I have a new 2016.5 CX-5 that came with the OEM hitch receiver installed. Mazda USA says the hitch is Class I, but there isn't a restricting tab on the receiver that I can see differentiating it from Class II. Also, the Australian Mazda CX-5 hitch is rated up to 3900 lb (330 lb tongue) and appears to be the same hitch.

Does anyone know of if Class II accessories will fit the OEM hitch? I would like to know before I buy a cargo carrier. Is the hitch just listed as Class I in the US for legal reasons?

 

It is, but right now I can't remember exactly what those reasons are. However it is, for all intents, a class II hitch.