Recommended Hitch for a 2026 Subaru Forester with Lift Gate Sensor

Updated 07/14/2026 | Published 06/20/2026

Question:

Hello, I plan on purchasing a 2026 Subaru forester premium. It will most likely have a hands free liftgate on it. Could you recommend the hitches that would work without having to remove the sensor for the liftgate. I believe I read that a curt had one on my 2017 forester would work . I will mainly be just using a hitch hauler. Thanks , Leroy Dorn P.s. if you have multiple hitches that would work, could you mention the benefits of each . Thanks

asked by: Leroy D

Expert Reply:

Thanks for reaching out Leroy,

For the 2026 Subaru Forester Premium, the EcoHitch # 306-X7391 is my recommendation if you're planning to use a hitch hauler.

This EcoHitch has a concealed cross tube, so only the receiver is visible. It also allows the hands free liftgate feature to remain functional.

No hitch will completely avoid affecting the hands free sensor since the receiver sits near the center of the bumper, but with the EcoHitch installed, we've heard the liftgate still works by moving the foot slightly left or right of the receiver opening.

What do you plan to carry with the hauler?

expert reply by: James D

Leroy D.

6/23/2026

I plan on hauling my ebike and ahitch hauler for deer . I have heard zhe curt 13409 will also work .

James D.

7/14/2026

@LeroyD my apologies, I had to update this because the Curt Hitch does interfere with the kick sensor on the vehicle. EcoHitch # 306-x7391 would be the best option since it doesn't interfere with the kick sensor and it still has the hidden cross beam.

Michael

6/24/2026

Installed hitch with 2 inch receiver replacing the factory 1 1/4 hitch. I took it to a garage to have it installed.

George

6/25/2026

I have the C47HR hitch on our 2020 Forester Sport with a Thule bike rack to move 2 mountain bikes. We open the liftgate by key fob, button on the dash or button on the rear liftgate. No problem at all opening the liftgate. The hitch is a high quality product and we drive down some very rough roads to go mountain biking.