If you are seeking a bike rack to attach to your Prius, you may feel overwhelmed with the multitude of options on offer. There are many different styles and features, and it’s easy to become overwhelmed by your choices. If you carry bikes as an everyday occurrence, your needs will differ from someone who takes their bikes out once in a blue moon.
Likewise, if you are planning to carry more than two bikes, a hitch mount is your answer. For one or two bikes, a trunk mount will suit you fine. If you are seeking a bike carrier for your vacation or your cycling passion, here are 9 of the best bike racks for your Toyota Prius:
Editor’s Choice: Thule Raceway Pro Trunk Bike Rack
| Brand | Dimension | Weight | Capacity | Type | |
| 1. Allen Sports 2-Bike Hitch Rack | 3.5 x 24.2 x 14 Inches | 21 lbs | 70 lbs | Hitch Rack | Shop Now |
| 2. Swagman Traveler XC2 RV Hitch Rack 2-Bike | 5 x 35 x 11 inches | 39.4 lbs | 70lbs (35lbs per bike) | Hitch Rack | Shop Now |
| 3. Thule Raceway Pro Trunk 2-BikeRack | 23 x 24 x 21 inches | 23.4 lbs | 70 lbs (35lbs per bike) | Trunk Rack | Shop Now |
| 4. Allen Sports 4-Bike Hitch Rack 2 Inch | 29 x 14 x 3 Inches | 23.5 lbs | four bicycles (up to 140 lb) | Hitch Rack | Shop Now |
| 5. Tyger Auto TG-RK1B204B Deluxe 1-Bike Trunk Rack | 20 x 15 x 9.02 inches | 8.58 lbs | 55 lbs | Trunk-Mount | Shop Now |
| 6. Yakima Fullback Premium Trunk Bike Strap Rack 3-Bike | 33 x 24 x 7.5 inches | 24.50 lbs | 90 lbs (30 lbs per bike limit) | Trunk-Mount | Shop Now |
| 7. Allen Sports Ultra-CompactCompact Trunk Mounted 2-Bike Rack | 3.62 x 17.24 x 7.48 inches | 2.20 lbs | 70 lbs | Trunk-Mount | Shop Now |
| 8. Curt 18084 Tray Style Hitch Mounted 2-Bike Rack | 9.75 x 35.5 16.5 inches | 46 lbs | 90 lbs | Hitch Rack | Shop Now |
| 9. Saris Bones Trunk Bike Carrier 3-Bike | 8.4 x 19.8 x 22.4 inches | 11lbs | 105 lbs (35lb per bike) | Trunk mount | Shop Now |
#1 The Allen Two-Bike Carrier Hitch
The Allen Two Bike carrier hitch is excellent for 1 ¼” or 2″ receiver hitches and is a good value must-have for your biking trips and holidays. The back hitch stores two bikes easily and allows the driver access to the car’s boot by a specially designed fold-out action. By a simple pin release mechanism, you may tilt the carrier out enough to allow your boot hatch to open comfortably.
When not in use, the carry arms fold down easily and may be secured by a pin system. The Deluxe individual tie-down cradles can accommodate a wide variety of bike heights and widths. The rack can be secured by the individual straps that keep your bike securely attached to the carrier.
The Allen Two Bike Carrier Hitch Features at a glance
- Pin-release tilt-away feature
- Deluxe fold arms fold down securely with a pin hold
- Deluxe cradles fit most bikes sizes
- Cradle straps hold your bikes securely
- Maximum capacity 70lbs
- No wobble bolt keeps the rack from moving
- Black powder-coated finish
- Easy assembly
- Fits 1 ¼ inch and 2-inch receiver hitches
- Includes hardware to install the rack
Customer/User Reviews
Customers were happy with the quality of the product and liked the rack’s folding action to open their vehicles’ rear hatch. The product was easy to assemble and attach to most user’s vehicles, but there were quite a few complaints about the device’s wobbling on the back of the car.
Conclusion
A sturdy and well-constructed rack that is easy to assemble and accommodates different bike size frames. There seems to be some technical problem with the bikes wobbling on the rack, but as this is a common complaint it is not necessarily a deal-breaker
The folding action is smooth, and the clip system is easy to navigate. This rack is better suited to those who intend to leave the rack on the car most of the time. The process of detaching the rack can become quite tiresome if you remove it often.
#2 The Swagman Traveler XC2 RV Approved Hitch Mount Bike Rack
The Swagman hitch bike rack (learn more) is perfect for standard vehicles, RVs, and various-sized campers and trailers. The center mast folds to either the left or right, so you have ample access to your trunk from both directions. A pin holds the mast in place when not in use and keep it out of the way when packing and unpacking your trunk.
The rack can be folded neatly into a folded position by rotating the arms up into a folded position, which a great way to store the rack in your garage. The anti-rattle bolt and clip take away the give between the receiver and the rack for a rattle-free ride. The adjustable clamps hold the bikes down securely against the wheel platform and have a soft grip to prevent scratches.
The Swagman traveler handles very well over bumps and turns and provides a secure option for your Prius.
The Swagman Traveler XC2 Bike Rack features at a Glance
- The mast folds easily from both directions to a horizontal position secure by a pin
- The platform both fold up to a neat central position
- Soft-cover ratchet hooks hold bikes securely
- Wheel-friendly platform maximum tire width 3-½”
- Tire wheel sizes 20″ to 29″
- Suitable for bike weight of 35lbs per bike
- Transports two bikes
- Includes bumper and mount adapter
- Black powder coat finish
- Easy to store or leave on the car in a folded position
- Anti-rattle bolt and clip
Customer/User Reviews
Customers were pleased with the secure fit of the Swagman traveler and the genuinely wobble free-riding performance. Users remarked on the smooth fold action that makes the Swagman rack a pleasure to load and unload.
Unfortunately, several buyers complained that it did not have enough clearance for their vehicle and had to buy expensive extensions to use the rack. The owners were all Jeep or RV owners. Unfortunately, such a well-constructed and designed rack had to be brought down in ratings due to measurements.
Conclusion
The Swagman XC2 hitch bike rack is a solid piece of equipment with little to none of the wobbling found so often on hitch racks. The folding actions are well designed and user friendly, and the rack can adapt to many vehicles and trailer sizes. RVs and Jeeps might encounter a clearance problem and should take careful measurements before their purchase.
#3 Thule Raceway Pro Trunk 2-Bike Rack
Unlike many trunk mounts, the Thule Raceway Pro has ratcheting cables in place of the problematic long cinch straps, so attaching and detaching the rack is much more comfortable. The Thule is easy to install with metal attachment cables, a stand-out feature in its class. Unlike woven straps, the Thule Raceway’ metal cables are tightened securely with a dial, which makes life easier.
The Thule Raceway does not allow the bike wheels to turn at will like most trunk racks but instead keeps them secure with a platform. The adjustable wheel tray length is uber handy to keep the rack compact when not in use or to accommodate bikes with differing wheel sizes.
The bikes are secured by a rubber-cushioned claw that clamps onto the bike frame and can be locked with the same key that locks the rack to the car attachment.
Thule Raceway Pro Trunk bike Rack Features at a Glance
- Premium hanging-style rack with secure attachment
- Patented FitDial gives guarantees fit for cars designated in the Thule Fit Guide
- Narrow cradle arms can accommodate various size bikes
- Stable cradles hold bikes secure and wobble-free
- Locking cable secures bikes to rack and racks to vehicle
- Quick installation without tools
- Molded rubber pads to protect your car
- No sway cages prevent bikes on bike contact
- 5.5″ spacing between bikes
- Bike arms can adjust to hold a variety of bike frame shapes
- Carrier folds up flat for easy storage
Customer/User Reviews
The customers who loved the Thule Raceway dominated the ratings.The sturdy build and the unique design features really set this bike rack apart from its competitors. The tool-free installation makes it a breeze to attach and remove, and the metal locking cables are neat and functional.
Users remarked at the secure fit in the cradles and found minimal sway or wobble when on uneven terrain. Unfortunately, several reviews pointed out the locking system’s flimsy nature and the ease potential thieves would have to bypass the lock altogether. For an expensive piece of equipment, one would have hoped that Thule would provide a better quality locking mechanism.
Conclusion
The Thule Thule Raceway Pro lives up to its iconic brand and delivers an excellent all-round performance. The attention to design and features makes the Raceway stand above its class. The patented FitDial technology provides a great fit, and the claws hold the frames securely and adapt to small to large bike frames smoothly.
The lack of attention to the rack lock is a bit of a shame for such a high-end item and brings down what would have been a resounding number one status in our best-of list.
#4 The Allen Sports 4-Bike Hitch Rack for 2-Inch Hitch
The entry-level Allen Sports 4-bike is an excellent option for the cost-conscious who would like to take their bikes along when they travel. This Bike rack is straightforward in design and does not carry any fancy features or frills like many other racks in its class.
The Allen 4-Bike attaches the bikes, old school style by supporting the frames only and not providing any form or platform to secure the wheels. It has an impressive weight capacity of 140 lbs distributed over a four-bike spread. The quick-fold carry arms can be folded in easily when the rack is not in use, and the rapid Tilt-Away system allows some clearance for trunk access.
The rubberized cradles are held by straps and allow for size adjustment according to frame size. The straps are made of durable nylon and stretch comfortably to fit the bike frame width.
The Allen Sports 4-Bike Hitch Rack Features at a Glance
- Capacity to hold four bikes up to 140 lbs in total weight
- Quick secure and stretchable straps
- Dual compound tie-down cradles
- Rapid Tilt-Away mast
- Spine shield to protect inner bike
- Integrated locking loop
- No wobble bolts installation
- Easy to assemble with 3 bolts only
- Carry arms snap into place easily
- Hitch insert fits 2-inch hitches
Customer/User Reviews
Some customers were pleased with the simplicity of the Allen Sports 4-bike rack and found it easy to assemble and attach. The folding actions were rated as smooth, and the rack itself was praised for being lighter than most the racks in its category. The carrier was noted as a good entry entry-level bike rack and very affordable.
A few users had problems because the rack does not accommodate a variety of bike frames, and they struggled to fit women’s and non-standard bikes in the rack. Some customers complained that in no shape or form would the rack to accommodate four bikes without a serious bike on bike contact issues. The nylon and buckle straps were also considered impractical for adequately securing the bike frames.
Conclusion
Coming at a substantially lower price than the other four bike racks in its range, the Allen Sports 4-bike (shop now) is a straightforward no-frills rack with very little to set it apart. The multiple bolts to tighten for installing and uninstalling the rack are tiresome and not made for folks who carry bikes regularly.
The design does not lend itself to a variety of bikes and does not perform well at all with four bikes onboard unless its bikes you don’t mind being bumped against each other on your route.
#5 Tyger Auto TG-RK1B204B 1-Bike Trunk Mount Bicycle Carrier Rack
The Tyger Auto 1-Bike rack is a stylish and super easy to use rack that fits one bike securely. The ready-assembled rack fits most vehicles with ease such as sedans, hatchbacks, SUVs, and minivans. The rack will not fit on cars with rear spoilers or accommodate women’s bikes or mountain bikes, so the rack is limited in its scope.
What the Tyger Auto rack lacks in versatility, it makes up in style and function. It is light and one of the easiest of the racks in its class to attach and detach from your vehicle by a ratchet and nylon cord system. This bike rack is light but holds a bike securely, and provides a handy ratchet buckled tie-down cord to keep your bike from shifting as you drive.
Although the rack is designed to be strong and hold your bike securely, it is still compact and conforms to your vehicle’s shape without cramping it.
The Tyger Auto 1-Bike Trunk Mount Bike Carrier Features at a Glance
- 100% assembled on purchase
- Fits most standard vehicles without rear spoilers
- Sturdy 1 Bike capacity
- Padded lower frame to protect the vehicle
- Individual soft cradles to secure your bike frame without damage
- Ratchet buckles for easy tightening
- OE standard Black coating for rust resistance
- Installation in minutes
- Foldable carry arms for storage or when not in use
- Extra safety strap included
- 55lbs capacity
- Tyger Limited lifetime warranty
Customer/User Reviews
The general consensus was that the Tyger Auto rack was an excellent buy and that the product was a secure and unobtrusive addition to their vehicle. Quick on and off feature was a great stand-out feature, and several users said the rack was perfect for their commute. Many buyers remarked that the ratchet system saved time and made securing their bikes a breeze.
Although the response to the Tyger Auto rack was mostly positive, several customers remarked that the attachment hooks were not insulated enough not to damage their car in the long term eventually. Most had to adapt some system to protect their car paintwork.
Conclusion
The Tyger Auto Trunk Mount is a sturdy and compact carrier that is well designed. It not only looks stylish, but it is durable and holds a bike securely and with minimal movement. Although some complained regarding the attachment hooks, the 5-star ratings were far in excess of the user complaints.
This rack has to be in the top of the list as the most effortless trunk-mounted rack to attach and remove. It is a handy and practical choice.
6. Yakima Fullback Premium Trunk Bike Strap Rack 3-Bike
The Yakima is a stylish and well-designed trunk-mounted bike carrier that folds elegantly into streamlined and compact dimensions. The attachment of the rack is not the most straightforward out of the other trunk-mounted racks in its class and may take getting used to it. The cords have to be placed through the back of the trunk, and there are quite a few attachment functions to secure your fit.
The dimensions of your specific car type are important in the attachment of the rack, and you may access the information through Infolookup.Yakima.com. The specifications for the car types that they fit are not on the product specs, but they fit most sedan-type vehicles.
There are some nice touches on the Yakima Fullback that set it apart from the other racks in its class, such as the anti-sway cradles and zip straps to secure the bike frames.
The Yakima Fullback Premium Trunk Bike Strap Rack Features at a Glance
- SuperCush Zipstrip cradles for easy loading and unloading of bikes
- Carries up to three bikes at 30lbs each
- Full SKS bike lock secures bikes to rack and rack to vehicle
- Sturdy padded rolls protect your vehicle from damage
- Comes fully assembled
- Assembly based on trunk-specific directions
- Interlocking hub aligns key adjustment points
- Anti-sway clamps to prevent bike on bike contact
- Foldable arms for compact storage or vehicle
- Yakima signature bottle opener on rack
- Extra security straps to secure bike wheels and frame
- Limited lifetime warranty
Customer/User reviews
There was a large percentage of reviewers that gave the Yakima resounding thumbs up. The users enjoyed the added features such as the anti-sway clamps and were impressed with how secure the bikes were when driving. There were user complaints that the add-in frame extender for women’s bikes was rather expensive to add to the price of the rack.
As per usual with trunk-mounted racks, there were complaints that three bike loads marked the bumpers over long-distance drives. However, the manufacturers did make clear that the rack should not rest on the bumpers if properly aligned, which can be attributed to user error.
Conclusion
The Yakima Fullback (learn more) is a solid buy with loads of added features that make the purchase worthwhile. The limited lifetime warranty is a definite plus and shows that the manufacturer has faith in the quality of their product. The installation is a bit of a hassle but will become easier as one familiarizes oneself with the set-up.
One point of concern was that several users said that three bikes could not fit comfortably on the rack without touching each other even with the anti-sway guards. All that aside, the Yakima fullback trunk rack is a quality product that functions well and folds up beautifully when not in use.
#7 Allen Sports Ultra-Compact Trunk Mounted Bike Rack 2-Bike
The Allen sports Ultra Compact is shipped already assembled, which makes it a breeze to set up. It is competitively priced and is ultra-lightweight and so compact that you may open the trunk with the rack if you should need it. The rack is made from quality steel materials and is compatible with a range of bike styles and sizes.
The stand out feature of the Allen Sports compact rack is that it weighs only 2.20 lbs and can fit in a backpack or the carry bag provided with the bike. The lateral straps are also a great feature and ensure extra security for your precious bike/s. The limited lifetime warranty helps sweeten this deal.
The Allen Sports Ultra Compact Trunk Mounted Bike Rack features at a Glance
- Your rack can fold smaller than a shoebox
- Fully assembled for easy installation
- Dual compact cradles protect your bike frames
- A patented individual tie-down system that is fixed on the arm but rotates to accommodate a wide range of bike frames and styles
- Large soft TPR landing pad on the main spine to project vehicle and bikes
- Nylon carry bag included for transporting your rack
- 3 padded legs rest against the vehicle
- 3 adjustable security straps
- Black powder-coated finish
- Sturdy steel construction
- The ultimate commuter rack
- Fits most sedans, SUVs, hatchbacks, and minivans
- Limited lifetime warranty
Customer/User Reviews
Users were impressed by the compact nature of the Allen Sports Ultra Compact rack and felt that the construction was sturdy and well designed. Some found it a problem that there was no means to lock the rack to the car, but perhaps that is why it is compact and lightweight. Several users felt that the frame design was too intent on being compact and did not provide adequate clearance between the bike and vehicle.
With the small structure, there is a risk of damaging your car if the rack is not fitted correctly, but that problem is not specific to this particular rack. Users felt that this rack is perfect for commuting for shorter journeys. Generally, users thought it to be good value for money.
Conclusion
Allen Sport succeeded in making a definitively compact trunk-mounted bike rack. The Ultra-Compact (see Amazon) performs well in its easy on easy off practicality but seems to lose on other aspects. The size of the frame doesn’t present much clearance for the bike, and the rack cannot be locked to the vehicle.
It seems the Ultra Compact is suited for shorter commutes than the long haul when the concentrated weight of such a small frame carrying 70lbs will take its toll on your car or bike.
#8 Curt 18084 Tray Style Hitch Mounted Bike Rack 2-Bike
The Curt tray-style bike rack is made from durable steel and incorporates some smart designs to set them apart from their competitors. So many hitch bike racks fail to provide the necessary support to a bike. Some suspend from the frame, and others suspend and rest on a rack. The Curt bike rack uses a press down, padded hook support that presses the bike deep into the wheel tray.
This design solves the problem of free-spinning wheels in transit and also creates a handy height-adjustable mechanism to fit small to large bikes securely on the same rack. The rack also has good clearance and a proper tilt-away function even when loaded.
The Curt 18084 Tray Style Hitch Mounted bike Rack Features at a Glance
- Padded press down arms and two-wheel trays secure your bike at three points of contact
- The adjustable arms can accommodate a variety of bike sizes
- Padded sleeves protect the bikes from damage
- Threaded anti-wobble shanks prevent vibration when traveling
- Foldable frame for neat storage or when not in use on your vehicle
- Fits 1 ¼” and 2″ receiver tubes
- Holds two bikes for total 90lbs weight
- Durable steel frame
- Easy to assemble and disassemble
Customer/User reviews
The reviews were overwhelmingly positive regarding the Curtis bike rack. People were impressed by the solidity of the frame and the adaptability of the rack to conform to different shapes of bikes. They found the rack easy to assemble, and the tilt away functions very smooth and helpful.
Some felt that a lock system would have made the purchase better and the ubiquitous wobble complaint that we seem to find on every bike rack reviewed.
Conclusion
The Curt Tray Style Hitch Mounted Bike Rail (shop now) is a good value for money purchase. The rust-resistant steel shell makes the rack a bit heavier than most but also gives it stability and strength. The design is well thought out and seems to address the most persistent complaints that users have with hitch mounted bike racks. These problems are the movement of the bike wheels and pedals in transit and the lack of bike-style adaptability in the frame attachments.
#9 Saris Bones Trunk Bike Rack Carrier 3-Bikes
The Saris Bones is the best selling and highly rated trunk-mounted bike rack that has many distinctive features. The six-strap systems give more extensive support than most other trunk mounts in its class. It is lightweight and easy to install and adjust without needing any tools and folds up into really compact and space-saving dimensions.
The Saris Bones Trunk Bike Rack Carrier Features at a Glance
- Trunk mounted rack carries three bikes
- Arc based design fits over most spoilers
- Bicycles can be separated on different levels
- Injection-molded arms and legs are light and strong
- Innovative 6-strap system for secure attachment
- One-touch adjustability for an easy car fit
- Ratcheting anti-sway straps
- Lightweight at only 11lbs
Customer/user reviews
Users were impressed by how quickly the attachment process was once they had become used to the routine. The customers praised the maneuverability of the arms and the adaptability of the rack for holding various bike styles. Some users complained that the straps were a nuisance, though, and claimed that they became tangled easily.
A few users complained that their bike’s fork knocked against their bumper in sudden stops, but that may be a user error as many of the other users enjoyed the clearance of the rack.
Conclusion
The Saris Bones (shop now) certainly looks the part, it is sleek and distinctive and sets itself above its competition by its innovative design. The Saris Bones rack has some impressive features that make it stand out from its competitors.
We hope that you have found the perfect bike carrier to complement your Prius and your lifestyle perfectly. Ensure that you know the best kind of rack for your needs and that they have the security, size and proper weight capacity for the weight of your bike/s. Bringing bikes along on your holidays now and then will not necessitate a huge investment but if your bikes are part of your everyday life you should consider buying a more robust carrier.
See Also:
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