Recommended Hitch for a 2026 Subaru Outback

Updated 06/09/2026 | Published 06/08/2026

Products Featured in This Question

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

(257)

$228.09

Question:

I recently purchased a 2026 Subaru Outback and would like to purchase a Hitch Receiver. I do not want to remove the bumper. Will you have a receiver like the Curt C69VV that fits a 2025 Outback for the 2026 Outback in the near future?

asked by: Mike G

Expert Reply:

Hey Mike congrats on the new car. The Curt Hitch item # C67JR is the only style of hitch currently planned for the redesigned 2026 Subaru Outback. None of our vendors have announced plans for a new hitch that mounts below the 2026 Outback. We'd have them available for preorder if one was in the works. Those style hitches have really gone away the last few years in favor for the more OEM style that hides as much of the hitch as possible.

The Curt Hitch item # C67JR is custom fit for your Subaru and comes with all necessary installation hardware. This is a class III hitch with a 2" receiver, that has a 3,500 lbs towing capacity and a maximum tongue weight of 350 lbs. It'll work great for towing a small trailer or hauling an accessory like a bike rack or cargo carrier.

What model is your Outback and what do you plan on using your new hitch for?

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expert reply by: Jerred H

C67JR
(click to enlarge)

Mike G.

6/8/2026

Jerred Thanks for the quick reply. I have the 2026 Outback Premium. I plan to use the hitch only for bike racks. I will decide on the purchase. I really didn't want to remove the bumper on my new Outback for the installation, but your video is clear and it looks doable. Thanks Mike

Jerred H.

6/8/2026

@MikeG You're welcome! It is a bit time consuming to remove the bumper cover but like you said it is completely doable. We had a customer install the item # C67JR on a 2026 Outback Touring XT, which has the same style bumper, and he said it took about 4 hours with basic tools.

Andrew G.

6/9/2026

I would not be concerned with needing to remove the bumper for installation. I am not a mechanic by any means, yet I have installed 3 of these, on a 2019, 2021, and 2024. If you have a basic trim fastener removal tool, you will just pop the fasteners as shown in the video, and when you put it back together they will pop right back in. The bumper support beam is also super easy to remove in order to put the hitch between the bumper support and the frame. There is no indication that it was off, it still fits just as tight and clean as new. And the best part is that the way the Curt hitch integrates with the Outback, it's extremely secure, and I have to imagine will afford some extra protection if hit in the rear. I will say that I will have more Outbacks in my life, but I will only put Curt hitches on them. The fit, construction, and quality of Curt will make you very happy. And like I said, the entire process of installation is easy enough to be an enjoyable couple hours in your garage.

Erwin

6/9/2026

I installed the Curt C67JR OEM style hitch on my 2025 Outback, fits perfectly. I also installed the Curt C56040 wiring harness which also fits perfect. As with the OEM Subaru hitch you will need to remove the bumper cover which is held with several snaps and plastic push fasteners. Its, not difficult but I would watch a couple installation videos on YOUTUBE. You will also need to notch the plastic bumper cover on the bottom to clear the vertical post on the hitch. I first cut exactly as instructions showed but had to open cut about another 1/4 inch on one side. I would just cut each side a 1/4-inch oversize initially instead of finding you need to relieve it when the bumper cover is nearly completely installed. The genuine Subaru OEM hitch is very similar but requires a much larger notch and I believe a plastic cover that's added around the hitch. For this reason, as well as the OEM hitch costing 3 x as much, I would definitely recommend the Curt hitch.