How Far Does TowSmart Trailer Hitch Receiver Stick Out Behind 2025 Subaru Crosstrek?

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

Question:

How far does the receiver stick out on the back of a 2025 Crosstrek once it’s installed? I don’t want my cargo carrier to be too far out.

asked by: Allen

Expert Reply:

That’s a good detail to check, Allen. With the TowSmart # TS68ZR installed on a Crosstrek, the center of the hitch pin hole is about 3-1/2" from the bumper edge, and the receiver sits nearly flush for a clean look. That spacing usually lets folding bike racks clear the bumper when stowed. Usually the issue is with certain vehicles that have rear spare tires, like older RAV4s and some jeep wranglers.

What size carrier are you using? You'll also have about 12-1/2" from bottom of the receiver to the ground, so you won't need to worry about most carriers getting to close to the ground on this SUV.

expert reply by: Andrew N

Allen

11/25/2025

Thanks, Andrew. does that small 3-1/2" distance mean most folding carriers will clear the bumper when they’re upright?

Andrew N.

11/25/2025

@Allen Yes that is correct. With it sitting that close to the bumper, most folding carriers and bike racks clear just fine when stowed. The Crosstrek’s flat rear bumper design really helps here. If you tell me which carrier you’re looking at, I can confirm fitment and make sure you’re good to go; but I really don't see any issues with any racks on this setup. Now if you had a big rear bumper or a jeep with a rear spare tire, it would be a different story.