Custom Hitch and Wiring for a 2025 Subaru Outback Wagon

Updated 06/10/2026 | Published 06/01/2026

Products Featured in This Question

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

(417)

$253.36

Curt T-Connector Vehicle Wiring Harness with 4-Pole Flat Trailer Connector

(3650)

$44.48

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

(50)

$226.34

Question:

Hello, I have a 2025 Outback Wilderness and Im wanting to purchase a trailer hitch receiver and wiring as well. I see you have several options in prices for different types..but didnt really see the difference. So any suggestions would be appreciated. Thank you - Alan Solis

asked by: Alan S

Expert Reply:

Thanks for reaching out, Alan.

I completely understand having a bit of confusion when it comes to our hitch options—we have quite a few. After looking at what’s available for your Outback, there are two different styles to choose from based on how they install and how they look once installed.

The etrailer custom-fit hitch # e25TR does require you to remove the bumper from your Outback to gain access to the mounting holes, and you'll need to do some trimming on the underside of the bumper. The upside is that once it's installed, all you'll see is the receiver tube below the bumper.

If you're looking for a slightly easier installation, I'd go with the Curt custom hitch # C69VV. You won't have to remove the bumper for this one. You will need to lower the exhaust to gain access to the mounting holes in the frame, and there is some minor heat shield modification required.

Lastly, Curt offers a custom wiring harness, part # C56040. It's a pretty straightforward plug-and-play installation. The harness stores inside the cargo area when not in use, and you can easily pull it out when needed. Some people choose to route the harness permanently to the hitch area instead. There's really no right or wrong way to do it.

What are you going to be towing with your Outback?

expert reply by: Gwendolyn Y

etrailer Hitch Installed
(click to enlarge)

Curt Hitch Installed
(click to enlarge)

Tom T.

6/9/2026

I bought the eTrailer hitch, because it is discrete, and doesn't have some ugly horizontal bar showing. I'm very happy with it. Good luck.

Gwendolyn Y.

6/9/2026

@TomT I totally agree, having a canceled cross tube is so much better.

Mike M.

6/9/2026

I have used both styles the Curt on my 2013 outback and the etrailer on my 2024 outback. I prefer the Etrailer receiver as it looks better. The specs are very similar and install was easy for both. I used the Curt 4pin wiring kit on both cars once again simple installation. I have since installed a Curt 4pin to 7pin connector kit in my 2024.

Gwendolyn Y.

6/9/2026

@MikeM Thanks for sharing your thoughts between the two hitches, Mike. Its not often that we get to hear first hand experiences comparing the two hitches so this is really helpful.

Harold N.

6/9/2026

Alan I just installed the etrailer Hitch on my 2024 Outback. Gwen's pics show the difference after installation. The etrailer is very discreet and if it reduces ground clearance at all, it can't be by much. You'll need basic mechanical tools, including access to a torque wrench. You do need to take off and re-install the entire real plastic bumper cover. I'd say anyone with the skills to, say, do a brake job on the car should handle this OK. Suggest you hit existing bumper mounting bolts (4 of them) with penetrating oil a few hours in advance of removing them 'cause it would be a real pain to break one of those. Also one mounting bolt will wind up in a inconvenient location next to the muffler -- I removed the rear-most rubber exhaust mount temporarily to get access to that bolt with the torque wrench. Then it was easy. Suggest you have a few new Suburu panel fasteners on hand as you're likely to break a couple taking them out and the used ones can be hard to install. The 4-pin wiring harness is plug-and-play. just need to mount it somewhere handy in the spare tire well. Good product, heavy and well finished. Can't vouch for rust resistance as mine has only been installed a couple of weeks. Good Luck!

Gwendolyn Y.

6/9/2026

@HaroldN Wow, thanks for sharing all these great tips. Getting some extra fasteners is a really good idea. Sometimes you can get really lucky and they wont fight with you, but sometimes they do

Bruce L.

6/9/2026

Hi Alan, I have a 2026 Outback Touring XT and chose the Etrailer custom hitch. It is great quality finish and I did not want to have a hitch fully exposed below my bumper. The only part you see is the 2” receiver tube, everything else is hidden. I did have to remove the bumper to mount it. I had a 2018 Outback prior and did the install myself. I ended up having a local shop install this one as I didn’t want to have to take the exhaust pipe hangers off and lower the exhaust. It’s not a big job but I’m 73 now and didn’t want to deal with it. The hitch looks great and is very sturdy. I use it to haul two bikes on a bike rack that slides into the receiver tube.

Bill Z.

6/9/2026

I have purchased both types and the Etrailer one I thought was a better and easier (although it takes a little bit longer to insall) than the one the the exhaust had to be lowered. The Etrailer one can be done without the car being lifted.