What Hitch For The 2026 Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid Has The Best Ground Clearance?

Updated 04/22/2026 | Published 01/04/2026

Products Featured in This Question

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

(43)

$255.17

EcoHitch Stealth Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - 2"

(29)

$523.13

Question:

Hello quick question.I just purchased a new 2026 Subaru crosstrek hybrid limited and would like a 2inch receiver hitch so I can mount my Thule T2 pro xt bike carrier. I would like a hitch that has the highest ground clearance so the rack wont have a chance of hitting things when going to trail heads off road.Thank you for any help you can give! Mike

asked by: Mike

Expert Reply:

Hello Mike, thanks for reaching out. We do offer a few different hitches for the 2026 Subaru Crosstrek, the Curt # C22MJ, the Draw-Tite # 76209 and the EcoHitch # EH57CR. All 3 of these hitches place the receiver in virtually the same position beneath the bumper where the bottom edge of the receiver is right about 13" from the ground. This is actually decent ground clearance and should not present any issues. Really only extreme/severe inclines would be a problem and typically you would not come across anything like this in normal driving conditions. If you plan to do any off-roading I imagine you should be fine, just be aware of whatever cargo you have on the back, and take things slow when you are hauling anything.

I used to have a Sienna with a hitch and it sat pretty low like less than 10" from the ground. Even with a cargo rack installed there were no ground clearance issues. Then again Missouri isn't exactly known for its steep inclines but still.

That said, the hitch I recommend for your Crosstrek is the Curt # C22MJ. It has decent ground clearance like I mentioned above, plus the hitch crosstube will be concealed behind the bumper, so it will look better. It has a 2" receiver, and a 525 lb tongue weight capacity. So plenty strong for a cargo carrier or a few bikes or whatnot.

What will you be using the hitch for primarily? A bike rack?

expert reply by: Jesse M

C22MJ Example
(click to enlarge)

Mike

1/6/2026

Jesse thanks for getting back to me! I will be ordering that hitch when the car comes in and I take delivery. I will be using the hitch for primarily a bike rack. I have a Thule t2 pro xt 2 bike carrier that I use most of the time but also have a 4 bike Thule revert carrier as well for when I go away and want to bring multiple bikes with me. Thanks for the info and have a great day! Mike

Jesse M.

1/6/2026

@Mike Oh nice how exciting! Congrats on the new car! The Curt hitch I mentioned above will work great for that the two bike and four bike racks will not be a problem even if you have heavier bikes. Keep in mind your Subaru also has a designated tongue weight rating which may be slightly lower than that of the hitch. So please keep that number in mind. Still, you will be good to go! Safe travels! You know where to find me if you ever need anything

Tom A.

4/21/2026

Hi Jesse M., I just want to confirm this will work for the ‘26 Crosstrek Hybrid. The automated “fit check” for the C22MJ says it fits ‘26 Crosstreks excluding the Hybrid.