I have my 2018 Stelvio coming off lease next month and am in the market for a replacement SUV or wagon. One requirement we have is a tow hitch for a bike rack. Our other car is a Volvo XC90 and when we were finalizing that lease in 2019 the dealer wanted to charge over $1000 to add an OEM tow hitch and after market isn’t an option as the bumper needs to be cut. Are any brands more easy going or cheaper with respect to adding an OEM or aftermarket hitch? Was primarily focused on Audi Q5, Volvo V60CC, Mazda CX-5, or similar cars.
Alternatively, am I just better off going used over something seemingly so small?
I just installed the stealth hitch on my 2020 X7 since Mike couldn’t find me one with a OEM hitch .
It was harder than I expected and a little nerve racking when removing painted trim for example that didn’t easily snap off. Wiring was even more complex as German cars don’t like if you pull power from the tail lights so you are expected to run it from the battery. There was one piece of the under trim that had to be cut that was rather simple with a Dremel tool.
On the positive side, I was impressed with the quality of their product and it works well. I would buy the package with both the box and the hitch as the box is solely for a bike rack, etc with a 600 lb limit. You cannot put a hitch receiver in the box to tow a trailer.
You don’t notice it at all and candidly will debate just leaving it on the car when I turn it in as it’s unlikely it would be flagged on inspection vs. taking a few hours to remove it. Definitely worth the time and money if you can’t get it stock.
I’ve only ever done the install part. I had UHaul put a cheap hitch on both CMax(en) for my bike rack and left them. Blocked the kick sensor but didn’t care. Have not any such thing to Volvo but will check these out - thanks Mike!
Can confirm. If it’s not on Monroney (some brands seem able to get new ones for PIOs and others no IME) but if it isn’t on there it’s not getting residualized.
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