3/19/2025

@Steph Hello Steph! Yes, it will be the same parts for your 2024 Wilderness. What are you looking to tow with your Subaru?

Ryan W.

8/24/2025

So, I got the dealer to throw in cross bars and their hitch with labor when I bought a 2025 Forester Wilderness. The hitch they're using (and the only one they'll put on) requires removing the bumper and apparently cutting an arch into the bottom to fit the hitch. This seems crazy to me. Why aren't they using this hitch instead. What am I missing?

Kate F.

8/25/2025

@RyanW The dealers typically only use their Subaru hitches, but this is an aftermarket one. There’s nothing wrong with the aftermarket hitches like our etrailer # e83ZR, and they will not void your warranty either. Next time you need a hitch, I recommend using our dealer locator to find someone in your area who installs aftermarket hitches. The shops listed there are ones we’ve already vetted to make sure they’re legitimate and experienced, with a strong history of ordering from us. I’ve attached a link so you can check it out. Out of curiosity, how much did your dealer charge you?

Helpful Links

installer/near-me

Ryan W.

8/25/2025

@KateF They're not charging me, which is the ONLY reason I'm probably having them do it (I need to bring it back Wednesday so they can install), but I believe the hitch itself is $650 (ridiculous!) and 2.5 hours of labor cost. It's just wild to me the hitch of choice requires removing the bumper rather than the mounting style of the #e83zr, which was similar to the aftermarket hitch I had put on my 2012 Forester. And apparently they need to cut out some of the bumper so it fits when they put the bumper back on. Buying a brand new car to cut into the bumper doesn't make sense when there seems to be alternatives.

Kate F.

8/25/2025

@RyanW Oh wow, $650 is ridiculous! I am glad you are not paying that, and they are doing it for free! Most of the time (but not all of the time), a little fascia trimming to the bumper is necessary for the receiver to fit. Yes, it is shocking to have to cut into your new car, but it is the price we must pay for towing, or being able to haul around our toys that bring meaning to our lives, as we all have our own adventures! What are you looking to use the hitch for?