Will Trailer Hitch On 2025 Subaru Forester Block The Hands Free Lift Gate Sensor?

Updated 09/29/2025 | Published 05/15/2025

Products Featured in This Question

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

(700)

$202.41

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

(702)

$171.64

Question:

I have a 2025 Subaru Forester Touring hybrid that features a hands-free, foot-activated power rear gate. There is a sensor under the rear of the car - lift your foot under the center of the rear bumper and the gate will open automatically. The factory hitch apparently turns off this feature. There are Subaru Forester forums that advise this feature still works with an aftermarket hitch without modification and a couple people say they need to relocate the sensor. https://www.subaruforester.org/threads/2025-can-you-install-a-hitch-and-retain-the-rear-power-liftgate-kick-sensor.858894/ Do you have any information or advice, as Id really like to keep this feature?

asked by: Steve R

Expert Reply:

Hello Steve, thanks for reaching out. The hitches we offer for the 2025 Subaru Forester like the etrailer # e83ZR do not require deactivation of the handsfree liftgate sensor. The hitch receiver does sit near the sensor, but the sensor should still work. You will likely just need to waive your foot on either side of the receiver to get it to activate. Sometimes hitch mounted accessories like a bike rack can confuse the backup sensor, but the liftgate sensor will still function. This was the case when we installed the hitch on a 2025 Forester, and you can see that install video linked below.

Hit the reply button below and let me know if there is anything else I can do to help.

expert reply by: Jesse M

etrailer Trailer Hitch Receiver e83ZR
(click to enlarge)

Jesse M.

9/29/2025

Hey Steve, did the hitch installation work out for you while keeping the hands-free liftgate sensor functional? I'm curious to know how it turned out, as it could help others looking to maintain this feature with their Forester.