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Finding the right bike rack for any specific car can a headache, and the same goes for a Toyota Prius.
This article will help you find the best bike rack for a Prius. We review several racks that have known compatibility with this popular Toyota hatchback.
Topping our review list is the Yakima FullBack Trunk-Mounted Bike Rack. This is a strong, beautifully made rack that needs no car modification before use.
We’ll also be offering advice on what features to look for in a Prius bike rack.
Top 9 Best Bike Racks For A Prius Reviewed
1. Yakima FullBack Premium Trunk-Mounted Bike Rack (best overall)
- Rack type: Trunk
- Weight capacity: 2 x 35 lbs (70 lbs / 31.75 kg)
- Weight: 23.5 lbs (10.65 kg)
We’ve put the Yakima FullBack Premium Trunk-Mounted Bike Rack in our top spot because it’s easy to install, durable, good value, and offers built-in security.
Unusually for a trunk rack, the FullBack has a dual locking system. An integrated cable locks two bikes, and a reinforced strap with in-car anchors locks the rack.
A downside to the bike lock is that it needs two loaded bikes to work.
What We Like
- Easy – easy to install and use.
- Protective – soft straps and pads protect your bikes and car.
- Security – dual locking.
What We Don’t Like
- Lock – the bike lock only works with two bikes loaded.
2. Saris Bones 2-Bike Trunk Rack (runner-up)
- Rack type: Trunk
- Weight capacity: 2 x 35 lbs (70 lbs / 31.75 kg)
- Weight: 10.5 lbs (4.76 kg)
The Saris Bones 2-Bike Trunk Rack is an excellent choice, especially for cars with a spoiler. It’s made with strong recyclable plastic arms that arch over most obstacles.
This rack has articulated rubber feet that always lay flat against your vehicle. An anti-sway design keeps your bikes stable.
There are few downsides to the Saris Bones except for its lack of strap management.
What We Like
- Strong – strong and lightweight frame.
- Protects – rubberized, articulated feet.
- Stable – anti-sway ratchet bike straps.
What We Don’t Like
- Untidy – loose strap ends here and there.
3. Thule ProRide XT Rooftop Bike Rack (best roof rack)
- Rack type: Roof
- Weight capacity: 1 x 44 lbs (19.9 kg)
- Weight: 11 lbs (4.9 kg)
The Thule ProRide XT Rooftop Bike Rack offers broad compatibility with Toyota Prius models and is superbly designed.
Top features include adjustable wheel cradles for various wheelbases, an ergonomic design for easy bike positioning, and a torque-limiting padded clamp to avoid frame damage.
The rack is lockable, but you need to buy the lock cylinders separately.
What We Like
- Protects – padded clamp with torque limit secures your bike.
- Wheelbase – adjusts to most wheelbase lengths.
- Easy – easy to use and install.
What We Don’t Like
- Lockability – lock cylinders are not included.
4. SeaSucker Talon Single Bike Rack (best for ease of installation)
- Rack type: Roof
- Weight capacity: 1 x 45 lbs (20.4 kg)
- Weight: 6 lbs (2.7 kg)
A rack that is compatible with almost any vehicle is the SeaSucker Talon Single Bike Rack. The Talon carries one bike, but two- and three-bike models also exist.
Hand-made in the USA, SeaSucker racks attach to the roof or rear of your vehicle using super-strong vacuum mounts.
SeaSucker racks are lightweight and easy to install. One downside is that you have to remove the front wheel, so you’ll need space in your car for that.
What We Like
- Strong – over 210 lbs of pull strength.
- Lightweight – easy to carry.
- USA – handmade in the U.S.
What We Don’t Like
- Removal – requires front wheel removal.
5. Kuat Transfer V2 2-Bike Hitch Rack (best for step-through frames)
- Rack type: Hitch
- Weight capacity: 40/60 lbs or 18/27 kg per bike (1.25” or 2” hitch)
- Weight: 44 lbs (19.9 kg)
The Kuat Transfer V2 2-Bike Hitch Rack is a versatile rack that can hold most types of bikes without needing any adapters.
This rack offers tamper-resistant hitch security and a semi-integrated cable bike lock.
The Kuat Transfer V2 supports any bike with 18” to 29” diameter wheels. A downside is its uncertain compatibility with front fenders.
What We Like
- Durable – lasting steel construction and salt-resistant hardware.
- Versatility – accepts most frame geometries.
- Choice – available for 1.25” or 2” hitches.
What We Don’t Like
- Fenders – clamp fenders lightly to avoid damage.
6. Thule EasyFold XT 2 Hitch Bike Rack (best for e-bikes)
- Rack type: Hitch
- Weight capacity: 2 x 65 lbs (130 lbs / 58.9 kg)
- Weight: 45 lbs (20.4 kg)
If you want to carry two e-bikes on a Toyota Prius, a platform-style hitch rack is best. The Thule EasyFold XT 2 Hitch Bike Rack is ideal, not least because it has a loading ramp to avoid heavy lifting.
The Thule EasyFold has a lockable hitch pin and integrated bike locks to deter theft. It’s easy to move off the car, too, thanks to its roller wheels.
One potential downside is the cost.
What We Like
- Ramp – helps you to load heavy e-bikes onto the platform.
- Security – rack and bike security provided.
- Wheels – built-in wheels make the rack easy to move when not in use.
What We Don’t Like
- Price – there are cheaper e-bike options.
7. Hollywood Racks Sport Rider Hitch Rack (best for fat tire bikes)
- Rack type: Hitch (2” only)
- Weight capacity: 2 x 80 lbs (160 lbs / 72.5 kg)
- Weight: 56 lbs (25.4 kg)
The Hollywood Racks Sport Rider Hitch Rack can seat fat tires up to 5” wide with no extra cost involved.
Top features of the Sport Rider rack include locking bike hooks, a lockable hitch pin, and a tilting mechanism for access to the rear of your Prius.
What We Like
- Wide – accepts fat tires up to 5” wide.
- Security – the rack and your bikes are lockable.
- Tilting – allows access to the hatch while loaded.
What We Don’t Like
- Adapter – you’ll need crossbar adapters for step-through bikes.
8. Swagman XTC2 Hitch Mount Bike Rack (best value)
- Rack type: Hitch
- Weight capacity: 2 x 35 lbs (70 lbs / 31.7 kg)
- Weight: 29 lbs (13.1 kg)
If you want the security of a hitch rack at an affordable price, there’s the Swagman XTC2 Hitch Mount Bike Rack. This lightweight rack holds two 35 lb bikes.
The XTC2 is made of steel with a powder-coated finish for rust resistance. It holds bikes by the top tube using lockable ratcheting hooks.
One thing you forfeit at this price is a tilting mechanism.
What We Like
- Durable – made with a powder-coated steel frame.
- Security – includes lockable bike hooks.
- Lightweight – lighter than many racks.
What We Don’t Like
- No tilt – you can’t tilt the rack for vehicle access.
9. Tyger Auto TG-RK1B204B Deluxe Trunk Mount Rack (best budget)
- Rack type: Trunk
- Weight capacity: 2 x 33 lbs (66 lbs / 29.9 kg)
- Weight: 8 lbs (3.6 kg)
A budget-priced trunk rack that fits many Prius models up to 2021 is the Tyger Auto TG-RK1B204B Deluxe Trunk Mount Rack.
The arms of the Tyger Auto rack hold your bikes by their top tubes, and the padded lower frame keeps the bikes away from your Prius.
This rack comes 100% assembled. Again, you’ll need crossbar adapters if you want to carry step-through bikes.
What We Like
- Affordable – cheaper than any hitch-mounted rack.
- Protection – padded bumpers protect your car.
- Assembly – delivered 100% assembled.
What We Don’t Like
- Adapter – crossbar adapters are needed for step-through bikes.
How To Choose A Bike Rack For A Toyota Prius
Trunk Racks
Trunk racks are often the cheapest type of rack and they’re lightweight. However, they are also the type most likely to be incompatible with your particular Prius model.
Some rack manufacturers provide extensive compatibility information on their websites.
Among the disadvantages of trunk racks are these:
- Wipers – you may not be able to use your rear windscreen wiper(s).
- Hooks – trunk rack hooks quite often leave marks on the edges of the trunk or hatch that they’re fixed to. (You can add tape to them to avoid this.)
- Spoilers – rear spoilers often obstruct the installation of a trunk rack.
Roof Racks
Roof racks are a good way of leaving the rear of your car clear for access and visibility. Your taillights and license plate will be left unobstructed.
The disadvantage of a roof rack is mainly the risk of forgetting your bike is on the car and writing it off when driving into a garage. There’s also the impracticality of having to lift bikes high to mount them.
Hitch Racks
Hitch racks attach to the hitch receiver of your vehicle, which you may not have on a Toyota Prius. In that case, you’d have to install one before you could attach a bike rack. This could easily double the cost of a rack in some cases.
Hitch receivers come in 1.25” and 2” sizes. The latter allows a stronger bike rack, but you must note the maximum tongue weight of your vehicle. On a Prius, this is likely to be 200 lbs, which is the max advisable load on cars not built for heavy towing.
If you wanted to load more than 200 lbs onto a hitch, you should contact a Toyota dealer first to make sure this is approved for your vehicle.
Hitch racks come in two types: platform style and hanging style. The former tends to be more expensive and can support heavier bikes. Either type offers broad compatibility with most cars.
Video: Platform Style & Hanging Style Hitch-Mounted Bike Racks
Security
If you want the ability to lock your bikes to your car, you’ll usually need to buy a hitch rack or roof rack. That being said, our top-reviewed rack is a trunk rack with dual security.
It’s worth being realistic about bike rack security. None of the bike locks used are ever as thief-proof as thick chain locks or U-locks, which you can add to some set-ups.
Bike racks tend to have lockable arms and/or cable locks to secure your bikes.
All types of racks can be bought with locks, though trunk racks are usually not lockable and are the most vulnerable to theft.
Tilting Racks
If you want to retain access to the hatch of your Prius without carrying bikes on the roof, you need a tilting (or swing-out) hitch-mounted rack.
Although tilting is a common feature on hitch racks, the ease of its use varies significantly.
E-Bikes, Fat Tire Bikes, Awkward Bikes
Certain types of bikes require certain types of bike racks.
The main challenge with e-bikes is their weight. Unless you own an expensive lightweight electric road bike, you’ll need a platform-style hitch rack to carry the load.
Fat tire bikes are also incompatible with many racks because of their tire width and weight. You’re best off looking at platform-style hitch racks with 5” wheel trays.
Step-through bike frames cause problems for most hanging-style bike racks and some racks that hook bikes by their top tube. As mentioned several times in our reviews, you’ll need crossbar adapters to solve this problem.
Prius Bicycle Racks: FAQs
Will Any Type Of Bike Rack Fit A Prius?
Yes, but a trunk-mounted rack has the highest risk of being incompatible for various reasons.
Does A Full-Size Adult Bike Fit Into A Prius
Yes, you can carry an adult bike in the hatch of a Prius with the seats down.
Will A Bike Rack Damage Your Car?
Most bike racks won’t damage your car, but the occasional scratch or mark is possible.
How Do I Choose The Right Size Bike Rack For My Prius?
Most bike racks are the right size provided you load the bikes correctly. The bikes may exceed the width of the car by a minor amount.
Our Final Say On Prius Bike Racks
We’ll now revisit our Prius bike rack reviews.
At the top of our list is the Yakima FullBack Premium Trunk-Mounted Bike Rack. This rack is well-made, fully lockable, and easy to install and use.
The popular Saris Bones 2-Bike Trunk Rack is our second choice for the Prius. This is a remarkably strong trunk rack that arches over obstructions like spoilers.
To keep the hatch of your Prius clear, the Thule ProRide XT Rooftop Bike Rack is ideal. It’s adjustable, versatile, and has a torque-limiting clamp to help protect your bike.
The hitch racks among our reviews are all great choices, too, especially if you need to carry heavy bikes.
We hope this article helps you find the ideal bike rack for your Prius.
Read more: The best bike racks for a Toyota Corolla
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