What Size Hitch Receiver Is the Audi Q7?

The Audi Q7 typically uses a 2-inch (Class III/IV) hitch receiver on most factory tow packages and OEM towing setups in North America, while earlier European models and some aftermarket kits may use a 50 mm (roughly 2-inch equivalent) Euro-style receiver. The exact size can vary slightly by model year, market, and whether the hitch is factory-installed or aftermarket, so owners should confirm against their specific vehicle and hardware.

Understanding the Audi Q7 Hitch Receiver Size

The question of hitch receiver size on the Audi Q7 matters because it determines which ball mounts, bike racks, cargo carriers, and towing accessories can be safely and legally used. While “2-inch” is the most common answer, there are important distinctions between factory vs. aftermarket hitches, North American vs. European markets, and older vs. newer generations of the SUV.

Factory Hitch Receiver on the Audi Q7 (North America)

For Q7 models sold in the United States and Canada, the factory-installed towing package has standardized around a 2-inch receiver for most recent generations. This supports a wide range of Class III and Class IV towing accessories and aligns with common North American towing hardware.

Typical Hitch Size by Generation (U.S. & Canada)

The following list outlines how hitch receiver size is typically configured on the Q7 by generation and approximate model years in North America.

• First generation Q7 (approx. 2007–2015): Factory tow packages generally use a 2-inch Class III/IV receiver. Some owners with dealer- or aftermarket-installed hitches may see slight design variations, but the receiver opening is still 2 inches in most cases.
• Second generation Q7 (approx. 2017–2019 in U.S., with a 2016 global launch): The standard OEM tow package continues with a 2-inch receiver, integrated into the rear structure and typically hidden behind a removable panel in the bumper.
• Facelift and recent models (2020–2024 Q7): Current U.S. and Canadian Q7s with the factory tow package use a 2-inch receiver, supporting up to a Class III/IV rating depending on engine and configuration, with towing capacities up to around 7,700 lbs (about 3,493 kg) when properly equipped.

Across these generations, Audi has largely remained consistent in North America with a 2-inch receiver opening, simplifying accessory compatibility for most owners.

European and Other Markets: Euro-Style Hitches

Outside North America, Audi frequently uses European-standard towing systems that look and function differently from the square receiver hitches common in the U.S. and Canada. These systems often employ a 50 mm ball or a detachable towbar rather than a permanently exposed square receiver.

Key Differences in Non‑North American Q7 Hitches

This list explains what Q7 owners in Europe and some other regions are likely to encounter in terms of hitch design and size.

• Detachable towbar systems: Many European Q7s use a detachable swan-neck towbar with a 50 mm ball that locks into a hidden receiver under the bumper. There may not be a visible square 2-inch receiver like in North America.
• 50 mm standard: The European standard is a 50 mm ball diameter, which is effectively similar in scale to North America’s 2-inch ball but is categorized and certified under different regulations.
• Automatic or power-deployable towbars: Higher-spec Q7 trims can have electronically deployable towing systems where the towbar folds away behind the bumper when not in use, again focusing on a 50 mm ball rather than a square “receiver” shape.
• Aftermarket receiver-style hitches: Some European aftermarket brands do supply 2-inch or 50 mm receiver hitches for owners who want to use platform racks or U.S.-style accessories, but these are not always the OEM default.

Because of these variations, Q7 owners outside North America should not assume they have a standard 2-inch receiver; instead, they’re more likely dealing with a 50 mm towball or a detachable swan-neck design.

Factory vs. Aftermarket Hitch Receivers

The question “What size hitch receiver is the Audi Q7?” often arises because some vehicles are retrofitted with aftermarket hitches rather than equipped with the Audi factory towing package. This can introduce differences in receiver size, rating, and compatibility with accessories.

What to Expect from Aftermarket Q7 Hitches

The following points outline how aftermarket hitches for the Q7 typically differ from the OEM setup and what sizes are most common.

• North American aftermarket hitches: Most major hitch makers (such as Curt, Draw-Tite, et al.) offer Q7 hitches with a 2-inch receiver, often with a Class III or Class IV rating. These are designed to match the factory tow capacity when properly installed.
• Stealth or hidden-style hitches: Some companies offer hidden receiver hitches for the Q7, where the crossbar is tucked behind the bumper and only the 2-inch opening is visible—or even removable—when needed.
• European aftermarket options: In Europe, aftermarket kits may be 50 mm swan-neck towbars or receiver-type systems. Where a receiver is provided, it is commonly sized to accept 50 mm hardware or roughly a 2-inch-class opening, although the ecosystem of accessories is more limited than in North America.
• Capacity and class ratings: Regardless of size, the hitch class rating (e.g., Class III/IV) and the vehicle’s own rated towing capacity should both be observed. The receiver size alone does not guarantee a certain capacity.

Owners purchasing or inheriting a Q7 with a non-factory hitch should check the hitch label or manufacturer documentation for exact size and capacity, as assumptions based only on model or trim can be misleading.

How to Confirm the Hitch Receiver Size on Your Q7

Because of regional variations and aftermarket installations, the most reliable way to know your Q7’s hitch size is to measure and verify directly, rather than relying solely on model-year charts or online listings.

Steps to Identify Your Hitch Size

The following steps explain how a Q7 owner can quickly determine their actual hitch receiver size and towing configuration.

1. Inspect the hitch opening: Look at the rear of the vehicle underneath the bumper. If you see a square, box-shaped opening, you likely have a North American-style receiver hitch (commonly 2 inches on a Q7).
2. Measure the inside dimensions: Using a tape measure or caliper, measure the inside width and height of the square opening. A reading very close to 2 inches (about 50.8 mm) indicates a 2-inch receiver.
3. Check for labels or stamps: Many hitches have a sticker or metal tag that lists the receiver size, maximum tongue weight, and overall towing capacity. This can usually be found on the hitch crossbar or near the receiver opening.
4. Look for a detachable towbar mechanism: If you don’t see a square opening but instead see a socket or mounting point under a cover, you may have a detachable swan-neck or hidden European-style towbar. In that case, the “size” is typically specified as a 50 mm towball in the owner’s manual.
5. Consult the owner’s manual and build sheet: The Audi Q7 owner’s manual and, in some cases, the vehicle’s original build sheet or window sticker will state whether the car has a factory towing package and detail the towing setup and ratings.

Taking these steps helps ensure that any accessories you purchase—such as bike racks or ball mounts—will fit securely and comply with the vehicle’s rated limits.

Compatibility with Common Towing Accessories

Once the receiver size is confirmed, Q7 owners can match their towing and carrying equipment more precisely. A 2-inch receiver offers broad compatibility with many products, but using correctly rated gear remains essential for safety and warranty compliance.

Accessories for a 2-Inch Q7 Receiver

The following list outlines the types of accessories that commonly fit a Q7 equipped with a 2-inch receiver in North America.

• Ball mounts and hitch balls: Standard Class III/IV ball mounts with a 2-inch shank can be used, typically supporting 2-inch or 2-5/16-inch balls, depending on the trailer’s coupler.
• Bike racks: Many platform and hanging-style bike racks are designed specifically for 2-inch receivers, offering higher weight limits and stability for e-bikes and multiple bicycles.
• Cargo carriers: 2-inch hitch cargo platforms can be used for luggage, camping gear, or other loads, up to the tongue weight limits stated for the hitch and vehicle.
• Weight distribution hitches: For heavier trailers (where permitted and recommended), 2-inch weight distribution systems can be used with appropriate hardware and within Audi’s towing guidelines.
• Hitch steps and specialty mounts: Steps, recovery points, and other specialty attachments designed for 2-inch receivers are generally compatible, provided they do not exceed weight limits or interfere with sensors.

By aligning accessories with the confirmed receiver size and respecting rated limits, Q7 owners can use their vehicle’s towing and carrying capabilities effectively without compromising safety or vehicle systems.

Key Takeaways on Audi Q7 Hitch Receiver Size

Understanding the hitch receiver size on the Audi Q7 is essential for safe towing and for selecting compatible accessories. While the typical answer is “2 inches” for North American models with factory tow packages, real-world setups can differ by market, year, and whether the hitch is OEM or aftermarket.

Summary

Most Audi Q7 models equipped with a factory tow package in the U.S. and Canada use a 2-inch Class III/IV hitch receiver, which supports a wide range of towing and hitch-mounted accessories. In Europe and some other markets, Q7s more commonly use 50 mm detachable swan-neck towbars or Euro-style systems rather than a visible square receiver. Because of these variations, owners should confirm their specific hitch by inspection and measurement—checking for a 2-inch square opening or a 50 mm towball setup—and then match all towing equipment to both the receiver size and the vehicle’s rated towing capacity.

What size is the hitch on an Audi?

Hitch Size: 2″ inch.

What class is a 2.5 inch receiver?

A 2.5-inch receiver is typically a Class 5 hitch, designed for heavy-duty towing. This classification indicates it has a much higher towing capacity than smaller hitches, often rated to handle up to or over 20,000 lbs of gross trailer weight. 

• Class 5: This is the heaviest-duty class, with 2.5-inch receivers being the common size for this class. 
• Capacity: Class 5 hitches can tow loads in excess of 10,000 lbs and are found on heavy-duty trucks and SUVs. 
• Applications: They are used for towing large trailers, such as large campers, horse trailers, and other commercial or heavy-duty loads. 

What size hitch is on the Audi Q7?

2017-2025 Audi Q7 All CURT Class 3 Trailer Hitch, 2″ Receiver + 2″ Ball + 1-7/8″ Ball Kit.

How do I know my hitch receiver size?

And the inside of your receiver tube measure that you’ll see that this one is 2 and 12. In. That tells you what you’re going to need.