Is The Curt Hitch Or The Draw-Tite Hitch Better For A 2025 Mazda 3 Sedan?

Question

Question:

Hello, I am looking to install a hitch onto my 2025 Mazda3 Sedan. I am trying to decide between the Curt Trailer Hitch Receiver C44DR and the Draw-Tite Sportframe Trailer Hitch Receiver 24982 listed on your website. Are there any notable differences between these two options, such as build quality or rust resistance? Additionally, for these two hitches, could you please specify the ground clearance measurement to the bottom of the hitch receiver when installed? Thank you!

asked by: Cameron W

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Expert Reply:

Hi Cameron!

For your 2025 Mazda 3 Sedan, I prefer the Curt # C44DR over the Draw-Tite # 24982. They are almost identical and have the same weight capacities, but the Curt is made in America and the Draw-Tite is not. This pretty much always pushes me to the Curt hitches. Plus I have just found them to be nicer.

When we installed the Curt on a 25 Mazda 3 Sedan, we found the hitch height to be 12" (measured from the ground to the inside top of the receiver opening). We haven't had the chance to install the Draw-Tite as of yet, but I would imagine it is almost exactly the same. With the receiver opening being 1-1/4" and the hitch walls being roughly 1/4" thick, you would be looking at +/- 10-1/2 inches of ground clearance.

What are you planning on using the hitch for?

expert reply by: Lazer S

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Draw-Tite Hitch 24982 Mazda 3 Sedan
(click to enlarge)

Curt Hitch C44DR Mazda 3 Sedan
(click to enlarge)

Cameron W.

10/1/2025

Hi Lazer, Wow, thank you for the great breakdown/response - that really helps me decide on which one to get! I am planning to use the hitch to haul a 2-person bike rack. I am currently considering between the Swagman XTC2 and Swagman XC2 on your site. I just wanna get the hitch receiver installed and take measurements first to ensure I get one that works. :)

Reply

Lazer S.

10/1/2025

@CameronW You're very welcome! I probably should have mentioned this in my first response, but both hitches for your Mazda 3 are Class 1 rated hitches. This does limit you a little bit for bike racks and, unfortunately, the two Swagman options you are looking at technically can't be used as they are Class 2 and up. But fret not, I do have another option I think you will like. Check out the Hollywood Racks Destination Bike Rack for 2 Bikes - 1-1/4" and 2" Hitches - Frame Mount # HLY94FR. It is a little more expensive (sorry about that), but it is a little more optioned out as well. Plus I think the cradles your tires sit in are nicer and the clamps on the upright are more versatile. With all that said, I fully endorse installing the hitch first to get measurements. Wish more people would do that. : )

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Cameron

10/1/2025

@LazerS I see, thank you for noting that. Could you expand a bit more on what the different Class ratings mean, and why it's not advised to use a different rated bike rack on the hitch receiver, please?

Reply

Lazer S.

10/1/2025

@Cameron Certainly. Both Class 1 and Class 2 hitches have a 1-1/4" receiver opening, but there are a few differences. The biggest is the carrying capacity: Class 1: 100 to 200 pounds tongue weight 1,000 to 2,000 pounds towing capacity Class 2: 200 to 350 pounds tongue weight 2,000 to 3,500 pounds towing capacity Class 2 hitches are a bit more robust than their Class 1 counterparts, allowing for their higher capabilities. The other thing is, in some Class 1 hitches (though not all), there is a tab welded inside the receiver tube that will not allow Class 2 accessories to slide all the way into the hitch. Class 1 accessories tend to have the hitch pin hole much closer to the end of the shank to account for this. Most hitches have gone away from this and I don't think either one of the hitches for your vehicle has this welded tab, but it is still better to stay on the safe side of things and abide by the hitch class for the accessory. Plus not doing so can and will void warranties. I hope that helps as I think that is the best I have ever done with explaining the difference between these two classes. : P

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See All (5) Replies to Cameron W. ∨

Answer 1

Hey Don! The difference between these two Curt hitches is the fitment. The #C44DR fits the sedan and the #C98BR fits the hatchback. You will need to choose based on which Mazda 3 model you have. What do you plan on using the hitch for?

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Answer 2

Hey Daniel, Good question, and there is really just one difference that could matter between the Draw-Tite Max-Frame Trailer Hitch Receiver #DT55GR and Curt Trailer Hitch Receiver #C93VV for your 2025 Chevy Trailblazer, and that's the tongue…

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Answer 3

The Draw-Tite Sportframe Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - Class I - 1-1/4" #24982 you were looking at is confirmed to fit your 2021 Mazda 3 Sedan AWD and is a great option for a bike rack due to its 200lb tongue weight rating. Depending on…

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Answer 4

For the 2022 Mazda 3 hatchback we have the Curt hitch part #C98BR as a confirmed fit. The part #24982 only fits the sedan models.

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Answer 5

Yes, it does!. The EcoHitch Hidden Trailer Hitch item #EH23VR does indeed fit the 2023 Mazda 3 Sedan. This hitch has a 2" receiver, is custom fit for your Mazda, and bolts to it with included hardware. I have linked the installation instructions…

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Answer 6

We actually have a great hitch that fits your 2022 Mazda 3 sedan! That is the Draw-Tite Sportframe Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - Class I - 1-1/4" #24982. This hitch provides your Mazda 3 with 200 pounds of maximum tongue weight and 2,000…

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Answer 7

I have a hitch for your 2020 Mazda 3 hatchback but there are no 2" receivers available. At this point I would say there is not going to be one made for it. You can still do some towing with the Curt item #C98BR. This hitch has a 1-1/4"…

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Answer 8

Since your 2021 Mazda 3 is still the 4th generation which is the same as the 2019-2020 Mazda 3, we were able to confirm that the Draw-Tite Sportframe Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - Class I - 1-1/4" #24982 you mentioned would fit just fine…

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Answer 9

Hey Andrew, so EcoHitch does not like to offer online versions of their instructions, which is pretty annoying, but the hitch definitely does come with a printed set that are easy to follow. The best solution I can offer you right now would be to…

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Answer 10

Yes the Curt #C98BR is a fit for your 2019 Mazda 3 hatchback with the rear diffuser. I attached a picture of this hitch installed on a similar Mazda 3 that has the same the rear diffuser.

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