Which Class 3 Trailer Hitch To get For A 2023 Mazda CX-9 Carbon Edition?

Updated 01/21/2026 | Published 10/02/2025

Products Featured in This Question

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

(51)

$202.33

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

(176)

$212.85

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

(1)

$231.57

Question:

Good afternoon I’m looking for a tow hitch for my car, it’s a 2023 Mazda CX9 carbon edition, I’m looking for 2inch hitch class III I see that You have couple options available can You tell me which is best and diffrences between them?

asked by: Dominik W

Expert Reply:

Hi Dominik!

We do have 4 Class 3 hitches with 2" receivers available for your 2023 Mazda CX-9 Carbon, all of which are going to be pretty similar. I have all 4 listed below with their weight capacities:

etrailer Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - Class III - 2" # e87AR
Towing capacity: 4,000 pounds
Tongue weight capacity: 600 pounds

Curt Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - Class III - 2" # C13284
Towing capacity: 4,000 pounds (5,000 pounds with weight distribution)
Tongue weight capacity: 600 pounds

TowSmart Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - Class III - 2" # TS53ZR
Towing capacity: 4,500 pounds
Tongue weight capacity: 675 pounds

Draw-Tite Max-Frame Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - Class III - 2" 76020
Towing capacity: 4,500 pounds
Tongue weight capacity: 675 pounds

I checked your owner's manual and your CX-9 can tow 3,500 pounds and has a tongue weight capacity of 350 pounds, so any of these would max out your capacities. You can use weight distribution with all these hitches, but the Curt is the only one where its capacity goes up when doing so. Just be aware that you are still limited to 3,500 pounds as that is what your CX-9 can tow (you are always limited by the lowest rated component).

For hitch height, the Draw-Tite was the lowest at 13 inches, the Curt and TowSmart were in the middle at 14 inches, and the etrailer one was the highest at 14.5 inches.

The etrailer, Curt, and TowSmart hitches are American made, but the Draw-Tite is made in Mexico.

And lastly, the Curt and Draw-Tite hitches have a glossy finish, whereas the etrailer and TowSmart hitches have a matte finish. I am preferable to the matte finish as it tends to blend in with the vehicle better and does a better job of hiding dings and scratches from use and road debris. Plus it looks more OEM, in my opinion.

So with all that being said (sorry for the lengthy answer), I think the winner is the etrailer # e87AR. It has the best height, the matte finish, is American made, and will max out the capabilities of your CX-9. The choice is yours to make though, of course.

What are you planning on using the hitch for?

expert reply by: Lazer S

CX-9 Class 3 Trailer Hitches
(click to enlarge)

Lazer S.

10/30/2025

Hey Dominik, how did things go with the hitch for your CX-9? Did the etrailer option end up being the right fit for what you needed? Your experience could help others comparing these Class III hitches.

1/17/2026

When you mention the hitch height, with the etrailer version being the highest at 14.5 inches, does this mean the hitch is more tucked up for better ground clearance or lower towards the ground?

Lazer S.

1/20/2026

@Ct The 14.5" height I mentioned for the etrailer hitch # e87AR was measured from the ground to the inside top of the receiver opening, so it had the best ground clearance out of all the options. So on the flip side of that, whatever accessory you use in the hitch will also end up being the highest. Just something to keep in mind. What are you wanting to use the hitch for?

1/21/2026

@LazerS thanks for clarifying. I plan on using it for a hitch basket in case I can’t fit everything in the trunk during a camping or road trip. Would also like to be able to tow a small trailer if I ever need to (not likely but just in case)

Lazer S.

1/21/2026

@Ct Gotcha. I think the # e87AR would work perfectly for either of those and it would be the one I would go with. Mostly because I like ground clearance, but I really do prefer the matte black finish we use on our hitches. Oh and if you decide to tow in the future, you will also need some wiring. The Curt T-Connector Vehicle Wiring Harness with 4-Pole Flat Trailer Connector # C56338 (fits the same 2016 to 2023 Mazda CX-9 as the hitch) is a pretty quick and easy plug and play install and will get all the lights working on a small trailer. Have fun out there and let me know if there is anything else we can help with! : )