I just purchased a 2023 Premium Plus from Tulley Mazda. I had a tow hitch installed but to be honest it looks like a hack job. They cut the bumper so the bumper looks tacky now. Anyone else have the tow hitch installed and they cut your bumper?
Also I haven’t picked my CX 5 yet an wonder if the automatic hatch will work via waving my foot under the bumper… stressing out about this now!

Dealer installed this on my new cx5

 

This has happened a few times that I have heard. I have the factory 1.25" hitch myself and am happy with it. The technician is supposed to use a template to cut and it was done somewhat sloppily there. I think it could be cleaned up, though. It's a bad design on Mazda's part not to just use a removable cover to begin with. Now the CX-50 based on the CX-30 platform uses a factory hitch that sits below the bumper.





Aftermarket 2" hitches:




Personally, I'd much rather keep the ground clearance.

My biggest gripe with Mazda regarding towing is that they set the towing limits so low for this vehicle in the US (2,000 lbs for 2.5 or 2.5T, 3,500 only for very rare 2019 diesel models) while an identical European spec CX-5 can tow 4,409 pounds (2,000 kilograms).

 

2022 & 2023 require the bumper to be cut, previous years the hitch was under the bumper.
This is simply a poor cutting job that wasn't even smoothed out afterwards.
You can use a Dremel tool or some extra fine sandpaper and smooth the edges out.
If it were me, I'd make the dealer do it correctly, on a "new" bumper cover.

 

Just to clarify, all 2017+ 2nd gens require the bumper cover to be cut to fit the factory 1.25" hitch. I'd still rather have this than lose the ground clearance.

I agree with your assessment.

A simple plastic cover fitted into the bumper cover would make all this unnecessary and preserve ground clearance.

 

Correct, my 2020 did require cutting but the OEM hitch comes with template for that.
It also comes with a trim piece that goes over the cut edge making it look like the cut area is part of the bumper cover.
I have great dealer who does a great work some aren't so fortunate.

 

Here's a better pic of my hitch cut-out though a bit salty from the roads.

 

Got it. You said "2022 & 2023 require the bumper to be cut, previous years the hitch was under the bumper." I read that sentence a few times. But his hitch is exactly the same component as 2017+. That extra trim piece does make a huge difference.

And, that bumper protector is a good addition. I have a stainless steel one (pictured) I haven't installed on my car, but that area has more scratches than anywhere else on the car.

 

My error, as you pointed out 2017 up 2nd gen require cutting the bumper cover.

 

The instalation is not incorrect nor is it technically unfinished. I would simply install edging and you will be good to go.
You could ask whoever installed it to give you some edging but for inexpensive as it is and 100% DIY friendly to install you have to balance is it worth the trouble to ask the installer or just do it.
Custom fitting installation of anything that is not a factory install has varying degree of how they are done.

This edging comes in many types and even colors. I keep several rolls on hand in my garage for various [project not all auto related. But here is one use I often do with my cars. Thos edges that always seem to find there way to scratch or slice forearms when working under the hood.
If you look at the picture Lobstah posted of his hitch you can see this exact edging used on his custom hitch installation

 

There are a few thoughts about this.... first the limits have NOT been established as to the towing capability and reliability of the Skyactic transmission used in the newest models in the last several years. You may also read carefully the wording with Mazda warranty information is concerning towing and the just about the transmission in general . The DOT and Federal restriction limits are what auto manufactures base the cargo and towing capacity of vehicles offered to be sold in the USA . And lastly there has been no test with the latest safety and braking computer-controlled systems and the effect they may have when towing. This also may affect you warranty should something become damaged because of towing.
It is still to new a vehicle to know the effects of towing some types of trailers regarding any of these model Mazda's mentioned.
In the past the recommendation was always upgrade suspension and some brake components and most definitely a large transmission cooler. That would be the same today as well.