Hitch To Carry Kuat 2 Bike Rack With Ebikes On Back Of 2025 Subaru Crosstrek

Updated 11/25/2025 | Published 11/20/2025

Question:

I just bought a 2025 Subaru Crosstrek Sport and want to use a Kuat NV 2.0 bike rack for two e-bikes. Is the TowSmart hitch strong enough for that?

asked by: Jason

Expert Reply:

Hey Jason, absolutely - the TowSmart hitch # TS68ZR is a great match for that setup. It’s a Class III, 2-inch receiver rated for 675 lbs tongue weight, so it’s more than capable of handling a two-bike e-bike rack like your Kuat. Just keep in mind that the Crosstrek Sport itself is going to be rated for less, so while the hitch can handle more, you’re still limited by the vehicle’s capacity. I'd recommend checking your owner's manual to find out the exact capacities of your vehicle.

You’ll also have about 12-1/2 inches from the ground to the bottom of the receiver, so ground clearance isn’t an issue for most racks.

How heavy are your e-bikes? I can double-check fit and tilt clearance for your specific rack if you’d like.

expert reply by: Andrew N

crosstrek hitch clearance
(click to enlarge)

Jason

11/25/2025

Thanks Andrew! My e-bikes are around 55 lbs each without the batteries. Do you think the rack will still clear the rear hatch when it’s tilted down?

Andrew N.

11/25/2025

@Jason Yes sir, the Kuat NV 2.0 has a generous tilt-away, and with the TowSmart # TS68ZR sitting just below the bumper, it clears the Crosstrek hatch without any trouble. At 55 lbs per bike, you’re well within both the rack’s rating and the hitch’s 675-lb tongue weight, so your setup looks great. Which NV do you have?