Over the last five years, Mazda
has been redesigning its crossovers and SUVs to lean into their expertise: exterior style, cost efficiency, and excellent reliability. You’ll notice that towing capability is missing from the list. This is not a mistake—no current Mazda models come standard with a trailer hitch. But not all hope is lost. You can add a trailer hitch as an accessory. Don’t know how to go about doing that? Well, you’ve come to the right place!
Follow along as the Jerry
super app breaks down everything you need to know about buying and installing a trailer hitch on your Mazda. And as a reward for trusting us as your how-to resource, we’ll show you our industry-leading secrets
on how to save hundreds on your car insurance policy. What are we waiting for? Let’s hit the road!
Which Mazdas come with a trailer hitch?
No Mazda models come standard with a trailer hitch. Although, this shouldn’t come as a surprise. Mazda is leaning into what they’re good at (style, price, and reliability) rather than pretending to be something they’re not (a heavy-lifting driving machine).
But that doesn’t mean you can’t tow with your Mazda—it just requires a few extra steps!
First, you’ll need to purchase a receiver hitch as an accessory (OEM or aftermarket, we’ll cover that later). These are bolted to your frame rather than welded, but they do the job nonetheless. But a trailer hitch is no good just on its own. You’ll also need to acquire a ball mount. This intermediary piece connects the hitch receiver to the trailer.
Now you're ready to tow! But how much is too much? Let’s take a look at some popular Mazda crossovers and SUVs and their maximum towing capacity:
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Can you put a hitch on a Mazda 3?
You can put a hitch on the Mazda 3
(sedan or hatchback), but it shouldn’t be used for more than a bike rack. The vehicle design is simply unsuitable for hauling any size trailer. However, you can purchase a roof rack and cargo box
as a substitute. This combination of accessories will net you 13 extra cubic feet of cargo space on top of your Mazda 3. It’s no trailer, but it’s something! How to pick a Mazda trailer hitch
Mazdas don’t have the option for on-frame (welded) trailer hitches, but you can still attach them. Here are the different forms they come in:
Receiver hitch: This is the most common type of accessorized hitch. Since it bolts directly onto your vehicle’s frame, it is the most reliable and sturdy option.
Front-mounted hitch: It may cramp your Mazda’s style, but you can attach a receiver hitch onto the front frame too.
Bumper hitch: A bumper hitch won’t carry as much weight because it lacks the security of a hitch mounted directly on the Mazda’s frame. However, it is more accessible and can be adjusted more easily.
Genuine Mazda trailer hitches vs. aftermarket hitches for Mazda
Mazda has a model-specific part number for each original equipment manufactured (OEM, or genuine) trailer hitch it makes. However, their lack of advertising
makes you wonder how readily available these parts are from the dealership if you were to ask. Don’t worry, there are plenty of trustworthy aftermarket options to choose from. Of course, these trailer hitches won’t have the Mazda branding (which maybe is a good thing), but they will fit and function just as well. And did we mention that aftermarket products are usually cheaper? Just another reason to go this route on a Mazda.
Intro to trailer classes
Trailer towing is organized into five classes that range in maximum capacity from 2000 to 25,000 pounds.See the breakdown below:
Class II: 2,000 to 3,500 lbs
Class III: 3,500 to 8,000 lbs
Class IV: 5,000 to 12,000 lbs
Class V: 10,000 to 25,000 lbs
Next, we’ll cover which trailer hitches match the towing capacity of several Mazda crossovers and SUVs. But, as you’ll notice, none of them are capable of breaking the Class II threshold.
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Start earning nowThe best Mazda CX-30 trailer hitch
The CX-30
is the smallest crossover in the 2022 Mazda lineup. While it can be equipped with a Class 1 trailer hitch, we wouldn’t recommend hauling much more than a bike rack. The best Mazda CX-5 trailer hitch
The CX-5
shares a lot in common with the CX-30 stylistically. But the CX-5’s extended length and larger wheelbase provide a sturdier base for more access to towing potential. Even though a Class 2 trailer hitch does fit a CX-5, it’s recommended you stay on the south side of 2,000 pounds. The best Mazda CX-50 trailer hitch
The CX-50 is brand new to the Mazda lineup and offers a more rugged aesthetic than its internal counterparts. It doesn’t just look the part—you also have the option to equip it with a fully-capable Class 2 trailer hitch. So when you are trying to imagine yourself driving a CX-50, picture a small boat or pop-up camper trailing behind you.
The best Mazda CX-9 trailer hitch
Finally! A Mazda that overtly states
it has a trailer hitch accessory available! However, even though they advertise it, the CX-9
can only handle a Class 2 trailer hitch, the same as the CX-50. This is a bit disappointing for the biggest SUV in the Mazda lineup, but again, it’s not their central focus. How to install a trailer hitch on a Mazda
Labor to install a trailer hitch at a dealership or auto shop can cost anywhere from $100 to $250. But with a little DIY spirit, you can save money and install it right in your garage.
First, you’ll need to gather your materials:
A ratchet and ratchet extension
Work gloves, safety glasses, and a work light
Then, you’ll want to carefully follow the instructions provided with your trailer hitch. While you work your way through the step-by-step guide, keep these important reminders top of mind:
Put the vehicle on jack stands: this provides easier access to the vehicle’s rear where the hitch will be attached.
Recruit an assistant: towing hardware can be very heavy, with some parts weighing 50 pounds—a little help won’t hurt!
Torque all bolts to specifications: for the trailer hitch to work correctly, it must be tightly secured to the vehicle.
How to upgrade your Mazda insurance
We apologize if this wasn’t exactly the news you were looking for regarding Mazda’s trailer hitches (or lack thereof). But we think we might have something that will cheer you up! How does $800 in annual car insurance savings sound?
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